Despite the heat, spirits were high last week when the Republican Club of Ponte Vedra Beach met at the Sawgrass Beach Club for its annual elections meeting.
In addition to introducing the officers for 2008-2009, members were treated to presentations from area leaders on charter government, tax reform, and water management issues.
Commissioner Tom Manuel was slated to speak about charter government. Due to “problems at home” Manuel was not on hand for the meeting and Commissioner Ben Rich made the presentation. Most of the residents of the county have heard the finer points of charter government before, so Rich’s presentation was short and sweet, explaining to members the basic elements of the proposal.
“Charter gives you more control over your local government,” said Rich. “When you recognize problems within the county you can respond to them by changing your charter. It’s a whole lot easier than changing Tallahassee.”
Rich added that 80 percent of the Florida population lives under some form of charter government and 19 out of the 67 counties in the state are charter counties.
“This will give you greater control over those who sometimes make poor decisions on your behalf,” he said.
In addition to Rich, Dan Quiggle, state chairman for Americans for Prosperity, discussed the Taxpayer Amendment. He told members that it’s important for Republicans to remember what Republicans are all about and that government is the problem, not the solution.
According to Quiggle, Americans for Prosperity is a nonprofit national organization, which gets involved in local fights and helps promote positive legislation.
“My goal in being here is to get you as citizens to focus on the economy in this special time,” he said.
Additionally, Republican candidates for local and state government were on hand to mix and mingle with the gathered guests. On hand was Ken Bryan, candidate for commissioner, District 5; Albert Abbatiello, candidate for commissioner, District 1; Ben Rich, District 3 commission incumbent; Elaine Brown, candidate for District 18 House of Representatives; and Ron Renuart, also candidate for District 18 House of Representatives. Commissioner Ron Sanchez and Clerk of the Court, Cheryl Strickland also attended the meeting.
May 19th 2008 - 6:41PM