Randy Ross Not Worthy of Advancement in GOP Politics
Kendall L. Robinson 
The GOP deserves better than Randy Ross. Some have hoped for an improvement in his behavior―that he’d mend his ways―but that's not the case as of recently in 2020 or 2021. Reliable sources indicate Ross was banned from Mar a Lago and tossed from Trump Victory in January 2020.
We all make mistakes. Accusations do not necessarily add up to guilt. After all, this country’s justice system was in part built on the idea of being innocent until proven guilty. Nitpicking people’s record, especially when crimes or accusations have not been proven, certainly disparages the very spirit of this great American tradition.
However, patterns must be noticed, especially trends that can be backed up by facts. For a 20 year period, Ross's grifting and his criminal record not only paint a portrait lacking self improvement or effort to correct this sad saga of events, but a rapid increase in their occurrences.
From roughly the year 2000 to present, Ross engaged in criminal activities he admitted to with guilty pleas on multiple occasions. From fraud and theft to simply fleecing the pockets of voters interested in supporting conservative causes, Ross has shown utter disdain for the values he claims to espouse and those of the Republican Party. The local Democrat Party excommunicated Ross in 2015, followed by the local Republican Party in 2019.
One of his most prominent displays of irresponsible behavior occurred in 2015 when Ross fabricated thousands of dollars in false insurance claims relating to lawn furniture allegedly stolen from his home. He pled guilty to the crime and the court ultimately ordered 5 years probation, 250 hours community service and Ross was subsequently instructed to pay about $4,000 in restitution. He lost his driving privileges for several years for failing to pay the fines. Nevertheless, many now wonder whether Ross fell on hard times, or merely misspent his money, with critics pointing to his consistent use of tanning beds and hair highlights during this period among other luxury expenses.
Ross's trend of pleading guilty is not isolated to the 2015 charge. In 2001 to 2003, Ross was previously charged with larceny and pled guilty for violation of statute number 812. 014 2c. Ross’s FDLE record is 7 pages long and spans Seminole and Orange counties.
His record also includes several money judgments as well as a pending vehicle repossession court case in 2021, and some in the local GOP community now wonder where Ross's revenue derives given his current unemployed status. Some Orange County Republicans relayed anonymously their concerns and suspicions that Ross allegedly lives off his mother’s social security, among other ongoing schemes, though these claims have not been verified.
Ross's reckless behavior also extends to the world of substance abuse as well, namely alcohol, "drinking wine in the morning until early evenings," as described to the Local News by a source close to Ross.
According to several people formerly associated with the political activist, Ross drove a Trump wrapped vehicle in a state of drunkenness roughly 2 years ago. Though he had not been caught, it is also alleged by these sources that Ross drove illegally in 2016 before his license was restored in January 2018 and that the operative kept the proceeds from a brick-sale fundraiser associated with the vehicle.
President Trump’s criminal justice reform successes demonstrated the heart of the Republican Party, a belief in morality and rule of law while pursuing an agenda that promises second chances. Many agree rightly today that cancel culture has gone too far. But when the second chances become third chances, and third chances become fourth chances, maybe 10 chances and a pattern of crimes, it’s time for serious self reflection.
We wish Ross the best and hope for his rehabilitation and journey to sobriety. However, that decision may never come, and the last 20 years illustrates his lack of initiative.
Randy Ross's record proves his inability to hold fast to conservative values and his repeated lack of personal and legal responsibility evidences the need for the state and local GOP organs to refrain from supporting this behavior.
Moreover, no one quite knows where Ross's allegiance lies, with Facebook posts indicating the activist supported Bernie Sanders at the time of former President Donald Trump's famous escalator ride.
As Ross approaches his 60’s, serious reflection and change could make his life and the life of our community more positive. Ross's raucous behavior and lack of integrity must not be rewarded and disqualify him from participation in any office of public trust or party politics.
