The Citrus Times offers candidates not recommended by its editorial board an opportunity to reply. Here are some of those replies:
Published October 29, 2004
Bruce Bellamy: Citrus County School Board District 5+
The people of Citrus County need to know it is time for someone with different ideas and visions. It's time for Bruce Bellamy, School Board District 5.
I've been endorsed by the Citrus County Education Association because they know we need something different. I've been endorsed by the Citrus County Realtors Association because they know we need a change.
One group represents the teachers and all the support personnel in our school system. I'm running against one of their own, but they realize who's the best for the job. This should send a message to the voters.
The Realtors, who represent a portion of the business community, also realize that we need total representation on the School Board. They know we need Bruce Bellamy, embraced by the educational and business section of our community as the person who can make a difference. They don't know more, they know me.
Ansel P. Briggs, Superintendent of schools, No party affiliation
Historically, candidates who are not endorsed by the newspaper are given a chance to respond. This is my heartfelt response.
The endorsement that I seek, first and foremost, is that of my Creator. Followed by my wife, Harriett "Sandy" Garrison Briggs, and you the citizens and students of Citrus County.
Phil Jannarone, Crystal River City Council Seat 3
The Citrus Times called me a one-issue candidate with blind allegiance to the city manager. This strikes me as rather strange because I have given a straightforward, most definite answer to every issue that has been approached. This includes the fallen heroes monument, Christmas Parade, fireworks display, sheriff's substation in the Copeland Park area, retention of the city police department, and the only no-nonsense answer to the questions about annexation and mitigation of wetlands.
My opponent and the other two challengers have yet to give definitive responses to annexation and retention of the city manager. Yes, my most important issue has been that we cannot again afford to lose a highly qualified manager and staff. I am proud that I brought this vital, highly controversial subject to the forefront. The present City Council and mayor's rating of "excellent" confirms my stance on the necessity of keeping the city moving forward rather than quietly awaiting another fiasco.
As far as Susan Kirk's being unfairly browbeaten by the mayor and council colleagues, who cast the first stone by throwing unproven Sunshine Law violation accusations against her team members?
I am probably the biggest long-shot and underdog that has ever run for this office against such a strong politician. Both newspapers have refused to acknowledge the stability that finally has been achieved in Crystal River and the possibility of once again losing it. I'm so glad that I have blind allegiance rather than narrow-mindedness.
