Mid-term elections 2018

I voted today. Natasha reminded me about the voting twice. I would forget about it otherwise (in favor of my business).

Mid-term elections are not as exciting (the most charismatic candidates are running for President).

I spent ~40 minutes researching long list of candidates. So I am not sure if in all cases I made the best choice.

When voting - I focused on economic issues. If candidate is clearly declaring importance of lowering or not raising taxes - I pick that candidate.
So I voted for 3 Republicans because they had a better stand on economic issues.
Then I voted for 3 other Republicans (Florida state-level), because I did not even have time to research and identify economic position (and had to rely on "Republican" label).

Judges - keep the same ("If it ain't broke, don't fix it.").
New judge - picked Linda L. Gaustad because she is a former entrepreneur (he opponent Ryan Will is a career politician).

"Mosquito Control", and "Airport Authority" -- sorry guys -- did not vote for any of you this time -- no time to research and compare.


Then the most interesting part of the election -- the amendments.

- "Increased Homestead Property Tax Exemption": Yes.
This amendment should (in theory) lower my house property tax.
However I am not sure if it was the right choice. It may be better to pay more property taxes and less other taxes. By my personal greed determined the outcome.

- "Limitations on Property Tax Assessments": Yes.
If property prices rise in a bubble - it may hurt to pay quickly raising property taxes. That amendment would limit the assessed price growth by 10%/year.

- "Voter control of Gambling in Florida": No.
Why would I limit State revenue that does not cost me any taxes?
Besides, "live and let live". That "No" was an easy and obvious choice.

- "Voting Restoration Amendment": Yes.
Felons should have voting rights. That should reduce prison population and abuse of majority over minority. This amendment is a step in the right direction.

- "Supermajority Vote Required to Impose, Authorize, or Raise State Taxes or Fees": Yes.
I want to make introduction of new taxes harder for lawmakers.

- "Rights of Crime Victims; Judges": No.
I could not understand that amendment. I do not like complicated laws.

- "First Responder and Military Member Survivor Benefits; Public Colleges and Universities": No.
I do not like special treatment on legal level.

- "Prohibits Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling; Prohibits Vaping in Enclosed Indoor Workplaces": No.
Oil & Gas drilling is an important source of State revenue. "Live and let live".

"State and Local GOvernment Structure and Operation": No.
Could not understand it. Sounded phishy.

"Property Rights; Removal of Obsolete Provision; Criminal Statutes": No.
Could not understand it.

"Lobbying and Abuse of Office by Public Officers": No.
Lobbying is an important part of election system that increases influence of people with capital. I prefer people who know how to accumulate and keep money -- to have more influence on how government works.

"Ends Dog Racing": No. "Live and let live".