August 15

Libertarians Lead the Pack In C4L Straw Poll

For Immediate Release
ORLANDO: In a shocking upset, grassroots U.S. Senate candidate Alexander Snitker defeated GOP frontrunner Marco Rubio in a straw poll held at the Florida Liberty Summit hosted by Campaign for Liberty at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida this weekend.

The Libertarian Senate hopeful not only won the straw poll, but defeated Rubio by a landslide. The final results were:

Alex Snitker (L) 53%
Marco Rubio (R) 30%
Bernie DeCastro (C) 13%
Charlie Crist (NPA) 3%
Kendrick Meek (D) <1%
Jeff Greene (D) <1%

Snitker said of his surprise win, "I think this shows that Americans are starting to shy away from the two-party political class, and are instead looking for candidates that will uphold the Constitution and defend their personal and economic freedoms."

Campaign for Liberty is a non-partisan group that was founded by supporters of Rep. Ron Paul (R Texas) after his 2008 Presidential primary bid. Rep. Paul was the keynote speaker at the three-day event, attended by an estimated crowd of 1,200 people.

John Wayne Smith was also in attendance. The results of the straw poll for Governor:
Scott 41%
Smith 38%
McCullum 19%
Chiles 3%
Sink <1%

August 08

John Wayne Responds To Email

Over the course of the last few weeks I have received several emails that ask or address some interesting areas. Counterintuitive to what my Democrat and Republican opponents may think; I believe that people not government should be in charge. Transparency is a large part of informing voters what is at stake.

For voters to make the best-informed decision they should know where their candidates stand on issues not generally talked about during campaigns. As such, I decided not to keep this information to myself since it may be relevant for other voters besides the originators. I will begin posting such answers here so that all may see and will try to keep this up to date as more questions come in.

Question:
Florida, more than most states, needs medicinal use of cannabis. I submitted a request to the DEA, FDA, Dept of HHS, the Attorney General. You can read it at http://www.requesttoreschedulecannabis.blog.com/. Are you informed of what LEAP is doing and saying - If not check out www.leap.cc. Then tell me what is your stance on the subjects?

Reply:
Thank you for the e-mail. We have hosted many "leap" speakers in the last few years. Each one goes to a different point. For some it is the mechanics, some the philosophy, some are inspirational.

Any time one can listen to a new or different "LEAP" speaker they should take advantage of it.

While I have appreciated the eight I have had the pleasure to listen to, one that really opened my eyes was one who spoke on the 9th amendment. Millions speak about the value of the 10th amendment but because of him I now will never speak solely of the 10th amendment. I always throw a god reference to the 9th into the mix.

Thank you for the question.

While I do not make strong reference  to "LEAP" on my web site, it is listed on the front page and  I am an associate member and strongly endorse the effort to educate people.

Question:
CONSCIENCE PROTECTION: Protecting social service and health care providers from being forced to provide services that contradict their moral principles? Answer: OPPOSE

I hope your posted response is not in error.  Again, I look forward to your reply.

Reply:
Here is my concept -

(COMMUNITY STANDARDS) While community standards do have a place in our lives, we may not FORCE our standards on others. The only proper response to one that violates community standards, but does not interfere with the rights of others, is to shun the offensive person. You may have to sell the offensive person a loaf of bread and a can of beans, but you do not have to socialize with them as you sell to them.  Shunning is a proper response but enacting a law to make him or her conform to community standards is wrong.

Now while I would defend any persons right not to violate their conscience, It would have to be stated at the door for everyone to see and that person or organization should not be allowed to receive any public funds for any item or procedure, even those that do not involve in an exercise of conscience objection.

Also, I normally agree with the catholic doctrine when it is exercised within the members of the church. I do agree that they have the right to turn away from people who knowingly violate it's principles or doctrine but not while they receive public funds.

Do the work of GOD, or do the work of the government! One cannot do both.

I hope this is understandable to you, because it is how I think on things.

