Representative Rick Roth on a Most Amazing Legislative Session

This year’s legislative session in Tallahassee should make us all proud. As the Biden Administration and their Progressive minions in Congress go about their business of compromising election integrity, mismanaging the pandemic, socializing the economy, promoting Marxist ideology in the schools and encouraging the muzzling of Conservative expression in Social Media, the state of Florida has said “Stop! Enough!” Many of the bills that were passed and signed into law directly counter the Progressive agenda in DC.

District 85 Representative Rick Roth was in the thick of it this year, and came to the RCPB this week to highlight what a Republican Legislature and great Governor can do when the times demand it. In his written end of session report, he covers the just passed $102B budget, sweetened with federal stimulus funds, and then lists fully 28 bills that he considers key. (Click here for a copy of the report.)

It should be noted that those bills that are counter to the Biden agenda and opposed by the national media (Election reform, anti-riot act, anti-lockdowns, social media, school choice, women’s sports, free speech in the schools) were passed strictly along party lines.

Among the highlights:

• In the area of Covid-19 response, they passed civil liability protection for businesses and other entities (HB-7005), augmented the emergency preparedness fund (HB-1595), and set limits for emergency management response by local governments such as lockdowns and vaccine passports (HB-7047).
• To protect our communities, they passed the “Combating Public Disorder Act” (also known as the anti-riot act HB1), set out best practices for law enforcement (HB-7051), solidified election integrity (SB1), and put serious penalties on social media companies for arbitrary censorship and de-platforming of Floridians (HB-7013).
• For our education systems, we now have expanded school choice (HB-7045), protection of women’s sports (HB-51), a defense of free speech (HB-233), and a “Parent’s Bill of Rights” over how their children are taught and treated in the schools HB-241).
• For the environment, they established a grant program for local communities to deal with sea level rise and other resilience (HB-7019), partially funded by the Documentary Stamp Tax (HB-5401) and strengthens the protection for farmers against nuisance lawsuits (HB-1601).
• For Home Rule, there will be an amendment on the ballot to abolish the Constitutional Revision Commission (HJR-1179), limit local interference in port operations (SB-1194) or the use and sale of fuel types (HB-839 and 919).
• Regarding Insurance, they abolished “no-fault” car insurance (HB-719), and adjusted Citizen’s coverage versus private insurance and their ability to adjust rates (HB-305).

Representative Roth is not a stranger to his constituents – he is a regular at the REC, clubs like this one, city councils in the north county and business and civic groups. He is also frequently out on the street with us at Trump flag-waving and other showings of support. Even given that, he says he is not seen “in the newspapers” much, as he gets more done working behind the scenes with the Speaker and other Legislative leaders. He also is active seeking input for legislation, and spent time with SOE Wendy Link to get her input on the elections bill.

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Also at the meeting, we welcomed new President Kim Davis and bid farewell to past president Fran Hancock who received flowers and Kudos from club Secretary Bette Anne Starkey. Fran will be moving north soon, and leaves behind a significant legacy of Republican leadership in the state and county of close to 50 years.

Kudos to our new venue the Palm Beach Kennel Club, for hosting a great meeting in an attractive setting with a delicious buffet lunch.

Our next meeting will be Tuesday, July 27th. Save the date!

Ann Roberts Scholarships Awarded

This year, our Club’s Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship for the 2021 school year went to two deserving students:

BEN DEHAAN is a senior at Palm Beach Atlantic University majoring in Business Management and Political Science. He is an honor student, serving with the Student Body, has volunteered with the Republican Executive Committee Offices, and spent working hours during high school and college working in small business in West Palm Beach and his home state of Michigan. He hopes to run for office one day.

KEELIE HANLEY, who graduated from SunCoast High school locally, began her college career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with her twin sister, Rileigh, who has since been appointed to the US Air Force Academy. Keelie is continuing at Embry-Riddle with a focus on Computer Engineering. Many in our Club watched Keelie grow to adulthood as she attended our meetings with her family or volunteered for Congressman Brian Mast. She was honored to be an escort for a Korean War Veteran on one of our Palm Bach County Honor Flights to Washington DC.

The Anne Roberts Memorial Scholarship is available to any resident of Palm Beach County who is a full or part time undergraduate or graduate student seeking to further their education. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above and plan to attend an accredited college. Applicants must be registered (or pre-registered under 18 yrs. of age) Republicans. Current members of our Club may refer applicants for this scholarship

Rabbi Alan Sherman at January Lunch

Fresh off a gig at the Trump Club 45, Rabbi Alan Sherman had some uplifting thoughts at our January lunch.

