Florida Legislative Update at April Lunch

Join us in April as Representative Pat Rooney (FH85) brings us up to date on the legislative session that has just concluded.

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Mar 23 – Candidate Forum for Congressional District 18

At our March lunch, for a first in a series leading up to the August 30 primary and county-wide election, we have invited the seven Republican candidates competing for the CD18 seat being vacated by Patrick Murphy. Murphy, now a Democrat candidate for Senate, has held the seat for two terms after defeating Allen West in 2012. The district, which includes all of Martin, St. Lucie and northern Palm Beach counties, is narrowly Republican (R+3), but the Democrats are fielding some heavily funded candidates with out of state backing.

Currently the Republican field has narrowed to seven with Paul Spain moving to CD21 and Carla Spalding becoming NPA. Of these, Carl Domino, Mark Freeman, Rick Kozell, Brian Mast, Rebecca Negron and Rick Roth have already accepted our invitation, and we are waiting to hear from Noelle Nikpour.

The candidates will be asked their thoughts on the most important challenges facing the country, what sets them apart from the other candidates, and how they plan to defeat the Democrat in the fall. Join us for what should be a highly informative session.

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Presidential Primary Expo

For the club’s first meeting in our new venue, the Holiday Inn on Belvedere, we invited representatives of all the Republican Presidential candidates to come and tell us why they have made their choice and why we should too.

Originally we were to have 7 speakers, but since Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee and Rand Paul dropped out, we ended up with all of the remaining candidates except John Kasich who does not have a Florida organization.

To start, moderator Fred Scheibl gave a snapshot of the race to date with four states having voted, discussing delegate counts, what states vote when, the state of the polls, and a little about campaign finance. To see the handout on these topics, click HERE.

The speakers all had different points of view (as do their candidates) but there was one common thread – they are all very passionate about their candidate and strongly believe they would make the best President. All made excellent arguments on behalf of their guy.

First, speaking for Doctor Ben Carson, was JTRO President and county coordinator Barry Carson.

Barry spoke of the early days after Ben’s National Prayer Breakfast speech that generated 10 million petition signatures for him to run. A religious man, he is in it for the children, who have no future with the amount of debt we are accumulating. He wants to heal the divisions created by Obama and seeks to heal, inspire and revive the American Spirit. Author of 8 books, including “A More Perfect Union” about the constitution, Ben Carson is running a “we the people” movement to return America to you the people.

Next up was Ted Cruz County Coordinator Marion Frank.

Marion relayed that she hasn’t had a feeling like this since voting for Ronald Reagan. A defender of the constitution, Ted Cruz does just what he says he will do and doesn’t care about being liked for it by the establishment. He has not been corrupted by Washington as he has fought Obamacare and amnesty, and seeks to abolish the IRS with a flat tax. With the prospect of multiple appointments to the Supreme Court, in which we are one justice away from a radical majority, who better to trust with these appointments? Ted has won cases before them on partial birth abortion, the 2nd Amendment (Heller vs DC), defended the 10 Commandments on the grounds of the Texas state capital, and defended us against Mexico and the UN in Medellin vs Texas. If we elect the felon or the socialist on the other side, we will lose the court for a generation. Ted is the best prepared to be Commander in Chief, destroy ISIS, and dump Obama’s rules of engagement.

Next, speaking for Marco Rubio was County Coordinator Pam Wohlschlegel and Teenage Republicans leader Daniel Scroggins.

Marco is a real conservative with a lifetime score of 98% from the American Conservative Union and a Heritage rating 10th out of 535. On immigration, Marco saw the need as a new senator for immigration reform and joined the gang of 8, but the other 7 were very liberal, including the three Republicans. He showcased his ability to find shared values and improved the legislation with increased border security, mandatory e-verify, and eliminated the pathway to citizenship. He is someone who can work with the other side to get something positive for our side. Unfortunately, the bill was withdrawn and we now have nothing. Anyone who says we can round up and deport 12 million people is crazy. Dan told us that on the economy Marco sees tax reform as the key to jobs and higher wages. On national security he will be a Commander in Chief who will protect us at home and rebuild our military.

