Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Newsletter of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, Florida – April 2011
I ’m one who believes that once you’ve made it to Palm W hile President Obama
Beach, there’s no better place to be. Our county has weather, and Senate Democrats are
beaches, entertainment, restaurants, recreation and relatively light digging in their heels to
traffic. For those of us involved in politics, it’s even better. They preserve the status quo,
all come here. No matter which House Republicans are
office they seek, no matter continuing to fight for the
which state they come from, spending cuts you have
they all make it to Palm Beach. demanded. With the federal
They come not for our white government set to shut down
beaches, but for our green unless Congress can agree to
money. Palm Beach is probably a bill to continuing funding
the number one county in the the government, the House
country for Republican passed legislation to cut more
fundraising. than $100 billion from the
President’s request for the
So, who have we seen lately? rest of the fiscal year. When
At Lincoln Day alone we saw the Senate refused to pass
former Speaker of the House that bill or draft its own, we
Newt Gingrich, Congressmen forced them to accept $10 billion in cuts over just five weeks.
Sid Dinerstein Rooney and West, former (and That keeps us on track to meet our pledge to cut $100 billion this
maybe future) United States year.
Senator George LeMieux, former Governor Claude Kirk, Florida
Senate President (and US Senate candidate) Mike Haridopolos This is only the beginning. Democrats dug our country into a
and former Florida House Majority Leader (and another U.S. deep hole with failed “stimulus” spending and massive growth in
Senate candidate) Adam Hasner. Of course numerous other state the size of the federal government over the last two years. Getting
and local elected officials were also with us. Shortly thereafter out of this hole will take time, especially with Democrats
Governor Scott visited Broward and Martin Counties for their controlling the Senate and White House. However, I remain
Lincoln Days. We hosted Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in committed to cutting spending significantly and immediately, and
our headquarters office and then sent her up the interstate to visit to repealing the President’s costly health care debacle.
our Tea Party friends. Haley Barbour did a few private home
events during his Club for Growth visit. The Club also hosted During the spending debate, I took on leaders of both parties
former Governors Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty and former and successfully cut funding for the wasteful extra engine
Senator Rick Santorum. Congressman Mike Pence did another program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. My amendment will
fundraiser. Mayor Rudy Giuliani keynoted our Palm Beach Club’s save taxpayers $450 million this year alone and billions more in
event, and sometimes there are Donald Trump sightings. Is he or the years to come.
isn’t he?
I also introduced legislation this month to require that illegal
What’s my point? Don’t take our location for granted. The rest aliens who commit crimes in this country be deported. Under
of the world is not overrun with Presidential and Senatorial current law, the government is not required to deport criminal
aspirants. You are insiders and you should take advantage of our aliens when their sentences are complete, and many of them are
good fortune. Kick the tires. And then impress your friends with simply released back into our communities. That is unacceptable.
the real scoop.
-- On November 4th 2008, Tom was elected to represent Florida's 16th
We are at a place in world history that is both exciting and Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom currently serves
on the House Armed Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the
scary. We not only have front row seats but we have the ability to Select Committee on Intelligence. For the 112th Congress, Tom will Chair the
interact with those who would lead. Ask the tough questions. House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. He will also
Raise the critical issues. But, mostly, show up. serve as a Deputy Whip for the Majority. <rooney.house.gov>
Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 2
REPUBLICAN PARTY OF
PALM BEACH COUNTY
The Grapevine
Beaches……………………………………….……..….………2 3 55
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The Republican Party of Palm Beach County is
Boca Raton Rep.
The Greatest Club Hosts Chairman Bitner 4 6.6
American……………………………………….……..….……… ………....….
committed to promoting Republican ideals and
Sen. Commissioner’s
The Benacquisto’s Legislative Update. 4 77
Report……………...……………..……….......3
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principles; recruiting and electing qualified
The Hager Herald 57 7
I’m A Republican Jew...And Proud!…………..……....……….…...4
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candidates for public office; developing a
A Citizen’s
What’s Advice tointhe
Happening Government
Palm 688
Beach County.……………...………...5
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grassroots organization that will motivate the
Membership
Club ElectionsReport
Update……………………….………….……..……..388 8
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electorate to vote; and raising the funds
Fellow
JanuaryConservatives – Info on Candidate
Photo Feature……………………….………….……..……..39 necessary to complete these objectives.
