CMF Public Media

Hartmann’s First 6-Months

CMF Public Media — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:03 +0000

Hear the perspectives of Seminole County government’s new manager, James K. Hartmann on a range of issues he has encountered in his first 6-months on the job – and the history and future of those issues. The event is hosted by the League of Women Voters of Seminole County. Length 01:04:30

Produced and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck
Event Photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media

Hartmann speaks for the first 44-minutes of this event, touching on such issues as his previous leadership experiences in county and municipal government, the new normal of living with staff reductions, the county’s property tax values, economic development, place making, SunRail, the environment and recreation trails, roads and utilities, Seminole County public schools, public safety, and social services.

His remarks are followed by 9-minutes of answers to 5 questions you’ll hear asked of him by league members on issues of homelessness, military veterans, on the job surprises he has encountered, the county’s water supply, and the nuance of county and city governments working together toward a common goal.

Below, are helpful links to additional on-line content regarding issues addressed by James Hartmann, as well as an on-line slide show of photographs taken at the event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

This is the 17th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced with the League of Women Voters of Seminole County, Florida. This Hot Topics luncheon was recorded at the Patio Grill in Sanford, Florida, on Thursday, January 26, 2012. League president, Pat Graves, facilitated the event.

Principal Speaker:

James D. Hartmann

County manager, Seminole County government

web | bio

League of Women Voters of Seminole County host and facilitator:

Pat Graves

President, League of Women Voters of Seminole County

web | facebook

External links related to this podcast:

Links to CMF podcasts featuring issues related to Seminole County government

Pictures

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2012 Winter Park State of the City Address

CMF Public Media — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:58 +0000

Hear the 2012 Winter Park State of the City Address presented by Mayor Ken Bradley. The Mayor’s remarks were made at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce luncheon on January 18, 2012, held at the Winter Park Community Center. Remarks by Winter Park city commissioners are also included. In a separate segment, hear the presentation of the Employee of the Year Awards and remarks by the luncheon sponsors. Feature Length — 31:15

Produced by Desta Horner. Event photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media. Audio production assistance – Full Sail University.

In front of an audience of 300 people at the annual Mayor/Commissioner luncheon, Winter Park, Florida, Mayor Ken Bradley spoke of the achievements of his city’s government during 2011and the many ways Winter Park is recognized as an exceptional city. He introduced five citizens from ages 6 to 106 who have contributed to making Winter Park exceptional.

His speech followed remarks by the four other members of the city commission — Steven Leary, Sarah Sprinkel, Carolyn Cooper and Tom McKaken — each speaking for 2 minutes about the accomplishments of the past year.

City Manager Randy Knight also presented the city’s Employee of the Year Awards to three exceptional staff members — Caleena Shirley (employee of the year); Jeff Spinelli (fire/rescue), and Randall Morrissey (police).

In addition, the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce offered comments by the luncheon’s principal sponsors — Tim Dolan from Waste Pro, and Becky Wilson of Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor and Reed.

The host of the luncheon was Maritza Martinez, chairman-elect of the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.

State of the City Address

Length: 31:15

Principal Speakers

Kenneth W. Bradley

Mayor, city of Winter Park

web | bio

Commissioners and Bios

	Carolyn Cooper Commissioner bio		Steven Leary Commissioner bio
	Tom McMacken Commissioner bio		Sarah Sprinkel Commissioner bio

Employees of the Year Presentation

Length: 21:50

	Caleena Shirley Employee of the Year		Jeff Spinelli Fire-Rescue
	Randall Morrissey Police Department

Content Related Links

Podcasts Featuring Winter Park

Pictures

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State of the Cities: 2011

CMF Public Media — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:35:35 +0000

Hear the 2011 annual State of the Cities address by Oviedo Mayor Dominic Persampiere and Winter Springs Mayor Charles Lacey. They represent the 2 municipalities whose boundaries abut each other in east Seminole county, Florida. Their remarks were spoken at the January 5, 2012 Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce members’ luncheon held at the Oviedo Mall. Feature length – 01:01:45

