Movers & Shakers
We have been thinking about a question someone recently asked us:
Who is the most powerful/influential, non-elected person in Marion County?
There are many individuals in our community who aren’t politicians but are very effective in making things happen; people go to them when they have a community project or other important activity that needs to be implemented.
Who would you pick?
posted by Blog Master @ 12:36 PM
124 Comments:
This would have to include former Ocala Mayor E.L. Foster.
He is a go-to-guy for almost any civic activity.
I had someone call me and ask this question the other day, and read me the list that one of the slick (ego) magazines printed.
The list they had may well be the people who pull the strings (if there are any strings) but most of them are news to me, and I have followed things for almost 50 years. Frankly, I laughed at some of the names.
Many years ago a UofF student did his Masters thesis on the local power structure, and after 300 or more interviews where people listed the name they thoght were powerful and the reasons, he came to the conclusion that the 10 most powerful were people who could keep things from happening, not for getting things accomplished.
In talking to one of the people I would put on a list the other day, we agreed that the biggest problem in Ocala is there is little actual power structure. In the old days, there were a dozen or so people who, if you called and they agreed, things happened. Not so today.
The failure to have a political power structure today is evident in the things that are not accomplished and the massive problems we have. Our forefathers did not allow development where there was no infrastructure.
Frankly, I will be interested in the answers you get, cause I would not know where to start.
So bloggers educate me on who the new guys and/or gals are who can pull the strings and get things accomplished.
I await the blogs.
--pwf
Lynette Vermillion. She is a leader and one of the most influential females. Her activities with the Chamber, PPI, and Hospital (just to name a few) is lauded by all who have worked with her.
Bill Glass. When he buys a politician, he expects to own him for life.
I know of two county commissioners Glass "thinks" he has bought and paid for. Anyone who doesn't know who they are?
You have to give some heavy consideration to the Hannity & Colmes of the Star Banner, Thompson and Rogers. Like it or not they do have much influence in the community.
I'd also go with former Mayor Foster.
Who is Bill Glass? Never heard of him. He can't be too influential.
The local Grand Wizard. He still has plenty of pull.
Dr. Charles Dassance, President of CFCC. He devotes much time and effort to the community. I have worked with him and he is a super person to get things done.
County Administrator, Pat Howard. No one has as much influence over our taxpayer money and government operations than this guy.
The one and only Bobby D. Now here is a man who makes things happen without being a big money powerbroker.People and institutions change there way of doing things because of his tenacity.Thats a real mover and shaker.
He’s a has been. He is being out-influenced by many, many others. With the growth of the county, few people have ever heard of him and could care less about him or his radio show. Not a candidate for Mover and Shaker.
give me a break. Less and less listen to him -- more calls on saturday morning gosplel music. his threats and intimidation doesn't scare many. just a flash in the pan.
Manal Fakhoury. She works full time, takes care of her family responsibilities and finds time to participate as a leader in "many" local organizations.
Radioman, I think the person naming Bobby D was just joking.
Whit Palmer
I agree, the B&B boys at the Banner are good choices.
PWF is one of the influential. He has given me much good advice and kept me out of trouble many times. You will probably never see him in one of those slick local high-society magazines. However, he just very quietly and persistently works on presenting facts and support for any cause he has taken on.
The County Attorney. He now has the power to determine what all of us can read in the County Library. That's influence!
I'd rather have Gordon Johnston decide than the county commissioners.
Any list of influential people has to have Harvey Vandeven on it. He is low key but can get things done on political and community issues. He is a good example of a local mover and shaker.
You should also add Harvey's wife to the list.
One of the bloggers made a point about people using their influence to keep dumb things from happening. You would have to say Bryan Creekbaum has been influential in keeping the County Commissioners from screwing up in a big time way on some of their library decisions. Without him, who knows what we might have or not have in our County Library.
Perhaps.
his constant in-your-face confrontations with commissioners have created more problems than solutions. On a scale of 1 (lowest) to 10(highest), might get a 1.5.
In your opinion? Maybe you forgot about Alliance for a Better County?
Duh?
C.L. Dinkins. He has never owned a piece of property that county land broker Randy Harris won’t consider buying for the county.
C.L. Dinkins. Really?
Definitely Dr. Fakhoury.
