February 2020 Newsletter

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Political Peacock

President's Message

Honor and Dishonor

This week, during the State of the Union address, we watched our President honor fellow Americans, including those who have bravely served in the armed forces, families who have endured unimaginable suffering, a parent seeking a quality education for her child, and a man who pioneered modern day conservative talk radio. We were also reminded of the President’s many accomplishments during his first term. Finally, the President reminded us of our shared history. By the end, my spirit was soaring.

Despite the optimism of the address, one can understand the desire to express opposition. After all, we endured 8 long years of failure by the previous administration. However, it is one thing to sit in long-faced silence, but it is quite another to destroy property. The Code of Official Conduct for the House of Representatives requires behavior “… at all times in a manner that shall reflect creditably on the House.” Ironically, it is the Speaker who is responsible for maintaining decorum. Even committee meetings require conduct “in strict conformity with and observance of the acceptable standards of dignity, propriety, courtesy, and decorum traditionally observed by the House…” As those in attendance were applauding the President’s address, the Speaker chose that moment to dishonor herself, her party, and the House by tearing up each page of the speech as she stood behind the President. Disgraceful does not even begin to describe such conduct and it certainly was not in "strict conformity" with acceptable standards required in the House.

The contrast is clear. Let’s work hard to make sure that in 2020 we continue to honor Americans worthy of honor, and to elect Americans worthy of our trust.

May God bless us all,

Bonnie Jackson

Featured Speaker

In February we welcome Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma who will speak about the opioid crisis.

In 2017, Dennis Lemma was elected Seminole County’s 10th Sheriff. As the County’s chief law enforcement officer, Sheriff Lemma leads a workforce of more than 1,400 employees and manages a $145 million budget.

In 1992, Sheriff Lemma began his career as a correctional officer with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office. He later became a deputy sheriff and, over the course of 27 years, has worked in virtually every position within the agency, serving as the Sheriff’s Office primary spokesperson and receiving promotions from the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major and Chief Deputy prior to becoming Sheriff.

In January 2019, Attorney General Ashley Moody named Sheriff Dennis Lemma as Chair of her Transition Advisory Committee Working Group on Opioid Abuse. In August 2019, he was appointed by the Attorney General to the Statewide Task Force on Opioid Abuse. Sheriff Lemma works closely with the Attorney General and others studying the best practices to stop the influx of deadly opioids, treat addiction, raise awareness and reduce the death toll of this crisis claiming 17 lives per day in Florida.

In July 2019, First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the formation of a drug abuse prevention panel with Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma to serve as Chair. The focus of the panel will be to discuss and determine best practices and innovative solutions to combat drug abuse throughout the state, specifically as it pertains to Florida’s youth.

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and graduate of the FBI Academy, Sheriff Lemma holds a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a Master’s degree in administrative leadership. He and his wife, Diana, have two sons, Dylan and Dayne.

Winter Park Election Information

The City of Winter Park is holding a general election on Tuesday March 17, 2020 , and a run-off election (if necessary) on Tuesday April 14. On the ballot are two City Commission seats. Running for Seat 1, the candidates are Jeffrey Blydenburg and James (Marty) Sullivan. Running for Seat 2, the candidates are Carl Creasman and Sheila DeCiccio. Mr. Creasman is the only registered Republican in the race, so we will be welcoming him for Candidate's Corner at this month's meeting.

Also on the ballot are proposed Charter amendments. For more information about the proposed Charter amendments and Ordinance 3159-19 (proposed amendments to the Charter), please click the banner below for the City of Winter Park election information.

There will also be a Presidential Preference Primary on March 17, 2020.

Click here to read the background information for the proposed Charter amendments.

Click here to read the ballot questions for the proposed Charter amendments.

Click here to read Ordinance 3159-19 (proposed amendments to the Charter).

OUR FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP MEETING WILL BE ON TUESDAY

FEBRUARY 25, 2020 AT 12 NOON. PLEASE ARRIVE BY 11:45.

REMEMBER TO RSVP BY FRIDAY FEBRUARY 21, 2020.

Lunch is $25 by reservation only . Please bring cash or check.

Remember that we are a non-profit organization existing to promote Republicans and conservative causes. If you find that you are unable to attend after the deadline, we are sorry to miss you but expect that an RSVP will be honored. Please be courteous and send payment to reimburse us for your lunch. Not doing so hurts our bottom line. Remember, WE ARE REPUBLICANS AND THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A 'FREE LUNCH.'

To RSVP and for reservations, please use this link:

RSVP - Click here.

Please do NOT forward your Evite email to anyone or they will be registering under your email address and you will be responsible for payment of any reservation not honored.

On the Menu: The Interlachen Country Club offers an extensive buffet with many selections to satisfy every taste!

Membership

Thank you for renewing your membership!

Welcome to our new members!

If you would like to see your name here, consider renewing your membership at the Patron, Angel or Saint level. We are incredibly grateful for all of our members' generosity and support!

Saints $150

Carol Bollo, Laurie Cardoza-Moore, Ann Chilton, Nancy Davis, Colleen Finwall, Kathy Gibson, Ellen Hamilton, Catherine Harvie, Bonnie Jackson, Wendi Peterson, Cheryl Stone, Lisa Vimmerstedt

Angels $100

Sharon Burnight, Lynda Stapp, Shelley Sullivan, Ellie Warner, Shara White

Patrons $60

Patty Bender, Sue Book, Susan Burrows, Jean Carrero, Susan Gelineau, Sonya Levine,

Lois Renfro, Barbara Russo, Cindy Schuerman

Click here to renew your membership.