Event Photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media
Audio production assistance courtesy Seminole State College (Jose R. Badillo & Jaime Matos)

To a 75-person audience of chamber members and guests, the principal elements of this public meeting commence with 4-minute remarks by Oviedo’s new city manager, Kathryn Breazeale. Oviedo Mayor Persampiere speaks for about 14 minutes, followed by 19-minutes from Winter Springs Mayor Lacey. Event sponsor, Seminole State College and its president, Dr. E. Ann McGee, speaks for 8-minutes, and the remaining 6 minutes of this over all 55-minute program concludes with a recognition of Todd Cluxton, the immediate past chairman of the chamber, and announcements of upcoming chamber events. The event is moderated by Paul Sladek, chamber board chairman, and Cory Skeates, chamber president and CEO.

Below are links to other CMF features regarding issues surrounding both cities. In an on-line slide show, view still pictures of this event, taken by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller. Links to content-related documents and web pages are also provided, as is a copy of the slides referred to by Oviedo Mayor Persampiere in his remarks

This presentation marks the 16th podcast Carroll McKenney Public Media has produced featuring luncheon programs staged by the chamber which address a range of important issues relevant to the business community and the general population in the Oviedo and Winter Springs communities served by the chamber.

Principal Participants

	Dominic Persampiere Mayor, city of Oviedo web \| bio		Charles Lacey Mayor, city of Winter Springs web \| bio
	Kathryn Breazeale Manager, city of Oviedo web \| bio		Dr. E. Ann McGee President, Seminole State College (event sponsor) web \| facebook \| bio
	Paul Sladek Chairman, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors bio		Cory Skeates President/CEO, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce web \| Chamber facebook page \| Chamber TV (You Tube) \| bio

Content Related Links

Slide presentation used by Dominic Persampiere, mayor, city of Oviedo Oviedo_SOC_2011.pdf (13-pages, 1.5mb)

Event Pictures

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CMF podcasts featuring cities of Oviedo and/or Winter Springs

Commentary: Cops ‘n Cars

CMF Public Media — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:33:01 +0000

Michelle Ertel, a director on the board of the Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Optimist Club, commenting on why kids and community matter. The Optimist Club sponsors the 7th annual Cops ‘n Cars for Kids Car Show, January 21, 2012 at the Oviedo Mall. Length: 03:41

CMF Public Media encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary.

Below, are useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Should you wish to be considered for a commentary segment on CMF Public Media, please click on the “contact” link to send us an email which should include adequate information for us to understand your issue. And please include a daytime telephone number where we may reach you

Additional Feature Information

Michelle Ertel

Board member, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Optimist Club

facebook | website | bio

Pictures

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Winter Park Mayoral Election

CMF Public Media — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:32:50 +0000

On January 31, 2012, voters in the city of Winter Park will elect a mayor to serve for the next three years. The candidates are the incumbent mayor Ken Bradley and the challenger Nancy Miles. In separate interviews each candidate discusses issues such as the fiscal health of the city, the State Office Building swap, the Fairbanks corridor, Sunrail and their vision for the city’s future.

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

This year marks the 125th anniversary of the incorporation of the city of Winter Park. The city has a population of 28,000 and a city government staff of 520 employees. The current operating millage rate is 4.0923 and the general fund budget for 2011-12 is $42.5 million.

The mayor serves a 3 year term and has a 12 year term limit and is an equal voting member of the 5 person city commission. The salary for the mayor is $3000 per year.

In the following interviews, each candidate will respond to a series of questions on the key issues facing the city. The candidates are heard in the order in which their names will appear on the ballot on January 31, 2012.