Recruitment and Training
A Citizen’s Advice 109 9
to the Governor..……………………...………...5
.………………………………………………………………………………..………..
Central Republican
Letters to Club Meeting
the Editor……………………………….. 1010
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www.pbcgop.org
Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware 1010
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ALL THE WAY WITH THE REC! bring a friend who may not have been able to attend. Rushing
from work? Relax on the bus. No time to eat and you missed
by Margi Helschien
lunch? We will have refreshments on the bus. Catch up on your
Vice Chair, Republican Party of Palm Beach County e-mails or phone calls. There is also a bathroom, multiple
Winner of the Jean Pipes Award, 2011 televisions, and a public address system.
Are you a member of Let’s build up Palm Beach County. We will be ready, strong,
the Republican Executive and able to elect Republicans for 2012! So to team 2012, way to
Committee or would you go!!!
like to be?
★
★
★
★
★
★
“Making the Goals and Objectives of the
★ Republican Party a Reality” ★
The Health Care Freedom Act gives Floridians the chance to vote next November on
whether citizens should be required to purchase insurance coverage under the new
federal mandate or instead be free to opt out. This is far more than just a symbolic action
against “Obamacare”; it is an act to protect individual freedom from an over-reaching
government. If approved by voters, this act will help put power back where it belongs, in the hands of the American
people.
This week has been full of new experiences and career firsts for me. I presented my first official piece of legislation to
the Criminal Justice Committee. This piece of legislation, commonly known as Senate Bill 664 “Silver Alert”, will shift
the current Silver Alert system from an executive order to a law. The Silver Alert program is designed to help locate
elderly citizens across the state who have wandered from their homes while suffering from debilitating mental
disorders, such as dementia, by notifying the public in addition to the local authorities. This system is similar to the
Amber Alert program used to help find children who have been abducted. SB 664 passed the Criminal Justice
Committee moving Florida one-step closer to ensuring that our state’s most vulnerable citizens remain safe.
As the session continues, I remain amazed by the support and involvement of our constituents in District 27. Thank you
for the trust you have placed in me to serve on your behalf. I believe that through hard work, determination, and all of
your input my colleagues and I can create policies that move this state in the right direction. Stay tuned for more
updates.
When it comes to autism spectrum disorders, early detection is key. However, not
all pediatricians are equipped with the tools to diagnose these disorders. The bill
would require that a physician refer a minor to an appropriate specialist for screening
of ASD under certain circumstances if early symptoms arise. The bill would also
provide direct patient access to specialists without a referral as long as the insured
and HMO member receives services from an in network provider. The bill requires
that the insured be provided with a minimum of 3 visits per policy year for the screening, evaluation and diagnosis
relating to the Autism Spectrum Disorder.
A Note from the Rep…“The Legislative Session is in full swing. Last week I voted in the House Judiciary Committee
for the passage of the Florida Immigration Enforcement Act. This Act gives law enforcement officers the necessary
tools to enforce the immigration laws of the United States. The Act also protects the jobs of legal residents by phasing
in the use of federal E-Verify system. The passage of the Florida Immigration Enforcement Act is a step towards
comprehensive immigration reform. A nation that does not secure its borders does not secure its future.”
Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 8
Recent news of corruption in The proliferation of bureaucracy on the federal level since the
school boards across the nation, Carter Administration has done little to stem the decline in
falling proficiencies in various education. The Federal and State Departments of Education have
subject areas, and the progressive proved to be a bureaucratic behemoth, which has recently
Balkanization of American society is imposed expensive, unworkable mandates such as No Child Left
forcing an examination as to how to Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (RTTT). NCLB and RTTT,
best repair a system that is sputtering along with similar state level programs, implemented massive
along in an increasingly competitive programs of testing and other one size fits all mandates (e.g.
