WANT TO BE AN INFORMED VOTER? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!
I’m Sandy Parker. I write the Sparker’s Soapbox blog because I passionately believe in the importance of being an informed voter. I spend hours researching and analyzing the issues and candidates because—like you—I want to be an informed voter. I’ve made it my “job” in my retirement to not only do the work but also to share what I learn with others in a factual, nonpartisan way. My “vehicles” are my Sparker’s Soapbox blog, presentations to community groups, and occasional columns for the Naples Daily News.
Sparker’s Soapbox is a free community service. It’s my way of giving back to the community because I believe the more informed we are, the better our government will be. In the 20+ years since I became a Florida resident, I’ve seen some very close state and local elections and watched the outcomes of those elections set the direction of our future. I know the importance of every single vote.
Welcome to Sparker’s Soapbox, my nonpartisan blog, website, and newsletter! I’m glad you found me.
READ MY LATEST POSTS
The Valid Election Resolution and Yesterday’s BCC Meeting
The Board of County Commissioners agreed not to adopt or even vote on the proposed “Resolution for a Legally Valid 2024 General Election” I wrote about in Sunday’s post.
Continue Reading The Valid Election Resolution and Yesterday’s BCC Meeting
A Proposed Resolution
Collier County commissioners will consider a Resolution Calling for a LegallyValid 2024 General Election at their April 23 meeting. It’s proposed by Commission Chair Chris Hall on behalf of the Collier County Republican Executive Committee
Analyzing the 2024 Naples Mayor and City Council Elections
The final results, voter turnout, and differences by precinct. How much did the campaigns ultimately receive and what did they spend it on? And some reflections on what it might mean for the future.
Continue Reading Analyzing the 2024 Naples Mayor and City Council Elections
LEARN THE BASICS WITH PRIMERS ON FLORIDA’S COMPLEX SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
The laws governing primary elections in Florida are different from those in other states, and some rules even vary by political party. An understanding of Florida’s primary election process is crucial if you want your vote to make a difference.
Learn more … Florida’s Primary Election Process: A Primer Post
The Naples City Council is a seven-member governing body consisting of a mayor and six city council members. They are elected in nonpartisan elections by all the voters who reside in the City.
Five county constitutional officers, together with a Board of County Commissioners, form the executive branch of government for Collier County and 46 other non-charter counties in Florida.
Florida voters elect all judges. Therefore, informed voters must have a basic understanding of the state court system, each layer of which has a distinct role in providing justice across the state.
Learn more … The Judicial Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post
Florida’s executive branch is headed by a governor, an attorney general, a chief financial officer, and a commissioner of agriculture, each of whom is independently electied.
Learn more … The Executive Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post
The Florida legislature is comprised of a 40-member Senate and a 120-member House of Representatives.
Learn more … The Legislative Branch of Florida’s Government: A Primer Post
The Collier County school board is comprised of five elected members who serve staggered terms of office of four years.
The five-member Board of County Commissioners (BCC) is Collier County’s legislative and governing body.
Learn more … The Collier County Board of County Commissioners: A Primer Post