A former Army chaplain who ministered at the 1000 bed Pittsburg Army hospital, the Rabbi works with various Palm Beach County non-profits, including Morse Life Health System. A Trump supporter, he came sporting his “Israel Supports Donald Trump” yarmulke, which had been signed by the President at one of the Air Force One arrivals.

When he was a member of the 1500 member Union of Reform Judaism, he stood alone in opposing their disrespect of Donald Trump by ignoring his well wishes on Rosh Hashanah, and finally quit when they dissed the US Israel policy by condemning settlement expansion in the West Bank.

It is clear that the Rabbi holds conservative views compared to much of the left leaning Jewish community. On immigration, he believes in assimilation – if people are not willing to adopt our culture when they come here they should stay home. He believes that gender confusion, a result of the latest push by the left to reject the principle that only there are only two biological genders, is hurting children. The ten to one ratio of leftist professors in the colleges and Universities is outrageous. And of course, Socialism is dangerous – just look at Venezuela.

He does see reason for hope though. “Be strong, stick together and we’ll get the President re-elected!”

Also at the meeting was House District 91 candidate Sayd Hussain with a plan for replacing Democrat Emily Slosberg. The incumbent is vulnerable this year after her arrest for trespassing and criminal mischief last March and a hospitalization for post-traumatic stress disorder.

In keeping with the March 17 Presidential Primary that is also a municipal election in many of the cities, towns and villages of the county, next month we will have a candidate expo. Council and Commission candidates from Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach and Boynton Beach have agreed to participate, and we are inviting several more. These people are the future leaders of our county – come and meet them, even if there is not a municipal election in your own city.

Cruise Line’s Efforts in Dorian Relief

At our December lunch, Anita Mitchell and her daughter Kimberly were on hand to describe the efforts of the Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line to provide relief on Grand Bahama Island following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian.

Dorian, the category five monster that turned much of the Abacos and Grand Bahama into rubble in September, remained over the northern Bahamas for a day while we in South Florida hunkered down for the blow that didn’t come. We “dodged a cannonball” in Anita’s words.

Mitchell, who is the Corporate and Community Relations VP at the cruise line, described how their ship, the Grand Celebration, sailed shortly after the storm’s passage to initially provide evacuation assistance from Grand Bahama during a 12 hour stop. Later, they would ferry needed supplies, equipment and volunteers to the island to assist in the recovery. Other cruise lines were helping too, but their larger ships had to anchor out while the Grand Celebration was able to tie up to the dock, greatly facilitating loading and unloading.

Their ships were also involved in hurricane relief during 2018 in the Virgin Islands.

Kimberly Mitchell, Executive Director of the Everglades Trust and a former WPB Commissioner, spoke about the effort to set up a charitable organization to continue providing relief, described the efforts of the local business community in West Palm Beach, particulalry restaurant owner Rodney Mayo.

The businesses provided supplies and donations as well as loaning their employees to help in the efforts. A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Bahamas Relief Cruise (BRC) was created with the help of Gunster and former Senator George LeMieux. Donations are accepted at their website.

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line operates two cruise ships from the Port of Palm Beach, providing 2 night trips to Grand Bahama and Nassau. Many of the club members have been on these trips and spoke well of the experience. Anita described what the ships have to offer in the way of accommodations, food and entertainment, and brought along two of the on-board performers who gave us a taste.

Vocalist Tamula Browning Helmuth entertained us with a variety of musical selections including Etta James “At Last” and a hearty rendition of John Fogerty and CCR’s “Proud Mary” as rendered by Tina Turner. She was accompanied by saxophonist Rashad “the SAX Man” Reckley.

Reckley, an Abacoan victim of the hurricane himself, performed with his leg in a cast as Helmuth related how he clung to a tree as the hurricane destroyed his home.

Also at the meeting was CD18 candidate Nick Vessio.

Large Field of CD22 Candidates Take the Stage

On December 5, the extremely large field of Republicans looking to retire Ted Deutch in Congressional District 22 took the stage at the South County Civic Center. The event was sponsored by the Republican Party of Palm Beach County.

This D+15 district is comprised of northern Broward County (413K voters, D+18) and a small part of Palm Beach in Boca Raton east of the turnpike (100K voters, equal number of R and D). Whoever emerges from this field will have a tough road as Deutch is sitting on a war chest of $488K while none of the Republicans have posted any funds.

That said, with many Independents and even Democrats strongly opposed to the partisan impeachment farce which Deutch is supporting, this may be the year to turn CD22 red.

