Well, NOT REALLY. It's not that I like obama any better, it's just if I know anyone locally who is voting for John McCain .... well, I would like to invite you over so that I can personally BARF on you....
From teh st pete times: I USED EVERY FUCKING WORD FOR FREE !!! WHY?? BECAUSE I CAN !!!!!
LMAO !
This includes a whole LOT of tripe because many of them are 'happy' memories for me. LOL.
Anyway, in this tiny blurb just beneath here. Yep. I have personally been stalked by each of these republicans. ONE brings his daughter and hides behind her the other sends his son and who knows who else? Maybe the dad? Don't know. Don't look. Anyway, I consider them at least two of the worst human beings (i use that term loosely) I've shared space with (unwillingly)
The thing IS that the democrats are NOT that much better. In Tampa they are pretty much the same thing (some exceptions)
And NO, I am NOT going to unite with your gd party for change. What have you done FOR ME lately? Nothing but repay me and you're still not done with that.
I am absolutely REPELLED by the local Democratic Party. I won't really go too close to any of them. And, all that reaching across the aisle?
Why did NO ONE mention the historic (LMAO) possibility that obama might choose a republican vp?
Anyway, I'm VERY MUCH ANTI-MCCAIN but if oprah wants her man in the white house she's going to have to do it all by herself. I won't be helping so give it up. I don't even want to be an obama fellow's distant relative and sincerely hope I am NOT.
Incidentally, I could have predicted MONTHS ago who his 'fellows' would be... is it just me or is that repellant???
obama fellows?
I just wonder.
Anyway, I could have told you that you'd be a fellow before you ever told ME.
And, I agree with BO ... there's more than something wrong with this picture.
But, again, you're amusing to watch.
Oh and fireman. Your pictures are going up soon. Man, I had NO idea how fast this new processor is.
I don't like my belongings broken or stolen so you get that lil skinny biker boy over on m avenue to keep his scummy ass and fingers up out of my stuff and such.
Doesn't much matter, darlin because oh well, I'll remind you for like the nine mazillionth fucking time: YOU will buy me all the new cars, tires, wood, windchimes, windshields --- that I'll ever need.
You'll be buying me and mine stuff for the next twenty generations.
You really should learn the basic shit:
Forks from the left, jokers to the right.
You?
Oh did I forget to tell you??
YOU LOST DEAL WITH IT.
LMAO !!
And thanks for all the new stuff you're gonna buy me.
TWENTY FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS A DAY whenever you break something or tamper with something ....
\
Oh and paper thin?? You know how you show up on video whenever my car would have damage??
Yeah.
Same problem around the yard.
hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmmmmmm
but hey either you're VERY VERY stupid or you very much like the idea of prison and we all know why that is.
See ya at the game, slimey.
May 08, 2007
McCain's Hillsborough friends
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe will serve as chair of the McCain campaign in Hillsborough County and Sheriff David Gee will chair John McCain's Florida Law Enforcement Coalition.
"Whether he is opposing pork-barrel spending, promoting traditional values, or protecting our Second Amendment rights, John McCain's conservative record will make the difference in Florida," said Sharpe. "His commitment to a common sense approach to reform resonates with voters in this state" "Senator McCain's record of service and his experience with the issues that are critical to making America safe make him the essential choice in this election," said Gee.
May 08, 2007 in Hillsborough, John McCain, Presidential campaign Permalink Comments (19)
April 18, 2007
Counties prepare for tax cuts
As legislators mount PR initiatives and prepare to hammer out competing tax relief proposals, Tampa Bay counties are bracing for a big hit.
April 18, 2007 in Florida House, Florida Senate, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas Permalink Comments (21)
April 15, 2007
Your local tax dollars at work
With an overhaul of the property tax structure looming, the St. Petersburg Times examined just how five local governments - Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and the cities of Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Tampa - have spent the public's money. Without doubt, these have been flush days. Each government spent at a rate well outpacing its population growth plus inflation. They ranged from growing Hillsborough County, which spent $804.5-million in 2005, 65 percent more than five years earlier, to Clearwater, which spent 28 percent more.
Where has the money gone? To hire more police and firefighters. To boost salary and benefits for government employees. To shore up rainy-day funds. To staff parks and other amenities built with sales tax money.