and dangerous world. This essay will FCAT through the A+ Plan), which had the effect of watering
outline my perceptions of the goals, down the curriculum. Specifically, this has been detrimental to
challenges, and solutions, which can our students’ learning by de-emphasizing important subjects such
allow for the improvement of our as civics, history, physical education, and other areas. Teachers
educational system. American had started to teach curriculum to a single test and methods on
education should have four goals in how to beat the test makers’ logic when constructing the questions
mind: 1) inculcating patriotism in the younger generation in and answers. Rep. Allen West (R-FL) described his experience
support of the principles of our constitutional republic, intellectual with the effect of the FCAT in adversely affecting instruction
defense against domestic and foreign totalitarians, and an
appreciation of a nationalist minded form of free enterprise; 2) -“A Citizen’s Advice” continued on page 9
providing equality of access to the tools which would allow the
younger generation to reap the fruits of their innate talents; 3) MESSAGE FROM SUE SNOWDEN
serve as an agent where individuals of all ethnic and cultural ASSISTANT VICE CHAIRMAN, MEMBERSHIP
backgrounds melt into a common American people and culture; 4)
breaking the governmental educational monopoly and stimulating Marilyn Parmet and I are the North County and South County
competition. Membership Chairmen for the REC. We have come up with
several ways to reach the Palm Beach County Republicans who
Institutionally, the failings of the educational bureaucracies would be interested in becoming a committeeman or woman
and the NEA contributed to the decline in American education. (representing their precinct) on the REC.
As a result of NEA groupthink, Marxist doctrines proliferated
within the teaching profession. This has led to the younger The first and probably the best way is through you. If you
generation, who may not have exposure to pro-US views, know of someone that you think would like to join us, please let
potentially carrying away Marxist ideas that are unflattering to our Marilyn or me know and we will send them an application. After
economic and political foundations. The NEA called for educators we receive the completed application, we will find out if the
to serve as “agents of constructive change” in their September precinct has an opening. There are some precincts that can
1969 journal Today’s Education. Unsurprisingly, the NEA accommodate one man and one woman and some larger ones that
described the goals of communist agitator Saul Alinsky’s Rules can accommodate two men and two women. If you are the only
for Radicals as “a society where people are free to live, and also person in your precinct, look around your "neighborhood" and try
aren't starving in the streets. A society where there is legal and to identify someone to help you out with your precinct.
economic justice.” During the Cold War, the NEA was at the
forefront in collaborating with the dummy unions in the USSR, The next time you go to a Republican Club meeting in PBC,
exchanging pedagogical ideas from that totalitarian state. Clearly, look around for prospective REC members. That's an excellent
the long-range goal of the NEA is the construction of socialist place to locate Republicans who care enough to get involved.
despotism. Recently, Obama’s Secretary of Education Arne Through the Republican Party of PBC, we are planning a mailing
Duncan signed an agreement in 2009 with Communist China to to Republicans who are "super voters."
cooperate on “best teaching practices” and “deepening existing
ties.” See: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/46979 Is If you have any suggestions or comments, OR IF YOU
communism creeping to a school near you? Additionally, some of KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO WE CAN SEND AN
the NEA affiliates, such as the FEA, have spent money on APPLICATION TO, please contact Marilyn at
questionable expenses. According to a study by the James marmaid12@aol.com or Sue at suesnowden@aol.com. You may
Madison Institute more than 50% of the FEA’s employees in be receiving this email newsletter and you are not a member of
Florida earn in excess of $90,000 per year in compensation. the REC.........would you like to join us?
Delegates from the FEA also spent $125,000 on hotel expenses at
three hotels in San Diego and more than $93,000 on a hotel in Let's try to fill 100 seats or more by the end of the year!
Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 9
FELLOW CONSERVATIVES To that end, there are several steps to take on the way to
By Sherry Lee, Asst. Vice Chair, becoming a viable candidate. First, if you haven’t already,
Candidate Recruitment and Training consider joining the Republican Executive Committee (REC)
of Palm Beach County. We will meet the second Wednesday
A s soon as we secured our many victories last November, of every other month this year and often have 200 Republicans
I was already thinking about how we could elect a in attendance. This is a great forum for candidates to speak to a
conservative president in 2012 and pick up more local seats large crowd and build a base among active conservatives.
along the way. This is our time. We have to believe that the Second, if you have decided to run for office, we have a
wave that swept Republicans into office last cycle is still candidate questionnaire that will challenge you to think about
building. How can we capitalize on the momentum and what the things I have touched on here as well as the more personal
are the likely scenarios in upcoming elections? aspects, such as how a campaign might affect your family,
your job, your finances and your future.
