Small price to pay for candidate face-time

Brooksville, Fla. -  Candidates have a choice to promote themselves in July, but it comes with a price tag.

Hernando County Greater Chamber of Commerce is thinking outside the box for the upcoming Primary Election.  "Politics in the Park" will be launched as their new event to showcase candidates on July 12, 2012.

For the first time, candidates will be charged to participate in the Chamber event, unlike in previous years when political forums were conducted by the Chamber for free.

The Chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee is switching gears to try something different - something different to attract larger crowds.  Previous political forums have historically been held at Hernando County Commission Chambers.

Government affairs committee members, Morris Porton, Buddy Selph and John Mitten took a rode trip last year to Lakeland Chamber of Commerce to ask questions.  The Lakeland Chamber has been conducting Politics in the Park events for over 10 years to showcase candidates.

Last election, the local newspaper in Lakeland reported that more candidates and committees attended Politics in the Parks than the public.

The Lakeland Chamber of Commerce has a $250.00 fee for their event. But business sponsorship pays the largest portion of the event fee, with candidates picking up a pro-rated difference.

The Governmental Affairs Committee worked out details for their own "Politics in the Park" event in Hernando County.  But candidates will have to pay the entire $250.00 fee to participate in the event.

The Hernando County Chamber of Commerce has the opportunity to gross over $8,000 if all the local candidates choose to attend their event.  The major costs associated with hosting the event are the hall rental for $500 and the fee of $250 to Hernando County Government Broadcasting.

"Two hundred and fifty dollars is not out of the window for someone who is running for office," Mitten said.  "Any publicity though a media venue would cost at least that much."

Applications were mailed out to candidates last week, setting the rules of the event.  Candidates will be provided two chairs and banquet table for their station.  But candidates are warned not to set up balloon arches or cause excessive clutter.  Candidates are prohibited from walking around the hall with rules stating all booths must be continuously manned by the candidate.

Candidates are limited to items that can be distributed to the public.  They will not be allowed to hand out food items or water to the public. But candidates are encouraged to have candy and campaign trinkets to hand out.

Hot dogs and cold beverages will be available from Kiwanis members who will act as food vendors.

Hernando County Broadcasting will video record the three minute stump speeches of candidates while WWJB simulcasts the audio.  Mitten was unsure whether live streaming would be available for online viewing.  He also said one-on-one face time with the camera may be available for candidate interviews, but he didn't know if it would be spontaneous or a scheduled interview process.

The Governmental Affairs Committee took the position that the $250.00 candidate fee is a small price to pay for television and radio coverage for a "meet and greet" for candidates.  Mitten was quick to point out it wasn't their intent to price anyone out of the event, even candidates who had used petition cards to get their name on the ballot for free.

"You shouldn't have to pay to get on the ballet to run for office," Mitten said.  "But at the same time, I don't think just because you got your name on the ballet should allow candidates to get free advertising."