July 12

2010 Amendment Statements Made For the Libertarian Party of Florida


Florida Department of State Division of Elections Initiatives / Amendments / Revisions
General Election 2010

REPEAL OF PUBLIC CAMPAIGN FINANCING REQUIREMENT Reference: ARTICLE VI, SECTION 7 Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Ballot Number: 1 Election Year: 2010
Summary:
Proposing the repeal of the provision in the State Constitution that requires public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.

The relevant section requires that state pubic funds be used for campaigns of those people accepting certain spending limits. In short, this means that republicans in the state of Florida are paying for democrats to run for office and vice versa. The idea is abhorrent on the face of it. When I give funds I want those funds to go to the candidate of MY choice, not be forced to pay for his opponents campaign. I did not like this when it was added to the Florida Constitution and do not like the idea of public financing today. - This is a YES vote for me.

HOMESTEAD AD VALOREM TAX CREDIT FOR DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Reference: ARTICLE VII, SECTION 3 & ARTICLE XII, SECTION 31 Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Ballot Number: 2 Election Year: 2010
Summary:
Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to require the Legislature to provide an additional homestead property tax exemption by law for members of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard who receive a homestead exemption and were deployed in the previous year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature. The exempt amount will be based upon the number of days in the previous calendar year that the person was deployed on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature. The amendment is scheduled to take effect January 1, 2011.

One must look further than what may seem just. The members of the Florida National Guard, are supposedly doing a public service. Regardless of how one may feel about the wars around the world where these people are engaged they are basically slaves to the desires of the government, and that government keeps changing the rules, making it hard for these people to plan on how they will address their other obligations. This is just a twisted effort to help these people cover some of their obligations at the expense of everyone else.
I do not support Unequal Taxation by class, and do not support property tax at all. So for me this would be a "NO" vote on this amendment with the idea placed in the public forum that all property tax should be reduced or eliminated.

PROPERTY TAX LIMIT FOR NONHOMESTEAD PROPERTY; ADDITIONAL HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION FOR NEW HOMESTEAD OWNERS
Reference: ARTICLE VII, SECTIONS 4 and 6 & ARTICLE XII Sponsor: The Florida Legislature
Ballot Number: 3 Election Year: 2010
CODING: Words stricken (RED) are deletions; words underlined are additions.

Summary:
The State Constitution generally limits the maximum annual increase in the assessed value of non-homestead property to 10 percent annually. This proposed amendment reduces the maximum annual increase in the assessed values of those properties to 5 percent annually. This amendment also requires the Legislature to provide an additional homestead exemption for persons who have not owned a principal residence during the preceding 8 years. Under the exemption, 25 percent of the just value of a first-time homestead, up to $100,000, will be exempt from property taxes. The amount of the additional exemption will decrease in each succeeding year for 5 years by the greater of 20 percent of the initial additional exemption or the difference between the just value and the assessed value of the property. The additional exemption will not be available in the 6th and subsequent years.

Like with amendment 2 above I do not support Unequal Taxation by class, and do not support property tax at all. I do not support this amendment. This is just another twisted effort to help different people cover some of their obligations at the expense of everyone else. So for me this would be a NO on this amendment.

REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS.
Sponsor: Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc., PAC Ballot Number: 4 Election
Year: 2010 Reference: Article II, Section 7
Summary:
Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.

(FIRST) FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT:REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS, #05-18

The amendments impact on local government expenditures cannot be estimated precisely. Local governments will incur additional costs due to the requirement to conduct referenda in order to adopt comprehensive plans or amendments thereto. The amount of such costs depends upon the frequency, timing and method of the referenda, and includes the costs of ballot preparation, election administration, and associated expenses. The impact on state government expenditures will be insignificant.

