District 82 Candidate Forum with Senate Candidate Dave Weldon
Last evening’s joint event with Palm Beach County Tea Party and South Florida 912, kicked off with a visit by Senate candidate Dave Weldon.
All Politics are Local
Tea Party Activists have at various times affected change on the national and state level, and more recently have become involved in county and city level issues. Case in point:
Last month, the Palm Beach Gardens City Council passed on first reading a charter amendment to go on the November ballot. The original proposal would have “repealed and replaced” the entire charter, and introduced substantive changes in the way elections were conducted, the relationship between the Council and City Manager, and other changes. The rationale was that some “cleanup” was necessary to bring the charter into compliance with state law.
This did not sit right with a number of Gardens residents, including some members of the Palm Beach County Tea Party. A loose coalition was formed, meetings were held, a line-by-line analysis of the charter and proposed changes was performed, and (at the request of the coalition) an informational session was provided by City Attorney Max Lohman who had developed the new charter language. A website was created (PBGwatch.com), letters were sent to the council, word was spread by social media and other means, and many turned out at last night’s Council meeting to speak against the changes or support those who did.
The net result was a change in plans. The most troubling part of the amendment (Proposition Two), which would have eliminated runoff elections in favor of a “plurality” system that gives an advantage to the incumbent, was rejected by the council. The rest of the proposal (Proposition One) was approved, but not without a lot of discussion by the council, who took our concerns seriously by the end of the debate.
It has been my experience working at the county and local level, that most elected officials care what their citizens think about their actions, and in most cases will not plow ahead with something that is wildly disliked by people concerned enough to come to their meetings (there are exceptions of course – see “Obamacare”). The Gardens Council, to their credit, did listen to their constituents on this matter.
Thank you to all the Tea Party members who spoke at the meeting, including Mel Grossman, Terry Brady, Sally Schmiedl, Francisco Rodriguez, Fred Scheibl and Iris Scheibl.
For more information about these issues, please see: PBGwatch.com
“The best government is the one whose actions are constantly observed.” – anon.
PBCTP and SF912 Jointly Host State Senate Forum
Full Video
by Boris Balaban
On July 10, the Palm Beach County Tea Party and South Florida 912 jointly sponsored a candidate forum for the State Senate Republican primary candidates in district 25 and 34. (click for district description.) Moderated by local radio personality Joyce Kaufman, the three candidates were asked ten questions of state-wide interest. Unlike our similar forum for the County Commission, the candidates were not given the questions to ponder in advance. The result was answers with less depth, but it did differentiate the candidates on their familiarity and grasp of the issues. Below you will find a summary of the event, with the questions, their answers, and a link to a video of that section of the forum.
 Melanie Peterson District 25 |
 Geoff Sommers District 25 |
 Mike Lameyer District 34 |
| Click on the candidate’s picture for a short Bio | ||
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With three candidates participating, it was easy to lose sight of the fact that Melanie Peterson and Geoff Sommers are direct competitors and Mike Lameyer is in a different race against incumbent Senator Ellyn Bogdanoff who was unable to attend the event because of scheduling conflicts. So let’s first stipulate that Mike did a solid job. His answers were on point and he demonstrated a good grasp of the issues. Senator Bogdanoff is an excellent debater and a policy insider, but one could imagine Mike holding his own in a one-on-one if she had been able to attend. He had many facts and figures at his fingertips, and showed his passion for hot-button issues like e-Verify. The experience he gained in his 2010 run for S27 was evident in his confidence and command of the facts. Some notable answers were in prison privatization (“send them back to road patrol”) and FRS reform (“state workers should pay their own way”).
In the S25 contest, it will be an uphill battle for either of the contenders to best Joe Abruzzo in this D+12 district. Joe is an experienced legislator, with support on both sides of the aisle. It will take polish and depth to compete effectively.
