Ballot Amendments Discussed at October Lunch

Clear differences of opinion were expressed by our speakers at the 2016 Ballot Question Forum, hopefully providing the information needed to cast a vote for all the right reasons.

Kicked off by moderator Fred Scheibl, who gave an overview of the questions and drilled down on amendments 3 and 5, we had pro and con speakers for the solar amendment (1), medical marijuana (2) and the county sales tax increase.

Amendment 3, which adds totally and permanently disabled first responders to the list of groups getting extra homestead exemptions, is an enabling amendment. If passed, the legislature will have to fill in the details, including the amount of the exemption.

Amendment 5 is a tweak to the previously passed amendment which provides an extra homestead exemption to low income seniors by allowing the exemption to continue, even if rising valuations raise the home value above the $250K threshold.

On the Solar Energy Amendment 1, Cindy Tindell, Vice President of Nextera Energy (parent of Florida Power & Light) explained the amendment from the utilities point of view – that the desire is to not reimburse the retail price of energy to the generating consumer as is now the practice with net metering. Utility generating plants, with all their overhead, are only reimbursed at the wholesale energy price she explained, and it is unfair to treat solar generating consumers more favorably.

Not so fast, said Ackerman public policy manager Richard Pinsky. The energy that flows back into the grid from a net metering device is only returning the energy it has already paid for at the retail price. He compared the situation to a water company charging its customers for rainwater they collected in a barrel.

That the effect of the amendment turns on the pricing model for net metering was enlightening to some, as the ballot language only talks vaguely about “subsidizing the costs of backup power and electric grid access.” An old rule of thumb says that if the effect of an amendment or statute is not easily understood, there is probably a reason – vote no if there is any doubt.

For Medical marijuana amendment 2, which came very close to passing (57.6%) in 2014, Bianca Garza, Communications Director of United for Care made the case for the effectiveness of marijuana derivatives for many medical conditions and the safety and good results that have been experienced in the states that have implemented similar programs.

Opposing the amendment, Virginia Brooks took us through a list of considerations, including non precise administration amounts, sourcing of prescriptions outside of the pharmacy system, use of a prescription drug not vetted through clinical trials, access to the drugs by children in the household, and other potential problems.

Regarding the county sales tax increase to 7%, Bill Perry, CEO of Gunster and the incoming chairman of the PBC Economic Council made the case based on the need for a long list of infrastructure repairs, and the advantages that a sales tax has over borrowing the money with a bond issue.

Opposing the tax, Fred Scheibl, argued that the infrastructure shortfall could have been addressed in the normal budget process but a conscious choice was made to divert Engineering and Public Works funds to other priorities like employee raises (12.5% in 5 years), and the proposal comes on top of the highest property taxes in county history. The sales tax is a “blunt instrument” and will raise the $2.7B whether it is needed or not. A bond on the other hand (which can be used if the tax is defeated) can borrow only enough money to address the really critical needs.

For more information on the ballot amendments and sales tax question, see our voters guide to the ballot questions.

Support Ron Berman For Senate District 30

Show your support for Ron by attending this upcoming Meet & Greet. RSVP to Tom Plante, 561-236-8891.

State and Local Ballot Questions at October Lunch

– Should the county raise the sales tax to 7%?
– Should marijuana be legalized for those with certain medical conditions?
– Should solar energy be enshrined in the Florida constitution?

All of these and more at the October lunch. We will have an overview of all the questions, with pro/con speakers on some of them, as well as a few words about the 9 judicial retention elections we are asked to decide and the local judge races.

After a brief description of the ballot questions and the implications of a “yes” or “no” vote on each from moderator Fred Scheibl, we will have a set of speakers present their arguments in favor or opposed to some of the issues.

