Dennis Gorelik

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".

My 8-years old son would have voted for Hillary today (if he was old enough for that).
He is definite about it.
His reasoning:
1) First woman President.
2) Care for the environment.

His source of information: YouTube ads.

Hillary raised 64% more funds for her campaign than Trump:
----
https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/politics/2016-election/campaign-finance/
MONEY RAISED AS OF OCT. 19
Hillary Clinton campaign:
$1.3 B

Donald Trump campaign:
$795 M

$486.7 million
Party and joint fundraising committees
$60.1 million
Super PACs
----

These money went to political ads and probably significantly influenced the outcome of this Presidential election.

---
My vote is not as easy to buy though. I voted for Gary Johnson - to send a message to whoever would win this race in what direction they should adjust their political positions.

I just got a sample of the ballot for Florida elections (November 4 2014).
The ballot looks like list of exam questions:
There are 23(!) multiple choice questions.

Who do I like to see as representatives and senators to Florida and US congresses?
Attorney General and CFO for Florida State?
Retain judge X for district court of appeal? (7 sits/questions).
Airport authority board members (2 sits).
Mosquito control commissioners (2 sits).

I spent few hours preparing for the test elections.

There are some good (smart) candidates.
There are some weak candidates.

I chose some republican candidates, couple of libertarians and one independent (Rebecca S. Sharp who's calling herself "old republican").

Democrats would not get my votes this election.

Got 3 "constitutional amendments" questions.
No - to increase in spending [on Water and Land Conservation].
Yes - to medical marijuana.
No - to giving Florida governor some extra power to assign judges in some obscure situations.