REC is Growing and Growing and Growing!

It’s time to thank God for Obama. In case you haven’t noticed, those who believe in the Bible and the U.S. Constitution are awake and involved. Last night, Aug. 4, 2010, there were 131 REC members in attendance with an additional 22 voted to new REC positions of Committeeman/woman.

**Guest speaker, Rick Shepherd of Keep West Palm Beach Term LImits Committee encouraged members to attend the Aug. 9 City Commissioner’s Meeting at 4PM, City Center, 401 Clematis St.
Mayor Lois Frankel has made three attempts to change the City Charter so she can run again.

1. In March she attempted to form a committee to review and make recommendations to the charter. Because there was such an outcry from the community this group dissolved.

2. A group developed to to gather 5800 valid signatures is currently having difficulties finding people willing to sign. In 2002, 65,000 signatures were collected to place 8-year term limits on the Palm Beach County Commission. It won by 70%.

3. Mayor Frankel is now requesting the City Commissioners to place an anti-term limits measure on the ballot.

Commissioners Kimberly Mitchell and Molly Douglas have both voiced opposition to placing the anti-term limits on the ballot.

Remember when our Mayor felt it necessary for our city to have a new City Hall at the price of $155,000,000 and refused the citizens to vote on it? She sued the City to keep it OFF the ballot.

>Call or email the City Commissioners to vote NO on placing Anti-Term Limit on the ballot.
>Attend the Aug 9 City Commissioners Meeting.
>Write letters to the editor.

For more information – http://www.wpbtermlimits.blogspot.com/

**Beth Kigel introduced the REC Membership Committee.
Jessica Dornblaser announced there will be prizes for enrolling new REC members. You must bring in a minimum of five new sustainable members by Dec. The winner will receive two Lincoln Day Dinner tickets, a plaque and special recognition. The Club that brings in the most members will receive a free full-page ad in the Lincoln Day Dinner program.

Jennifer Lewis explained we must grow our membership so we can elect qualified Republican candidates for the sake of our children, grandchildren and our troops. She concluded with an Allen West video, Allen’s Call to Action i.e. “You have a responsibility. This is not a spectator sport – get on the court.”

**Chairman Sid Dinerstein announced the formation of the first Haitian Republican Club. August 3, he met with 20 Haitians. They elected a board with Gymmy Noel serving as the interim President. The Haitians support the Republican model of opportunity vs the other model of dependency.

** Ed Lynch’s proposed Amendment passed as amended by Jack Furnari with the agreement by the maker. It reads: It shall be prerequisite for every voting member of the board of the Republican Executive Committee to sign and adhere to any and all loyalty oaths that the Republican Executive Committee members are required to sign and adhere to.

**Chairman Dinerstein was asked to review the Board. Four members of the Board are selected by the REC, Chairman Sid Dinerstein, Vice-Chair Beth Kigel, Treasurer John Herrick and Secretary Linda Mazziotti. Two members are county-wide voted upon, State Committewoman/man Fran Hancock and Peter Feaman. There are three non-voting members, Parliamentarian David Shiner, Attorney Reeve Bright
and Advisor John R Smith. Chairman of the President’s Council Linda Gore is also a member. Assisted Vice Chairs are appointed by the Chair and approved by the REC. They include Wismick St. Jean, Marianne Moran, Margi Helschien, Jack Furnari and Bill Diamond.

**A discussion between Dean Taffel and Marianne Moran on the pros/cons of a Constitution Convention was requested.

**August 12, 1:30PM, Marco Rubio will be at the GOP Headquarters.

**Aug. 20, Grand Opening of So County GOP Office

**Joe Budd is requesting volunteers to hand out 40,000 palm cards on August 24. Contact his campaign.

**Sept. 10, RPOF quarterly meeting at Disney. More info at RPOF.org

Keep on keeping on!

How Safe Is Our Dollar?

Right Nights – Wednesday August 25, 2010

5:30 Meet & Greet

6:00 Program Begins

Bear Lakes Country Club

1901 Village Boulevard

West Palm Beach, FL

Self Parking , CASH Bar

$5 per person 

Club Policy is No Jeans and No Cell Phones

About the Speaker:  David Chamblee

David started his career with Edward Jones in 2003 and joined Corbin Cook at Lighthouse Wealth Management in March of 2010.  David practices Austrian Economic theory and serves his clients by managing their investments along with extensive financial planning.  David believes that active portfolio management is a necessity in today’s economic environment as opposed to the widely practiced passive management.  David also writes the bi-weekly web based commentary Razor Market Trends that touches on current economic topics and goes out all across the country.  David grew up in Belle Glade, Florida and after attending the University of Arkansas to play football, David graduated from Otterbein College in Westerville, OH.  He then got his masters at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS.  After living in Dallas and Los Angeles, David relocated back to the south in Atlanta in 2002.  David was awarded the Financial Advisor 5 Star Best in Customer Service and Client Satisfaction  by Atlanta Magazine in both 2009 and 2010.