Solar		Speaking in favor of Amendment 1 (Solar Energy) will be Cindy Tindell, Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions at NextEra Energy, the parent company of Florida Power and Light. She has deep regulated utility experience having led Florida Power & Light utility’s development and construction planning. Cindy is also the PBCGOP Committeewoman to the Republican Party of Florida and a member of this club.
		Speaking against Amendment 1 will be Richard Pinsky, Public Policy Manager at Akerman, LLP. Richard has over 30 years of government affairs experience in Florida and Washington, D.C. He has an extensive background representing clients before the legislature as well as local government from helping to navigate the budget and appropriation process to issue advocacy. In the 1980s he was a campaign consultant to the RNC, the NRSC and the NRCC, and has served as general consultant to several statewide candidate campaigns and ballot initiatives.
Marijuana		Speaking in favor of Amendment 2 (Medical Marijuana) will be Raymer Maguire IV, Deputy Campaign Manager for People United for Medical Marijuana, a part of United for Care, the national organization that advocates for the issue in all the states. Raymer was a founding partner of Millenium Partners, LLC, advancing the millennial agenda by providing data focused consulting and project management, where he organized community leaders in South Florida to lobby on behalf of underprivileged students.
		Speaking against Amendment 2 will be Virginia Brooks, a founder of the PBC Faith and Freedom Coalition. Virginia is active in local grassroots organizations, retired from being an associate professor of English at Palm Beach State College, and an interpreter for the deaf at her church. Virginia is also a member of this club.
Sales Tax		Speaking in favor of the county sales tax question will be Bill Perry, CEO of the Gunster Law Firm and incoming chairman of the PBC Economic Council which is campaigning for the tax increase. Bill practices real estate and business law, specializing in complex commercial and financial transactions. As a member of the Florida Chamber Foundation, he helped launch the Six Pillar Initiative and worked with the Economic Council to introduce it to Palm Beach County, resulting in a PBC strategic plan in 2013.
		Speaking against the county sales tax will be Fred Scheibl, co-founder of the county budget watchdog PBC Taxpayer Action Board, which has been providing analysis of the county budget to its coalition partners since 2010, advocating for fiscal responsibility by county leaders. Fred is a founding member of the Palm Beach County Tea Party and a member of this club.

Peter Feaman Gives His Views on Donald Trump

Peter Feaman, Florida Committeeman to the Republican National Committee, gave the September lunch meeting crowd his perspective on the 2016 elections.

Admitting that Donald Trump was not his first choice (or second, or third, or…..), Peter now says he is firmly on the Trump Train, given the alternative would be so devastating to the country. Many other elites are slowly coming around now, even some of the diehard Bush people, including Donald Rumsfeld and Ari Fleischer in recent days. (By one recent poll, more than 90% of Republicans nationally are supporting Donald Trump).

In Peter’s view, it is the backlash against the do-nothing Republicans in Washington that is driving the Trump movement. After major gains in the House in 2010, the Senate in 2014, and state offices all across the country, there has been no effective opposition to the Obama agenda, and we are losing bigtime on the economy and the culture. It is a new populist revolt – mirrored by the Brexit vote in the UK.

Trump is the only candidate fighting the corrosiveness of political correctness, the dangers of Islamic terrorism and the invasion of illegal immigrants, and he is taking his message to places Republicans have just not gone – from the Black churches in the inner city to the Hispanic enclaves of Little Havana.

There are four requirements needed to maintain a strong country – secure borders, a common language, a shared culture, and a single strong currency. Only one candidate sees and will act on this principle.

Also at the meeting were Debbie Maken, a surrogate for her husband Sonny Maken, running for Port Commissioner, and Cindy Hite for the Rick Roth campaign (FH85).

Next month’s meeting will address the pros and cons of the five ballot questions we will decide in November – including medical marijuana, solar energy regulations and the county’s proposed 1 cent sales tax. Don’t miss it!

Brian Mast vs Randy Perkins Debate on October 17

The first televised debate between Brian Mast and Randy Perkins has been RESCHEDULED for October 17th at Palm Beach State College. Tickets are free and open to the public, but you must register ahead of time and pick up the tickets ahead of time. I hope you can join us and show your support for Brian. Tickets for the original date are still valid. Click Here to Get Debate Tickets What Congressional District 18 debate hosted by The Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce When Wednesday October 17, 2016 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT 5:30 p.m. Reception 6:00 p.m. Auditorium Doors Open 6:30 p.m. Auditorium Doors Close (Due to the live broadcast, guests arriving after this time will not be allowed inside the auditorium) 7:00 p.m. Debate Begins Where Palm Beach State College Eissey Theatre 11051 Campus Drive Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410 The debate will air live on WPEC CBS12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the West Palm Beach television market, which is comprised of households in Palm Beach, St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties. It is the 38th largest television market in the nation including 825 thousand TV Households and more than 1.5 million Adults 18+. Thank you, Alex Melendez Brian Mast for Congress Cell: 727-692-3212 Click Here to Get Debate Tickets

Peter Feaman on September 28

Peter will speak about getting everybody behind our Presidential candidate Donald Trump.

