OrlandoCommunityNews

Opinion

In addition to Republican voters here picking a presidential candidate today to challenge President Obama, other voters (Democrats, Independents and undecideds) will tell Orange County leaders whether they can give property tax credits to new and existing businesses which are expected to create new, full-time jobs in the county.

Questions come to mind when looking at that Special Referendum (question) on the Sample Ballot. Main question: What makes a business “qualified” for the property tax exemption?

And why did we need this referendum during this Republican Presidential Preference Primary, if it is already allowable in the state Constitution?

Also, if businesses can get these “tax breaks” now, are they using them in great percentages or not? I wonder the history on such tax exemptions.

What if those businesses get the money through the exemptions and don’t create new, full-time jobs. Do they have to give the money back? I do not see any stipulations on the Sample Ballot to answer that major question. If they don’t create jobs, then what?

And if you know me, you know how I vote on vague amendments and referendums like these. No.

© Orlando Community News, 2011

This is like the Super Bowl of politics.

Republican voters throughout Florida will decide on Tuesday, January 31, who they want to run against President Barack Obama. Their candidates have debated each other many times over, held fundraisers and spoke at public forums throughout the state to gain voters support before the big day.

Although Florida is not the last state to hold its primary, it has had some of the most watched elections in recent years, mainly because of the closeness of election results and recounts in key races such as presidency.

Other voters in Orange County shouldn’t feel left out because they too have something to vote on this Tuesday. They can vote on a Special Referendum on Tax Exemptions for certain businesses that create new jobs.

It’s a Yes or No vote. A Yes vote gives the county the right to give property tax exemptions for new businesses and expansions of existing businesses that are expected to create new, full-time jobs within the county.  A No vote denies the county the right to do that.

Also on Tuesday, voters who live in certain cities within the county will vote for new or re-elect incumbent mayors and council members. Maitland, Oakland, Winter Park and Windermere voters will elect mayors. Find details at www.orangecountyvotes.com or contact your city clerk to find out who is running for those positions.

You can vote at your polling place on Tuesday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. A signature and photo identification are required to vote.

© Orlando Community News, 2012