(SECOND) FINANCIAL INFORMATION STATEMENT REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS, #05-18

Florida law requires each local government to adopt a comprehensive plan. Comprehensive plans may be amended at least twice per year, as provided by law. The proposed constitutional amendment requires local governments to conduct a vote, by referendum, before adopting any new comprehensive plan or amendments to the comprehensive plan. The vote would be conducted after preparation of the plan or amendment by the local planning agency and consideration by the governing body.
Based on information provided through public workshops and collected through staff research, the Financial Impact Estimating Conference determined that local governments which adopt plans or propose comprehensive plan amendments will incur additional costs related to the referendum requirement. Nevertheless, the amendments impact on local government expenditures cannot be estimated precisely. The financial impact statement is developed from the following considerations:
* Presenting additional issues to the voters entails increased costs. Those costs exist regardless of the method by which local governments choose to conduct the vote - special or general election, whether by mail ballot or at the polls. Given the large volume of amendments adopted between 2001 and 2005 (an average of 7,878 amendments and 1,062 packages per year) and the number of new incorporations (nine new incorporations since April, 2000), it is highly improbable that special elections can be avoided.
* To this point, the survey responses from local government planners and county supervisors indicate the majority of local governments anticipate the volume of proposed plan amendments would remain the same. Therefore, any fiscal impact related to increased or decreased volume of amendments would be insignificant. Further, while fewer proposed amendments may be adopted, the costs of the referenda to get to this outcome still exist.
* The proposed constitutional amendment does not specify how local governments would present amendments on the ballot, or how often referenda will occur. At a minimum, general election costs will be increased by additional expenditures for printing ballots, and noticing and advertising the ballot information. Costs to conduct a special election are even greater.
* Based on past experience, the minimum cost per special election for an average-sized county ranges from $143,300 to $287,700; for an average-sized city from $10,500 to $22,000. Assuming every Florida voter is impacted by a single special election, costs would range between $10 million and $20 million. If the least-cost method (mail ballot) is selected, and assuming special elections affect just 25% of the voters, the cost would likely be in excess of $2.4 million.
* The impact on state government expenditures will be insignificant.
* State and local revenue sources will not be increased or decreased directly.

FINANCIAL IMPACT STATEMENT
The amendments impact on local government expenditures cannot be estimated precisely. Local governments will incur additional costs due to the requirement to conduct referenda in order to adopt comprehensive plans or amendments thereto. The amount of such costs depends upon the frequency, timing and method of the referenda, and includes the costs of ballot preparation, election administration, and associated expenses. The impact on state government expenditures will be insignificant.
For purposes of this subsection:

1. "Local government" means a county or municipality.
2. "Local government comprehensive land use plan" means a plan to guide and control future land development in an area under the jurisdiction of a local government.
3. "Local planning agency" means the agency of a local government that is responsible for the preparation of a comprehensive land use plan and plan amendments after public notice and hearings and for making recommendations to the governing body of the local government regarding the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive land use plan.
4. "Governing body" means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of a municipality, or the chief elected governing body of a county or municipality, however designated.
Serial Number 05-18 ~ Date Approved June 21,2005

Hometown Democracy Project!
This particular scheme was first presented in about 2001. It took until June 18, 2003 to make it into a proposal that the Division of Elections would accept and was first sent to the Fla Supreme Court on July 13, 2004 Supreme Court Ruled on March 17, 2005 was that it was Unconstitutional. Re-written it was approved on June 21, 2005 and had collected enough signatures to make it past phase 1 on Jan 23, 2006.  The Supreme Court ruled that it meet the constitutional requirements on October 14, 2006 so it did not make the ballot in 2006. They finally collected enough signatures to place it on the ballot on June 22, 2009 but had to  keep collecting signatures until July 1, 2010 to insure they would stay on the ballot.

The Hometown Democracy Project is a scheme that would require a vote for almost everything that went before planning boards be subject to a vote by the people. This would require many elections through out the year, costing both sides a lot of money. For a through discussion of this matter see
http://libertarianviewpoint.com/blog/?p=2148 and
http://libertarianviewpoint.com/blog/?p=2205
Jonathan Raof expresses my view point very well: So, in my opinion, Hometown Democracy represents a direct assault on private property rights. From my understanding, under the current planning system, property owners have recourse to appeals and formal procedures for regulating development in the community interest. Throwing landowners’ ability to develop their property to the whims of public opinion shaped by costly public relations campaigns embraces the ultimate tyranny of the majority over individual property rights. My vote on amendment 4 will be a very strong NO!

