Republican Party of Palm Beach County Newsletter, April 2011

Republican Party of Palm Beach County

Sid Dinerstein

MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN DINERSTEIN

“WELCOME TO PALM BEACH”

I’m one who believes that once you’ve made it to Palm Beach, there’s no better place to be. Our county has weather, beaches, entertainment, restaurants, recreation and relatively light traffic. For those of us involved in politics, it’s even better. They

all come here. No matter which office they seek, no matter which state they come from, they all make it to Palm Beach. They come not for our white beaches, but for our green money. Palm Beach is probably the number one county in the country for Republican fundraising. So, who have we seen lately? At Lincoln Day alone we saw former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Congressmen Rooney and West, former (and maybe future United States

Senator George LeMieux, former Governor Claude Kirk, Florida Senate President (and US Senate candidate) Mike Haridopolos and former Florida House Majority Leader (and another U.S. Senate candidate) Adam Hasner. Of course numerous other state and local elected officials were also with us. Shortly thereafter Governor Scott visited Broward and Martin Counties for their Lincoln Days. We hosted Congresswoman Michele Bachmann in our headquarters office and then sent her up the interstate to visit our Tea Party friends. Haley Barbour did a few private home events during his Club for Growth visit. The Club also hosted former Governors Mitt Romney and Tim Pawlenty and former Senator Rick Santorum. Congressman Mike Pence did another fundraiser. Mayor Rudy Giuliani keynoted our Palm Beach Club’s event, and sometimes there are Donald Trump sightings. Is he or isn’t he? What’s my point? Don’t take our location for granted. The rest of the world is not overrun with Presidential and Senatorial aspirants. You are insiders and you should take advantage of our good fortune. Kick the tires. And then impress your friends with the real scoop. We are at a place in world history that is both exciting and scary. We not only have front row seats but we have the ability to interact with those who would lead. Ask the tough questions. Raise the critical issues. But, mostly, show up.

CONGRESSMAN TOM ROONEY FLORIDA 16TH DISTRICT REPORT

While President Obama and Senate Democrats are digging in their heels to preserve the status quo, House Republicans are continuing to fight for the spending cuts you have demanded. With the federal government set to shut down unless Congress can agree to a bill to continuing funding the government, the House passed legislation to cut more than $100 billion from the President’s request for the rest of the fiscal year. When the Senate refused to pass that bill or draft its own, we forced them to accept $10 billion in cuts over just five weeks. That keeps us on track to meet our pledge to cut $100 billion this year. This is only the beginning. Democrats dug our country into a deep hole with failed “stimulus” spending and massive growth in the size of the federal government over the last two years. Getting out of this hole will take time, especially with Democrats controlling the Senate and White House. However, I remain committed to cutting spending significantly and immediately, and to repealing the President’s costly health care debacle. During the spending debate, I took on leaders of both parties and successfully cut funding for the wasteful extra engine program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. My amendment will save taxpayers $450 million this year alone and billions more in the years to come. I also introduced legislation this month to require that illegal aliens who commit crimes in this country be deported. Under current law, the government is not required to deport criminal aliens when their sentences are complete, and many of them are simply released back into our communities. That is unacceptable. -- On November 4th 2008, Tom was elected to represent Florida's 16th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. Tom currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Agriculture Committee, and the Select Committee on Intelligence. For the 112th Congress, Tom will Chair the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy and Poultry. He will also serve as a Deputy Whip for the Majority. <rooney.house.gov>

Newsletter of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County, Florida – April 2011


April 2011 issue of the Newsletter, published monthly by the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. The views and conclusions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editorial staff, REC Board of Directors, or the Palm Beach County Republican Executive Committee. Letters to the editor are welcomed but should be no longer than 500 words and may be edited for length and content. All submissions are property of their respective authors and may not be reproduced without prior permission of the author. Any comments, questions, or other feedback should be directed to [email protected].

