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:

  • Speakers Speakers Clockwise from right: Eric Stevens, Virginia Brooks, Tom Weber, Sid Dinerstein, Fred Scheibl, Karen Marcus
  • Celia Guistolisi, Karen Zacker Celia Guistolisi, Karen Zacker
  • Carol Laplaca, Blanche Lanier, Martha Adkins Carol Laplaca, Blanche Lanier, Martha Adkins
  • Dean Marlin, Emmy Ogens Dean Marlin, Emmy Ogens
  • Arthur Dorvil, Tom Sutterfield, Emma Banks Arthur Dorvil, Tom Sutterfield, Emma Banks
  • Adele Kirkpatrick, Georgina Moore Adele Kirkpatrick, Georgina Moore
  • Laura Hanley, Jeanette Wright, Sid Dinerstein Laura Hanley, Jeanette Wright, Sid Dinerstein
  • Diane Korbis, Lilly Rotter, Iris Scheibl Diane Korbis, Lilly Rotter, Iris Scheibl
  • Fran Hancock and Mike Barnett Fran Hancock and Mike Barnett
  • David and Tami Donnally David and Tami Donnally