April 15, 2007 in Florida House, Florida Senate, Hillsborough, Pinellas Permalink Comments (35)
April 09, 2007
FAMU band to Ba-rock Tampa
Forty-five members of the world renowned Florida A&M University’s Marching 100 Rattler Band will “Ba-ROCK” the Cuban Club in Ybor City Sunday, 15 as they welcome Senator Barack Obama to Tampa and help kick off his area Presidential campaign. The $25 fundraiser rally is “designed to attract a new generation of donor,” said Frank Sanchez, Tampa Bay Area O-Train Executive Committee chairman.
April 09, 2007 in Adam Putnam, Barack Obama, Fundraising, Hillsborough, Presidential campaign Permalink Comments (12)
April 05, 2007
Victor Crist complains of stealth lobbying
State Sen. Victor Crist, who's seeking to replace the board of the troubled Tampa-Hillsborough Expressway Authority, complains that companies that do business with the authority are lobbying behind the scenes to stop him. Officials at the Expressway Authority flatly deny they've asked any companies to lobby for them. They also say they're reforming the agency, and that legislators don't need to meddle with it.
More here.
April 05, 2007 in Florida Senate, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (13)
March 27, 2007
What voters are saying
Reporters Dong-Phuong Nguyen, Elisabeth Dyer and Janet Zink asked voters today what they thought of the matchup in Tampa’s City Council race for District 1 between Joe Redner and Gwen Miller. Here’s a sampling of their reactions:West Tampa“I voted for Gwen Gwendolyn Miller because I think she’s done an excellent job. I just think she deserves another shot.”---Johnny Jefferson, 54, a civilian employee of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office“There are some characteristics about both candidates I like. I like the fact that Joe Redner is independent. We need that. The fact that he’s an atheist, I don’t share his religious views and that’s important. A lot of the side shows that he’s going to bring, we don’t need that. They’ll spend their time talking about the Pledge of Allegiance rather than, ‘Are you going to widen this street?’---Nelson Brown, 55, who is self-employed, explaining his vote for Gwen Miller.
New Tampa:“I expect more from politicians, for them to represent the city well. Joe Redner is someone who appears to just want another grandstand.”— Chuck Lewandowski, 48, certified financial planner
“I am bothered by Redner. He’s sued the city several times. It’s not the image we want for the city of Tampa.”— Diane White, 56, telecommunications manager
“Mine is more of a protest vote. I’ve gotten a lot of phone calls and mailings at my house, all smears about Redner, about how he made his money from strip clubs. Isn’t Miller supposed to be an educator? It just got ugly. The truth is, I don’t care where (Redner) made his money. Jospeh P. Kennedy made a living bootlegging. Does that mean I can’t vote for Joe Kennedy?”—Ron Silverstein, 67, country club worker
“I want a change, somone who’s going to make a difference than the same ol’, same ol’. (Redner) would make it entertaining.”— Andrea Selner, 35, vet tech
East Tampa “Redner is always giving back to the neighborhoods. I don’t see anything Gwen Miller has done in the time she’s been on City Council. The only time we see her is election time.”Morris Scott, 52, of Central Park Village, voting at the College Hill Library
“You vote for the character of a person. Therefore, I’m not voting for Joe Redner. I believe marriage is sacred. Those kind of businesses demean that sacredness.”Rodney Blake, 53, of Seminole Heights
South Tampa “I sense that he’s going to be a little more of an advocate for making sure that when new development occurs, we account for it not just in terms of physical infrastructure but social infrastructure, like schools. William Goodwin, 43, of South Tampa
“I like (Redner)’s positions. I think he’s articulate. He’s right on the growth issue.” William Furman, 35, of South Tampa
***Return to tampabay.com tonight for live election results. ***
March 27, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (20)
March 22, 2007
Major Tampa Bay Democrat dislikes Hillary
But this high profile politician's snub probably won't bother the Democratic presidential frontrunner much. It's Joe Redner, who says he's so far most impressed with Barack Obama.
"I don't like Hillary Clinton,'' the strip club king and Tampa city council candidate said after taping a "Political Connections" interview to air this weekend on Bay News 9. "I don't think she has any settled principles. She can't even admit that what she did (authorizing force in Iraq) was wrong."
