Entries Tagged 'Insurance' ↓

It’s time to say it with your vote. You’ve had enough.

It’s time for you to speak loud and clear and express through your ballot that you’re not happy with the status quo. You aren’t happy with the direction that the district, the state and the country have gone over the last few years.

You’ve had enough with the rising costs of living and stagnant pay. You’ve seen your homeowners insurance premiums go through the roof or worse — you’ve been downright dropped by your insurance provider. You’ve had enough with your property taxes increasing, and utility companies getting permission to do what they please and charge you any sum they see fit while they boast record profits.

You’ve had enough with Florida’s failing school system and officials so out-of-touch they can’t even see a problem. Florida being a leader in student drop-out rates is not something to look fondly upon. Florida schools being held hostage to the FCAT instead of teaching a curriculum isn’t something you’re happy about either. Teachers and students are frustrated and that affects the future of Florida.

Most of all, you’ve had enough with elected officials who know nothing of the plight you’re dealing with. You’ve had enough with disconnect between Tallahassee and you – the person your elected official is supposed to represent.

Today, you have the option to vote for a man who has been an asset to the community for over 20 years — a neighbor, a friend, a teacher, a local business owner, a man with ideals and a vision to improve our district and our state. A fellow who shares your disgust for the direction the government at all levels has taken. You have a chance to vote for change, for honesty and sincerity, for civic pride and for service.

Government is supposed to be of the people, by the people and for the people… Not for special interest groups, not for utility companies and other businesses whom can pay top dollar for preferential status in legislation. It’s supposed to be a government that knows the plight citizens have, and eager to listen and serve you while improving the quality of life for all.

Carl Zimmermann wants to be the voice for the citizens of district 48 in Tallahassee, not out of political ambition or ego but because he’s had enough of the government not living up to our expectations. He’s had enough of a government that lowers standards, principles and ideals for the sake of political ideology instead of doing what’s right.

You have that power today to say you believe this mans ideals. You have the chance today to remind the powers-that-be that you are in control.

As for this writer, I can only say that it’s up to you now. No more pleas for money, for volunteering, etc… It just comes down to you turning out to vote and choosing a future for the state.

Here’s hoping to see you tonight at Tiffany’s restaurant… And here’s hoping that a majority have had enough to push Carl "Z" Zimmermann into a position of service for the neighbors and region he knows and loves so well.

It’s in your hands now.

Early this year, Carl took it upon himself to work with friends and advisors to try and tackle an issue that is termed as a crisis for the citizens of Florida. It is an epidemic of sorts, a drag on household wallets and a painful reminder of inaction in Tallahassee. It’s not going to be an easy fix, yet leadership on the issue is needed to bring about change. The issue, of course, is homeowners’ insurance.

In February, Carl published his policy on homeowners’ insurance on the web and it has been the most popular draw to the site from people doing web searches on the subject. He has also since heard from citizens in the form of emails, phone calls and in-person pleas as the situation has only worsened. Some in the district have seen their rates increase 330% or more! The Florida Legislature didn’t protect homeowners against thousands of dollars in increases or being flat-out dropped. The government’s job is to protect us and they have failed spectacularly.

It’s gotten to a point that the only recourse for some is to move out-of-state, and there is no guarantee even that will work. With property taxes sky high, rising interest rates, the insurance crisis and a saturated real estate market to boot, citizens will find themselves stuck in a rut they can’t escape.

We can all see there is a problem and it needs a solution — yet Republicans are running on empty slogans, hollow claims of support of issues and banal rhetoric about being "tough on" this or that but offering nothing to back it up. Have you had enough of the rampant increases in insurance rates that have been a mainstay the last few years? How can you not have?

Over the next several weeks and months, I will be posting my views on issues that I believe are important to Florida voters in general and District 48 voters in particular. The first of these detailed policy statements relates to the Homeowners’ Insurance situation in Florida. By posting my views on various issues, I want voters in District 48 to see not only where I stand but also how I plan to address the issue when I get to Tallahassee.

Whether or not your home, condo or manufactured home is insured through Citizens Insurance Company, the insurer the State established as the “insurer of last resort”, you are paying not only for the excessive losses incurred by this entity but also for the mismanagement — documented by the Legislature’s auditor — and conflict of interests by members of its Board of Directors. The reason? Under State statute, all policyholders are assessed a surcharge on their insurance policy when Citizens’ incurs a deficit e.g. when it pays out more in claims than it take in from premiums from its own policyholders.

Please click here to read in full my proposals on Florida homeowners insurance.

My staff and I hope to share our views in greater detail on a wide swath of issues between now and election day, including healthcare, growth management, ERA, and our Environment.