Moderated by MaryAnna Mancuso, a moderate Republican strategist who appears on WPTV’s “To the Point”, the forum gave each of the candidates a chance to stretch their political legs and make an impression.

At the left of the stage was Kevin Boyle of Boca Raton. A “law and order” candidate, Kevin would like to close the southern border until it is under control, impose maximum penalties for human trafficking, and curb Iranian aggression through military force if necessary.

Next up was Jessi Melton of Delray Beach who has an interest in health care. She supports health insurance across state lines and reducing the power of the FDA.

Jim Pruden, also from Boca, would push to pass Kate’s Law, reduce the national debt, and support the Trump Administration’s plans for the middle east.

To Jim’s right was Christine Scott of Boynton Beach. She would reduce our trade with China as we “don’t really need them”, applauds the “Right to Try” legislation and allowing drug importation from Canada. Seeking to qualify via petition, Christine has been out and about in the district since August, meeting thousands of voters.

Next was Joe Smith. His interest is criminal justice reform and supporting medical innovation.

To his right was Darlene Swaffer. Darlene is known as the “Medicare Lady” (her registered trademark) and runs a large Insurance agency in Deerfield Beach. She is interested in stopping the Algae Blooms in our waterways and revising Obamacare. Noting the Democrat lean to the district, she has already won the support (including endorsements) of some Independents and Democrats in Broward.

At the end of the stage was Dr. Eddison Walters of Boca Raton, a financial professional who believes that the 2008 real estate bubble was a hoax. His interesting hypothesis is backed up by a paper he wrote for the Journal of International Business and Economics. He believes that concern for the national debt is overblown, and focusing on growth is what we need to do.

With, eight months to go before the August primary, it will be interesting to see how this field shakes out. Besides these candidates and Ted Deutch, there is also an NPA candidate in the race, Omar Reyes, and Imtiaz Ahmad Mohammad is challenging Deutch in the Democrat primary.

Congressman Brian Mast at Veterans Lunch

Fran Hancock, President of the Republican Club of the Palm Beaches, on November 6th honored the Veterans in attendance and celebrated them by providing a free luncheon. Keynote speaker was Congressman Brian Mast, who is currently serving in his second term for District 18. Brian is currently a member of two committees:
– The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and
– United States Foreign Affairs Committee.
He lives in Palm City, FL with his wife, Brianna and four children.

Brian opened up his presentation by honoring the Veterans and recalling the time he spent in the military. He mentioned by name his close friends that served with him and some of which gave their lives for our country. He expressed how proud he was of the men and woman who put on the uniform and served in the military.

Brian went on and discussed how the impeachment process was a sham and nothing else will likely get accomplished in the House of Representatives in the foreseeable future. The following is an excerpt from Brian’s presentations:

I’ll be blunt – this impeachment investigation has become an embarrassing circus, completely disconnected from real America, with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff as ringmasters.

After weeks of closed-door meetings and cherry-picked testimonies, the House passed a resolution to formally launch an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump. This resolution gives Chairman Schiff complete control over this investigation including the schedule, witnesses and hearings, including whether they are open or closed to the public.

This publicity stunt vote is a brazen attempt to stack the deck even more in favor of the narrative Democrats want to be true, instead of trying to find the actual truth — it gives Chairman Schiff unilateral power to decide what facts to tell the American people and which ones to hide from them.

The bottom line is that House Democrats have made it clear time and time again that they’re more interested in putting politics and hatred for the President ahead of our country’s best interest. It’s time to end this sham.

Congressman Brian Mast concluded his presentation by taking questions from the floor. He mentioned one of his areas of focus and passion is clean water for the residents of Florida.
and thanked the Republican Party of Palm Beach for all of their continued support.

Congressman Brian Mast on Impeachment

I’ll be blunt – this impeachment investigation has become an embarrassing circus, completely disconnected from real America, with Speaker Pelosi and Chairman Schiff as ringmasters.

After weeks of closed-door meetings and cherry-picked testimonies, the House passed a resolution to formally launch an impeachment investigation into President Donald Trump. This resolution gives Chairman Schiff complete control over this investigation including the schedule, witnesses and hearings, including whether they are open or closed to the public.

This publicity stunt vote is a brazen attempt to stack the deck even more in favor of the narrative Democrats want to be true, instead of trying to find the actual truth—it gives Chairman Schiff unilateral power to decide what facts to tell the American people and which ones to hide from them.

The bottom line is that House Democrats have made it clear time and time again that they’re more interested in putting politics and hatred for the President ahead of our country’s best interest. It’s time to end this sham.

