Obama’s still seeking change: Listening tour comes to Kissimmee

By Eloísa Ruano González | Sentinel Staff Writer
May 17, 2009

KISSIMMEE - They yearned for a president who could bring change. And they say they got him last November.

Now, some of the same people who rallied support for President Barack Obama and demanded changes to what they called a broken government have been asked to help shape what those changes will be.

A "listening tour" stopped in Central Florida on Saturday to ask residents - many of whom volunteered during the primary and general-election seasons for Obama as a candidate - to bring change to their communities by rallying support and educating people about the president's plans.

Kissimmee and Winter Park were among the 38 tour stops scheduled throughout the state.

"Obama made me realize the Bush administration had stolen the [American] dream. I want to get the dream back," said Fred VanNest, 68, of Kissimmee.

VanNest was among two dozen people who gathered at the Hart Memorial Central Library in Kissimmee to share ideas on how to support the president's goals and address local employment, health-care and homelessness problems. Residents, mostly Democrats, came from Osceola, Orange and Polk counties.

Both Democrats and Republicans were urged to reach across party lines. But not everyone was ready to extend a welcoming hand.

George Jackow Sr., chairman of the Republican Party in Osceola, was met with some resistance, especially when he announced he once was a Democrat before he "saw the light" and switched parties. Jackow attended the open forum to learn about the issues the opposition faces.

Organizing for America - a project from within the Democratic National Committee - held the event to get a clear picture of what barriers residents face locally, so they can be addressed on a national level, said John Bivona, the group's Florida field director.

"It's essential that we have a plan that reflects on their community," Bivona said.

Larry "Santa" Maddox Sr., 65, of Kissimmee, was more concerned about the lack of health-care access nationwide. Maddox, a veteran and retired alligator wrestler, wants to see a universal health plan.

Maddox, who rallied support among motorcycle enthusiasts, said he struggles to pay for prescriptions because the Department of Veterans Affairs pays too little and Medicare coverage takes too much from his Social Security checks.

As a single mother of two boys ages 3 and 10, Sharon Rivera also worries about the cost of health care. Rivera, 40, of Kissimmee, attended the event to voice concerns about education and the economy. She said she wants to the help the president resolve these problems for the sake of her children.

"I'm here for my kids. I want to secure my sons' future and make sure there's going to be an America when they grow up," she said.