Lastly, speaking for Donald Trump was former Palm Beach Councilman Bill Diamond.

A new Trump supporter, who was for Marco Rubio only recently (and who he still likes very much), Bill feels that the time has come to unite the party with a winner. Having known Donald for 40 years going back to Queens, he feels the party must rally around someone who can turn on as he has millions of independents and Republicans who never vote. He has made an impression that no one has been able to do, and he is “sui generis” – one of a kind. Bill believes that Donald Trump is the nearest thing to Ronald Reagan. He has worked with government very successfully over many years, and Bill watched him build the Newark courthouse. He is practical, reasonable and a winner. Opening up the Republican party to millions who never vote, Donald is not ideological but there is something else in the air here. We have a winner who will change this country for the better. He is strong, tough, does what he says and his aim is “Lets Make America Great Again”.

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Also introducing themselves at the meeting were candidates Rebecca Negron (CD18), Robert Goldberg (County Commission 5), Peter Noble (Greenacres Council), and surrogates John for Rick Kozell and Linda Ivell for Marc Freeman (CD18).

Our meeting next month will be on the usual 4th Wednesday of the month, March 23 at the Holiday Inn. With the Presidential Primary for Florida over and done with, we will turn our attention to Congressional District 18 and host a forum for the 9 candidates in that race. Watch the website and email for details.

RCPB Hosts Presidential Primary Expo, February 25th

Surrogates from the local campaigns for all the Presidential Candidates have been invited to make their case, talk about their local campaign organizations and give you the opportunity to ask questions and get involved. We will also give you a snapshot on the “state of the race” with 18 days to go before the Florida primary on March 15. By the time of the meeting, Iowa, New Hampshire, South Carolina and Nevada will have voted, but only 133 delegates (5.3% of the total) will have been decided.

We have commitments so far from the campaigns of 4 of the 5 remaining candidates: Ben Carson, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and Donald Trump.

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Barnett and Hnatiuk at January Lunch.

At our last lunch at Bear Lakes for the forseeable future, County Chairman Michael Barnett and Political Director Ryan Hnatiuk brought the club members up to speed on plans for the upcoming election year.

With a strong focus on the importance of grassroots, Michael stressed the need to be ready with precinct walkers, phone bank callers and poll watchers long before election day, and spoke of upcoming classes and activities. Part of our success will depend on outreach, and the party is building a presence on Haitian and Hispanic radio, and showing the flag out in the community such as joining the parade on Martin Luther King day.

Building on successful fundraising at Lincoln Day and Lobsterfest we are poised to meet or exceed the 41% of the vote received by Mitt Romney in this heavily Democrat county, and the party is building the infrastructure to support candidates for municipal elections on up. For the presidential election, he committed that the county party will support whoever becomes the Republican nominee, and pledged to defeat the “disgusting socialists” Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton.

Political Director Hnatiuk focused on some of the nuts and bolts and described a different approach to collecting absentee ballots after SOE Susan Bucher explained that volunteers can bulk collect them as long as they are not paid to do so. In 2012, the Democrats outperformed us in both Absentee and Early voting tallys. In spreading the word about the GOP candidates and policies to independents and like minded Democrats (necessary to prevail in Democrat leaning Florida), Ryan suggested the approach: “Obama may have spilled the milk, but we have the mop.”

Also speaking briefly at the meeting were candidates Billie Brooks (Riviera Beach Mayor), Rick Kozell (CD18), Peter Noble and Judy Dugo (Greenacres Council), Martha Webster (Royal Palm Beach Mayor), and Lenore White (Royal Palm Beach Council) and a surrogate for CD18 candidate Marc Freeman.

Next month we will feature a presidential campaign surrogate event at our new venue at the Holiday Inn Airport on Belvedere Road. Please note that for February only, the event will be on Thursday February 25. To date we have signed up representatives of the Trump, Cruz, Rubio, Carson, Bush, Huckabee and Paul campaigns, with more to follow.

