Challengers in the five-way race for the Lakeland At-Large District commission seat have focused on themes rather than specifics, and have generally avoided direct criticism of the incumbent seeking re-election. The seat is currently held by Jim Malless, who is seeking a second four-year term. Challenging him are Kathy Smith Barsotti, Stephanie Madden, Laurel Pullo and Ricky Shirah.
Polk County School Board member Billy Townsend provides his take on school safety and the long-term issues that face the school district. Notably, he says, the real power of a local school board in the face of state education policy supremacy is to take a stand and refuse to follow through on orders he says will hurt schools.
A political-action committee supporting Josie Tomkow has sent six flyers this month to Republican voters in District 39, including some that describe her opponent as a fan of Hillary Clinton who was soft on crime as a prosecutor.
Democrats are pushing to flip District 22 in a race that pits retired Circuit Court Judge Bob Doyel against Kelli Stargel, the Republican who has held the seat since 2012.
John Chambliss
Lakeland City Commission agrees not to move Confederate monument in Munn Park
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