Meanwhile, look for Bill and Hillary Clinton to swing through Florida March 31, raising money in Orlando, West Palm Beach and Miami. Hosts include: Chris and Irene Korge, Alex Heckler and Tiffany Zientz, Philip Levine, Ira and Cynthia Leesfield, Hugh Westbrook and Carole Shields, Dan Levine, Jennifer Long, Alfy Fanjul, Elaine Bloom, Dr. Rick and Barbara Boxer, Sidney Dulman, Ambassador Steven Green, Brian May, Jared Moskowitz, Hemant Patel, Abigail Montjoy Pollak, Sonia "Tita" Puopolo, John and Charlotte Rodstrom, Judith Stern, Lola and Michael Thomas, Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
March 22, 2007 in Alex Sink, Endorsements, Fundraising, Hillsborough, Presidential campaign Permalink Comments (12)
March 21, 2007
Redner/Miller draw voters
How compelling is the City Council runoff election between retired schoolteacher Gwen Miller and strip club owner Joe Redner? Consider this: Turnout in the first two days of early voting for the runoff is 32 percent higher than the same period in the primary election, according to the supervisor of elections. Both candidates have been urging voters to go to the polls. Fewer than 16 percent of Tampa's registered voters cast a ballot in the primary election March 6. Miller has suggested people take one, five or 10 people to the polls for the runoff, and make sure they vote for her. Redner is offering free admission to his strip club to anyone who comes in with an "I Voted" sticker. Read more about it here.
March 21, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (3)
March 17, 2007
Times backs Redner
The St. Pete Times editorial board, sounding if its members were holding their noses, recommended Joe Redner over incumbent Gwen Miller for Tampa city council.
"...But Redner is more substantive than Miller on every issue. He better understands how government works, the danger unchecked growth poses to transportation and area water resources and the need to work regionally on Tampa Bay's major problems. His ideas for allowing more density in the urban core as tradeoffs for affordable housing and tax relief are proposals in the right direction. He is far stronger than Miller on open government and free speech issues, and he is more candid and comfortable speaking off the cuff. Above all, he seems committed to getting things done."
March 17, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (25)
March 15, 2007
Vote and get into Mons Venus for free?
Adult club owner and Tampa City Council candidate Joe Redner is offering voters free admission to his club, the Mons Venus, if they present their sticker saying "I voted." Redner said he's doing this strictly to encourage voting because low turnout is bad for politics.
Is Redner's offer good?
"The vote should be publicized," Redner said. "Everyone's talking about it now."
Redner said the tactic might have negative consequences for his candidacy, but he doesn't care.
"Even if it hurts my election," he said, "it's worth it to get people out to vote."
March 15, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (34)
March 14, 2007
District 7 candidates find unwanted campaign tools
TAMPA — Joseph Caetano and Frank Margarella are candidates for Tampa City Council. But the Web sites, josephcaetano.com and frankmargarella.com are far less civic-minded. They forward the viewer instantly to a site of hard-core gay pornography.
The candidates aren’t happy, but aren’t sure either what they can do. The sites are registered to fictitious parties at bogus addresses. The administrator listed for the Margarella site is “Lilly Muenster,” a mispelling for sitcom character Lily Munster of The Munsters.
“I think it’s disgusting, and I don’t think anybody should be able to do that,” said Caetano, whose true campaign Web site is joecaetano.com.
Caetano said he would ask state Sen. Victor Crist, R-Tampa, to sponsor legislation to outlaw such use of another person’s name.
Margarella said he didn’t think it would affect the March 27 runoff election, in which one of the two New Tampa businessmen will be elected to represent District 7 on the Tampa City Council.
“Fortunately, he was even-handed in the prank,” Margarella said.
“If they were targeting one of us, they would have done just one of us,” Caetano said.
Margarella said he had no suspects.
“It’s probably somebody from New Tampa who doesn’t like us or thought it was funny and had a couple of Budweisers.”
-- Bill Coats, Times staff writer
March 14, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (15)
March 13, 2007
A rising Democratic star
A new Democratic campaign star is emerging, and Republicans better beware. This guy used to wear a hockey mask and wield an ax.
Mitch Kates, formerly "Jason the Terrible" on the professional wrestling circuit, is winning considerable buzz among Florida Democrats after having just won his second tough Tampa Bay race in which his candidate was outspent more than four-to-one.
More here
March 13, 2007 in Democrats, Elections, Florida Senate, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Political ads Permalink Comments (44)
March 12, 2007
Perkins endorses Caetano for Tampa City Council
The spoiler in last week's race for a north Tampa City Council seat endorsed the frontrunner on Monday.