In This Issue…

Rep. Club of the Northern Palm Beaches……………………………………….……..….………2 The Greatest American……………………………………….……..….………The Commissioner’s Report……………...……………..……….......3 I’m A Republican Jew...And Proud!…………..……....……….…...4 What’s Happening in Palm Beach County.……………...………...5 Club Elections Update……………………….………….……..……..3 January Photo Feature……………………….………….……..……..3 A Citizen’s Advice to the Governor..……………………...………...5 Letters to the Editor………………………………..

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Officers

Sid Dinerstein, Chairman Margi Helschien, Vice Chair Michael A. Barnett, Secretary

Ira Sabin, Treasurer Fran Hancock, State Committeewoman

Peter Feaman, State Committeeman

REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

© 2011 REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY Regions Financial Tower, 1555 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd, Suite 210, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401-2301

Phone: (561) 686-1616 Fax: (561) 686-1898 Email: [email protected]

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REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Mission Statement

The Republican Party of Palm Beach County iscommitted to promoting Republican ideals andprinciples; recruiting and electing qualifiedcandidates for public office; developing agrassroots organization that will motivate theelectorate to vote; and raising the fundsnecessary to complete these objectives.

www.pbcgop.org

All The Way with the REC! ………………………………………………………..…………....…. 3Patriots 1000……………………………………………………………………………………….…………….…………………………4The Grapevine…………………………………………………………..…………………………………………….…….…..5Boca Raton Rep. Club Hosts Chairman Bitner………....…..6Sen. Benacquisto’s Legislative Update.……………………………..…..…..7The Hager Herald……………………………………………………………………………….…….…………………7A Citizen’s Advice to the Government………………………………...…..…… 8Membership Report……………..……………...…………………………………………………………………...….8Fellow Conservatives – Info on Candidate Recruitment and Training.………………………………………………………………………………..………..9Central Republican Club Meeting…………………………..………………………………10Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware………………………………………………………….10Letters to the Editor…………………………………………………………………………..……….………

In This Issue….

RPOF CHAIRMAN DAVID BITNER AT BOCA RATON REPUBLICAN CLUB…… –Page 6

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FROM SEN. LIZBETH BENACQUISTO AND REP. BILL HAGER…… –Page 7

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Margi Helschien

ALL THE WAY WITH THE REC! by Margi Helschien

Vice Chair, Republican Party of Palm Beach County Winner of the Jean Pipes Award, 2011

Are you a member of the Republican Executive Committee or would you like to be? Being a Member of the Republican Executive Com-mittee (REC) can be a lot of fun! You meet people with interesting views, new friends, and you have the amazing opportunity to actually make a difference for your country. You have a responsibility to keep your precinct informed, to represent the people in that precinct and to work hard for your precinct. With upcoming elections next year, it is important to build a broad base, which is strong and healthy. We need to be ready and able to get to work. That means you may be asked to make calls, walk your precinct, hold meet and greets and report back to your precinct. You need to help in getting out the word, making sure everyone is registered to vote. Would they prefer an absentee ballot. Do they know where to early vote? Do they need transportation? Your role as an REC team player is important. Many times I hear people say, “All I do is sit there.” Well, I have been on the REC since 1997, and although there may be a lot of time sitting at the monthly meetings, THIS IS WHERE YOU LEARN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTY. The resources that the REC offers are vast; you will receive updated precinct lists, a calendar of events each week, and help with your precinct. Also, you will be able to personally meet the candidates that are running each election cycle. But it is up to you to take the responsibility to build your precinct and benefit from being a part of the REC. If you have not joined and are thinking about joining, come to a meeting and watch the actual political process unfold. We would love to have you be a part of our Republican family. The next REC meeting is on Wednesday, April 13. When I was small, my dad took us to places of historical significance. We visited Williamsburg, Gettysburg, Jamestown, Antietam, Harpers Ferry, the battlefields, the Smithsonian’s, the Capital, the White House, and it is where I got my love for history and politics. It is an honor and a blessing to be doing something I always wanted to do, as a member of the REC and as Vice Chair of the Palm Beach County Republican Party. The REC Bus: Palm Beach County is a big county; it can be hard for those coming from the South County area to get to the meetings. So now we have the REC Bus! This will allow you to