On that basis, this was Melanie Peterson’s night to shine. She answered the questions directly with no attempt at deflection, and drew from her experience to add depth and real context to the answers. On the gambling question, she related her time managing Indian gaming as part of a family business to the more subtle aspects of the issue like crime and security. On the Energy bill question, she jumped from crony capitalism to a discussion of incentives for all businesses, not just those favored by certain legislators. And then she hit a home run by deflecting what was a zinger by Geoff Sommers on her support for a wind farm in the Glades (“where there is no wind”), by pointing out that it was a private sector project, with private funding and she would always be in favor of businesses coming to the Glades to spend money, even if the project was a risk to the private investors.
Geoff Sommers did a credible job. On most of the issues he had similar positions to the other two – supporting the Governor on fighting Obamacare, against crony capitalism, and supporting school choice. One interesting answer was that gambling should be expanded within the framework of existing licenses. Geoff, who has less campaigning experience than the other two, came across earnest and sincere, and he held his own. He gave conservative answers to the questions, which pleased the audience, and would likely represent us well if elected.
The event at Boca Greens Country Club was well attended, and quite a few other candidates joined us, including: Cesar Henao (Congressional district 21 Independent), Joe Talley (County Sheriff), Fran Hancock and Cindy Tindell (State Committeewoman), and James O’Hara (State House district 81).
| Question 1: Governor Scott has reacted to the loopholes introduced by the Supreme Court decision to announce that the state will not participate in the Medicaid expansion estimated to cost the state close to $2B a year, or implement the exchanges. He will need the Legislature behind him to win this fight – how will you approach this issue if you are elected, and how should the Governor counter the drumbeat to accept the “free” federal funding associated with Obamacare? | |
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Melanie Peterson: I stand with the Governor, willing to go door to door to convince other legislators why it is the best for Florida, it is an egregious attack on our civil liberties Geoff Sommers: Of course I stand with the Governor, medicaid expansion would go from $3M in 2012 to $5M in 2016, support free market in insurance. Mike Lameyer: Agree with the Governor – taxpayer would be on the hook for over $1B just in the first year, need to educate the public on just how expensive this legislation is. |
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| Question 2: In the 2011 session, the Governor proposed raising the amount that participants in the state pension system pay to 5% from 0, ending cost of living adjustments of 3% / year, raising the retirement age, and reducing the rate that benefits accumulate. Under great pressure from the unions, the legislature passed a watered-down bill which only requires 3% contributions and minimizes other changes. The system is still not 100% funded, and is a long term problem for the state, and union lawsuits may rollback even these modest changes. What would you propose to put the Florida Retirement System on a sustainable path? | |
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Melanie Peterson: $300M was added this year to the pension fund, $120M for actuarial funding, disappointed that 3% contribution was rejected by the Supreme Court, would like to resurface that in some way, appreciates public service of employees but they should not get better benefits than private sector. (Editors Note – Actually, only a circuit court invalidated the 3% contribution, the Supreme court will take it up in September) Geoff Sommers: Supports private accounts, state workers should not be paid more than private sector, retirements should not be paid by taxpayers, private accounts only way consistent with free markets. Mike Lameyer: State workers should pay for their own pensions like in the private sector, we were misled, state pension system is broke, taxpayers should not have the responsiblity to pay for 100% of someone elses retirement. |
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| Question 3: The Governor and Senate Leaders proposed a major privatization of the Florida prison system this year, expecting long term savings, but the bill was defeated in the Senate 21-17 as several Republicans voted against it. The concept is likely to return in the next session – how will you approach the issue? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Crime is now at an all time low, no excuse not to defund our prisons and privatize what we can – behind this issue 100% Geoff Sommers: State should privatize anything the private sector can do better than government. Mike Lameyer: Support the Governor, those working in the prisons can go back to road patrol where many came from, also should privatize anything that can be done cheaper and more efficiently by private industry. |
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| Question 4: HB7117 became law earlier this year, giving state tax credits to green energy companies. Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam pushed the bill, saying it was a step toward “smart, long-term energy policy”, but the Heartland Institute and Americans for Prosperity called it a “crony energy bill”, which has the government picking winners and losers. The entire Palm Beach delegation except for Joe Negron voted for this bill. What would you have done? | |
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Melanie Peterson: We should be promoting energy independence here in Florida, but shouldn’t single out single industry for tax incentives – have them for all industries Geoff Sommers: My opponent supported a wind turbine project in the Glades (where there is no wind) -that’s crony capitalism.Melanie responds: Proud of that resolution – its private land, private enterprise, company investing $350M in the western county where we have 40% poverty levels, don’t care if they lose their money because there is no wind, they are making the investment. Mike Lameyer: Studies say if we fully exploited our natural resources in Florida it wold create 250K high paying jobs in the first 24 months, should not pick winners and losers like Obama did with Solyndra. |