Let Data Be The Guide, But Not So Fast

One of the wisest sayings in the world of economics and investing is, “Don’t make the data fit your belief, but let your belief be formed by the data.”  Not following this wisdom has led many investors to lose a lot of money, advisers to give faulty advice and government officials to lead the public astray.  Sound research that puts agendas, financial gain and wishful thinking aside will lead you to the truth of where things stand.  By using this method the current picture is not pretty and getting less so as we look at projections forward.  By now I’m sure you have heard the unsustainable word many times.  Yes, it is the hard truth that many didn’t want to believe, but now it seems that many are coming to the realization.  Our current economic path is unsustainable.

          

Why the “But” in the title then?  Although the data tells us that things look like they can get really bad at anytime going back to 2007, you can’t underestimate the power and manipulation of governments and central banks.  Not necessarily in that order.  For example, in late 2008 the world economy started to unwind or deleverage from an economic system that allowed governments, corporations, small businesses and individuals to lever up to the sky and never really pay down debt, but just keep rolling it over.  When that limit was reached the natural unwinding/deleveraging occurred and you have yourself a credit crisis.  The natural cause and effect was upon us as banks and corporations with too much leverage started to fail.  The data that so few saw or acknowledged told us this would happen, but governments and central banks didn’t allow it to happen.  They built a dam to divert the flow of the river, if you will, through bailouts and stimulus.  This is the “But”.  The data is still telling us the same thing that it did back in 2008.  Things are still broken and need to be fixed, but aren’t allowed to be.  The data was held in limbo for two years with the negative numbers and debt becoming much worse as an attempt was being made to preserve our economic system and “lifestyles”.  Just like any problems that are put off or ignored, they have to be dealt with eventually.  If you deal with them early they are less painful.  The Bush administration at the time in 2008 didn’t give us that option.  When will we have to deal with it is the million dollar question.   I would like to think that we are dealing with some of the pain already, but I think the data would accuse me of wishful thinking.

Florida Senate 27 Interviews

Florida Senate District 27 stretches across the state and contains portions of Palm Beach, Hendry, Glades, Charlotte, and Lee counties. On the west coast, the Naples Daily News recently interviewed each of the candidates in the Republican primary and videotaped the results. Click HERE for the Mike Lameyer video. The Sharon Merchant and Lizbeth Benacquisto videos can also be found as links from that page.

Time Running out for Palm Beach Gardens City Council Term Limits Amendment

UPDATE – If you know people who live in Palm Beach Gardens – please spread the word.  If anyone wants to call/walk to collect petitions, please contact Rob Palladino via the website link below.

There is always a continuing pro/con debate about term limits for any office. Ideally – people can vote their officials out. But in practice – once an incumbent, always an incumbent – unless accused of some gross malfeasance – and not even then! A group of concerned citizens is trying to get enough petitions signed by Garden’s residents to get this on the ballot in November. See their website here.

If you live in PBG and want to let the people decide whether to institute term limits or not – please print out the petition (on plain white paper) and send it in!

Bill McCollum Highlights a special RCPB Friday luncheon

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum was the headliner for a special Friday RCPB luncheon.  We had a full house as we enjoyed an excellent, served luncheon, which allowed us to keep our attention on our speakers and minimize moving around.

Melissa Andrews, club President, kicked-off the meeting – informing us that AG McCollum was running a little late, but that we’d start with club business.  David Donnally led us in the Invocation and Pledge of Allegience.  He was followed by Lou Galterio, who sang the National Anthem.
Kimberly Mitchell, West Palm Beach City Commissioner made some initial comments and introduced Ellyn Bogdanoff (FL Representative, District 91), candidate for FL Senate 25.  Ellyn spoke about accomplishments in Tallahassee and the difficult challenges for the following year.  Anita Mitchell, club 2nd Vice President, then told us of her long time support of Bill McCollum and welcomed him to the podium.

(Story continues below the pictures.)

McCollum, candidate for Fl Governor, addressed several issues, including Florida’s lawsuit against the Healthcare law (based on two primary issues: using the commerce clause to force individual mandates, and adding additional people to the Medicaid roles without state control).  He segued to the business environment and how we have to make the Florida business and tax environment a draw for attracting new types of businesses.  He then tied Education into the mix – stressing the need for merit pay for teachers, some way of phasing out tenure and measuring progress.  Continuing education for science and technical education was a must.  Bill McCollum also addressed the status of the campaign – directly confronting the issues he has with his primary opponent, Rick Scott.  He took one question from the audience on the issue of states’ rights vs the federal government which are key to both his suit on Healthcare as well as his stance in joining Michigan, along with several other, in support of Arizona’s immigration bill.