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 lunch? We will have refreshments on the bus. Catch up on your e-mails or phone calls. There is also a bathroom, multiple televisions, and a public address system. Let’s build up Palm Beach County. We will be ready, strong, and able to elect Republicans for 2012! So to team 2012, way to go!!!

Ride in Comfort to REC Meetings!!

Would you like to ride in comfort to the Republican Executive Committee Meetings?

Now, you can with our terrific Luxury Bus Service!

Ride the Fun Bus to the REC Meetings!

2 CONVENIENT PICK UPS AND DROP OFFS:o Boca 5:30PM (Tri Rail Station at Congress

and Yamato) o Boynton Beach 5:45PM (Tri Rail Station at

Gateway)

WHAT DOES THE BUS HAVE: o Comfortable Luxury Seats o Bathroom and Air Conditioning o DVD/VCR/CD Combos, Multiple TV

Screens o Large European-Style Panoramic Windows o Pizza, Drinks, Cookies!

You may pay ($12.00) by credit card orcheck to: Boca Raton Republican Club, PO

Box 2161, Boca Raton, FL 33427


“Making the Goals and Objectives of the

Republican Party a Reality”

THE TREASURER’S REPORT:

PATRIOTS 1000 by Ira Sabin

Treasurer, Republican Party of Palm Beach County

Patriots 1000 is a program introduced by the Palm Beach Republican Party in January 2011. It is an annual annuity program that assists the Republican Party of Palm Beach County in promoting Republican ideals and principles, recruiting and electing qualified candidates for office, building a grassroots organization to motivate the electorate to vote, and raising the necessary funds to achieve that goal. Members of Patriots 1000 enjoy an array of benefits and an elite status in the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. These benefits range from receiving two complimentary tickets to the Party’s Lincoln Day Dinner and VIP Reception to invitations to exclusive events, and recognition at all Party events. Members also receive a “Patriots 1000” Label pin.

This year, members, in addition to receiving their complimentary tickets to Lincoln Day, were invited to events featuring Representative Michelle Bachmann and Representative Allen West. The cost of membership is $1,000.00 and can be billed monthly, quarterly or yearly.

"The idea of a Patriots 1000 is to have an annuity program that is substantial, yet accessible…” says Philip Nicozisis, Assistant Vice-Chairman of Finance. “At $1,000.00 per year ($83.34 a month for the rest of the year) many within our ranks can step up. I see a day where most of the operating budget of the REC comes from Patriots 1000." For more information on the benefits of membership, please contact Greg Langowski, Executive Director: (Voice) 561-686-1616, (Fax) 561-686-1898, (E-mail) [email protected].

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Why Patriots 1000?

The purpose of the Patriots 1000 is to uphold the Mission of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County to register voters and organize an effective Get-Out-the-Vote. It is a annual annuity program to help sustain GOP operations.

We Need You to Make This Happen! Become a Member Today!


THE GRAPEVINE --by Rosetta Bailey, Correspondent

TEA PARTY TAKES ON THE UNIONS

On March 8th, as my husband and I were driving down to the Ft.

Lauderdale rally, I felt an anxiety wondering how our Tea Party would be met, knowing that public union workers would also be demonstrating… Arriving with our home made signs and walking toward Broward Boulevard, we had to make our way through the public employee union’s three intersection corners, with their yellow tee shirts (just taken out of a box) and their professionally made signs with the closed fist. We finally made it to the Ft. Lauderdale Tea Party crowd, which was the NE corner of the intersection.