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| Question 5: SB1550, the “vouchers for all” plan for education savings accounts sponsored by Senator Joe Negron, would provide a pot of public school money that parents could use to pay for private schools, homeschooling, or pre-paid college plans. It died in committee this year but may return in a future session. Would you support this or a similar bill? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Education system is broken, keep trying the same ideas, supports vouchers, charter schools are successful because they are privately administered – should we privatize our department of education? Try localizing our school systems because like politics, education is local. Geoff Sommers: Parents should have the choice of how to educate their children, supports charter schools, we should not change the bar when schools are failing but fix the schools. Mike Lameyer: Only way to correct education in the state is with a voucher program – let every parent send a child to the school of their choice, better than passing or failing teachers and students based on once a year test. |
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| Question 6: In the last session, a bill to expand casino gambling in the state was defeated in committee. Some would say it would have been the “largest gambling expansion in Florida history” and bring in the wrong kind of tourism. Others saw it as a way to expand convention business in South Florida and elsewhere, competing with Orlando, whose legislators strongly opposed the move. How did you view the proposal and how would you approach it if it comes back in a future session? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Managed casino operation for family business, providing equipment to Indian casinos, they do it well and pay taxes on their operations even though they don’t have to, they handle crime better on reservation land because they have different laws, would support if constituents want it. Geoff Sommers: Opposed to gambling personally, but don’t like the way current law favors one group over another – not good for business, could expand gambling in a moderate way through existing licenses. Mike Lameyer: Against gambling personally, but should be local issue. Nationwide, gambling is also associated with higher levels of all types of crime, every job a casino creates, loses 1.8 in the surounding community, make sure constituents educated on all aspects before voting on gambling. |
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| Question 7: Do you support e-Verify? Yes or No. | |
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Melanie Peterson: Against illegal immigration, but we can’t put Florida at a disadvantage compared to other states, rather have guest worker program after closing our borders, push federal government to do its job, stop providing state benefits to illegals Geoff Sommers: If e-Verify is the option given to us by the federal government, then we must use it. Mike Lameyer: Federal immigration code allows local law enforcement to ask for status, e-Verify works, without it will spend $5M to support illegals each year, need proof of citizenship for food stamps, housing or medicare. |
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| Question 8: American’s for Prosperity, in their “Five for Florida” program, proposes eliminating the corporate income tax and all targeted tax credits and exemptions to get government out of the business of picking winners and losers in the marketplace. Is this a workable approach? Would you make any exceptions to the plan? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Agree, and need to hold down spending, support amendment 4 (Smart cap), need to eliminate waste Geoff Sommers: It is a workable approach, have signed the pledge, corporate tax is about $2B out of $70B budget – can make up by attracting new businesses, Mike Lameyer: Auto companies have come to US states with favorable tax climates and Florida wasn’t in the discussion, would change that |
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| Question 9: The Governor vetoed $143M in this year’s $70M budget of projects that he said did not benefit the state as a whole or weren’t worth the money. They included a Bay of Pigs museum in Miami, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and other projects favored by local legislators. Was this appropriate? Shouldn’t a legislator be able to spend state money on favored projects in their district? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Some of these projects are ridiculous, shouldn’t be asking the legislature for that kind of money when people are suffering, Geoff Sommers: Cut fraud waste and abuse, not the time for “bringing home the bacon”, lower taxes and send back to the people Mike Lameyer: Government shouldn’t be taking your or my tax dollars and giving it to others for any reason, no more government financing of private industry – they can stand on their own. |
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| Question 10: Citizens Insurance, once the insurer of last resort for those in coastal communities, has greatly expanded inland and is now the largest home insurer in the state, crowding out private insurance. Since Citizen’s liabilities fall back on the taxpayer in a catastrophic claim event like a major hurricane, the Governor would like to reduce its size and exposure. What is the proper role for Citizen’s in the state and what should be its future? | |
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Melanie Peterson: Last year Citizens paid $2.4B in litigation alone, main problem is our risk mitigation model, rate modeling is ridiculous – most of claims are in the north part of state but highest premiums are in south, companies are undercapitalized, need tort reform to reduce litigation. Geoff Sommers: Support the de-population of Citizens, bring back private insurance by encouraging them to write policies, get the state off the hook for a catastrophic event. Mike Lameyer: Citizens was bad idea when began, now and in the future, companies should be made to provide full range of insurance to operate, Citizens is example of what happens when government takes over industry |
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Some pictures from the event.
