Guest Author, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Guest AuthorJune 15, 2016

“When I was a boy, and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'” — Mister Rogers Dear Daughter, This week your mama’s birthplace, and where you took YOUR first breath, suffered an attack I am selfishly grateful I […]

Guest AuthorJune 15, 2016

Seeing the coverage on TV versus being on the ground in Orlando is candidly a surreal experience. I still remain somewhat shocked when I see images from across the globe showing support for Orlando — the vigils, the monuments lit in rainbow colors, or when I read condolences or tweets from celebrities, prominent figures, citizens, […]

Guest AuthorJune 14, 2016

Many recent conversations around the sharing economy have spurred discussion on the capabilities and adequacy of various methods of background safety screenings. Some law enforcement professionals assume the best method is any method that involves a fingerprint-based criminal history search. During my many years in law enforcement, I also had assumed this method was best because […]

Guest AuthorJune 11, 2016

From Congress came stunning news this week of a mutiny on the “Trumpy.” After Donald Trump recently judged Mexican-American U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel unable to adjudicate impartially a lawsuit involving Trump University, his latest bid at political self-immolation made Republican Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk want to holler and throw up both his hands. “I […]

Guest AuthorJune 10, 2016

One of the responsibilities of living in the paradise of Florida is annually preparing for hurricane season. After a 10- year run with few hurricane impacts in Florida, it is important that we all prepare a plan. We certainly had a wake-up call with the heavy rains across the state from Tropical Storm Colin this […]

Guest AuthorJune 7, 2016

Donald Trump‘s steep descent into megalomania, spewing racist bile, word salad nonsense and worse as he augers in, should come as a surprise to no one. You do not have to be a seer to have seen that the Trump barely hidden behind the irrational, bullying buffoon of the Republican primary campaign was likely to […]

Guest AuthorJune 3, 2016

“History, despite its wrenching pain, cannot be unlived, but if faced with courage, need not be lived again.” — Maya Angelou. In 1977, before VCRs became ubiquitous, “Roots” seized America by the throat — and never let go. Over eight nights, the trailblazing TV miniseries chronicled the struggle of kidnapped African Kunta Kinte and his descendants […]

Guest AuthorJune 2, 2016

A vital piece of Florida’s economy and livelihoods are hinging on historic actions this year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Supreme Court of the United States. It’s a continuation of the Florida-Georgia water war — one that’s been going on for decades. But this year matters more than any other; the Supreme […]

Guest AuthorMay 31, 2016

Certain indelible moments remain fixed in our collective memory. Moments that transform history and us. “Where were you when” … moments. Moments like when JFK, MLK and RFK died. Or when Neil Armstrong took one small step. Or this spring when two men vying for America’s highest office sank low debating their … nether regions. […]

Guest AuthorMay 27, 2016

Florida’s push for education gains should be conducted in the classroom, not the courtroom. A Leon County judge’s sweeping decision this week to protect education options for more than 70,000 students is a historic moment. It is critical that we work together and focus on helping students and teachers by strengthening scholarship and school options […]

Guest Author
Helene, early Sept. 27. Image via NOAA via AP.

Leandra Preston-Sidler: Dear daughter, in face of tragedy, try to keep spirit intact

Kelly Cohen: This is my Orlando

Thomas C. Frazier: Background checks — ensuring safety in the digital age

Darryl E. Owens: GOP revolt — too little, too late to stop Donald Trump

David Mica: Oil, gas industry prepare for hurricane season to keep supply flowing

Mac Stipanovich: Never forget #NeverTrump

Darryl E. Owens: ‘Roots’ reminds America’s past haunts our present, future perfect union

Dan Tonsmeire: Historic Florida, Georgia water war decisions will impact entire nation

Darryl E. Owens: Politicians should embrace civility, governance — not playing the dozens

Dominic Calabro: Invest in students and teachers, not lawsuits and lawyers