---

Peter Feaman was unanimously elected in 2012 by the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Florida to be its National Committeeman to represent Florida Republicans at the Republican National Committee in Washington, DC. He currently sits on the Rules Committee of the RNC.

As a practicing trial attorney, Mr. Feaman was recognized by the Florida Trend magazine as one of Florida’s “Elite Lawyers” in the field of business and commercial litigation in 2011.

In 2007, Mr. Feaman published his first book entitled “WAKE UP, AMERICA!” subtitled, “Understanding Jihad for Dummies!” His second book “THE NEXT NIGHTMARE” with a forward by former Congressman Allen West, was published in 2012. Mr. Feaman has appeared on Fox News and numerous radio talk shows throughout the United States to discuss the threat of radical Islam, current political issues and how political correctness will destroy America.

2016 Club Presidents Jamboree

Every two years, during the summer of an election year, the county GOP hosts a “Jamboree” – an old fashioned political picnic for candidates on the upcoming ballot to introduce themselves to the party activists. With a barbecue lunch under the pavillion roof, surrounded by covered booths hosted by candidates and political clubs, it is gathering place for the GOP faithful and those who seek to represent them at all levels of government.

This year the event moved from its normal venue at the South County Civic Center to a more central location at John Prince Park. Hosted by Rosemary O’Mara and the club Presidents Council, it featured candidates for offices ranging from US Congress, the State Legislature, and Palm Beach County. Neither candidate for the only state-wide race on the ballot this year – US Senate, participated, but representatives for Marco Rubio and Carlos Beruff were in the crowd.

Left to right from upper left: CC1 Commissioner Hal Valeche (on the ballot 11/8), Moderator Mark Foley, Committeewoman Cindy Tindell, Carl Domino (CD18), GOP Chairman Michael Barnett, Mark Freeman (CD18), Rick Kozell (CD18), Brian Mast (CD18), Paul Spain (CD21), Rick Sessa (Sheriff), Rick Roth (FH85), Andrew Watt (FH85), Laurel Bennett (FH86), Stuart Mears (FH86), Taniel Shant (CC5), Joe Budd (State Committeeman), Christine Spain (SOE), Tom Sutterfield (SB1), Shelley Vana (Property Appraiser), William Abramson (Public Defender).

With former Congressman Mark Foley as MC, the candidates made their pitch. In the pitched battle for the CD18 seat being vacated by Patrick Murphy, we heard from August primary contenders Carl Domino, Dr. Mark Freeman, Rick Kozell and Brian Mast. Paul Spain, prepping for a rematch against Lois Frankel in CD21 will be on the ballot in November.

At the state level we heard from north county candidates for FH85 Andrew Watt (the longtime aide to Pat Rooney who is vacating the seat) and farmer Rick Roth. To the west, the FH86 primary was represented by Laurel Bennett and Stuart Mears, contenders for the seat being vacated by Mark Pafford.

On the county level we had Taniel Shant, who will face incumbent County Mayor Mary Louise Berger in the fall, Christine Spain who is facing incumbent SOE Susan Bucher, Shelley Vana who is facing fellow Democrat Dorothy Jacks for Property Appraiser, Tom Sutterfield competing in a field of 5 for School Board district 1, and William Abramson who is trying to unseat fellow Democrat Carey Houghwout for Public Defender.

Joe Budd, seeking to unseat Peter Feaman for state committeman and Cindy Tindall who is running for re-election rounded out the field.

Political Jamboree

Dr. Wes Borucki Presents the 2016 Anne Roberts Scholarships

Presenting our annual Anne Roberts Scholarships to 2 new recipients and two continuing students, PBAU Professor Wes Borucki gave us his thoughts on the Presidential election and its implications for the Supreme Court.