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County Commission Forum – District 1 Primary Candidates
The Palm Beach County Tea Party, a TAB coalition partner, was a co-sponsor of this event.
Wellington Chapter Features IG and Commissioner on Ethics
The July 2012 meeting of the Wellington Chapter of the Palm Beach County Tea Party was, as always, a very informative gathering and one that remains relevant to our mutual belief in fiscal responsibility, limited government, and free markets. Given the latest developments of this highly charged political season and a monumental victory of Governor Scott Walker over special interests, this month’s meeting gave us an opportunity celebrate our members like Pam Wohlschlegel who were able to contribute to the effort and literally walk the streets of Wisconsin in support of what they consider to be morally right. Thanks to them and others like them, this battle has been won but the war is far from over. A continuous need for dedicated volunteers was loudly and clearly reiterated. As the result of a partnership with Americans For Prosperity, Kathy Salerno, a volunteer field coordinator for the State of Florida spoke briefly underscoring that phone banking is still one of the most effective tools in running a grass roots campaign. Kathy, provided a demonstration of the new phone banking system that has been implemented by her organization and put out a call for volunteers. This system is surprisingly easy to use and designed such that calls can be made in spare time from any phone. The evening highlights consisted of presentations by two guest speakers ; Alan Johnson, Executive Director of the Palm Beach County Ethics Commission and Sheryl G. Steckler, Inspector General for Palm Beach County. Both speakers delivered fact filled presentations covering the intricacies surrounding the roles played by both offices within PBC Government.
Director Johnson, a long time Wellington resident, a former Assistant State Attorney, and a life long public servant enthusiastically explained the mission of the Commissioner of Ethics (COE) as to “foster integrity in public services, promote the public’s trust and confidence in that service, and to prevent conflicts between private interests and public duties”. He went on to draw a contrast between the role of the COE and the Inspector General clarifying that the COE is basically a code enforcement office. The Commission is made up of five non political appointees. Commissioners are limited from making political donations or supporting partisan causes for the duration of their term of appointment. Supported by a half dozen regular staff members as well as volunteer advocates the Office has its hands full. It’s tasked with enforcement of the PBC Code of Ethics that is aimed at ensuring that governmental decisions are not based on personal gain. The Office also issues advisory opinions, processes complaints, and provides mandatory ethics training in support of all PBC as well as municipal employees. The Commission’s jurisdiction also includes all elected individuals except independent constitutional officers such as PBC Sheriff and the Property Appraiser among others. The Commission’s Website has been one of the most critical tools in meeting their mission. In 2011 the site has received over 200K visitors in search of services. Everyone is encouraged to visit the site for materials or information at palmbeachcountyethics.com
Director Johnson was promptly followed by an equally charismatic and passionate General Steckler. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is a PBC chartered office with a broad jurisdiction covering all County and municipal entities with oversight responsibilities at the individual contractor as well as sub-contractor levels. As a contrast to the COE, the OIG is focused making the Government more efficient, accountable, and effective. It conducts audits and investigations aimed at detection and prevention of fraud, waste, mismanagement, and misconduct. The key strength of the Office is its independence which intended to promote public trust and confidence in government. As such the offices’ findings can not be altered. OIG creates and publishes both annual and semiannual reports which are available to the general public through its web site at pbcgov.com/oig/
As stated before, great meeting, thanks to all the tireless effort by our organizers such as Gina Rascati, one of the founding members of the Wellington Chapter. It seems that every month a new bar is set for these gatherings. Please make sure to visit palmbeachcountyteaparty.com to see what’s in store for our next meeting.