Principal speakers

	Ken Bradley Length: 17:22 Ken Bradley Campaign website \| Facebook
	Nancy Miles Length: 17:38 Nancy Miles Campaign website \| Facebook

Additional Feature Information

CMF Public Media podcasts related to the feature

Park Avenue History Alive! (05/12/2011)

Extended Interview & Pictures

	Ken Bradley and Desta Horner Candidate for Mayor of Winter Park Length 40:24
	Nancy Miles and Desta Horner Candidate for Mayor of Winter Park Length 22:44

Political Ads

CMF Public Media — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:31:49 +0000

Altamonte Springs mayor Pat Bates discusses her recent encounter with attack ads in her re-election campaign and Dr. Rick Fogelsong, political science professor at Rollins College comments on the need for increased transparency to identify the sponsors of shadowy electioneering communications organizations. These independent political organizations can raise unlimited funds in the attempt to influence even local elections. Length: 18:33

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

In her re-election campaign in November 2011, Altamonte Springs mayor Pat Bates was the subject of a series of political attack ads. These mailed ads and robo-calls were sponsored by an electioneering communications organization or ECO. They accused the incumbent mayor Bates of “wanting to raise the gas tax, supporting Obama’s plan to increase the national debt” and of being “too scary for Altamonte Springs.” (see the link below at Central Florida Political Pulse to see one of the flyers). Mayor Bates’ opponent did not pay for these ads. The ads originated from an outside group headquartered in Tallahassee who targeted Mayor Bates because of her position as president of the Florida League of Cities. Voters in Altamonte Springs reelected Ms. Bates to her position as mayor.

Electioneering communications organizations, sometimes referred to as “527 committees,” can raise and spend unlimited funds from donations by individuals, corporations, unions and lobbyists. Unlike the $500 limitation on donors to a particular candidate’s campaign, ECO’s can accept checks in any amount from a donor. However while they may not spend money in support of a specific candidate, they may advertise against the opponent. This leads to a negative tone and attack-style in the ads. (For information on the rules for these organizations see the link below to the Florida Department of State handbook.)

The activities of these groups are protected by the constitutional right to free speech. However, Dr. Richard Fogelsong, professor of political science at Rollins College, asserts that it is important to monitor these groups through increased transparency. Fogelsong believes the names of donors should be more readily available so that voters and the media can identify the source of the funding and judge the validity of the claims in the ads.

It is unusual for these electioneering communications organization to play a role in attempting to influence the outcome of local municipal elections in a small town like Altamonte Springs. However between 2005 and 2010 spending by these organizations in Florida has grown by 53%. (For additional information of the growth of independent groups in Florida see the link below.)

Principal Speakers

Patricia Bates

Mayor, Altamonte Springs, Florida

web | Florida League of Cities

Dr. Rick Fogelsong

Professor of Political Science at Rollins College

web | bio

Additional Feature Information

Extended Interview

Patricia Bates with Desta Horner

Mayor, Altamonte Springs, Florida

Length 17:58

Dr. Rick Fogelsong with Desta Horner

Length 23:07

Superintendent Search

CMF Public Media — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:30:13 +0000

The Seminole County School Board has initiated a search for a new superintendent to replace retiring superintendent Dr. Bill Vogel. In this feature we will discuss the selection process with the search coordinator, SCPS Human Resources Director John Reichert. You will also hear from members of the Community Superintendent Search Advisory Committee who were chosen as community representatives to assist in evaluating the applicants. Mr. Reichert will explain how the public can offer input about the candidates for superintendent. Length: 18:33

(Produced, reported and edited by Desta Horner)

In 1990, Seminole County voters approved a change from an elected to an appointed superintendent for public schools. The school board has the responsibility of selecting the new chief administrator of the district. In 1992, after a national search, Dr. Paul Haggerty was chosen as the first appointed superintendent. He served for 11 years. A second extensive search selected Dr. Bill Vogel who has served for 9 years.

Under Dr. Vogel, the Seminole County School District has been rated A for the last four years, parent surveys show a satisfaction rate of 95%, Seminole County students earned the highest scores of any Central Florida district in FCAT reading and math and the graduation rate exceeds 90%. The excellence of the schools makes Seminole County a magnet for families and businesses moving to the area.