On that same day, in the evening, the club is co-sponsor of a Palm Beach Gardens Council Forum at the Gardens Branch of the County Library (across from the Eissey theatre), at 6:30pm. The event will feature the three candididates for the group 4 seat: incumbent Vice Mayor David Levy, Kevin Easton, and Carl Woods. It will be moderated by former mayor Mike Martino.

RCPB Co-hosts Palm Beach Gardens Candidate Forum on 2/25

Michael Barnett and Ryan Hnatiuk at January Lunch

2016 will be an active political year, with Presidential Primary and Municipal elections in March, county-wide non-partisan and primary elections in August, and the general election in November – “the most important election of your lifetime” as they say.

To help us make sense of it all, the club will host PBCGOP Chair Michael Barnett and Executive Director Ryan Hnatiuk in January.

Please join us and be prepared to get active and involved for your favorite candidate(s) as the races heat up.

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Michael Barnett currently serves as Chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. He was born in Queens, New York but has lived in Boca Raton since 1987. He graduated from Boca Raton High School in 1995, the University of South Florida in 2004 with a BA in Political Science, and the University of Miami School of Law in 2007 with a JD degree. Michael has been practicing law since 2007.

Michael has been a life long conservative Republican. A grassroots activist since 1994, he was involved early on with the College Republicans, Young Republicans, and became an REC committeeman in August, 2010. He was elected Secretary of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County in December, 2010, Vice Chairman in December, 2012, and Chairman in December, 2014.

As Secretary and Vice Chairman, Michael helped start the Party’s black and minority outreach program, with a heavy focus on the large local Haitian community. The Party’s activities and successes in Palm Beach County have made news across the state.

Michael has been grassroots-oriented but has also been able to unite the local Party, earning unanimous support of Republicans across the entire spectrum. “Our job is to get Republicans elected but we must never ever sacrifice principles or values. I am a pro-life, pro-traditional marriage social and fiscal conservative. I believe the Party must stick to its principles while welcoming other groups who share our conservative values.”

Michael is an active parishioner at Ascension Catholic Church in Boca Raton. He’s a member of the Knights of Columbus, has been on political and missions trips to Haiti, and volunteers at The Soup Kitchen in Boynton Beach, Florida.

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Ryan C. Hnatiuk has been appointed to the role of Political Director. He was born and raised outside of Flint, Michigan. He, and his wife of 13 years, have one son who is a very active toddler and is a full time job in his own right. Since coming to South Florida, Ryan has had the opportunity to work with various candidates, consultants and fundraisers primarily within Palm Beach County but has also consulted in the counties of Martin, Broward, and St. Lucie. He has worked in various sized campaigns from town council to congressional and county commission seats.

Ryan recently attained his master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in Conflict Resolution and is also a certified mediator. Prior to getting his master’s degree he received his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a minor in International Relations with primary focus being on Latin American governments and their emerging markets. He is looking to use the skills he has attained to strengthen friendships, build lasting coalitions and open dialogue to attract new people to the Republican Party.

December Luncheon Features Dimensional Harmony

Join us at Bear Lakes on Wednesday, December 9 for Holiday Music from Boynton Beach High School’s phenomenal “Dimensional Harmony, as they dance, sing and harmonize their way to London!

Please bring non-perishable foods to contribute to the Palm Beach County Food Bank.

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Dimensional Harmony is a sensational choral group of 50 extraordinarily talented Boynton Beach High School students that has received state and nationwide acclaim for its amazing singing ability!

Under the direction of innovative director, Mr. Sterling Frederick, Dimensional Harmony has been widely recognized nationwide over the past few years, winning first place gold in several competitions in New York and Atlanta; and also winning the prestigious National Show Choir Title. Members have performed their creative interpretations of inspirational songs, ballads, and popular hits live on the “Today Show,” as well as at numerous theaters. Other venues for Dimensional Harmony’s accomplishments include the Florida Music Educators Association Music Conference, openings for renowned gospel singers, and at events held at Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago Resort.

Dimensional Harmony members are a proven example of the positive impact dedicated students, their dedicated leader, and the Performing Arts can have on the local community and on developing future successful, well rounded, and responsible, young individuals and citizens! With their incredible talent, grace, harmony, and unlimited enthusiasm, they deserve the opportunity to become our ambassadors and compete at the highest level.

