⏩ LOCAL BATTLEFIELD: The Levers of Liberty

The Ground Game of Governance – Wake Up America!

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After more than four years in the political advocacy arena, I feel as if I’ve earned an unsolicited degree in political science. What began with sounding the alarm on electoral malfeasance eventually led to redlining a bill signed into law by Governor DeSantis, collaborating with state representatives to sponsor legislation, learning how to kill a bill and organize press conferences, and managing both large-scale and local political campaigns. Needless to say, I never expected to be this deeply entrenched in the political process.

From firsthand experience, I can tell you: the legislative process is painfully slow. It may take years—if ever—before we see meaningful reform. What we managed to accomplish in 2022 was likely an exception and not the norm. In subsequent sessions, we haven’t passed laws that close existing loopholes or fully secure Florida’s elections—even with a Republican governor and a supermajority. That’s incredibly frustrating. And it’s not just elections. The same gridlock plagues health freedom, property rights, insurance reform, energy policy, and other vital areas. Why? Because these arenas are increasingly dominated by industry and special interests, leaving everyday citizens with little leverage.

These realities have shifted my focus away from Tallahassee and toward local offices—where grassroots efforts can still tip the scales and hold officials accountable.

The United States is a federal system, but contrary to what many believe, real authority and practical influence often reside at the local level. In their brilliance, the Founding Fathers created a system in which power was intentionally dispersed, with the smallest units of government having the greatest sway over daily life.

United States: 3,143 counties, parishes, boroughs, independent cities and DC.

County commissioners, city mayors, school boards, water management districts, community development boards—even mosquito control—are the offices actually pulling the levers that affect our everyday freedoms. These are the officials who imposed—or lifted—the COVID mandates. While the national spotlight shines on Presidents, Senators, Governors, and Congressmen, the decisions that shape our lives most directly come from the people elected closest to us.

Few realize that America had already walked off a cliff and was tumbling into the abyss—were it not for the reprieve offered by the election of Donald J. Trump. Having had a small but well connected window into the current administration, I know firsthand that its policies were conceived long before and its personnel trained more than a year prior to his historic election. This is why so much is being accomplished in its first 200 days. However, most of this work will impact the federal level.

As the federal government is downsized—an explicit goal of the Trump administration—more power and money will return to the states. For example, Trump has pledged to abolish the Department of Education. That budget would flow back and local school boards would determine how those funds are used. That means it’s more critical than ever to elect principled, fiscally responsible local leaders—just as the Founders intended.

In many red counties across the country, elections aren’t decided in the November mid-terms. They’re decided in the August primaries. That means recruiting strong candidates and supporting their campaigns needs to start NOW. And let me be clear: support means time, treasure and talent (door-nock, donate, do). Here is a timeline—and we’re already behind:

We must build the bench in our counties and states. My sobering conclusion, after four reluctant years in the political arena, is that the political bench is running low of America First candidates. Add to that a proclivity for pats on the back and pilfering of the pockets plus dismissal or ignorance of constitutional principles and viola! We have the recipe for bad governance. This isn’t limited to Washington—it’s present at the state, county, and city level, where it touches our daily lives.

Whom takes office at the hyper local level is important. Community Development District officials might next run for City Commission and later State Representative. Twenty five years ago, Marco Rubio, current Secretary of State, was once a City Commissioner. Wake up America! This nation can be rescued from the bottoms up and with a long term plan, but we are running out of time.

“This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but a whimper.”

T.S. Eliot

Lord Almighty,

Raise up leaders of integrity, courage, and humility at every level of government. Guard their hearts against corruption, and give them the strength to resist the lure of power and special interests. May they be guided by Your Word and committed to serving the people with righteousness and justice.

We repent for the apathy that has allowed mediocrity to rule. Breathe new life into our communities, that citizens would no longer be passive observers but active participants in shaping the future of this nation. May our local leaders govern with wisdom, stewardship, and accountability, always mindful that they serve under You, the ultimate Judge and King.

Lord, grant us perseverance and boldness to build a bench of faithful public servants who will honor the covenant established at this nation’s founding. May America return to its roots—One Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

In Jesus’ Holy name,

Amen.