Congressman Brian Mast

We Stand with the President !

The leaders of Republican Club of the Palm Beaches, on behalf of our membership, stand with President Trump against the soft coup being attempted by Nancy Pelosi, Adam Schiff and any House member of either party who supports what is erroneously being called an “Impeachment Inquiry”.

This is just the latest attempt by the deep state, also known as “The Swamp”, to rise up against this man that has the courage to oppose the corruption that is rampant in Washington, DC.

They fought him during the election with fake news, fake polls, and an overwhelming media bias. They tried to overturn the election by questionable recounts in states where the outcome was close. They tried to subvert the electoral college, pressuring electors to vote against their state’s choices. They boycotted his inauguration, and mobilized thousands of protesters in “vagina hats” to “RESIST” the choice of the American people. They created a witch hunt tribunal led by Robert Mueller and “13 angry Democrats” that destroyed many lives, wasted millions of dollars and two years of precious time in a failed attempt to bring him down.

Now, with the stark realization that he will surely be re-elected by a landslide in 2020, the Congressional Democrats and their co-conspirators in the mainstream media have decided to go all-in for a last desperate attempt to remove him from office. With their secret witnesses, secret “star chamber” hearings, made-up evidence, and total exclusion of the Republican minority from participation in the farce, this is not an “Impeachment”. It is a bald-face uprising by a cabal of deep state conspirators to invalidate a national election that has been an existential threat to their power.

The battle lines have been drawn. Those who would subvert the constitution in an attempt to remove a sitting President under false pretenses must be defeated. They must also be held accountable for all they have done to the country in this dangerous threat to our Republic.

Armand Grossman on Being Successful

The featured speaker at our September lunch was Armand Grossman, former Vice Mayor of Miami Springs, FAU Trustee, PBCGOP board member, and current President of the Boca Raton Regional Republican Club.

Sharing with us anecdotes on a wide variety of subjects, including ‘rule of law’, the experience of driving in the Presidential motorcades, and ‘male/white privilege’, Armand opined that the real privilege is having been born in America.

Speaking on the “DNA of the Flag”, he characterized much of our history as being driven by Freedom. Today, while those of our persuasion see threats to that freedom which must be opposed, the left has a much different view. They see the three major threats to our country as “The right wing”, “Climate Change”, and Capitalism. Freedom has no place in their agenda.

Armand also spoke about his upcoming book on the traits of successful people.

Leading the list is the “privilege of adversity”, relating his rough and tumble upbringing leaving him better equipped for future challenges. Another way of saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”, I guess.

He also counsels “never let anyone else define you”, and that the #1 trait of the successful is engendering trust.

Armand’s book should be available later this year.

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Our October/November meetings are being combined into a single lunch on Wednesday, November 6, featuring Congressman Brian Mast. With all that is going on in Washington these days, expect an interesting session.

Joe Budd on the 2020 Outlook

Joe Budd, State Committeeman and Trump Club 45 President, gave us a positive rendition of our chances for 2020.

An early Trump supporter, Joe was on board within a couple of weeks of the escalator ride. He noticed that it was the outsider candidates (including Fiorina, Cruz) that were getting most of the attention, and Trump was the best of these. Working as volunteer co-chairman of the campaign in the county, Joe helped his candidate achieve 52% of the vote in the primary and more votes in the general (41%) than Romney, McCain or Bush.

In 2020, it looks like the outsiders have the energy among the Democrats as well, with Biden falling and candidates like Kamala Harris making their mark. Joe expects the eventual candidate to move away from current Democrat leadership. Socialism and massive spending programs though, are not likely to do well in our center-right country.

He had some advice for our Congressional candidates. The only state-wide race in 2020 is for President, so that is where the focus and energy will be. Republican candidates need to attach themselves to the Trump agenda and the Trump campaign, otherwise it will be hard for them to raise funds or get noticed. Going it alone is not a smart strategy for next year.

Florida of course is very important to a 2020 victory, and we constitute a campaign region by ourselves with a state Chairman already in place. Unlike 2016, this time the RNC and the Trump campaign are joined at the hip and working smoothly together. This is true also of RPOF.

Joe and the Snowdens started Trump Club 45 to keep track of the large group of voters who came out to vote for Trump, maybe as first-time voters. Turnout was 52% better than in 2012 and we want to keep it that way. The club took the PBC Trump email list that we had compiled during the campaign, and more than doubled it. It is now the largest such club (of many) in the country. Unlike chartered Republican clubs, TC45 is independent, and has a fair number of Democrat members. This is a good thing as the support for the President here in PBC is bi-partisan.

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