November Meeting Features “A Tribute to our Troops and Veterans”

In November, we highlight our veterans and active duty military.

Join us at Bear Lakes on Wednesday, November 18 to hear Colonel Arthur DeRuve discuss the contributions that our military has made to the establishment and preservation of our great nation. Colonel DeRuve will refer to all who have worn the uniform of our country, from the Colonialists to our current Boots-on-the-Ground armed forces members. He will describe how the accomplishments of our greatest leaders throughout our history, in preserving our Republic, would not have been possible without the soldiers/sailors/marines/airmen & coastguardsmen who put themselves in harm’s way for the United States of America.

The meeting will also feature patriotic songs by members of Dimensional Harmony from Boynton Beach High School, who will also be featured at our December Christmas / Hanukkah Celebration.

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Colonel Arthur DeRuve was commissioned a second lieutenant through the college ROTC program. After serving two years with the 2nd Armored Division as a cold war soldier in Germany, he remained an additional 28 years in the Army’s active reserve, including 11 years as a military liaison officer for West Point. He is a graduate of the Army’s Artillery & Guided Missile School, the Command & General Staff College, and the Army War College.

In civilian life Colonel DeRuve served as the regional management officer of the “Office of Hearings & Appeals”, the judicial arm of the Social Security Administration, for the states of New York and New Jersey and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He holds a BS degree in political science from Fordham University and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from New York University.

A County Update – with Commissioner Steven Abrams

Appointed by Charlie Crist in 2009 and twice returned to office, Steven Abrams is currently our longest serving Republican Commissioner, and one of only two out of seven (Hal Valeche is the other, elected in 2012).

Speaking at our October lunch, Steve gave a relatively upbeat synopsis of the county economy, describing the low unemployment and other official statistics, as well as anecdotal “unofficial” measurements such as the uptick in traffic, tourism, and garbage collection.

The commission isn’t typically partisan he said, noting that they were in general agreement about allowing Uber to operate in the county, but there are exceptions.

Next week for example (Tuesday at 5pm) Mayor Vana is holding a public hearing on a county proclamation to support the Obama Executive Amnesty, and asking that the state of Florida withdraw from the lawsuit opposing it. If you think such unilateral amnesty is unconstitutional, you may want to attend the meeting and give them your thoughts.

In the Q&A, the commissioner was asked some substantive questions concerning the upcoming proposal for a 1 cent sales tax to fund infrastructure, and Monday’s vote to allow more development in the Ag reserve.

The sales tax proposal, if approved, would appear on the November ballot, but because both Fire/Rescue and the School System would also like to increase the sales tax, it may or may not happen. As you consider this possibility, remember that this September, the county passed the largest budget, with the largest adopted tax in county history. The millage did not increase, but the significant run up in property valuation produced a massive windfall. Steve spoke about the possibility, but did not say one way or the other whether he supports the sales tax referendum. A voted General Obligation Bond issue is also on the table to fund roads and bridges.

On the Ag Reserve (that area west of Boca, Delray and Boynton where the county bought $100M worth of land to keep in agriculture), they just voted to ease the rules on selling development rights for small, non-contiguous parcels. This will have the effect of increasing the number of houses that can be developed by about 1000, although Steve argued that the total will not exceed the amount envisioned in the master plan in 1999 (which is about 14,000 homes). What he didn’t say is that the way the land has been developed to date, the contiguity rules limited it to about 13,000. To his credit, Steve has a well thought-out set of reasons for his yes vote, and it is a relatively complex issue pitting developers and small landowners against environmentalists and groups like the League of Woman Voters.

Several candidates or their surrogates were in attendance, including CD18 candidate Rebecca Negron. Club VP Meg Shannon spoke for CD18 candidate Rick Kozell, and club Treasurer Bette Anne Starkey spoke for Jeb Bush.

Join us for the next lunch on Wednesday, November 18th where we will present a tribute to our troops and veterans with Colonel Arthur DeRuve.

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