Before doing so, Charlie Perkins asked each of the two remaining candidates to pledge his full $40,000 City Council salary to Crime Watch programs in the blue-collar neighborhoods where Perkins led the balloting last week. Neither agreed, but Joseph Caetano said he will personally pay reasonable expenses of the programs.
"These people voted for me because of crime," Perkins said. "Joe, to his credit, sat down with me and said, 'You know what, Charlie? You're right.' "
Caetano, 73, owns a coffee shop and two hair salons in New Tampa. In the March 27 runoff, Caetano faces Frank Margarella, a commercial Realtor who finished second last week.
Caetano said he would push for improved police protection in the neighborhoods, generally south and southwest of the University of South Florida. And on Monday, Caetano donated a pair of surplus Crime Watch signs from New Tampa to replace signs stolen from 109th Street.
Margarella said he was disappointed Perkins backed Caetano. Margarella said he offered to set a fundraising target of $40,000 or higher for the Crime Watch programs, but not to donate his council salary.
"This was all about money," Margarella said.
March 12, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (2)
Quality of life in Tampa is good, mayor says
A drop in crime, drainage improvements, downtown development and redevelopment of struggling neighborhoods were highlighted Monday by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio during her annual state of the city address.
Iorio said crime in Tampa dropped another 9.4 percent last year, bringing the four-year drop to 36 percent.
"This is a remarkable accomplishment and is the most significant factor in our quality of life measurement,” she said.
Iorio also talked about condominium construction downtown, and the approval last year of two major redevelopment projects -- The Heights, a 48-acre project which will bring nearly 2,000 condos and townhomes to the edge of downtown, and the remaking of Central Park Village, an old public housing complex between downtown and Ybor City.
Tampa is on the brink of a “new kind of urban lifestyle,” she said. “We will one day have a walkable beautiful downtown, one that serves both residents and visitor.”
March 12, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (19)
Obama in Tampa?
The Buzz hears presidential candidate Barack Obama will be in Tampa in mid-April for a fundraiser. One-time Tampa mayoral candidate Frank Sanchez is making the arrangements and said he should have details by the end of this week. Sanchez says he’s pushing for a public appearance as well. “I don’t know if we’re going to get it,” Sanchez said. Obama tapped Sanchez as his policy advisor on Latin America, a role Sanchez played for Bill Clinton.
March 12, 2007 in Hillsborough, Presidential campaign Permalink Comments (41)
March 08, 2007
Dems Party
Check out this video on youtube featuring campaign manager Mitch Kates talking about winning without money and the "new Democratic Party" at a victory party for his Tampa City Council candidate. Kates, a former professional wrestler, was the muscle behind Florida Sen. Charlie Justice's campaign in November.
March 08, 2007 in Elections, Fundraising, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (23)
March 07, 2007
Redner on the Run
Can a man who has been arrested more than 50 times, earned millions from nude dance clubs and told the world he's gay win a seat on the Tampa City Council? Some say yes, if he can rally his faithful. Redner, known for his nationally famous strip clubs, ran a quiet campaign in the first leg of the city elections, appearing at candidate forums to peddle his pro-environment, make-development-pay-for-itself agenda. But now that he beat four other candidates to face incumbent Gwen Miller in a run-off, he plans to go full guns with radio ads, direct mail, and walking in neighborhoods to "get my ideas across instead of my name." Redner, who's worth $18-million, said he'll pay for the entire campaign himself, so he'll be beholden to no one. Read more about it here.
March 07, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (14)
Dingfelder, Mulhern, Iorio win
Good election day for Democrats in Tampa. Two-term Tampa City Council member Shawn Harrison failed in his bid to move to a citywide district. And Gwen Miller, a 12-year veteran of the council, was forced into a runoff with strip club owner Joe Redner. And in the bitter and expensive District 4 race to represent South Tampa, incumbent John Dingfelder held off a challenge from newcomer Julie Brown. More here.
And Pam Iorio wins huge huge
March 07, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (30)
March 02, 2007
Saul-Sena Snubs Harrison
Long-time Tampa City Council member Linda Saul-Sena, who is unopposed in her bid for the at-large District 3 seat, has endorsed newcomer Mary Mulhern in the race for District 2, also a city-wide seat. Saul-Sena said she made the decision after hearing Mulhern speak last week at a candidate forum. “Her commitment to moving Tampa ahead as a sustainable and vibrant community with strong neighborhoods and a dynamic downtown mirror my vision,” Saul-Sena said. In other words, she believes Mulhern will be a strong advocate for better mass transit, a more walkable city and the environment. Mulhern is running against Shawn Harrison, who has served with Saul-Sena on the Council for the past eight years as the representative for north Tampa.
