Everglade’s Foundation’s Erik Eikenberg Discusses Water Projects
A design element of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP), authorized by Congress in 2000, is a reservoir south of Lake Okeechobee referred to as the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) reservoir. Currently a key feature of proposed solutions to the toxic algae problems plaguing the estuaries on both coasts, it would allow the diversion of Lake outflows away from the Caloosahatchee and St. Lucie rivers, and help restore the flow of... [Read More...]
Representative Mike Caruso Describes the Recount Circus
Our February lunch featured FH89 Representative Mike Caruso. With the nickname "landslide" in Tallahasee, given his 37 vote winning margin, Mike relayed some of the arduous steps involved in moving through the circus that was Susan Bucher's election operation. Although he admits he very much enjoys the work of the capital, he may have thought twice about running if he knew what was in store for him. The coastal district, held for the last... [Read More...]
PLF’s Mark Miller at January Lunch
This month's speaker was Mark Miller, Senior Attorney of Pacific Legal Foundation, one of the most active and effective public interest legal organizations in the US. Founded during the Reagan years, PLF has tallied up an impressive set of victories in high profile cases, including 11 wins at the Supreme Court. A 501(c)3 organization, PLF is supported by grants and donations and does all its work pro-bono. Mark specializes in environmental... [Read More...]
Charles Bender and Monique McCall at December Lunch
Our annual Christmas lunch this year featured Place of Hope CEO Charles Bender and local vocalist Monique McCall. With a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night", Monique got us started, and later ended the meeting with more seasonal fare including her own composition "Everyday is Christmas". She has performed this song on local radio, and has also recorded "Feel Like Florida" an outstanding boost for the Sunshine State. Charles, one of the founders... [Read More...]
Thoughts on the Election with Sid Dinerstein
When we first booked Sid Dinerstein for his "after-election, looking-forward" thoughts, our current electoral chaos was not anticipated. With four races still in flux eight days after the election, we still don't know with certainty where we will be when the dust settles, but Sid did have some encouraging words for us. Starting with the fact that the military ballots (which lean considerably Republican) have not yet been tallied, and that recounts... [Read More...]
Ballot Amendments Explained
On October 24, our RCPB lunch consisted of a ballot tutorial by Fred Scheibl. Pointing out that the consequences of passage for many of these amendments are subtle, we heard an argument that the "picks" by various groups (including the RPOF) may be missing some key information. In particular, it was pointed out that: Amendment 1 is touted as a tax cut, but in reality it will shift a tax burden from homestead property to business and rental... [Read More...]
Scott Maxwell on the Importance of Poll Watchers
With the election less than 6 weeks away, the county party wants a lot more volunteers to man the polling stations, both as poll watchers and to wave signs at the early voting locations. That was the main message from Executive Director Scott Maxwell on Wednesday. Scott wants to physically cover all 14 of the early voting locations with a unified Republican presence. Unlike the limited hours during the primary, the EV sites will be open fully... [Read More...]
August Lunch Features Array of Primary Candidates
Six days before the election, our candidate roundup had a pretty good lineup, including 4 who are running in state-wide races. Matt Caldwell For the position of Agriculture Commissioner, Fort Myers resident Matt Caldwell made his pitch. Currently the State Representative for district 79 (Lee County), Matt spoke of his priorities of "Jobs, water and the second amendment", and his NRA endorsement. The club has hosted competing candidates Denise... [Read More...]