Slade O’Brien Educates and Inspires Boca Chapter Crowd
The Palm Beach County Tea Party’s Boca Chapter had their monthly Dinner/Speaker Event on the first Tuesday of the month—as usual—at Boca Greens Country Club on June 5th. This would turn out to be a very special and exhilarating evening- not just because of our meeting, but because just after it, the news reported that Scott Walker had won his battle against those who would attempt a recall. Turnout was about as expected, as we will attract a total of about 80 people at every event, no matter what. Many of our patriotic supporters are “snowbirds”, and are gone for the season, and there were several regulars who were not in attendance on this night. Nevertheless, it was a respectable showing for our speaker Slade O’Brien—the Florida Director of Americans For Prosperity. With November on the almost immediate horizon, Slade’s expertise on the political machinations within our state is truly invaluable.
The main dining room at Boca Greens Country Club was closed for maintenance, but Roger and his gang did a great job setting us up in the private meeting room, with a panoramic view of the beautiful golf course. The food was as good as ever—and all went quite smoothly, despite the minor change in venue. We really appreciate the local restaurants’ involvement in that they provide us with gift certificates to auction off for our silent auction. There were SO MANY great restaurants to choose from! We also had a crystal bowl, as well as two Palm Beach County Tea Party polo shirts up on the block, all for the taking.
In a break from our normal protocol, we elected to ask Tyce Fitzmorris to present his specially created DVD on the peril that our country is really in—from both an ideological standpoint, as well as a DEBT standpoint. He set up his projector in front of the podium, and began at 6:30. You could hear the sound of forks hitting plates slow down, as Tyce delved deeper and deeper into these solemn issues. He was clearly a “hit”, and many people wanted both the DVD he created, as well as asking him to deliver the same presentation to other gatherings. Please contact us if you would like Tyce to do this for your group.
Boca Chapter Coordinator Alex Berry began the proceedings at 7:00pm with the Pledge of Allegiance. We were fortunate enough to have Lou Galterio, “The Golden Voice”, sing the National Anthem for us, which was met with thunderous applause! After the usual protocol of explaining what the PBCTP is, and what it stands for, Alex presented his usual recent email fare- this time with a takeoff of the “You Know You Might Be A Redneck If…” series by Jeff Foxworthy. This was titled, “You Know You Live In ‘Upside Down Land’ If…”. It pointed out, in a humorous way, how the poison of liberalism has literally turned our world upside down. Local event announcements were made, as well as a “teaser” for our new Plaque Program, more of which will be revealed next month. We had at least 6 different candidates, officeholders, or candidate representatives announce themselves during the announcements, and they were certainly welcomed in kind.
Alex then introduced Slade O’Brien, who emphasized the importance of GETTING INVOLVED—and mobilizing our efforts to create a maximum effect. His speech was quite illuminating, as Slade and his team truly have their fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in Tallahassee, as well as in Washington, DC. It is hard to imagine having a better ally in our cause for Liberty than groups like AFP, and the people like Slade who passionately run their regional chapters. As a conservative grassroots organizer since the mid-90’s, Slade observed that, “Compromise got us $15 Trillion in debt. We don’t need to compromise. We need to win.” He had great information on judges in Florida, and how none have ever lost a reelection based on “merit retention”. His group will be educating Floridians on this process. He further criticized the Florida Legislature as not being proactive enough in helping Gov. Rick Scott in his program to create jobs, and gave several illustrations of how tax credits were being misused amongst a type of “crony” crowd, much like what’s happening in Washington on a much bigger scale. There were even examples of contracts with the state that were so vague, that the only clear stipulation was that an invoice would be rendered once a quarter! Understandably, Slade was for reducing the extreme amount of regulation that currently exists to bolster new business development in Florida, while increasing transparency with existing contracts with the state.