Once we were on our own corner, I could see across to the other corners with the entire sidewalk of union workers stand-ing and voicing their opinion on Governor Rick Scott and, I

might say, not in a positive manner. The union workers on a number of occasions tried to infiltrate our corner; however, the Ft. Lauderdale police were quick to escort them back to their side. It is also worth mentioning that the union members were bused in from Miami--their bus was parked at the terminal down the street. After being paid for their time (hourly) they promptly left on their bus back to Miami at around 6:00pm. Public union employees are being asked to contribute 5% of their pay toward their retirement plan, and yet they are oppose that small amount. They still want the taxpayers to pick the tab for their retirement. I say no more free rides.

It is more than the issue of the state deficit; it is about the future of our country, and it is about the education of our students, the next generation to lead this great nation. Governor Rick Scott must continue the spending cuts and we must all make

sacrifices in our own way. We must not let the unions and their sympathizers dictate where our taxpayer money is distributed and to whom. We have a responsibility to future generations to teach that people should pay their own way in life and not expect free lunches.

SOUTH FLORIDA 9/12 CELEBRATES TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY

A great time was had by all at the nonpartisan South Florida 9/12 anniversary picnic held at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. There was fun, live music, and a bounce house for the kids. The event, organized by South Florida 9/12 President Shan-non Armstrong (right), was a great success, with over 250 in attendance, including activists from DC Works for US, the South Florida Tea Party, and the Christian Coalition.

Featured speakers included Congressman Allen West, former Florida House Maj. Leader Adam Hasner (left), who announced the formation of an exploratory committee and is expected to challenge Bill Nelson for the U.S. Senate in 2012, and Mike Lameyer,

candidate for the Florida Senate, District 27.

Putting to bed any lingering rumors of a possible presidential run, Congressman West addressed the gathered crowd: “There’s only one place that I need to be, and that place is in the United States House of Representatives. …we will not become part of the cult of personality style of leadership that we saw the other side become a part of in 2008.”


RPOF CHAIRMAN DAVID BITNER VISITS REPUBLICANS IN SOUTH COUNTY

BY MARGI HELSCHIEN. The Boca Raton Republican Club really lives up to its saying, "where every member is a STAR!” On March 23, the club met at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Boca Raton. Everyone in attendance enjoyed hearing National Recording Artist Lou Galterio sing the National Anthem and the entertaining music of Frank Hubbell. Always come hungry to our meetings, as we are ready to feed you with a delicious dinner and fabulous dessert. RPOF CHAIRMAN DAVID BITNER (right) was the honored guest of the evening. He spoke about what is happening with the state Party, including the Presidency Five

Republican Presidential Debate and Straw Poll, to take place this September. Chairman Bitner also talked about the RPOF’s new statewide plan to honor Florida’s decreasing population of World War II veterans, as well as the new GOP Florida License plates that will be out soon. Mr. Bitner was recently elected Chairman of Republican Party of Florida and is a remarkable man who will surely lead us to a successful 2012 election. CLUB OFFICERS SWORN IN: Installation of the Boca Raton Republican Club 2011 Officers was held during the meeting, and what an outstanding group of dedicated Republicans! Palm Beach County Republican Party Chairman Sid Dinerstein led the installation. The club officers for 2011 include: Margi Helschien, President, Jack Furnari,

Vice President, Cheryl Mullings, Secretary, Steve Tupper, Treasurer, Yvonne Boice Zucaro, Past President. Members of the Club’s Board of Directors include U.S. Rep. Allen West, Alan Bergstein, Karen Burke, Nelson Garcia, Gary Rosner, Tom Sliney, Ed Slominsky, Jeffrey Smith, Sue Snowden, Donna Virostek, and Mike Walsh. BREAKING NEWS! FAU COLLEGE REPUBLICANS: Due to the phenomenal leadership of Jon Taylor, President of the FAU Chapter of College Republicans, 120 members of the FAU Republican Club have joined the Boca Raton Republican Club! Way to go Boca! From left: FAU College Republican President Jon Taylor, Vice President Jeffrey C. Arnold, Jr., and REC Board Member Michael A. Barnett standing.