March 02, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (22)
Tampa Dirt
The mud is flying in the highly competitive race for the Tampa City Council District 4 seat that includes south Tampa. This week, mailers emerged that brutally attack incumbent John Dingfelder.One derides Dingfelder as tacky, odd and arrogant. Another criticizes him for raising property taxes, even though Dingfelder helped pass the city’s first property tax rate cut in 20 years. The mailers were paid for by Election Watch-Florida, an organization headed by Jack Hebert, who also heads the Mallard Group. That’s the political consulting firm that advised the 2002 campaign of former Pinellas-Pasco judge John Renke, who was booted from office, in part, for misleading campaign materials. Julie Brown, Dingfelder’s strongest and best-funded opponent, said she had nothing to do with the mailers. “Obviously, somebody is very unhappy with Mr. Dingfelder,” she said, but noted she doesn't see the ads as negative. "It's all factual," she said.
March 02, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough, Political ads Permalink Comments (42)
February 25, 2007
Get Out the Vote Rally
Black voter turn-out is historically low. The Rev. Tom Scott, a candidate for the Tampa City Council District 5 seat that represents the largely African-American East Tampa, tried to do something about that Saturday. He a held a get-out-the vote rally at the Belmont Heights Little League Park. Anyone who walked in with an "I Voted" sticker got barbecue and performances by gospel choirs, including the choir from Scott’s 34th Street Church of God. Scott, who talks about running for mayor in 2011, said he modeled the event after rallies he helped organize in the late 1960s in Macon, Ga. One bonus in these days of early voting – you can actually cast a ballot when you’re all energized. The College Hill Library, three blocks away from the park, posted its highest voter tally for the week Saturday. Meanwhile, Tampa has two black candidates for mayor. Read more about the history of black elected leadership in Tampa here.
February 25, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (9)
February 23, 2007
Citro Wins at Tiger Bay
Tampa City Council District 4 candidate Joseph Citro won the Garfield award for asking the best question at the Friday's Tiger Bay Club meeting in Tampa. Citro, a new member of the club, asked candidates in the forum for mayoral and city-wide council seats if they would propose capping campaign spending if elected to the City Council. Citro has raised $7,700 so far in his bid to fill the south Tampa city council seat. His opponents, John Dingfelder and Julie Brown have raised $128,000 and $115,000 respectively. Such massive fundraising efforts turns the focus (especially from the media) to how much money candidates have rather than where they stand on the issues. For the record, here are some the key points Citro has made on the campaign trail: Cut back on multi-family homes on single lots in south Tampa; make fixes to the stormwater system at the same time road work is done; roll back the property rate significantly; implement light rail as soon as possible; put bike paths on new roads; make developers pay for water and transportation improvements to support their projects.
February 23, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (9)
February 22, 2007
Hitting Harrison at Home
The latest attack ad from Tampa City Council candidate Mary Mulhern is intended to hit her opponent Shawn Harrison where it hurts -- on his home turf. Targeted to New Tampa residents represented by Harrison for the past eight years, it features a grid-locked road -- a common sight in Harrison's north Tampa neighborhood. Harrison says he has addressed the problem by bringing $100-million in transportation improvements to New Tampa. He also describes new HART express buses from the city's northern regions to downtown as the "beginning of a mass transit service" for north Tampa and points to a mass transit study launched by the MPO, which he chairs. But Mulhern says the time for studying mass transit is over. "The longer we wait, the more expensive it is," she says. She advocates moving quickly on light rail as part of a regional effort. Mulhern and Harrison are running for the at-large District 2 seat.
February 22, 2007 in Hillsborough, Political ads Permalink Comments (31)
February 21, 2007
A Shot at Shawn
With less then two weeks to go before Tampa city elections, challenger Mary Mulhern is turning up the heat on sitting City Council member Shawn Harrison. Mulhern's latest mailer touts her endorsements by The Tampa Tribune and St. Petersburg Times and targets Harrison as "The Invisible Man." The graphic was also e-mailed to more than 1,000 people along with the first installment of a "True Life Adventure Series" that positions Mulhern as the "hero" who can "save the city" from Harrison and his developer allies. Harrison's response to the attack? "I'm running a positive campaign with positive messages," he said.
