Critical Times

In 2018, Amendment 4 looked to be a huge step for Florida, as it gave millions of Floridians their right to vote back, but a 2019 law put limitations on the reach of the amendment. However, felon disenfranchisement has been around for decades and this is not the first setback former felons have faced. Cecile Scoon speaks about the felon disenfranchisement in the past and the work being done now to continue to aid former felons.

Manatee County voters will have an important land and water protection referendum question on their ballot this election. The referendum focuses on implementing a tax to make funds available for purchasing land that is viable for conservation. Sergio Salinas explains what the referendum will do and its importance to Manatee County voters.

Morton discusses the report released by a group of organizations in September 2020. The report shows how increased police presence in schools have made schools less safe overall.

Michelle Morton is the Research Coordinator and Policy Counsel for the ACLU of Florida.

Dan Coughlin spoke with Terry Turner on why he's running for city commission, as well as his thoughts on the city budget and affordable housing in Sarasota.

On November 3rd, Florida voters will consider changing state elections to a top two open primary. This would put primary races for state legislator, governor, and cabinet members on one ticket. The League of Women Voters announced that they oppose the amendment. Becca Hadwen spoke with Patricia Brigham, president of the League of Voters of Florida, about why they oppose the amendment and what it would mean for Florida’s voters of color.

On August 26, 2020, the Florida Elections Commission dismissed complaints against Eric Robinson’s political action committee, Making a Better Tomorrow. The complaint alleged that Making a Better Tomorrow participated in a scheme to get around the prohibition on partisan campaigning in the 2017 City Commission race. For this episode, Becca Hadwen uses audio from the hearing to understand what happened and why the Commission decided to dismiss the charges.

In this episode of the Critical Times, Cassandra Manz interviews Tiffany Pepsin, a teacher at Sarasota High School. Pepsin created the grassroots group 'Manasota Teachers, Parents, Students, and the Community Unite' and held car rallies outside of the Sarasota County School Board to urge a remote opening. She decided to take a leave of absence this year because of concerns about the covid-19 pandemic.

Pepsin discusses Sarasota County School Board's decision to reopen schools in person August 31st.

In this episode of the Critical Times, Cassandra Manz interviews Carol Lerner, chair of Protect our Public Schools Manasota and a lifelong education advocate.

Lerner organized a car caravan rally outside of the Sarasota Health Department after learning of a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis's administration, that instructed health directors across the state not to give local school boards recommendations on reopening. The rally was held on August 14th, and urged the Sarasota Health Department to recommend a remote opening.

Citizen reporter Dan Coughlin interviewed David Graham, who is running for the District 2 seat on the Sarasota County School Board, previously held by outgoing Chairwoman Caroline Zucker.

Graham has worked in a variety of industries. In a School Board candidate forum with the Sarasota Tiger Bay Club he said his experience in technology, human resources, the arts (he is a professional photographer), and the school district gave him understanding of many of the areas School Board members oversee.

Graham is running against Karen Rose for the seat, which will be decided in the August 18th, 2020, primary election.

Citizen reporter Dan Coughlin interviewed Steve Kleinglass, who is running for the Sarasota Hospital Board, Central District, Seat 1.

Kleinglass has extensive managerial experience in the health care industry.

Kleinglass will face Vicki Nighswander in the Democratic primary on August 18th, 2020. Republican Sarah Lodge is also running for the seat.