The power of Voting

Back in about 2001 or so, our Benjamin wanted to have a pet pig -- and clearly from his outfit -- he knew what he was doing -- or so he thought.

Maria and I informed him that the City of Mount Dora does not allow for pigs. Like any enterprising kid, he did not want his dream to end so we needed to get verification.

Off to the Planning and Zoning Department (then on Donnelly @ 9th) we brought the whole family, ages 7, 5, 3 and 1 for a homeschooling moment.

Mark Reggentin met us at the counter and politely read the section of the code to Benjamin and informed him that his pet pig would never happen. We thanked Mark who played along beautifully and we parents smilingly left the building. Stoically, Benjamin held it together until the double doors -- he ran out, had a good cry and started his work on getting us to give in to a kitty.

So today, Benjamin turns 18 -- entering the world of adulthood and ready to cast his first vote as a life-long citizen of Mount Dora.

Elections are great! They are reminder of the sacrifice -- tremendous sacrifice -- fellow citizens made for us to have a free country where you are able to vote or not vote as you choose. It is complete freedom.

They give us a chance to seriously consider candidates and see how we can entrust in them our community. Please take the time to attend a community session to meet candidates. Also, check out the websites - the four candidates for city-wide office have them and you can learn a ton.

So Happy Birthday Benjamin! Welcome to adulthood. Make sure you respect that freedom and do your best at checking out all the candidates.