Visit the Boca Raton Republican Club Website

http://bocaratonrepublicanclub.com for more Republican news!


UPDATE FROM SENATOR BENACQUISTO: First Week Of Florida’s Legislative Session Tuesday, March 8th marked the first day of the 2011 legislative session of what is projected to be one of the most groundbreaking sessions in years, as well as my personal first legislative session of my career. On the very first day, my fellow senators and I proceeded to pass one of the most exciting pieces of legislation that Florida will encounter this session, SJR2, the Health Care Freedom Act. 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.

THE HAGER HERALD: Legislative News from District 87 Last week, HB 1431 was filed by Representative Hager in an effort to allow children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to be properly diagnosed. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 110 children in the United States is affected by an ASD. 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.”


A Citizen’s Advice to the Government:

Repairing Our Broken Education System Part One: Problems Plaguing the System

By Nevin Gussack

Recent news of corruption in school boards across the nation, falling proficiencies in various subject areas, and the progressive Balkanization of American society is forcing an examination as to how to best repair a system that is sputtering to along in an increasingly competitive and dangerous world. This essay will outline my perceptions of the goals, challenges, and solutions, which can allow for the improvement of our educational system. American education should have four goals in mind: 1) inculcating patriotism in the younger generation in support of the principles of our constitutional republic, intellectual defense against domestic and foreign totalitarians, and an appreciation of a nationalist minded form of free enterprise; 2) providing equality of access to the tools which would allow the younger generation to reap the fruits of their innate talents; 3) serve as an agent where individuals of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds melt into a common American people and culture; 4) breaking the governmental educational monopoly and stimulating competition. Institutionally, the failings of the educational bureaucracies and the NEA contributed to the decline in American education. As a result of NEA groupthink, Marxist doctrines proliferated within the teaching profession. This has led to the younger generation, who may not have exposure to pro-US views, potentially carrying away Marxist ideas that are unflattering to our economic and political foundations. The NEA called for educators to serve as “agents of constructive change” in their September 1969 journal Today’s Education. Unsurprisingly, the NEA described the goals of communist agitator Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals as “a society where people are free to live, and also aren't starving in the streets. A society where there is legal and economic justice.” During the Cold War, the NEA was at the forefront in collaborating with the dummy unions in the USSR, exchanging pedagogical ideas from that totalitarian state. Clearly, the long-range goal of the NEA is the construction of socialist despotism. Recently, Obama’s Secretary of Education Arne Duncan signed an agreement in 2009 with Communist China to cooperate on “best teaching practices” and “deepening existing ties.” See: http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/46979 Is communism creeping to a school near you? Additionally, some of the NEA affiliates, such as the FEA, have spent money on questionable expenses. According to a study by the James Madison Institute more than 50% of the FEA’s employees in Florida earn in excess of $90,000 per year in compensation. 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

New Orleans. (See: http://www.jamesmadison.org/wp-content/uploads/pdf/materials/Journal_Summer2010.pdf#page=9 ) Thus, the NEA has followed the path of Big Labor in becoming a self perpetuating bureaucracy and the rank and file members need to hold their leaders accountable for this profligate spending. The proliferation of bureaucracy on the federal level since the Carter Administration has done little to stem the decline in education. The Federal and State Departments of Education have proved to be a bureaucratic behemoth, which has recently imposed expensive, unworkable mandates such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top (RTTT). NCLB and RTTT, along with similar state level programs, implemented massive programs of testing and other one size fits all mandates (e.g. FCAT through the A+ Plan), which had the effect of watering down the curriculum. Specifically, this has been detrimental to our students’ learning by de-emphasizing important subjects such as civics, history, physical education, and other areas. Teachers had started to teach curriculum to a single test and methods on how to beat the test makers’ logic when constructing the questions and answers. Rep. Allen West (R-FL) described his experience with the effect of the FCAT in adversely affecting instruction