February 21, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough, Political ads Permalink Comments (37)
Moffitt, Merck plan gets big boost from commissioners
The Hillsborough County Commission voted 7-0 today to subsidize a proposed new venture for the H. Lee Moffit Cancer Center and Research Institute.
Commissioners agreed to provide $20-million in cash and $8-million more for purchasing a site. Moffit plans to team up with pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. Inc. to research ways to tailor cancer treatment based on genetic characteristics of tumors.
Read previous coverage:
Mayor promises more for deal (Feb. 2)
Moffitt, Merck plan hits a snag (Jan. 25)
February 21, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (4)
February 20, 2007
Tampa's Dirty Politics: Sign of the Times
Campaign tactics almost always devolve, at some point in hotly contested races, to the petty sign games. But they reached a new low level in the Tampa City Council race this week when candidate Gwen Miller awoke to find her yard littered with opponents' signs. To read more, click here.
February 20, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (18)
By George, Sheldon is back
If somebody had tapped George Sheldon on the shoulder a few years ago and said that some day he'd be working for Charlie Crist, he might have laughed off the utter implausibility of it all. But in the topsy-turvy world of Florida politics, that's what has happened.
Sheldon, a former Tampa legislator, returned to state government Monday as assistant secretary for operations in the Department of Children and Families. This reunites Sheldon with his good friend Bob Butterworth. They worked side-by-side in the attorney general's office, and Sheldon followed Butterworth to Miami in 2003 when the ex-A.G. became dean of the St. Thomas University law school.
In his final run for public office in 2000, Sheldon ran for state education commissioner against (you guessed it) Crist. It was a nasty campaign, with Crist dredging up a then-16-year-old DUI charge against Sheldon against the advice of Jeb Bush, among others. Crist won, and Sheldon later said he had no hard feelings.
"Politics is a rough-and-tumble game," Sheldon told the Palm Beach Post last year. "He (Crist) really is basically a nice guy."
February 20, 2007 in Charlie Crist, Hillsborough, State agencies Permalink Comments (13)
February 18, 2007
Sen. Stoms wants online spending, budgeting
State Sen. Ronda Storms says she has nifty legislation in mind to shine some light and hold governments accountable for their spending and taxing: getting every contract, every check written, every budget put on the Web, easily available for the public to review.
"It really shines the light of day onto these big, gargantuan budgets and holds people accountable," Storms, R-Brandon, said in a Political Connections interview airing at 11 a.m. today on Bay News 9. She expects to file a bill soon, and "I think that it has a very good chance of seeing the light of day, if not this year then next year. I know I have at least four years."
More here.
February 18, 2007 in Florida Senate, Hillsborough, State agencies Permalink Comments (11)
February 13, 2007
Crist likes that Hillsborough tax cap
Hillsborough County Commission Chairman Jim Norman got a public attaboy from Gov. Charlie Crist on Monday at the Florida State Fair Governor's Day Luncheon for his spending cap initiative .
Norman said afterward that he is considering taking the cap adopted by Hillsborough County statewide as a proposal to legislators searching for ways to provide property owners tax relief. He plans to pitch it along with state Rep. Kevin Ambler during the joint House-Senate property tax town hall meeting at Hillsborough Community College on Thursday. More here.
February 13, 2007 in Charlie Crist, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (13)
February 10, 2007
Another budding Sink/McBride politician?
The Hillsborough County legislative delegation has a "ought to be a Law" contest where high schools nominate ideas, and the delegation picks one to push. Armwood High's sensible idea comes from Lexi McBride, daughter of former gubernatorial candidate Bill McBride and CFO Alex Sink.
During her mother's campaign, Lexi learned that political parties don't have to file frequent financial reports in the weeks immediately preceding an election. She thinks they should so the public can know who's influencing elections. "I've been exposed to a lot of politics," she said. "You see how it's a problem."
For more on the contest entries see here.
February 10, 2007 in Alex Sink, Florida House, Florida Senate, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (19)
February 08, 2007
Turning Tampa Partisan?
By law, Tampa City Council and mayor races are supposed to be nonpartisan. The city charter spells this out.
But that's not stopping local political party organizations from making the party lines clear in upcoming city elections.