A Ted Cruz supporter who is now supporting our presumptive nominee Donald Trump, Wes talked about the need for party unity. Trump may be a “roll of the dice” he said, but that is much preferable to the certainty of a what a Clinton win would mean.

Hoping to avoid a court that legislates from the bench, we must avoid the kind of liberal judges Clinton would appoint, and the list that Donald Trump has published is very encouraging. Wes noted the disappointment we have had with some justices in the past, even those appointed by Republican Presidents, Roberts on Obamacare for instance. It was Hamilton, writing in the Federalist Papers who admonished the court to follow the constitution and not their personal views.

Regarding the electoral choices, Wes cautioned to beware the Libertarians – just look at how a Libertarian taking votes from Ken Cuccinelli installed Clinton Crony Terry Mcauliffe as Governor of Virginia. (Mcauliffe won by 2.5% with Libertarian Robert Sarvis taking 6.6% of the vote).

Quite frankly, major party realignments happen every 20 or so years. Perhaps it is time.

---

The 2016 Ann Roberts Scholarship winners are:

TWO NEW SCHOLARSHIPS:

Lauren Staff (Palm Beach Gardens – New Scholarship)
Lauren graduated from Dwyer High School in 2015 and is presently at Gator Land, University of Florida in her sophomore year, majoring in telecommunications. She writes for the Independent Florida Alligator Newspaper and works for ESPN Gainesville Radio 95.3 researching sports statistics. She tells us that Law School is in her future.

Jenna Calderaio (Jupiter – New Scholarship)
Jenna graduated from Jupiter Community High School this year and is headed to Seminole Land, FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY,to major in business and entrepreneurship looking forward to a career in product development. She attended the Florida Sunshine Summit in Orlando witnessing 14 presidential candidates which supported her goal to be a strong conservative leader for the Republican Party on a local or national level. (Jenna could not attend the meeting.)

RETURNING SCHOLARS

Dylan Brandenburg ( North Palm Beach – Returning Scholar)
Dylan will graduate in December this year from Florida State. As a major in criminology, is working this summer in our local State Attorney’s office in the White Collar Crime and Public Corruption area. He has also worked in Tallahassee with the Police Benevolent Association as well as under our CFO Jeff Atwater in the Division of Insurance Fraud. Dylan received ‘best witness” at this year’s UF Charity Mock Trial Tournament representing FSU of course! After graduation, he hopes to go to Florida State’s Law School.

Ryan Walker (Palm Beach County / Glades – Returning Scholar)
Ryan is at the University of Florida ready to graduate next year in political science and international relations. He is very active in his fraternity, Alpha Gamma Rho, which is rooted in agriculture and philanthropy. He helped raise $28,000 for charities that help cancer patients. Ryan is also minoring in Agricultural and Natural Resource Law; he sees Law School in his future. Ryan is involved with Alachua Republicans, College Republicans and is volunteering with the State House for Chuck Clemons (R)

---

Candidates in attendance included Christina Spain (SOE), Paul Spain (CD21), and Ron Berman (FS30), along with surrogate Jim Watt for his son Andrew Watt (FH85). Allen Schlesinger, who ran for CD18 in the last cycle, said he is contemplating a run for FS30. The meeting was kicked off with a patriotic song from Chris Noel.

Christine Spain on July 27

Christine will speak about the current operation of the PBC Supervisor of Elections Office and how we can do better.

---

Christine Spain is a former Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Broward Republican Party and served as Chair and Alternate Chair of the 23rd Congressional District Caucus of the State Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Florida.

Christine is an Attorney and a Certified Public Accountant in private practice in Boca Raton, concentrating in the areas of corporate law and business transactions. She has more than thirty years of experience in law, accounting and business, including 14 years working with national law and accounting firms in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties.

Christine has also served on Boards of non-profit organizations serving the needs of children at risk and works with and supports veteran’s organizations. Over the years, she has also been active in numerous political federal, state and local political campaigns and political causes and volunteered as an election pollwatcher. She is passionate about electoral integrity and preventing voter fraud.

Christine has resided in South Florida for more than 40 years and is a graduate of Florida universities, including the University of Miami School of Law, where she served on Law Review, Florida International University and University of Florida. She currently resides in Palm Beach Gardens with her husband Paul Spain, a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 21.

« Previous Page — Next Page »