-“A Citizen’s Advice” continued on page 9

MESSAGE FROM SUE SNOWDEN ASSISTANT VICE CHAIRMAN, MEMBERSHIP

Marilyn Parmet and I are the North County and South County Membership Chairmen for the REC. We have come up with several ways to reach the Palm Beach County Republicans who would be interested in becoming a committeeman or woman (representing their precinct) on the REC. The first and probably the best way is through you. If you know of someone that you think would like to join us, please let Marilyn or me know and we will send them an application. After we receive the completed application, we will find out if the precinct has an opening. There are some precincts that can accommodate one man and one woman and some larger ones that can accommodate two men and two women. If you are the only person in your precinct, look around your "neighborhood" and try to identify someone to help you out with your precinct. The next time you go to a Republican Club meeting in PBC, look around for prospective REC members. That's an excellent place to locate Republicans who care enough to get involved. Through the Republican Party of PBC, we are planning a mailing to Republicans who are "super voters." If you have any suggestions or comments, OR IF YOU KNOW OF SOMEONE WHO WE CAN SEND AN APPLICATION TO, please contact Marilyn at [email protected] or Sue at [email protected]. You may be receiving this email newsletter and you are not a member of the REC.........would you like to join us?

Let's try to fill 100 seats or more by the end of the year!


Sherry Lee

FELLOW CONSERVATIVES By Sherry Lee, Asst. Vice Chair,

Candidate Recruitment and Training

As soon as we secured our many victories last November, I was already thinking about how we could elect a conservative president in 2012 and pick up more local seats along the way. This is our time. We have to believe that the wave that swept Republicans into office last cycle is still building. How can we capitalize on the momentum and what are the likely scenarios in upcoming elections?

In some cases, familiar conserv-atives will step up and run for office. But in others, we will have new faces and they will need our help. Having run for office myself as a new face, there were many elements to campaigning - and politics in general - that I was not aware of. To those inside the game, the rules are obvious and repeating them would seem silly. But to someone who has never run

before, some basic ground rules would be helpful. I didn’t win my

race, but garnered a respectable percentage of votes, and was asked if I would run again. Instead, I decided I wanted to help others prepare themselves and win their campaigns. Our Chairman saw the need for this and gave me the task of candidate recruitment and training. Since then, I have been developing a ‘boot camp’ to get candidates in top condition for their races. There are many components to a successful campaign; Hard work, skill, knowledge, determination, passion, money, timing and luck. There are also basic qualifications that candidates should possess, including experience, a reputation for honesty and integrity, and loyalty to conservative values. Candidates must be able to bring something to the table and answer questions simply and succinctly. Why are you running? How much money will you raise? Who is in your sphere of influence and who will support and work for you? Beyond these essential components, candidates must know the demographic make-up of their district and understand the issues as they relate to different groups. Candidates also need to be able to discuss in detail, and in sound bites, the issues and solutions. What are your priorities? How will you achieve them? How can it be related to voters to make them care and vote for you? The Republican Party of Palm Beach County recognizes that we are expected to assist in getting conservatives elected.

To that end, there are several steps to take on the way to becoming a viable candidate. First, if you haven’t already, consider joining the Republican Executive Committee (REC) of Palm Beach County. We will meet the second Wednesday of every other month this year and often have 200 Republicans in attendance. This is a great forum for candidates to speak to a large crowd and build a base among active conservatives. Second, if you have decided to run for office, we have a candidate questionnaire that will challenge you to think about the things I have touched on here as well as the more personal aspects, such as how a campaign might affect your family, your job, your finances and your future. We want candidates to be prepared. Joining the REC and filling out the questionnaire will get you connected to the right people and start the thought process that will lead you to the ‘boot camp’ and other opportunities that exist for training and education that will round out your preparation and set you on a course for success. Feel free to reach out to me at REC meetings or by email at [email protected] for more information.

