Peter Feaman Speaks of Gains and Opportunities
With a large dose of optimism for the future, RNC Committeman Peter Feaman gave the club his prespectives on the state of the state GOP, the results of the November election and the outlook for 2016.
Starting with a historical perspective of man’s struggle for freedom, from Exodus to the Declaration of Independence, he cast the actions of our government today, particularly under this administration, as counter to that struggle. The Republican party, starting with Lincoln, has at its core tried to advance the cause of freedom for all.
Today we are angry and scared at what is happening with Obamacare, EPA regulations, and the excesses of the nanny state, but in the 2014 election we rose up for freedom, and the result is the largest Republican House majority in 80 years. Republicans are also now in charge of 69 out of 99 state legislative bodies – 70%. The Democrats have been taken over by the hard left, but now we have an opportunity to reverse that trend.
In October and November of 2014, the RNC raised $12M – 87% of which was from donations of $200 or less, giving the lie to the GOP as the “party of the rich”. Support among ethnic groups has moved in our direction. Asian Americans voted 50% Republican in 2014, up from 26%. Black support doubled from 6% to 12%. We are the “party of freedom” and the “party of values” – and should not forget that Martin Luther King was a Republican.
Looking toward 2016, the RNC has established a debate schedule that includes one per month for 9 months. The Florida debate will be the last – in March 2016, and the debates will both start and end with the Fox News Network.
In response to a question that many had on their minds – with all this success, why is the President continuing to ignore congress and do his own thing, Peter pointed to the Speaker’s invitation to Benjamin Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress (a shot across the bow of this President) as the beginnings of Congress reasserting its authority as a co-equal branch of government. They have only been in session for a little over a week, after all, so stay tuned!
Also at the meeting we had a drawing for two tickets to the Lincoln Day dinner, which will feature NJ Governor Chris Christie. They were won by Meg Shannon and Nicki Sabino.
In attendance at the meeting were three consecutive county GOP Chairman – Sid Dinerstein, Anita Mitchell, and current chair Michael Barnett, and an appearance was made by WPB Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell, who is running for Mayor in the March election.
Holiday Lunch Features Sweet Sound of Dimensional Harmony
In a joint event with the Delray Beach Republican Club, our annual Holiday Lunch featured Dimensional Harmony from Boynton Beach High School. Led by director Sterling Frederick, the 50 person a-capella group delighted the members with traditional Christmas songs as well as their own contemporary favorites. The pure tones and songbird quality of their soloist on “Silent Night” was riveting, and the uplifting harmonies of the group as they fanned out to surround the audience was memorable.
We wish them well for their debut at New York’s Carnegie Hall in March of next year.
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Honoring our Veterans
The November meeting’s theme and purpose was to Honor our Veterans. Fran Hancock, President, kicked off the meeting and then the Invocation and Pledge were led by Virginia Brooks.
Fran introduced our keynote speaker, Staff Sergeant Brian Mast. SSG Mast now resides in Ft. Lauderdale, FL with his wife of 8 years, Brianna, and his 4 and 2 year old sons Magnum and Maverick, and are expecting a little girl in February. He is a full time student of Economics at Harvard University, an Explosive Specialist with the Department of Homeland Security, and a tireless advocate working to bring awareness to many veteran and non-profit organizations.
Brian gave an impassioned speech thanking our Veterans from all wars, and all who served in any capacity. He began by describing the huge number of non-profit organizations that exist to make life better for those who served, and how life for the vets from the more recent conflicts is far better than the treatment that our Vietnam Vets received upon returning home. There was not a dry eye in the house as Brian described the various ways in which veterans have given of themselves with their every action. He recounted in detail the night in which he lost both of his legs in Afghanistan. Brian had gone ahead of his team to check for IEDs – which he was sure were there. He gave the all clear and headed in for the mission when he stepped on a mine a few feet into the compound. SSG Mast described his rescue and waking up 5 days later at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. He also honored the 67 friends he lost in Afghanistan. SSG Mast is a true patriot and Fran indicated that he may be running for office in the near future. We would all be well served to have such an outstanding individual represent us in the future.
