You be the judge...

This week, the three republican candidates for Hernando County Commission, district 5 were interviewed on local talk radio. Each of these three candidates had diverse positions in how to govern as the next county commissioner for district 5. Each interview was radically different from their opponents, due in part to the style of interview by the talk show host.

Billy Healis was the first candidate to be interviewed on local talk radio. While Mr. Healis was quite pleasant in his interview even though it was quite apparent that the talk show host was using a combative manner in the effort to antagonize his guest. Although Billy Healis is a newcomer to the political arena, he handled the tough questions poised to him by this talk show host and his call-in listeners. Mr. Healis answered some difficult questions concerning budget issues. He thoughtfully answered one question on the upcoming impact fee reduction with candor, without dancing on the partisan wire to make a point. Mr. Healis platform could be best described as centrist, in nature, because he is looking at Hernando County as a whole, instead of as partisan hack we have all become accustomed to in past election seasons.

James Atkins was the second candidate on this talk show host and the tone could be best described as the good old boy, wink-wink interview. Mr. Atkins has been campaigning since 2004 for this county commission seat so it was unimaginable he could not answer a simple question relating to mandatory garbage pick-up. The talk show host covered for him saying this was a really difficult question. Too bad no one asked Mr. Atkins why he sided with the Hernando County Fire Rescue last year when they asked for (and received) a 28% fee increase from the citizens, especially since Mr. Atkins is well known for his ax-the-tax routine when it fits his agenda. Mr. Atkins was also painfully unaware that the Hernando County Fine Arts Bandshell Bash committee offered free entertainment in downtown Brooksville once a month. Mr. Atkins interview could be best described as the SSDD or same stuff, different day or no new ideas.

Candidate Michael Robinson's interview was one of respectful indifference by the talk show host and his listening audience. Mr. Robinson seemed to talking at the audience instead of hearing their needs in the discussion. He has focused his campaign platform on charter government as the save-all, cure-all, for Hernando County woes in these tough economic times. The talk show host asked critical questions of this candidate, too, but his answers seemed out of touch with the general viewpoint of Hernando County citizens. Mr. Robinson related a major portion of his discussion to that of his days in Philadelphia as a police officer many years ago.

These three republican candidates, with three diverse viewpoints, will need to be judged by the public. The newcomer, Mr. Healis has the appeal of a centrist candidate who wants to govern from the middle for the betterment of the majority. Mr. Atkins is clearly a far right wing candidate who has a rigid viewpoint especially when it suits his personal needs in his campaign. Michael Robinson is all over the map in his general assessment and seems oblivious to the needs of the citizens. In less than two months, we will know who will take on the incumbent in the General Election. Hold onto to your hats, this may be a bumpy ride!