-“A Citizen’s Advice” continued from page 8

and curriculum in a Town Hall Meeting at Fort Lauderdale Christian School on July 15, 2010: “What I saw in my year at Deerfield Beach High School was absolutely appalling because what I saw…we were not teaching our kids the effective skills to be competitive in this society. What we were doing is teaching the test. As a History and a Government teacher there were times where I was told that these students need to leave my class to go and prepare for the FCAT.” FCAT has also proven to be fairly unpopular with the electorate. For example, the Saint Petersburg Times noted in its October 24, 2010 issue that 67% of parents viewed the FCAT is over-emphasized in schools, while 52% thought that this test is not an accurate reflection of their child’s or school’s performance. Lastly, an appreciation for intellectual pursuits and literacy has been competing with what conservative analyst J.R. Nyquist calls the “shopping mall regime,” which holds materialism and entertainment as a chief priority in our society and our popular news media. The de-emphasis of reading/books in some households in favor of quick fix learning and entertainment has furthered this cultural crisis. The destruction of the nuclear family unit through crime, child neglect & abuse, welfare dependency, drug abuse, and a lack of parental responsibility also play a huge role in the development of a child’s appreciation of learning and attitude towards education. --Part Two of this essay will be published in May’s newsletter and will discuss common sense solutions to repair the broken education system in Florida and the nation. I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank Sid Dinerstein and Mike Lameyer for the invaluable knowledge and experience they kindly shared with me in the research and preparation stages of this paper.


Ian Berkowitz, Esq. Berkowitz & Associates, P.A.

OUT-OF-THE-BOX THINKING PROPELS KEBREAU NATIONWIDE

American Original to Address Next Central Palm

Beach County Republican Club Meeting

MARCH 6, 2011 ATLANTIS - Librarian of Congress, Pulitzer Prize Winner, and eminent historian Daniel J. Boorstein opined that the demise of America would be caused by that potentially lethal little punctuation mark, the hyphen - i.e. the self-identification of citizens primarily by their subgroups. Hence, a fatal concoction: adjective hyphen American. Former Naval Lieutenant Commander Frantz Kebreau is out to demolish that propos-ition and intent on fomenting a colorblind society. “If you consider yourself a minority, you will never bridge the gap to equality. Understand that Diversity divides. We are Americans first,” he states categorically. On leave from a major commercial airline, this avowed black conservative and Tea Party advocate has traveled the country bringing his message of Unity and Americanism to an astounding variety of forums. As founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Conservative People of All Colors, Kebreau will bring his Stolen History revue to the next Republican Club of Central Palm Beach County meeting on April 7th in Atlantis at 6:00 pm, at 190 Atlantis Drive. Delivering a welter of unknown historical facts and anecdotes, Kebreau has dazzled audiences across the United States. To participate in this most stimulating and illuminating evening, please contact Central Palm Beach County Republican Club President Tami Donnally at 561-602-3777. Join the march of unhyphenated Americans.

190 Atlantis Drive Atlantis, FL 33462 561-602-3777

rccpbc.gopclubpb.org President: Tami Donnally

CAVEAT EMPTOR...BUYER BEWARE By Ian Berkowitz, Esq.

REC Board Parliamentarian

Being in business seems to be on everyone’s mind today. Whether it is starting a full time venture, establishing a home based business for a little extra pocket change or buying a business, we are all looking for a little extra disposable income. Quite often I see many people who have moved down to Florida to retire or for a change of scenery and find themselves ready for some action wanting to get back into the business world. However, for most people the thought of building up a business from scratch is not very appealing.