In some cases, familiar conserv-
atives will step up and run for We want candidates to be prepared. Joining the REC and
office. But in others, we will filling out the questionnaire will get you connected to the right
have new faces and they will people and start the thought process that will lead you to the
need our help. Having run for ‘boot camp’ and other opportunities that exist for training and
office myself as a new face, education that will round out your preparation and set you on a
there were many elements to course for success. Feel free to reach out to me at REC
campaigning - and politics in meetings or by email at slee0505@aol.com for more
general - that I was not aware of. information.
To those inside the game, the
rules are obvious and repeating
them would seem silly. But to -“A Citizen’s Advice” continued from page 8
someone who has never run
and curriculum in a Town Hall Meeting at Fort Lauderdale
Sherry Lee before, some basic ground rules Christian School on July 15, 2010: “What I saw in my year at
would be helpful. I didn’t win my Deerfield Beach High School was absolutely appalling
race, but garnered a respectable percentage of votes, and was because what I saw…we were not teaching our kids the
asked if I would run again. Instead, I decided I wanted to help effective skills to be competitive in this society. What we were
others prepare themselves and win their campaigns. doing is teaching the test. As a History and a Government
teacher there were times where I was told that these students
Our Chairman saw the need for this and gave me the task of need to leave my class to go and prepare for the FCAT.”
candidate recruitment and training. Since then, I have been FCAT has also proven to be fairly unpopular with the
developing a ‘boot camp’ to get candidates in top condition for electorate. For example, the Saint Petersburg Times noted in
their races. There are many components to a successful its October 24, 2010 issue that 67% of parents viewed the
campaign; Hard work, skill, knowledge, determination, FCAT is over-emphasized in schools, while 52% thought that
passion, money, timing and luck. There are also basic this test is not an accurate reflection of their child’s or school’s
qualifications that candidates should possess, including performance. Lastly, an appreciation for intellectual pursuits
experience, a reputation for honesty and integrity, and loyalty and literacy has been competing with what conservative
to conservative values. Candidates must be able to bring analyst J.R. Nyquist calls the “shopping mall regime,” which
something to the table and answer questions simply and holds materialism and entertainment as a chief priority in our
succinctly. Why are you running? How much money will you society and our popular news media. The de-emphasis of
raise? Who is in your sphere of influence and who will support reading/books in some households in favor of quick fix
and work for you? learning and entertainment has furthered this cultural crisis.
The destruction of the nuclear family unit through crime, child
Beyond these essential components, candidates must know neglect & abuse, welfare dependency, drug abuse, and a lack
the demographic make-up of their district and understand the of parental responsibility also play a huge role in the
issues as they relate to different groups. Candidates also need development of a child’s appreciation of learning and attitude
to be able to discuss in detail, and in sound bites, the issues and towards education.
solutions. What are your priorities? How will you achieve
them? How can it be related to voters to make them care and --Part Two of this essay will be published in May’s newsletter and will
vote for you? discuss common sense solutions to repair the broken education system in
Florida and the nation. I would like to take this opportunity to especially
The Republican Party of Palm Beach County recognizes thank Sid Dinerstein and Mike Lameyer for the invaluable knowledge
and experience they kindly shared with me in the research and
that we are expected to assist in getting conservatives elected. preparation stages of this paper.
Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 10
i.e. the self-identification of citizens primarily by their perfect plan. Buy something that is
subgroups. Hence, a fatal concoction: adjective hyphen already established running like a well-oiled machine and you
American. may even produce income as soon as you take over the reins.
Unfortunately, too often people who are buyers fail to do their
Former Naval Lieutenant required due diligence to make sure that the business is solid
Commander Frantz Kebreau is and viable. Most often people fall in love with that target
out to demolish that propos- business and only ask the basic questions before committing to
ition and intent on fomenting a the deal and setting themselves up for the unexpected. That is
colorblind society. “If you why performing a comprehensive due diligence is required and
consider yourself a minority, should not be overlooked.
you will never bridge the gap
to equality. Understand that It is your responsibility as a prospective buyer of a business
Diversity divides. We are to complete a comprehensive due diligence before you move
Americans first,” he states forward with any type of business acquisition and certainly
categorically. before you sign on the dotted line. Due diligence is the fancy
term for, kicking the tires, looking under the hood, taking it for
On leave from a major a test drive and verifying what you are about to buy is what the
commercial airline, this seller or broker is purporting the business was and is and more
avowed black conservative and Tea Party advocate has importantly, what it should be in the future. You should be
traveled the country bringing his message of Unity and armed with your lawyer, accountant, document and interview
Americanism to an astounding variety of forums. As founder requests in order to inspect the premises and the assets.
