County Council races might be non-partisan but this certainly does not mean that political partisanship does not play a roles in electing County Council members. For many years, the local Republican and Democratic Party have been involved in county council races (and to a lesser degree in municipal elections).  

And this year Republicans will have some help – Anti-government “Tea Party” activists are actively supporting conservative candidates. While small in number and mostly new to political campaigning these extremist are likely to play a role in our local elections.

Margie (Margarett M.) Patchett, a 49 years old Port Orange Republican, founder of Volusia Tax Reform, is one of the Tea Party prefered candidates. Margie is running for Volusia County Council at-large a seat vacated by Joie Alexander.

While Patchett claims to be a “Grass Root candidate” she appears to be financially backed by real estate companies, big businesses and developers. Dick Pollard, her campaign manager is a real estate broker who “specialize in resort style living”. According to Patchett’s Facebook page, one of her campaign latest fundraiser was organized by Aswin Suri another high profile real estate broker.

The same Facebook page states that several other fundraisers are planned for the month of May; one at the Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors, another Jon and Susan Hall and an “Election Fundraiser Hosted by Ocean Properties.”

Her campaign website states. ”Margie must raise a minimum $100,000.00 to run a wining campaign” and looking at the size of the pocket she’s hitting she might be well on her way to reach that goal.

But, while it is clear that the campaign of Margie Patchett is directed and funded by a special interest (real-estate) the real question is – If elected what kind of leader would Margie Patchett be?

There are information posted on the Clerk of Court website showing that Margie Patchett is facing some serious legal and financial problems. The information shows that Patchett is currently a defendant in several foreclosures and, there are also a number of unpaid judgments against her.  

At the time when the most important issues facing our county government are budget related some may find these facts disturbing.