Along comes the option of buying a business. It seems like a perfect plan. Buy something that is already established running like a well-oiled machine and you may even produce income as soon as you take over the reins. Unfortunately, too often people who are buyers fail to do their required due diligence to make sure that the business is solid and viable. Most often people fall in love with that target business and only ask the basic questions before committing to the deal and setting themselves up for the unexpected. That is why performing a comprehensive due diligence is required and should not be overlooked. It is your responsibility as a prospective buyer of a business to complete a comprehensive due diligence before you move forward with any type of business acquisition and certainly before you sign on the dotted line. Due diligence is the fancy term for, kicking the tires, looking under the hood, taking it for a test drive and verifying what you are about to buy is what the seller or broker is purporting the business was and is and more importantly, what it should be in the future. You should be armed with your lawyer, accountant, document and interview requests in order to inspect the premises and the assets. Many questions need to be answered in conducting a comprehensive due diligence review. Is the business worth what the seller is asking for it? Does the business really make the revenue that is on the financial statements? Are the expenses accurate? Are the liabilities accurate? What are the “real” assets and what are they “truly” worth? What type of relationship is there with the employees, vendors, suppliers, creditors, customers, clients, landlord, etc…? What do the agreements or contracts with any of those individuals or entities look like? Has the business ever been sued? Are there suits pending or judgments? Are their liens on the business assets? Has the business been growing, declining or simply

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BOCA RATON REPUBLICAN CLUB INVITES YOU…

Meet and Greet former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson

at BASH of Boca DATE: Thursday April 14, 2011

TIME: 5:30PM-7:30PM LOCATION: BASH of Boca Shoppes at Village Pointe

5970 S.W. 18th Street Boca Raton, FL 33433 RSVP to Margi at [email protected] or

561-789-7180

-‘Caveat’ Continued from Page 10… stagnant and why? Does the business rely on a few big customers or many smaller ones?

The one question most overlooked is: why is the seller selling? Most often the answer is that the seller is retiring and ready to move on. A comprehensive due diligence process will certainly tell you whether or not there are other motivating factors. Due diligence can also confirm things such as the price being reasonable, what the business is actually doing in revenue and profit versus what the seller states it is doing, what you might have to do or not do after the transaction closes to maintain or improve the overall cash flow of the business, whether or not there are any working capital requirement post closing, and what your lifestyle and future should be like as the new owner of the business. In my opinion, without a well done due diligence you might be in for major disappointment, surprises beyond belief, financial ruins, or worse, the feeling of having been ripped off. Don’t let this happen to you. Do your homework and buy with confidence.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

"Have You Heard"

By Lowell Levine --Business turnaround specialist and real estate broker--Republican The PBC School District is searching for a New School Superintendent. The present budget is at 2.7 billion dollars and the present school board is looking at a 175 million dollar deficit.. To balance the budget the revenues have to increase and that means higher school taxes or the expenses have to decrease. Presently all Palm Beach residents pay 43% of their property taxes to the school district and you can look for a 20% increase this year if nothing is properly addressed. As an experienced businessman, I truly believe that now in 2011 the Superintendent should NOT be another PhD educator but a strong businessperson. Let the educators teach the 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 PBC School District has one asset --the teachers, BUT it also has many liabilities that have to addressed and corrected. This is why I submitted my resume to the School Board to be interviewed for the position. I know that I can turn around this school district within one year and lower the costs of operations and save the taxpayers money.

The Republican Executive Committee (REC) will meet the 2ndWednesday of every other month in 2011. All REC meetingsbegin at 6:45 PM and are held in the 6th Floor CountyCommission Chambers of the Palm Beach County GovernmentalCenter. The next meeting will be April 13. If you would like information on volunteering for one of ourseveral Republican Party committees, or if you would like tocontribute financially, visit our website at www.pbcgop.org orcall (561) 686-1616. Bring your Republican friends to the next REC meeting and signthem up! We are always accepting new REC members who havethe grassroots determination to help our candidates win in 2012!

THE PALM BEACH COUNTYREPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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

The Dick Farrel Show

Republican Party of Palm Beach County Newsletter, April 2011

Documents

Transcript of Republican Party of Palm Beach County Newsletter, April 2011