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Campaign News A Time to Give Thanks
Campaign News A Time to Give Thanks | A Time to Give Thanks |
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| Written by Web Administrator | |
| Monday, 22 December 2008 | |
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More than 85,000 people in Leon and Jefferson counties cast ballots in the House District 9 race. In Leon County, only the presidential contest saw more citizens make their will known by one of their most precious rights as Americans: their vote If you voted for me, thank you. The closeness of this election is proof that every vote matters, and not only each vote but the participation in the democratic proces. Every sign that you waved mattered; even the smallest contribution mattered; every call and neighborhood gathering mattered; and every door you helped me knock on mattered. I am thankful, honored and humbled by the support, trust and confidence you have shown in electing me to represent you, the people of House District 9. If you voted for one of my two opponents, I want you to know that I will work hard to earn your trust. I want to hear your opinions and your solutions. This is not a time for partisan political bickering. This is a time for all of us to roll up our sleeves, put our shoulders to the wheel and work to make Florida an excellent state for all of us. Republicans and Democrats alike must understand that the public we serve wants and needs the best from us. The challenges we face today are unlike any we have seen in decades. We must approach public policy not as Democrats and Republicans, but as Floridians with a common goal. It matters not which side of the aisle the ideas come from; what matters is finding meaningful solutions to the problems the people of this state face each and every day. On Nov. 18, the Legislature held its organizational session. Committee assignments have yet to be made, but I'm already at work meeting with community leaders and constituents, listening to their ideas about how to solve our problems and also how to bring an attitude of excellence and competitiveness to our state. Our hard-working state employees must be treated fairly; it is no secret that Florida's state employees are among the hardest working, most effective, and lowest paid in the U.S. During the campaign for House District 9, Republican leadership signaled its recognition that state workers deserved better treatment and a pay raise. It is never acceptable to play politics with people's lives and livelihood; if it's the right thing to do, it's right to do regardless of who sits in the seat for District 9. I agree wholeheartedly with Speaker Ray Samson's statesmanlike comments that the campaign ended on Nov. 4 and now is the time to get to work and to work together. I will work with the speaker and his leadership team to help my colleagues understand that this state cannot be successful without the dedication and hard work of our state employees and that it is the responsibility of the whole Legislature, not just those representatives from the Big Bend. Our economic times are tough, and the budget outlook is bleak. From adversity comes opportunity, or as my grandmother used to say, "A lot of good comes out of a lot of bad." Florida still has more than $60 billion to spend this year and next. We must prioritize our needs, and the welfare of the people who make state government function must be at the top of the list, with our schools and universities. Finally, no state can call itself successful until its children, its elders and its sick are well cared for and nurtured. As the Tallahassee Democrat clearly pointed out this past weekend, we must address the problem of babies being born too soon and failing to thrive. As I knocked on doors and talked to the people in this district, the truth I've always known was validated: Great common-sense solutions come from those who work hard and think long about the problems they face each day. I will look to you to help me do what is best for our great state. We all want a Florida of which we can truly be proud. |
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| Last Updated ( Friday, 26 December 2008 ) |
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Contact Michelle
MIchelle's Bio
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We must reclaim respect and fairness for Florida's public servants and work to solve the health care crisis in Florida, particularly as it effects our most vulnerable: our children, our elderly, and our sick.
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Michelle has been continuously employed as a life guard, waitress, lawyer and community college professor, helping to support her family since she was fourteen.
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Class President 1974
Student Government 1974-76
Lettered Varsity Soccer & Track Teams 1974-77
1st New York State Key Club President
Canandaigua Academy, NY
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Michelle grew up close to where Susan B. Anthony campaigned relentlessly for suffrage. Here is one of her favorite quotes: “It was we, the people; not we, the white male citizens; nor yet we, the male citizens; but we, the whole people, who formed the Union.... Men, their rights and nothing more; women, their rights and nothing less.”
~Susan B. Anthony -
Michelle fell in love with the founding fathers in 4th grade and has wanted to be a public servant ever since!
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Michelle developed, wrote, and oversaw the process for the Request for Proposal/Invitation to Bid for Tallahassee Community College’s venture into new learning technologies.
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Michelle developed and wrote content for 14 Legal Studies Program Courses offered online. Her's was the first full program to be offered completely online.
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Michelle played varsity soccer throughout her high school career and encourages her daughters to stay active.
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Michelle graduated high school in just 3 years!
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Michelle spent 4 years as an enforcement attorney for the Department of Environmental Protection (Now DEP) before joining Tallahassee Community College.
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Michelle moved to Florida in 1977 to attend New College. Accepted to Cornell, her grandfather convinced her to come south.
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New College in Sarasota. Then graduated from the University of Florida Law School.
Photo Gallery
Gloria and Dean Pugh
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda, Democrat, for State Representative, District 9
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