Phil Ammann
State Rep. Doc Renuart has some big shoes to fill in Tallahassee, says the Florida Times-Union.
Renuart, who vacated House District 17, has his own large loafers to fill, running for John Thrasher’s Senate District 6 seat.
Impressing the Times-Union Editorial Board was longtime St. Johns County Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson, who provided questionnaire answers that demonstrated a “depth of thought and an open mind.”
On the subject of Medicaid expansion, Stevenson vowed to consider proposals from Florida Chamber of Commerce and business groups to accept federal funding while still maintaining the state’s commitment to the free market.
That view is nothing new in Northeast Florida, where Medicaid managed care has been around for years.
Stevenson also supports a forceful community treatment program to help manage outpatient mental illness patients – a rare proposal from a current political candidate.
Her experience as a CPA would also be valuable in the Legislature.
It’s not to say the Editorial Board didn’t have good things to say about other candidates.
Republican Mike Davis – with a strong background in nonprofits — received support from the Times-Union in previous campaigns.
Davis helped to reestablish political structures in St. Augustine, and was involved in a substantial volunteer effort for the development of a St. Augustine children’s park.
Davis’ hardline attitude to Medicaid expansion, while gladly supporting state funding for mental health, is somewhat of a contradiction since Medicaid also pays for mental health care.
Offering an interesting resume, Jack Capra served in Iraq, worked as a lawyer in the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and was on the Vero Beach City Council.
Stevenson’s public service and thoughtful approach to multifaceted issues sets her apart in the view of the Times-Union.