Wasnt Joking about Bobby D. Radioman-I loved your appearance on the Bobby D.Show a while back!!LOL
"Moving and shaking" implys getting things done by taking "Action" and Bobby D. does this all the time,even if its not the "Politically Correct" thing to do..
Apparently you are still listening,if you can comment about call ratios??
High society,glossy magazine types are not the only influential folks in this county..Its all about grassroots baby.Look at belleview Alcohol issue where Bobby D. was a major part of getting the people the right to vote on the issue..Look at the recent elections in belleview and you cant help,but see the influence of Bobby D.No backroom meetings,no big money powerbroking and dealings..Just plain old "Moving and shaking"..Gotta love it!!
In memory of "Carol Deluca".
Your influence and importance to our community will be remembered forever.
Nice thought.
I also go with Pat Howard. Quietly working to get things done in the county.
Bill Evans. He can run a bank and still find time for community action projects.
Ron Ewers.
Joke about Bobby D if you want, but he does get things done. Look at his impact in getting the conservative vote out in the Belleview Sunday alcohol referendum.
I nominate Josh Logan.
Even Radioman would have to admit that Bobby D did put Kurt (the Pompous one) Kelly on the hot seat when he invited Kelly on his show. Kelly had been bad mouthing Bobby all over the county -- even to the point of saying Catholics aren't Christian, and he got his come-up-uns from callers big time. Kelly has recruited someone to run against Sue Mosley who refuses to kowtow to his "czarist tactics " and won’t let him bulldoze over her. Now that election time is around the corner, Kelly is trying to mend fences and he does have a lot of them to try and patch up. Hope someone runs against him -- I'd like to see him lose some weight working again.
Some asked "Maybe you forgot about Alliance for a Better County?
What is or was that?
What did they accomplish?
Are you suggesting the constant harrangue about the library has produced a better county?
South Marion Citizen newspaper says Kelly did his homework before appearing with SR 200 Coalition, but he sure has changed his stripes. What he didn't tell Coalition was that he and his buddy Crawford fought every inch of the way refusing to impose impact fees until the county commission said if you dont, we will, and forced him to admit he had been wrong foir past three years.
He will hear about this in the campaign, as he will his claim that Catholics aren't Christians. With all the Catholics on SR 200, he will have to squrim many times over that 18th century belief. Wonder how he will explain that to Father O?
So Kelly is pimping a candidate to run against Sue Mosley. I hope he finds someone and Sue cleans their clock. That would drive a political stake right in the heart of that pompous twit Kelly.
Don't know what this has to do with movers & shakers, but I'll comment anyway.
I’d like Mike Sizemore to run against Kelly. Mike didn’t do well against Charlie Stone in the commissioner election, but Kelly is sure no Charlie Stone. I think Mike would do very well as a school board member.
Sue Moseley is doing an excellent job. However, watching the meetings on TV, I can see where Kelly might feel threatened by her. She doesn't cave in to him on issues.
Sizemore v. Kelly works for me. Doubt you will see it happen. A good chance for the Democrats to get back into local govt.
some of you people are premature about naming an opponent for kelly. i don't think he is even up for reelection this year.
Anonymous said...
some of you people are premature about naming an opponent for kelly. i don't think he is even up for reelection this year. . . .
School Board Facts: Districts 3-4-5 are up for election in 2006. Seats are held by Kelly, Mosley and Crawford. Kelly has already announced he will run, and has been introducing a David Alvarez around as a candidate against Mosley.
Kelly has tried to claim many of Mosley's issues -- introducing more Veterans to schools; discipline in schools, impact fees construction issues, and lots more.
Those of us who watch the board on TV understand Kelly really wants to be Superintendent, but didn't have the gonads to run against Yancey, who by the way, was largely responsible for Kurt's mother not being elected about 1990. Yancey refused to endorse her after she edged Jim out in the first primary, and John Smith won in the general election. That's been a problem for Kelly for the past 15 years.
But he is up for election in 2006.
--pwf
The correct spelling of Sue's last name is: MOSLEY.
Have seen a couple of different versions on the blog.
Go to: www.marion.k12.fl.us and click on "School Board", it confirms what PWF says on the three board members standing for reelection in 2006.
Kurt Kelly as Superintendent. Give me a break!!
