A large number of you contacted the Tallahassee Democrat after its half hearted endorsement of our opponent. Thank you for your eloquent and thoughtful responses. Here is just a small sampling of what you had to say:

Table scraps

I am flabbergasted that the Democrat would endorse a candidate for the sole reason that because a candidate is in the majority party he will have "a seat at the table".  With that logic, we don't need two parties do we?  What happened to the issues?  What happened to the days when the newspaper would compare and contrast the positions of the candidates on substantive matters?   What happened to the days when candidates would be judged on knowledge of the issues, understanding of the political process, and their integrity? When the ability to understand and draft laws made a difference between two candidates? 

I don't know both candidates, but I do know Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, and I know that she understands the process, because she teaches it.  She understands the issues because she analyses them in her classes on a daily basis.  She is a very capable communicator who would probably be sought out by her peers for her ability to distill the facts and represent them in a meaningful matter.  That alone should earn her a seat at the table.  But above all, as an ethics professor she is imbued with an integrity that is long needed in politics.  I am sure there was just some error in the copy room and what the Tallahassee Democrat meant to say is that Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda is a hard working, honest, and capable candidate who has more to offer her district than the wishful hoping for a seat at the table.   

Larry Cerro

730 East Brevard St.

222-4404

I was shocked to see your endorsement of Peter Boulware over Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, particularly by your rationale:  he has name recognition due to his having been a football player.  Notwithstanding that, in your words,  Ms. Vasilinda teaches ethics and law, has charm and grit, and has worked hard and long to familiarize herself with issues and articulate some solutions to chronic concerns of this district.  What I hear in this endorsement is the epitome of the good ole boys' network, sports taking priority over substantive knowledge of the issues.  Ought we to be reinforcing this in a legislature in a state that is 48th in the country in academic achievement?

Susan Swihart

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Dear Editor,

I am writing to support Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda as representative for District 9 in the Florida House.  Michelle's assets were noted in the recent Democrat editorial supporting her opponent.  She is very knowledgeable on the issues facing the District and the State, is very hard working, and has extensive experience in the community. Very importantly, she has the openness and positive attitude that will enable her to work across party lines with other elected officials who are seeking to improve the quality of life for residents.

The Democrat's contention that a Republican candidate will better serve the district is presented without any proof or logic.  Loranne Ausley, the current Democratic representative, has been an effective advocate on children's health issues in the Legislature.  As Ms. Ausley pointed out in her October 14 article, a healthy opposition ultimately results in better public policy.  She also notes that our area's delegation currently includes Republicans.  It is unlikely that the presence of one more Republican in the delegation will suddenly result in higher salaries and better benefits for state workers.

I encourage voters in District 9 to support Michelle.  She will be an outstanding representative.

Michelle spent more than 4 hours on Saturday, June 28th meeting dozens of really wonderful people at the annual Woodgate neighborhood celebration.  It's clear the people of this neighborhood really care about each other. Residents here have started a Neighbor Helping Neighbor program and Michelle saw it in action as one of the people at breakfast needed help getting home. Breakfast and the burgers were delicious.

Sheriff Larry Campbell's deputies put on a demonstration of K9 Officer Casey's skills that the crowd really enjoyed, including Michelle. Casey is not only beautiful, but we can all feel safer that he is on the force: He really knows his stuff! Donna Walker from the City's Parks and Recreation Department had a table showing off children's and adult's art work created at the Lafayette Arts and Crafts Center. Donna says "come by and join in and let us help you discover your art".

One resident asked Michelle for more information about the recently passed Autism legislation. Michelle didn't have it at the tip of her fingers, but promised an answer. Here's that answer:

The Autism Bill (Senate Bill 2654) requires insurance companies to provide coverage for advanced therapies. It limits the annual benefits to $36,000 dollars a year and sets a life time maximum of $200,000 in benefits. The good news about this legislation is that it allows parents to seek therapy. The legislation applies to all health insurance policies written or renewed after April 1, 2009. Therapies covered include: speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and applied behavior analysis. The legislation also prohibits insurers from denying coverage based on developmental disabilities.

See you next year!