The Tampa Republican Club - formerly the Tampa Republican Women Federated - is hosting a candidate forum Monday evening that's open only to Republican candidates. Click here to read more.
February 08, 2007 in Hillsborough, Republicans Permalink Comments (26)
January 31, 2007
Home boy to keynote Pinellas dinner
FrontpageFlorida notes that Gov. Charlie Crist will keynote the Pinellas GOP's Lincoln Day dinner 3/3. The following week, Mitt Romney keynotes the Hillsborough dinner.
January 31, 2007 in Charlie Crist, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Presidential campaign Permalink Comments (38)
January 29, 2007
Granholm and Mulhern
Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm is coming to Tampa Feb. 17 for - a city council candidate? Turns out Granholm is sister-in-law of Mary Mulhern, the Democrat running against well-funded Republican Shawn Harrison.
January 29, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (19)
January 23, 2007
Big bundling in Tampa election
In her quest to unseat John Dingfelder on the Tampa City Council, lawyer Julie Brown has found a friend in local car dealer Jason Kuhn. Quite a few friends, actually.
A St. Petersburg Times analysis found that of the $76,000 Brown has raised, more than $20,000 came from Kuhn, his relatives and associates at his Honda and Volkswagen dealerships. More here.
January 23, 2007 in Elections, Fundraising, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (36)
January 22, 2007
Travolta, Gus and Greco
Before taping an interview for Sunday's "Political Connections" on Bay News 9 this morning, former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco shared with us that he got to sit with John Travolta and Kelly Preston at the big Scientology shindig the other night in Clearwater. Among the numerous politicos there was U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis.
January 22, 2007 in Hillsborough, U.S. House Permalink Comments (12)
January 19, 2007
March 6 Tampa ballot set
TAMPA -- The qualifying deadline for city elections passed Friday with no-last minute surprises for incumbent Mayor Pam Iorio.
She'll face police captain Marion Lewis and former fire chief Aria Green in the March 6 election.
City Council Chair Gwen Miller drew five opponents, the most of any of the seven council seats up for election: strip club owner Joe Redner, restaurant owners Rick Barcena and Denise Chavez, south Tampa mom Julie Jenkins and neighborhood activist Randy Baron.
Citywide City Council member Linda Saul-Sena has no opponents and will be re-elected without opposition.
January 19, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (22)
Sykes won't take on Iorio
For all those who are biting their nails wondering if retired business owner John Sykes is going to run for mayor: He’s not. "I am not running for mayor. I’ve never considered running for mayor," he said Thursday.
Sykes said "literally hundreds of people" have asked him to challenge Mayor Pam Iorio in March. "And it’s not just from the business community. It’s a cross-section, which indicates to me there is a concern about the leadership of Tampa and the direction in which it’s going," he said. But Sykes said at 70 years old, he’s not interested in the position.
---Janet Zink
January 19, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough Permalink Comments (8)
January 18, 2007
Busansky's new gig
Former CD 9 Democratic nominee Phyllis Busansky is setting up a consulting shop, Reliant Partners, LLC, which is aimed at "helping community groups and select clients enact change on a local, state and national level by organizing effective coalitions and strategies to engage the political process."
The three partners include former Hillsborough County Commissioner Busansky; Bill Roberts, a cable TV pioneer, and telecommunications specialist; and Don Pellegrino, MBA, former chair of the Hillsborough County Planning Commission. Also on board are Stephen Maher, who will specialize in issues research, and Alison Berke Morano, past chair of the Wesley Chapel Chamber of Commerce and member of the board of Leadership Pasco and United Way of Pasco County, who will serve as Internet and Marketing Advisor.
January 18, 2007 in Hillsborough, Lobbying, U.S. House Permalink Comments (22)
Brown v. Dingfelder
Lawyer Julie Brown is making clear she means business in her bid to unseat John Dingfelder in the Tampa City Council District 4 race. Brown has raised just more than $76,000 in her first quarter of campaigning. A news release from the Brown camp heralded it as the most money raised for that seat ever. Well, it's the most since at least 1995, the last year for which the Hillsborough County supervisor of elections has numbers handy.
For more "Political Junkie" news from Hillsborough, including Kathy Castor doings in DC and an ant--offshore drilling push from the Tampa City Council, see here.
January 18, 2007 in Elections, Hillsborough, U.S. House Permalink Comments (31)
January 17, 2007
Greco won't run for Tampa mayor again
Former Tampa Mayor Dick Greco, 73, announced today he will not run for mayor this year. Greco was Tampa's 50th and 56th mayor, having first won in 1967 and again in 1995.
