November 15, 2024

Dear Members,

We are grateful that the national election took place properly due to the dedication of so many Supervisors of Elections, poll workers and volunteers. It was an emotional election with many important issues on ballots. No election pleases everybody, but every election pleases somebody.

Our League friends may be especially helpful during this post-election time. Many of us were highly committed to registering and informing voters and we can relate well to each other. This may be a time for taking a deep breath and reaching out to each other. I am available to all of you.

Because of your work, some election results that followed League recommendations.

• The Local Public Utilities Referendum that would repeal the Gainesville Regional Utility Authority passed by just over 72.5%. The At-Large Districts Referendum that will return county commissioner elections in which all voters may cast ballots for all commissioners passed by nearly 72%. League leadership was involved in getting this done. Yes, there is legal action on both matters that we will continue to monitor.
• The continuation of the One Mil tax for schools passed by 76%. Congratulations to our children!
• State Amendment 1, that would have made school board races partisan, was rejected by 60%.
• State Amendment 4 that would have limited government interference in women’s health care was favored by 68% of Alachua County voters, but, statewide did not meet the 60% criteria. But we did our part.
• State Amendment 6 that would have eliminated public financing for candidates was rejected by 63%.

On a personal note, I have known Mary Alford and Anna Prizzia for years and am thrilled that both keep their spots on the county commission dais. Alachua County is in good hands.

And finally, we have finalized plans for our annual member holiday party! Woo hoo! The joy of sharing the holiday season with leaguers is something to look forward to. Rhonda Victor Sibilia and her husband are welcoming us to their home on Dec. 6. It sounds lovely. See the details below and watch for an email invitation in the weeks to come.

info [at] lwv-alachua.org