Our next speaker, club member Chris Noel, echoed the experiences of those who served in Vietnam. As an actress/singer who went to Vietnam in the 1960’s with Bob Hope and the USO to entertain and support veterans when most of the Hollywood” crowd did not, she saw what those in the military had to endure both in Vietnam and upon their return. She continued to be driven to help our veterans and formed Vetsville to provide housing for homeless vets and to help them return to productive lives.
Last on our agenda were candidate for the REC leadership: Mike Barnett, running for Chair; Pam Wohlschegel, running for Vice-Chair; and Cheryl Mullings, running for Secretary.
Delia’s pictures from the event:
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Lively Discussion at Forum on Ballot Questions
There were compelling arguments on both sides of the questions as our speakers discussed Medical Marijuana, the re-authorization of the Children’s Services Council, and the School Tax extension Wednesday at Bear Lakes.
Moderator Fred Scheibl described the pros and cons of Amendment’s 1 and 3 and the Palm Beach Gardens Term Limits questions before turning it over ot our featured speakers.
Eric Stevens, Finance Director of United for Care, spoke in favor of Amendment 2, listing the safeguards that will be established by the legislature, Virginia Brooks argued that we will be creating a new form of pill mills, with marijuana freely available.
The Childrens Services Council was represented by board member Tom Weber who described all the good the organization has accomplished over the years, while Sid Dinerstein raised the issue of taxation without oversight, the argument against independent taxing districts of all kinds, no matter how much good work they do, and raised the spectre of a future Democrat Governor appointing board members who will use it to fund their liberal interest groups.
Former County Commissioner Karen Marcus spoke in favor of arts in the schools and the need for continuing the tax for another 4 years, using “refrigerator art” created by her grandchildren as props. Sid countered with the taxes that those grandchildren will be paying.
Handouts with lots of detail on the questions were provided at the meeting. Click HERE if you would like to read or print them.
Some Pictures from the event:
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CFO Jeff Atwater at Joint Event
Co-sponsored by the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches and the Republican Club of the Northern Palm Beaches, on September 26, a full house of members and guests gave a very warm welcome home to Florida’s CFO and Cabinet Member Jeff Atwater. President Fran Hancock remarked in her introduction that she has watched him through high school and college, followed by his successful banking and political career.
CFO Atwater impressed the voters to think about the “Consequences of Change” quoting strong statistics to show how the state has improved the past 4 years under the governance of Rick Scott while declining under the previous administration.
Some of the examples he cited were in the housing market and job creation. i.e., when he was elected, unemployment was in the 10-11% range, and the average home price was $121,000. Unemployment has dropped to 6% and the average home price in Florida has increased to $185,000.
The CFO also pointed out that Florida was only one of 8 states to survive the recession and regain our AAA credit rating from Standard & Poors.
EDUCATION:
He also emphasized that money had not been the answer to improving Florida’s educational standards. In the 1990’s, with even more money being put into education, Florida slid into an educational abyss. FL was 45 out of 50 when 4th graders were tested. Governor Scott and the Republican legislature realized that more money was not the answer. Ideas and better outcomes were and getting parents involved in their children’s education and choices of charter schools, home schooling, and virtual education would make a difference.
The best news is that this year Florida has moved up to 5th in the country with 4th grade students reading at grade level.
Here are some pictures of the event:
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Former Candidates Unify around Winners
Several months ago, during the heat of the primary election, all the Republican candidates for the county’s congressional districts were asked to attend our lunch this week, the day after the winner had been declared. We would congratulate the winners and commiserate with the losers, and all would have the chance to come together in unity to defeat the Democrats in the fall election.
The response was gratifying, as nine of the ten candidates for disticts 18, 20, and 22 attended, thanked their supporters, and said they would do their part to help defeat incumbents Patrick Murphy, Lois Frankel and Alcee Hastings. (Only Calvin Turnquest did not attend.)