The crowd had several great questions for Slade. There was a clear sense of frustration within our audience in terms of the existing levels of fraud and corruption already rampant in our system, and what we can do to thwart any further growth of this cancer within our governing bodies. How encouraging it was to see our group engaged in the dialogue, and taking part in the process! There really is no substitute for that kind of fellowship and camaraderie, and I am, as always, happy to see our chapter express their patriotism through having their voices heard in our group. Having said that, I encourage everyone to get involved in our Boca Chapter, and join us for future events to take part in having your voice heard with like-minded folk from all over Palm Beach County.
We look forward to more great meetings in 2012 for our Boca Chapter—please INVITE YOUR FRIENDS to our next event, which will be July 3rd, 2012, with speaker Kris-Anne Hall. PLEASE NOTE: THIS MEETING HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO IT’S DATE FALLING TOO CLOSE TO A MAJOR HOLIDAY (JULY 4TH), SO WE REPLACED IT WITH THE FLORIDA SENATE CANDIDATE FORUM, WHICH WILL OCCUR ON JULY 10TH. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO RSVP TO THAT EVENT!!!
Otherwise, we always have our Boca Chapter Dinner/Speaker event on the FIRST TUESDAY of every month, so mark your calendars! Time is drawing to a close to make a difference for the next election, so please get involved if you aren’t yet, and STAY involved if you already are!
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The Need for Action highlighted in the Jupiter/PBG Chapter’s June Meeting
June Clarke did a fantastic job serving as our PBCTP leader for the evening. She ran a ‘tight ship’ keeping the meeting flowing and espousing the tenets of the Tea Party. Thanks to June for stepping in for absent Gary Summers and Pam Wohlschlegel.
Prior to the meeting, member Tyce Fitzmorris ran a copy of one of his two Miracle Nation presentations on the issues facing our country and the upcoming election. Tyce is selling copies of his dvd’s to recover costs and is also willing to present at any group. He can be contacted at 561 248 2295, or via his Facebook or Twitter accounts.
June kicked off the meeting and led us in the Pledge. Lindsey Tremble, a winner of Palm Beach’s Got Talent, and upcoming eleventh grader at Jupiter High, sang the National Anthem beautifully, and June led us in prayer. She also pointed out that the agenda on each table had place for people to commit to their own personal action plans to aid in the various efforts. It isn’t enough to just listen – it’s time to act. June then let elected officials, candidates for office and their surrogates introduce themselves.
Next, we heard a message from Pam and watched 3 videos from the Tea Party Patriots efforts to battle the recall election. Tyce added his impressions as he too had volunteered in Wisconsin along with members Mary Adams and Barbara Grossman.
Mel Grossman, Treasurer and co-founder, talked about fund-raising, donating and the need for volunteers to assist in the effort to sell acknowledment placques.
Ed Wolff gave a legislative update – describing the types of articles he posts and where they can be found on the website.
Fred Scheibl, co-founder, showed members where they could find the Voter’s Guide on the website. He pointed out the levels of information that can be found in both the guide and the website. He also announced three opportunities for action – attending the first PBC Budget hearing on Tuesday June 12th, the County Commission District 1 Forum. He and Iris Scheibl, co-founder, also mentioned an issue/call for action on Ordinance 20, 2012 which would put on the November ballot a referendum replacing the Palm Beach Gardens City Charter. This item is on the agenda at the PBG City Council meeting on Thursday, June 7th.
Terry Gallagher, co-founder, mentioned an upcoming organizational meeting on Religious Freedom.
June then introduced our keynote speaker, Jim Kuretski – Jupiter Town Council member. Jim described his engineering background and his goals and reasons for being on the City Council. He then covered examples of the types of fiscal issues that come before the Town Council and the types of votes and questions that he asks and feels should be asked in approving various budget issues. He strongly urged participation on the local level – because one can really have an impact. During the Qs and As, hot topics arose – such as El Sol and Jupiter’s participation in the lawsuit against Palm Beach County for funding of the Inspector General. Mr. Kuretski answered with his rationale for his positions; the askers were not mollified – but all was civil.
