Candidates, Emergency Preparedness On Agenda For Homeowners Meeting

Monday morning's meeting of the Highlands County Homeowners Association will feature speeches by and question-answer sessions for four candidates running for countywide offices, plus information on how to set up an emergency preparedness plan.

The meeting, which is open to the public, runs from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the Sebring Country Estate Club House on Grand Prix Drive, about a quarter mile west of U.S 27.

With more tropical storms headed toward Florida, Rick Ingler will talk about setting up an emergency preparedness plan for your community.

Ingler's presentation will be followed by speeches from:

•Ronald Grimming, running as a Republican for Highlands County sheriff against incumbent Democrat Susan Benton, who is seeking a second four-year term;

•Jeff Carlson, the Republican candidate for county commission, district 3, who beat incumbent Commissioner Andy Jackson in the Aug. 26 primary election and now faces Democrat Jeri Canale in the November general election;

•Zane Thomas, running as an independent for the district 5 county commission seat; and

•Commissioner Guy Maxcy, a Republican, running for re-election to a fifth four-year term in district 5.

Jackie Richie, chairman of the homeowners association, said each speaker will be given equal time, and each will face questions from the audience.

Benton was originally scheduled to speak at the meeting, but she had to cancel because she will be out of town on sheriff's office business. Benton said she will have two top staff members to represent her at the meeting.

The homeowners association always offers free coffee, tea and donuts before and after the monthly meetings.

In addition to the speakers, the meetings also feature monthly reports on county government, ranging from the school district and county commissioners to veterans affairs, recreation and code enforcement.