Candidates for offices from County Commission to the U.S. House of Representatives answered questions for nearly two hour at the Candidates Forum sponsored by the Cedar Key Lions Club and Cedar Key News on September 23. The forum was moderated by local Toastmaster Jim Green. The grillings followed a spaghetti dinner prepared and served by Lions Club members. About eighty people attended the gathering. Toastmaster Jim Green moderated the candidate forum, keeping the candidates on their toes and on point. Candidates Abraham Blitch, County Commission, and Bob Hastings, School Superintendent, listened to the rules set forth by Green The most prevalent questions (and comments from the audience) involved property taxes. Not surprising, incumbent Property Appraiser Francis Akins and Akins' challenger "Oz" Barker fielded many questions. Incumbent Commissioner and their challengers chimed in on many tax questions. When Mr. Akins was asked why obviously commercial real estate developments along State Highway 24 are given preferential agriculture classification he replied that pine trees or livestock on the property make it agricultural. Candidates and their representatives listen to a question posed to the panel. Shown left to right are Michelle Curtis, wife of Don Curtis, candidate for Florida legislature; Tony Parker, County Commissioner; Danny Stevens, County Commissioner; Jeff Edison, candidate for School Superintendent; Oz Barker, candidate for Property Appraiser; Jerry Robinson, candidate for County Commission; Francis Akins, Property Appraiser; and representatives of Suzan Franks and Leonard Bembry. Candidates for Superintendent of Schools Jeff Edison and Bob Hastings differed on hiring practices. Edison emphasized hiring he best qualified applicants, whereas Hastings advocates "growing your own," –hiring Levy County people whenever possible. How to limit "candidate sign pollution" elicited extensive but generally inconclusive discussion. The Inglis, FL policy of requiring candidates to post bond to insure removal of signs received support from Edison, Barker and Commission candidate Jerry Robinson. A late arrival due to another speaking engagement, John Russell who is running for District 5 Seat in the U.S. House of Representatives spoke of national issues that affect Cedar Key. He answered questions from the audience, and circulated in the crowd when the formal meeting adjourned. The spaghetti dinner, clam sauce or traditional sauce, was prepared and served by Lions Club members. The clams were donated by local seafood wholesaler Rick Cooke. Cedar Key Lions Ken Young and Jenny Pinto were among the crew that cooked up a tasty spaghetti dinner for those attending the candidate forum. | 