Greco said he loves politics but is enjoying life in the private sector and the ability to take two-week vacations. "I'm doing what's best for me and my family," he said.
January 17, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (14)
January 03, 2007
Iorio to seek 2nd term as Tampa mayor
Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio officially announced her re-election bid today.
In a press release, Iorio listed urban redevelopment, Tampa's lower crime rate, and a $60-million plan to fix flooding problems as some of her major accomplishments.
If re-elected, Iorio promises to focus on mass transit for the region, continued investment in neighborhood improvements and more urban redevelopment in her second term. Tampa city elections are March 6. -- Janet Zink, Times staff writer
January 03, 2007 in Hillsborough Permalink Comments (20)
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warrant, or notice. They may do this without any judicial or
legislative oversight. You have no recourse nor protection
save to call for the impeachment of the current President.
ERACISM: ALL colors with love and respect.
"This Act (the Federal Reserve Act, Dec. 23rd 1913) establishes the most gigantic trust on earth. When the President (Woodrow Wilson) signs the Bill, the invisible government of the Monetary Power will be legalised... The worst legislative crime of the ages is perpetrated by this banking and currency Bill."
Charles A. Lindbergh, Sr.
CRUCIAL ACTION: Contact the House Judiciary Committee and Nancy Pelosi TODAY. Don't wait. One click. The momentum is on our side and the world is watching. Bush cronies WORLD WIDE declaring martial law. Nation of GA, Pakistan, Burma ... Mexico's election illegal and then the flooding. GETTING THEM OUT OF THERE IS AN EMERGENCY. Believe this. And help a country out here.
ADD ON: The Sunroof, teenage, bomb, blast, gunshot, LIES pertaining to the MURDER of Benazir Bhutto.
A successful person is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks that others throw at him or her. David Brinkley
Get your ARREST BUSH Tshirt HERE!!
SQUELCH THE FCC's HIDDEN PLAN geez
Tampa Firemen and Other Firemen Fire Brigade: NeoNazis
Follow along with Tampa Stalking HERE.
Additional
data on GANG STALKING IN AMERICA and ELSEWHERE
KNOW WHERE YOU STAND AND STAND THERE
The DOCUMENTED TRUTH about Masons and Shriners (part of it )
Be the ONE MILLIONTH PERSON to sign the IMPEACH BUSH petition.
text "CHENEY" to 30644 to impeach him first, or text "BUSH" to 30644 to impeach him first, or text "BOTH" to 30644 if you think it would be strategically wise to go for the double play
The heart has it's reasons which reason knows nothing of.
*
We know truth, not only by reason, but also by the heart.
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Here's the last 25 messages on the Impeach Cheney matter
No Excuses : Email any rep in the country. Go ahead. They have to answer you; it's what you pay them for. Compel them to uphold their oath to protect the Constitution of the United States of America.
The lie was dead
And damned, and truth stood up instead.
Robert Browning
ANOTHER BUSH LIE
I've saved some sunlight
if you should ever need
a place away from darkness
where your mind can feed.
from Rod McKuen's "I've Saved The Summer"
Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power.
We have guided missiles and misguided men.
Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968)
Make today COUNT.
Go to to find the phone numbers of your Senators and Representative.
Bill Nelson 202 224 5274
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call your congressman and talk to her of
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North Jersey JUST DOIN it.Headlights to ImpeachTurn them ON. PlEaSe ! Help a country out here. Also, click the link to sign the petition. Takes three seconds.
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LIVE from THE TAMPA NAIL HOUSE ... : Proud members of the drive-by media (just like Thomas Paine, father of America)... located in the midtown desired redevelopment center just one block from the river.
The City of Tampa and it's assorted city-sanctioned gang members need this property because it's in the middle of land they intend to develop for gambling facilities.
LaS VEgas here in Tampa : Ta-Vegas or Tam-Gas.But it's going to cost YOU a helluva lot of money as they defend their criminal acts in federal court due to what they are doing to my family and I in
the process of attempting to steal our home.
Terrorist,"Cause" and Gang Stalking Perpetrated by Tampa Firemen and other Firemen -- revealed and written about.Some more threats from Tampa firemen (we'll just drive by your burning house if we know who you are) no kidding? I would NEVER have guessed that !
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