of the National Association for the Advancement of
Conservative People of All Colors, Kebreau will bring his Many questions need to be answered in conducting a
Stolen History revue to the next Republican Club of Central comprehensive due diligence review. Is the business worth
Palm Beach County meeting on April 7th in Atlantis at 6:00 what the seller is asking for it? Does the business really make
pm, at 190 Atlantis Drive. the revenue that is on the financial statements? Are the
expenses accurate? Are the liabilities accurate? What are the
Delivering a welter of unknown historical facts and “real” assets and what are they “truly” worth? What type of
anecdotes, Kebreau has dazzled audiences across the United relationship is there with the employees, vendors, suppliers,
States. To participate in this most stimulating and illuminating creditors, customers, clients, landlord, etc…? What do the
evening, please contact Central Palm Beach County agreements or contracts with any of those individuals or
Republican Club President Tami Donnally at 561-602-3777. entities look like? Has the business ever been sued? Are there
Join the march of unhyphenated Americans. suits pending or judgments? Are their liens on the business
assets? Has the business been growing, declining, or has
The one question most overlooked is: why is the seller By Lowell Levine --Business Turnaround Specialist and Real
selling? Most often the answer is that the seller is retiring and Estate Broker--Republican
ready to move on. A comprehensive due diligence process will
certainly tell you whether or not there are other motivating The PBC School District is searching for a New School
factors. Due diligence can also confirm things such as the price Superintendent. The present budget is at 2.7 billion dollars and
being reasonable, what the business is actually doing in the present school board is looking at a 175 million dollar
revenue and profit versus what the seller states it is doing, deficit.. To balance the budget the revenues have to increase
what you might have to do or not do after the transaction and that means higher school taxes or the expenses have to
closes to maintain or improve the overall cash flow of the decrease. Presently all Palm Beach residents pay 43% of their
business, whether or not there are any working capital property taxes to the school district and you can look for a
requirement post closing, and what your lifestyle and future 20% increase this year if nothing is properly addressed.
should be like as the new owner of the business. In my
opinion, without a well done due diligence you might be in for As an experienced businessman, I truly believe that now in
major disappointment, surprises beyond belief, financial ruins, 2011 the Superintendent should NOT be another PhD educator
or worse, the feeling of having been ripped off. Don’t let this but a strong businessperson. Let the educators teach the
happen to you. Do your homework and buy with confidence. students --the principals run the school and the educators
handle the academic program. There is so much wasted
spending in this multi billion dollar budget and, if handled
properly, we can stop tax increases.
THE PALM BEACH COUNTY The PBC School District has one asset --the teachers, BUT
REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE it also has many liabilities that have to addressed and
corrected. This is why I submitted my resume to the School
COMMITTEE Board to be interviewed for the position. I know that I can turn
The Republican Executive Committee (REC) will meet the 2nd around this school district within one year and lower the costs
Wednesday of every other month in 2011. All REC meetings of operations and save the taxpayers money.
begin at 6:45 PM and are held in the 6th Floor County
Commission Chambers of the Palm Beach County Governmental
Center. The next meeting will be April 13.
BOCA RATON REPUBLICAN CLUB
If you would like information on volunteering for one of our INVITES YOU…
several Republican Party committees, or if you would like to
contribute financially, visit our website at www.pbcgop.org or
Meet and Greet former New Mexico
call (561) 686-1616. Governor Gary Johnson
at BASH of Boca
Bring your Republican friends to the next REC meeting and sign DATE: Thursday April 14, 2011
them up! We are always accepting new REC members who have TIME: 5:30PM-7:30PM
the grassroots determination to help our candidates win in 2012!
LOCATION: BASH of Boca
Shoppes at Village Pointe
5970 S.W. 18th Street Boca Raton, FL 33433
The Dick RSVP to Margi at margicc@yahoo.com or
561-789-7180
Farrel Show
Tune in to the show on 1420 WDJA, weekdays
from 10am to Noon ....You can call in to speak
with Dick at (561) 265-2121. www.wdja.com
Republican Party of Palm Beach County Page 12