Florida Matters: A New Lakeland Mayor (October 9, 2009)

On Television

Best of Florida Stories Part 1

What does a paintbrush, a park and a bicycle all have in common? Find out this week on Florida Matters as co-host Larry Elliston brings us a collection of Florida Stories that will inspire you to look at things in a new way.

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On the Radio

A New Lakeland Mayor

After 17 years with Buddy Fletcher at the helm, a new mayor will take over in Lakeland. Those who want the job include two long-time city officials and a young newcomer to city politics. The new leader will face a deep recession in Florida and the nation and will be involved in ongoing discussions about commuter and high-speed rail in Central Florida. Meet the candidates this week on the show.

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Program Schedule

Radio - Tuesday at 6:30 PM | Sunday at 7:30 AM on WUSF 89.7 Friday at 7:00 PM on WSMR 89.1

Radio Guests

Elliott Dorsch

Gow Fields

Jim Verplanck

Audio extras

Gow Fields provides more background on how Lakeland found out about the SunRail commuter train proposal and the possible implications of the proposed system. (2:38)

The candidates outline their visions for the future of Lakeland's downtown area. (3:25)

Elliott Dorsch shares one good idea to invigorate what he calls the stale city government. Jim Verplanck and Gow Fields also offer some ideas about how they would freshen the city's leadership. (5:12)

Radio: Related Links

City of Lakeland Municipal Election Information

Polk County Supervisor of Elections

Elliott Dorsch Campaign Site

Gow Fields Campaign Site

Jim Verplanck Campaign Site

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Florida Matters

Florida Matters tackles tough issues, highlights little-known stories from our part of the world, and provides a greater perspective of what it means to live in the Sunshine State.