Terry Gallagher concluded the meeting with a drawing for the tickets.
Some pictures from Anna:
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Saving Wisconsin and the Nation
These three videos are a flavor of the activities of Tea Party Patriots in Wisconsin for the recall election. Look for PBCTP founder Pam Wohlschlegel in each of them – making maps in the hotel room, in the van with the canvassing team, driving the van in the last video.
Here are Pam’s thoughts on the subject:
I feel a little guilty because I’ve not been out walking as many miles as them — I’ve spent my time mapping out routes in the evenings and driving our team during the day. It has been one of the most memorable times of my life and I am cautiously optimistic that we will win the battle against this recall election that could become viral and ultimately bring down our elections processes across the US.
This has been a learning experience for all of us in Wisconsin. Not a one of us has every done anything like this in such a short time period and on such a massive scale. The tea party movement in America will be much stronger having used this experience to train leaders so that our summer and fall Get Out the Vote efforts will be even more successful.
I only wish that more of our Palm Beach County Tea Party members could have joined this effort! I felt so exhilarated after going to the 912 Rally in Washington, DC a couple of years ago but that was no comparison to the feelings of purpose and contribution that I am experiencing today! ” I believe that Barbara, Tyce, and Mary would concur!
Jupiter-Palm Beach Gardens Chapter To Hear From Local Councilman – June 4
Jupiter Councilman Jim Kuretski will be our guest speaker at the June 4, 2012 meeting at Abacoa Golf Club. As always, doors open at 5:30 PM, social time until buffet at 6:00 PM and Meeting starts at 7:00 pm with announcements, reports and speaker.
Since many local elected office holders move on to state and national government elected office, the Palm Beach County Tea Party believes that participation in and awareness of local government is very important. Participation in local government is efficient and necessary if we are to affect positive political change and insist on 1) Fiscal Responsibility, 2) Limited Government and 3) Support of Free Markets.
To this end, Jim Kuretski will inform us of his experiences and challenges in serving the people of Jupiter both as Councilman and as a member on various boards and committees. Mr. Kuretski has strong convictions regarding fiscal responsibilities and full disclosure by government entities as to how the taxpayer’s dollars are being obligated. Hopefully, we will learn how we may be more effective in supporting him and others like him in local government. It all starts locally and that is where our voices can have the greatest impact; come join us on June 4 at Abacoa Golf Club !
Jupiter-Palm Beach Gardens Chapter Schooled On Constitution; Book August 18 For More
As only Constitutional scholar KrisAnne Hall can summarize, an excellent and inspiring treatise of the four source documents to our Constitution was set forth on the evening of May 7 at Abacoa Golf Club. The one hundred plus crowd went away with a new-gained perspective on the sequential development and foundation to our United States Constitution and most significantly, the similarities to current times and applicability.
Attorney Hall is blessed with not only an immense knowledge and teaching skill but the heart of a warrior and the humbleness of His servant. In response to membership requests, KrisAnne has committed to a Jupiter-Palm Beach Gardens seminar on August 18, 2012. This seminar will run five hours and provide us with a better understanding of our Constitution, it’s principles and founding fathers’ intentions and inspirations.
More details will be forthcoming on the location, time and meal arrangements. Please set the date on your calendar now. Invitations will be extended to local government and business leaders as well as the general public. Armed with the “whole picture” the words of the Constitution and supporting documents take root in our hearts and minds. This internalization at a personal level is essential to genuine debate and moving this Great Nation forward for positive change.
We the people must more genuinely educate ourselves if we are to be effective at defending our liberties. Knowing of the United States Constitution is much different than knowing the hearts and minds and inspirations of our founding fathers, their sacrifices and aspirations. Come join us for a great day of learning and participation with KrisAnne Hall; I am certain that as always – she will not cease to amaze us with the knowledge and understanding she imparts !
Pictures from the Wolffs
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