But since 2008 funding for the district has declined. Property tax revenues have shrunk with the drop in home values and state funds per pupil have been reduced dramatically. Since 2008, Seminole County Public Schools have lost $1,039 per pupil in funding. The employees have been reduced by 700 positions including an almost 20% cut in the district office staff. Recent figures show that the current budget shortfall could reach $30 to 40 million. Without new revenues, additional cuts including school closings may be necessary.

These are the conditions both upside and downside that will face the new superintendent. The new leader will manager a budget of $468 million, almost 8,000 employees and 64,000 students. The applicant will be offered a three year contract with a salary in the $130,000 range and additional benefits.

For the students and families of Seminole County, these challenging circumstances make the selection of the next superintendent a crucial decision with consequences that reach far into the future.

Dr. Wayne Blanton of the Florida School Board Association told the Seminole County school board as they began their search that “there is no more important decision you will make as a school board.”

The school board began the process in Sept of 2011 and will make their final decision in April of 2012.

Rather than hiring an outside consultant to manage the search, the school board selected one of the district’s most experienced administrators to coordinate the process. John Reichart is Director of Human Resources and Personnel Staffing. The board then initiated an advertising campaign to attract qualified applicants. Next they created the Community Superintendent Search Advisory Committee made up of citizens of organizations and leaders selected by each board member to provide assistance and input. The board will make their final choice from 5 candidate finalists.

At every stage the process is open to the public who may attend meetings of the board, the advisory committee and even request to see the applications. A reception will be held with the 5 finalist so that any resident may come and meet the candidates and share their opinion.

Bios

	John Reichert Director of Human Resources and Personnel Staffing, Seminole County Public Schools. web		Matthew Davies Committee Chairman, Board Appointee
	Laura Joralemon President, Seminole County PTA, committee member web \| facebook		Tony Gentile Seminole Uniserve committee member web
	Peter Schoemann Leadership Seminole, committee member web \| facebook		Michael Rodriguez Hispanic Taskforce, committee member

CMF Public Media podcasts featuring Seminole County Public School issues

Pictures

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Extended Interview

John Reichert with Desta Horner

Director of Human Resources and Personnel Staffing, Seminole County Public Schools

Length – 37:31

End Child Homelessness

CMF Public Media — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 17:30:33 +0000

Hear a discussion about local initiatives taken in Seminole County, Florida, by a collaboration of providers of services to the homeless community to end or lower the number of homeless children in the county. Length 59:21

Event Photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media
Audio assistance — Kurt Slafkovsky, Seminole County government.

This 52-minute event, is hosted by Pathways to Home, the non-profit umbrella organization under which 18 provider organizations are working together to lower that number of homeless children which knowledgeable sources place at about 1700 students in 2010..

Prompted by a series of features on CBS Television’s 60-Minutes, which focused its cameras directly on the plight of homeless school children in Seminole County, a panel of local providers and advocates speak on a theme organizers billed as “what 60-Minutes didn’t tell you about Seminole County.”

The panel describes the unique Pathways to Home collaborative, its history and the steps being taken to apply a range of best practices to address and manage the problem. During the discussion, you’ll also hear members of the audience ask questions to which the panel responds.

The Heard in Central Florida webpage offers you helpful links to on-line content regarding issues addressed by the panel…as well as giving you an on-line slide show of still pictures taken at the event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

This podcast was recorded Tuesday, December 13, 2011 in the commission chambers of Seminole County’s board of commissioners.

Below, are helpful links to on-line content regarding issues addressed by the panel…as well as a slide show of photographs taken at this event by CMF’s event photographer, Charles E. Miller.