Next, the general call for candidates brought out Sherry Lee (candidate for PBC Commission District 2), Joe Budd (candidate for US Congress District 19), Tami Donnally (candidate for FL House 85), Albert Key (candidate for FL House 84), and Nancy Cardone (candidate for FL House 83).   Starla Brown won our drawing for the South Florida Golf Card – congratulations, Starla!  And Lou Galterio closed the meeting with his rendition of “I’m Proud to be an American’.

Reminder – this is our last meeting prior to the primary elections on 8/24!  Please work for the candidates you support in any way that you can.

AG Bill McCollum – Keynote Speaker at our 7/16 Luncheon!

Attorney General Bill McCollum, Candidate for Governor

and

Hon. Ellyn Bogdanoff, Candidate for FL Senate (Dist. 25)

WHERE: Bear Lakes Country Club, 1901 Village Blvd, West Palm Beach

BLCC Policy: Business Casual Dress (No Jeans); Please Silence Cell Phones,

TIME/DATE:

Friday, July 16; 11:30 Gathering; Lunch and Program at noon

(NOTE: CHANGE to FRIDAY)

COST $25 Members

 $30 Guests

 Complimentary Valet

RSVP by Wednesday, July 14 NOON — 561-697-4911 or email:

info@gopclubpb.org

Action Center Grand Opening

Video from the Senate Debate

Video by Boris Balaban

Intro

Welcome


Shannon Armstrong


Panel


Candidates Intro.


Question 1 Immigration


Question2 State’s Rights


Question 3 Transportation


Question 4 Amendments


Question 5 Education


Question 6 Spending_Taxes part 1 and 2




End Comments

WPB Commission says NO to New Assessments

It was standing room only at the city commission meeting tonight and Mayor Frankel announces – you can speak if you’d like – but we will NOT be voting on a new assessment for Fire Services and the City of WPB committed to not raising the millage rates this year.

Commissioner Mitchell reminded the panel and audience that while she agreed to support a temporary assessment, that she did so with the intentions of building THREE new structures.

Originally the fee was assessed to pay for three new fire stations. If, in fact, those stations do not need replacing this assessment fee needs to end. I disagree with the notion  about the nexus between the fire fee and fire service. One has nothing to do with the other — except the word “fire.” I do not  believe that getting rid of any assessment will slow down the job of the firemen.   They  know their job and do it well.  This fee (tax) is just supplanting the operating budget of the general fund (ad valorem and non ad valorem).

This issue has nothing to do with the brave men & women who work for our Fire Dept.  It has to do with a Commission who continues to tax and spend its residents and property owners into poverty. 

In 2008, city administration brought forward a plan to build three new fire stations.  The commission finally agreed by all that with the sale of certain city-owned property out west,  bonds (not to exceed $12 million) would be (retired) and the assessment would end. 

In 2009, facing budget shortfalls, administration suggested the city sweep the previous $2 million collected and add another $2 million in assessments to plug the deficit. Only Commissioner Mitchell voted against the budget last year due to these outrageous  recommendations. 

I would like to ask why no bond has been issued to raise the capital for the new fire stations but, the revenue stream has continued to be collected.  Citizens should be outraged. 

There was conversation about pensions and unions and how all across the country – municipalities are finding it almost impossible to fund these pension plans.  The attendees are encourgaed that as West Palm Beach begins the budgeting process, we all need to be in attendance and take part of the process.  Cuts are coming… let’s just jope they start with the non-essential items. 

Elections bring out the conservative in candidates (so for one year we can benefit).  It’s our very own Commissioner Mitchell who has the consistent voting record for responsible government.  Read Palm Beach Post Article here

Senate 25 and 27 Candidate Biographies

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DISTRICT 27 CANDIDATES

Lizbeth Benacquisto has been a Florida resident for over 30 years, living in Wellington
for the past 15. She attended the University of Florida and Penn State University, and
she graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in
Organizational Management. Lizbeth and her family currently reside in Wellington. She
is a Realtor and mother of two school-age children and a college-age step-son.
Lizbeth was first elected Wellington Councilwoman in 2002 to represent the Village of
Wellington, and was re-elected through the conclusion of her term in 2010. She served
as vice-mayor for two years. Ms. Benaquisto has served the community as a member of
the American Council of Young Political leaders and was chosen and served as a
delegate to South Africa in 2004. She has served as member of Early Learning Coalition
of Palm Beach County, the Florida League of Cities municipal loan council, and as a
member of the Western Communities Council of Palm Beach County. She is currently a
member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the National League of Cities
Council on Youth Education and Families.