Jimmie Johnson for anything he wants to run for!!!!!
Mike Sizemore for the School Board is a new idea. I haven't heard it. He would get my support.
OK, school board member Kelly believes Catholics are not Christians. We are Lutheran. Wonder what he believes about our religion?
David Alvarez would get my vote if he ran against Ron Crawford, in the district he lives in. Against Sue Mosley he won't get my vote.
The best thing David Alvarez could do is distance his campaign from Kurt Kelly. He’d better do that fast. Kelly is not the political mentor he needs. Pick someone else Mr. Alvarez. Better yet, go it on your own.
Kurt Kelly is doing an excellent job on the School Board. Anyone who says otherwise is not in touch with Kurt's fine record. When he was Chairman of the Board you could see a much better leadership of the Board than we are getting today. Also, if you check the record of meetings, you will see that over the years many of his good ideas have been put into action by the Board. Kurt's keen business mind has saved the taxpayers thousands of dollars in decisions the Board has made. Kurt Kelly is truly a respected and trusted leader on our School Board. Some of you people on this blog need to get to know him better.
Nice post Kurt
The last post raises an interesting question -- why did Mr. Kelly object to the Steve Hering bid when just six weeks prior he had voted to approve a similar bid. The person who has saved thousands, yes tens and perhaps hundreds of thousands of dollars is Hering. His knowledge of construction and his willingness to sacrifice his personal profit from his firm to save the school system money is well known by all who are informed. This last diatribe against Steve by Kelly was to curry favor with those who don't like Steve and because Steve wont kow-tow to Kelly. And there was no conflict of interest on Hering's part. The only thing that now happens now is we will pay more for doors and hardware etc than we did before. Save money? Not on your life! Nice try Anonymous, but to get to know Kelly is to really know him. You might try harder and you would see why people like Hering, Mosley, and many others don't trust him. Now as a nighttime TV evangelist, he might make a good go.
--pwf
For what it's worth, Sue Mosley is getting my campaign contribution and vote.
My experience, politicians who look for opponents for fellow elected officials are usually insecure about their own situations. Mosley, as others have said, is no push over and some of the good ol’ boys probably don’t like that.
I predicted local Republican solidarity in 2006 in my previous comments on the blog. Could it be that Kelly is creating the first crack in that solidarity?
I’m remaining open minded about Kelly. But would someone, pray tell, give me some examples of what he has contributed to our school system as a board member? Words like leadership and keen business mind don’t cut it with me.
You know the republicans in the county can’t resist eating their own. Might be their downfall in November. Same old, same old.
Jim Payton will be next on the list. Watch "Randy-boy" and his court try to find someone to counter Payton.
Is Mike Sizemore a serious candidate for the School Board? That could be interesting.
Without the Republicans fighting among themselves, we wouldn't have a two party system in Marion County.
Ain't that the truth! But don't worry the local Democrats are about to come to life.
Well said.
Amen.
--pwf
'edisrevir'-----you are truly a good example of someone who is politically homeless. best one i have seen on the blog in quite awhile. have always wondered what does pro-life, pro-choice, pro-gun, anti-gun, christian or non-christian have to do with roads, utilities, growth and taxes at the local level. these are about the only real issues commissioners need to be dealing with. commissioners should be non-partisan positions.
All local political positions should be non partisan. Although it may not make any difference if the school board is an example of what happens in a non-partisan election.
I know Kurt Kelly very well...don't vote for him.
Non-partisan and Marion County don't work together in the same sentence!!
You said . . . Non-partisan and Marion County don't work together in the same sentence!!
But they used to. When I came to Marion County (back in the dark agess) "everybody" was registered as a Democrat because there were no Republicans -- I was the 497th to register in the GOP until I found I couldn't vote because no Republicans ran in local races, and everything was decided in the primary. (Didn't take me too long to change to register as a Dem -- my momma didn't raise no fool!) Frankly, I believe we had better government when it was Dem vs Dem than now that it is Dem (if they can find any to run) vs GOP. Neither side wants to waste local money, both sides are for roads, for water, for good medical care (especially when it is for themselves) and all other God and Bread and Butter issues. So actually, in the old days non partisan and Marion County were in the same sentence.
--pwf
I have lived here even longer than PWF and would like to return to the days of old when it comes to elections.