Principal Speakers

	Debbra Groseclose Executive director of Pathways to Home web \| facebook		Stephen Burris, chairman Pathways’ board of advisors bio
	Bob Dallari Commissioner and former chairman of Seminole county government web \| bio		Reverend Charles Holt Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and School in Lake Mary web \| bio \| facebook
	Penny Seater Executive director, Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County and Greater Apopka web \| facebook		Jeanne Gold Chief executive officer, Safe House of Seminole web \| facebook
	Debbie Leon Panel moderator and development director, Pathways to Home web

Additional Content Related Information

Pathways to Home Partner Agencies:

CMF podcasts related to homelessness:

Pictures

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Commentary: Reading Mentors

CMF Public Media — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:33:00 +0000

Connie O’Hanlon, coordinator of the Reading Mentors program at Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo, Fl., urges volunteers and parents to join in helping kids develop vital reading skills. She describes the program and gives practical suggestions for ways to improve reading. Length: 3:48

CMF Public Media encourages you to post your own reaction to this commentary.

Below, you will find useful links related to the commentary, including a transcript, biographical information and related pictures.

Additional Feature Information

Connie O’Hanlon

coordinator, Reading Mentor program
Jackson Heights Middle School

web | bio | transcript

Links to other podcasts produced by CMF Public Media featuring issues related to reading skills

OTTER: Older Teachers Teaching Early Readers (8/27/09)

Pictures

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Homeless: A New Chapter

CMF Public Media — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 19:32:34 +0000

Only 6-months into his new position, Jim Hartmann, Seminole County government manager, is launching a new chapter in the county’s attention to the needs of its homeless population. He’s about to spend $900,000 of your tax funds to support enhancements to services provided to local homeless people and he’s hired his first senior level executive — Val Marie Turner, as his community service director — to be in charge of amping-up this nascent homeless initiative Length- 27:09

(Produced, reported and edited by Stephen McKenney Steck. Photos – Charles E. Miller for CMF Public Media.)

After the recent “60 Minutes” segment on homeless school students in Seminole County, the uniformed could easily get the impression that homeless students are the only homeless issue in the county. Understandable, but far from reality. There are homeless single women, homeless military veterans of both genders, homeless seniors and the addicted and mentally ill homeless, each needing care and attention. And the recession is only adding to their numbers.

While the public school district and faith based organizations in the county are focusing on the homeless students – there is much energy and attention being directed to the remainder of the homeless population. It’s this bigger picture that Hartmann and Turner are starting to write.

Val Marie Turner is not yet on staff – that won’t happen until the first of the year — but we ask Hartman to tell us who she is, how she got hired and what he expects of her. And we ask for an update on the issues surrounding the $900,000 which the county, Hartmann and Turner are getting set to appropriate.

Additional Feature Information

Jim Hartmann

manager, Seminole county government

web | bio

Links to other podcasts produced by CMF Public Media featuring issues related to being homeless in Seminole County

Extended Interview & Pictures

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	Jim Hartmann and Stephen McKenney Steck Manager, Seminole county government Length – 44:45

	Dominic Persampiere Mayor, city of Oviedo web \| bio		Charles Lacey Mayor, city of Winter Springs web \| bio
	Kathryn Breazeale Manager, city of Oviedo web \| bio		Dr. E. Ann McGee President, Seminole State College (event sponsor) web \| facebook \| bio
	Paul Sladek Chairman, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors bio		Cory Skeates President/CEO, Oviedo ~ Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce web \| Chamber facebook page \| Chamber TV (You Tube) \| bio

	Debbra Groseclose Executive director of Pathways to Home web \| facebook		Stephen Burris, chairman Pathways’ board of advisors bio
	Bob Dallari Commissioner and former chairman of Seminole county government web \| bio		Reverend Charles Holt Rector, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and School in Lake Mary web \| bio \| facebook
	Penny Seater Executive director, Habitat for Humanity in Seminole County and Greater Apopka web \| facebook		Jeanne Gold Chief executive officer, Safe House of Seminole web \| facebook
	Debbie Leon Panel moderator and development director, Pathways to Home web