Mike Lameyer served in the United States Marine Corps for 4 years, saw difficult
combat in Vietnam, and received an honorable discharge as Sergeant E5. He earned a
bachelors degree, as well as his Commercial Pilot License along with a Flight Instructor
Certification. Mike was employed as a Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor. After a
downturn in the airline industry, Mike became the Director of Corporate Development for
International Science and Technology, which specialized in the development of hard
goods technology products. He also received several world-wide and US patents.
Mike married Karen a Palm Beach County School teacher. They have been married for
twenty-nine years and have four children. Mike, as a certified bowling coach, has
coached adults, children and Special Olympics. He is also a certified firearms instructor,
a published author and on the James Madison Institute’s Palm Beach Board of Advisors.
The Institute is a Florida-based research and educational organization rooted in a belief
in the U.S. Constitution. Mike states that he has the experience “necessary to insure Job
growth in Florida along with protecting our rights from an ever-intrusive Federal
Government”.

Sharon J. Merchant is a fifth-generation Floridian. Born in West Palm Beach, she
received a B.S. in International Affairs from Florida State University. While attending
FSU she served as legislative assistant to Rep. Marian Lewis from 1987 until 1992,
when she was elected to succeed Marian. Merchant served four consecutive terms as
District 83 Representative. When House Republicans earned a majority in 1996,
Representative Merchant became part of the legislative leadership. She was the Chair of
the Appropriations Committee on Transportation and Economic Development, and later
chaired the Juvenile Justice Committee. Other committees on which she served included
Utility and Telecommunications, Community College and Career Prep, Regulated
Services, and Water & Resource Management.
Domestic Violence continues to be a priority for Merchant. Sharon hosted an annual
conference/seminar for several years, with all proceeds going to domestic violence
shelters. Merchant has homes in both Palm Beach and Lee Counties. She is married to
Dan Turner. They have one son, Max Turner. Sharon is Vice President of Equipment
Rental Service, Inc., a family-owned business.

DISTRICT 25 CANDIDATES

Ellyn Setnor Bogdanoff a native Floridian, graduated from the University of Florida with
a degree in Insurance and Risk Management in 1980. She began her career as a
shareholder in Setnor Byer Bogdanoff, Inc., an independent insurance agency, and also
wrote as a columnist for a national insurance industry magazine. She established EBS
Consulting in 1997, a government and corporate consulting firm. Ellyn received her law
degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2003, graduating magna cum laude. She
is a practicing attorney, certified mediator and arbitrator in Fort Lauderdale
Ellyn was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in a Special Election in 2004.
She was the Majority Whip for the 2006-2008 term and is chair of the House Finance
and Tax Council. Ms. Bogdanoff has received several honors and awards for her
legislative advocacy and her commitment to education and children’s issues including
the “Rising Star” award from the Probate and Real Property Section of the Florida Bar,
legislator of the year by the Florida Association of Realtors in 2006 and the Florida
Dental Association in 2008. She was recognized by the Broward Partnership for the
Homeless and was also honored by Florida’s Children First, Covenant House Florida,
and the Florida Association of School Administrators. She was a foster parent and is
currently serving as a Guardian ad litem. She and her husband, Steven, have their three
children. Ellyn is also competitive tennis player when she finds spare time.

Carl Domino has lived in FL since 1958. He has a BS in Accounting from Florida State
University and a Harvard MBA. He served in the US Navy, in Vietnam and retired as a
Commander in the U.S.Naval Reserve in1989. Carl worked for Delaware Investment
Advisors as a chartered Financial Analyst and Senior Portfolio Manager. In 1987 he
founded Carl Domino Associates, now known as Northern Trust Value Investors and
Carl became the President and Chief Investment Officer. He is President of Carl
Domino, Inc., a wealth management and investment advisory firm, since 1987. He is a
member of several local and national business groups and is a regular commentator for
media outlets on financial markets.
In 2002 Carl was elected to the Florida House of Representatives, and he is currently
serving his fourth term. He was Majority Whip from 2004-2006 and Chair of the Palm
Beach County Delegation from 2005-2006. He serves on the Joint Legislative Auditing
Committee as Alternating Chair, the Committee on Audit & Performance as Vice Chair,
and the Committee on Insurance and the Government Efficiency & Accountability
Council. Mr. Domino is also very active in the community through the American Cancer
Society board of directors, Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches, Easter Seals
Golf Tournament, the Palm Beach Economic Council, Florida State University Boosters,
Florida State University Foundation, the West Palm Beach Kiwanis Club and the Knights
of Columbus. Carl, his wife, Sharon, and their two children live in Jupiter.

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