From left: Paul Spain, Beverly Hires, Carl Domino, Fran Hancock, Alan Schlesinger, Nick Wukoson, David Wagie. Not shown: Jay Bonner, Andrea McGee
Carl Domino prevailed in district 18, receiving 38% of the vote in the district (47% in Palm Beach County). The other candidates whose campaigns in general had targeted Carl as the front-runner, split the remaining vote among themselves, suggesting it would have been a different race with fewer candidates. Coming in second was Alan Schlesinger with 24%, followed by Beverly Hires, Brian Lara, Calvin Turnquest and Nick Wukoson. Carl gave us his thoughts on the November contest, listing All Aboard Florida (he is opposed, whereas his opponent was “for it before he was against it”), Obamacare (will vote to repeal, but what is really needed is a replacement), and immigration as top issues.
In district 20, Jay Bonner, who did not have a primary opponent, laid out his challenge – that the district is 4 to 1 Democrat and designed to elect a minority candidate. His approach will be to attract voters with a faith agenda, bringing his message to the churches where the conventional Democrat positions on social issues are not strongly supported.
And in district 22, which spans Palm Beach and Broward Counties, Paul Spain was the winner, bringing in 43% of the vote against Andrea McGee (35%) and David Wagie (23%). Paul is ready to take it to Lois Frankel with his message of fiscal responsibility, opposition to Obamacare, and support for Israel.
Starting in September, the club will be picking a night for phonebanking at the GOP Victory Center. Details will follow.
Also in September, we will have Florida CFO Jeff Atwater on Friday, September 26 (note the day change), and in October we will have a session on the November ballot questions (3 state, 2 county, some local), with pro and con speakers and discussion on the issues. Join us!
Some pictures from the event:
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Jamboree 2014
Every two years, during the summer of an election year, the county GOP hosts a “Jamboree” at the South County Civic Center. 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 was no different, although there are fewer contested races than in years past, and thus fewer candidates to strut their stuff. With the absence of a Senate race or close primary for Governor, the intensity was somewhat subdued, but the stakes are as high as ever, and those in attendance were asked to help get our candidates over the finish line.
Clockwise from upper left: Alan Schlesinger, Calvin Turnquest, Brian Lara, Jay Bonner, Andrea McGee, Paul Spain, David Wagie, Kesnel Theus, Joseph Moore, Andrew Schaller, Thomas Sutterfield, Steven Abrams, MC Peter Feaman, Stuart Mears and Ellyn Bogdanoff.
With Committeman Peter Feaman as MC, the candidates made their pitch.
Three of the six Republicans seeking to challenge Patrick Murphy in CD18 were present, including Alan Schlesinger, Brian Lara, and Calvin Turnquest. And in CD22, all three of Lois Frankel’s challengers – David Wagie, Paul Spain and Andrea McGee participated, as did our challenger for Alcee Hastings CD20, Jay Bonner. There is no Republican challnger against Ted Deutch in CD21.
At the state level we had Ellyn Bogdanoff, seeking a rematch with Maria Sachs in SS34. After the redistricting shuffle left two sitting Senators to go head to head in 2012 for a D+9 district, Sachs prevailed with 53% of the vote. With turnout expected to be less favorable to Democrats in this midterm, the rematch could have a different result. Stuart Mears, challenging Mark Pafford for House District 86 was with us as well.
None of the executive candidates (Governor, AG, CFO, Agriculture) were present.
At the county level, we heard from Steven Abrams, running for re-election as county commissioner in district 4, and Andy Schaller who is seeking the open seat in district 6 vacated by term limited Jess Santamaria, and school board candidates Joseph Moore, the district 6 challenger to incumbent Marcia Andrews, and Thomas Sutterfield for the open seat in district 4. Kesnel Theus, who is running against Peyton McArthur for the open seat on the Port Commission joined us as well.
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Wellington Candidate Forum
In Wellington, the candidates for School Board district 6 were in attendance (incumbent Marsha Andrews and challengers Joseph Moore and Carla Donaldson), joined by one candidate from district 3 (John Hartman, who also attended the Boca event).