The solutions to our local problems really aren't based on political idelogy. They are based on brain power.
Ideology is often used as a crutch in keeping elected officials from solving some really common sense situations. Randy Harris, over the years he has been in office, represents the greatest example of this I have ever seen.
Ditto from me and I'm not an old timer.
I heard Kurt Kelly has issued a “Bapal Decree” that under certain circumstances Catholics can be considered Christians.
Maybe Bobby D can have him back on to explain those circustances, and if Bobby is a Christian.
I love Sue Mosley, but she needs to back off trying to establish a school constrution citizen advisory group. It's not needed and no one thinks it is. So drop it.
Who is Bobby D?
Bobby D is the host of a morning talk radio show on a local Christian radio station. His show combines religion and politics (primarily Republican). Worth listening to at least once...may be all that you can stand after listening to the "chatter" from those (few in numbers) who call in.
Bobby D's Show is on 89.5 FM between 10.00AM-12.00 Noon monday through Friday..I think it would be great to hear MR.Kelly comment on if "CATHOLICS" are Christians??
In the sleepy old city of Ocala,its pretty easy to give an impression of being a "Mover and shaker"..Bobby D. is the real deal!!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Removed duplicate comment.
Agree, "in the sleepy old city of Ocala it’s pretty easy to give an impression of being a mover and shaker". Of course, doesn’t that also apply to our local politicians and talk radio show hosts?
Linda-You are so right!This does include local politicians and radio talk show hosts..My point is that it takes more to be a "Mover and Shaker" then just giving the impression of one..Some choose to build their reputations through appearances at high society trendy meetings,while others do things behind the scenes that really change things in our city..As a non-elected person Bobby D. does a whole lot of real "Moving and shaking".
Maybe you should check out the community involvement of some of the people that have been mentioned in this column as movers and shakers. I know you will find they don't just appear in slick magazines, they also contribute positively to the community (in time and money) and do get things done. Also, you cna have your picture in a slick magazine and still be a force in the community. Do you have some problem with people getting publicity? Perhaps Bobby D should do something really outstanding for our community and he would get into the slick magazines. I detect a bit of envy!
I think that Bobby has done some excellent things and correctly claims credit for them. He has done some very harmful things (his name calling and attacks on people) that hurt his own credibility. The same is true of John Lund. He has provided much good information and yet when he goes on a rant about things he is ignorant of, his credibilty goes down the tubes. As for slick mags, there are movers and shakers pictured therein, but most people I know do things quietly and without fanfare, and could care less about the slicks.
So true! We have many "closet" movers & shakers in our community that no one ever hears about. There are several in my church.
Ann, I suspect you may be one who quietly gets things done, not because of the credit it brings you, but because it is the right thing to do.
Interesting discussion on this thread for February. Not sure anyone convinced anyone else, but all of us need to be "movers and shakers" and work for the betterment of the community.
Agree 100%! The key words are for the betterment of the community. We have plenty of "critics"-we need more citizens doing something about the many issues our community is facing. John Lund and others are great at pointing out the problems, but wimpish when it comes to getting involved in solutions. Just sit back and throw darts--that is getting very old with many people.
Someone wanted to know if Mike Sizemore is a candidate for the School Board. I doubt it. He was burned too badly in the commissioner election against Charlie Stone. Don't think he would want to go through that again.
My votes for school board: Sue Mosley and ANYONE who runs against Kelly and Crawford.
Understand Mike is seriously considering it. Dont count him out too soon. Kelly is very vulnerable with lots of folks, regardless of party. And with a good Irish background, he would appeal to the Catholics whom Kelly doomed to hell with his crack that Catholics are not Christians. Even his friend David Alvarez, who Kelly has been sponsoring as an opponent for Mosley is distancing himself, as has his old "best friend" Crawford.
Manal Fakhoury better be a mover & shaker. Did you see that mansion she is going to have to pay for? Even selling admissions to see it. How sheek!!!
I like Mike!!!
How about John Lund inviting all his listeners to his house (mansion) just like Manal Fakhoury is doing? Lund could charge $5.00 for the tour with the individual proceeds going to Randy Harris’ campaign fund. Only problem might be that even if ALL his listeners showed up, Lund probably couldn’t raise more than $250. Of course he could charge $500 and that would get Randy $25,000. Just about 1/3 of what Harris will need to battle his two opponents.
I'm curious. Who are Randy Harris's two opponents?
One is Barbara Fitos, a Democrat. The other is rumored to be a Republican who will run as an Independent. The result, a likely win for Harris in a three-way race.
With Harris' health what it is, he ought not run, but spend that time getting back in good shape for his two little girls. But ego drives people and he likely will run.
The Independent who might run: maybe Clark Yandell?
Harris has to run again. He needs the money. The guy has been living off the tit of us taxpayers so long that he couldn’t hold a real job like the rest of us.
You are wrong about Randy Harris. His health and family will come before his politics. He very well may not run this time.
Randy will run and he will win. Much to the dismay of the Star Banner and other liberal factions.
In Marion County there are whiners, complainers and doers. The fact is there are fewer doers and that results in the same people actually doing all of the time. Too bad we don’t have more movers and shakers.
King Randy isn’t ready to share with all of us who he has crowned to run against Jim Payton. Wouldn’t it be funny if who he picks gets clobbered.
I agree, Payton will win. My only hope is that Harris choses someone to oppose Payton and the chosen one gets skunked.
I've seen a few Rock Gibboney signs around, and they aren't old ones. Has him as Commissioner candidate for District #4. Very curious!
Rock ain't about to get punished twice!
Harris seems to miss many important meetings. Maybe his health is something voters need to consider. Are taxpayerss really getting their money's worth from him? I'm beginning to think we aren't.
We have never gotten our money's worth from Harris. He needs to start doing an honest days work like the rest of us.
Now, now. Randy has worked harder than you give him credit for. Perhaps a liberal blogger?
BILLY DONAVAN!!
He sure is moving and shaking the Gators!
The Rock Gibboney signs have disappeared. Guess someone was just trying to scare the hell out of Harris. Ha! Ha! Ha!
MAN, THAT'S JUST WRONG!!!!!
Didn't I tell you that Billy Donovan is a Mover & Shaker!!!
Go Gators...National Championship!
Who's George Mason in the George Mason University name?
Who is George Mason? Try this link:
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,189550,00.html
It is an interesting article. Don’t think GM can beat the Gators.
And where did you go to school, Anon . . .
George Mason refused to sign the U.S. Constitution until it had a Bill of Rights attached -- one of three who would not sign. We used to study stuff like that back when I went to public schools -- even in West Virginia! Now they don't even study it in private schools that cost $5,000 or more in tuition . . . and the Constitution probably only rates a couple of paragraphs today in public schools.
--pwf
One more thing . . . for some years, the renowned black economist Dr. Walter Williams was the head of the GM Economics Dept . . .
--pwf
pwf-
Dr. Walter Williams. A brilliant man.
There is another thread on this blog on "local talk show hosts." I know he's not local, but Dr. Williams filling in for "the Godfather" is a great talk show!
People are really getting a history lesson about George Mason. Hate to admit it, but I didn't know who he was and I'm one of those old school guys.
The game yesterday showed that a good little school, unless everything clicks, will have a tough time against a good big school, which can have a few mistakes and still win. GM, on offense, could not solve the swarming defense. On defense, they wore out. At the key moment when they were primed to come back and maybe tie the game, Florida missed a shot and got a long offensive rebound, and worked the block for about 30 seconds, missed and got another offensive rebound, worked the clock and, well you remember. Seldom have I ever seen a team get four consecutive offensive rebounds to kill 3 minutes of clock late in the game. It was heartbreaking for GM, but the Gators were in the right spot and that's what basketball is all about. Florida had a bunch of good bench minutes.
The big surprise was how UCLA manhandled LSU.
This Stetson man (a good little school) says Florida by 5. Ther basketball gods have the stars lined up for Billy the Kid and his kids.
--pwf
I think PWF has it right (sure hope so) in his prediction about the Gators vs. Bruins. He should be a sports writer. I’m taking Monday off to get ready for the big game!
PWF, You got it right!!!
You missed the margin of the win, but sure picked the right team.
Boy do I have a headache this morning.
GO NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
Ron Crawford is one of the "paid for" by Glass that needs to have an
honest man/woman replace his Dist 5 seat on our School Board.
It's NOT a joke anymore!
Post a Comment
<< Home