Amendments 5, 6 and 7 relate to redistricting.
STANDARDS FOR LEGISLATURE TO FOLLOW IN LEGISLATIVE REDISTRICTING
07-16 - Sponsor: FairDistrictsFlorida.org. Status: Active Made Ballot: 01/22/2010 Ballot Number: 5 Election Year: 2010

Reference: ARTICE III, Section 21
Summary: Legislative districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.

STANDARDS FOR LEGISLATURE TO FOLLOW IN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING 07- 15 Sponsor: FairDistrictsFlorida.org. Status: Active Made Ballot: 01/22/2010 Ballot Number: 6 Election Year: 2010

Reference: Article III, Section 20

Summary: Congressional districts or districting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.

STANDARDS FOR LEGISLATURE TO FOLLOW IN LEGISLATIVE AND CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING - Sponsor: The Florida Legislature Made Ballot: 05/18/2010 Ballot Number: 7 Election Year: 2010

Reference: ARTICLE III, SECTION 20
Summary: In establishing congressional and legislative district boundaries or plans, the state shall apply federal requirements and balance and implement the standards in the State Constitution. The state shall take into consideration the ability of racial and language minorities to participate in the political process and elect candidates of their choice, and communities of common interest other than political parties may be respected and promoted, both without subordination to any other provision of Article III of the State Constitution. Districts and plans are valid if the balancing and implementation of standards is rationally related to the standards contained in the State Constitution and is consistent with federal law.

Amendments 5, 6 and 7 all have to do with redistricting of the state and national boundary lines of the representative districts of the US House, the Florida Senate and the Florida House. It is a shame that it has taken 165 years for any of these to be on the ballot and to put some sense into the endeavor. Amendments 5 and 6 are the product of the Democrat Party trying to put them back into the game. They collected 686,016 signatures to put these two items on the ballot.

Amendment 7 is a product of the Republican Party trying to keep things as they are and to hold on to power.  A "Yes" vote on 5 and 6 is what I will do and a "NO" vote on 7 is appropriate.  


REVISION OF THE CLASS SIZE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Reference: ARTICLE IX, SECTION 1 and ARTICLE XII, SECTION 31
Summary: The Florida Constitution currently limits the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms in the following grade groupings: for prekindergarten through grade 3, 18 students; for grades 4 through 8, 22 students; and for grades 9 through 12, 25 students. Under this amendment, the current limits on the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in public school classrooms would become limits on the average number of students assigned per class to each teacher, by specified grade grouping, in each public school. This amendment also adopts new limits on the maximum number of students assigned to each teacher in an individual classroom as follows: for prekindergarten through grade 3, 21 students; for grades 4 through 8, 27 students; and for grades 9 through 12, 30 students. This amendment specifies that class size limits do not apply to virtual classes, requires the Legislature to provide sufficient funds to maintain the average number of students required by this amendment, and schedules these revisions to take effect upon approval by the electors of this state and to operate retroactively to the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year.

This may look like a house keeping measure but in reality it will save the school districts 4% to 5% yearly in overall cost. I suggest a "YES" vote on this.

HEALTH CARE SERVICES

Reference: ARTICLE I, SECTION 28
Summary: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution to ensure access to health care services without waiting lists, protect the doctor-patient relationship, guard against mandates that don't work, prohibit laws or rules from compelling any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system; permit a person or an employer to purchase lawful health care services directly from a health care provider; permit a health care provider to accept direct payment from a person or an employer for lawful health care services; exempt persons, employers, and health care providers from penalties and fines for paying directly or accepting direct payment for lawful health care services; and permit the purchase or sale of health insurance in private health care systems. Specifies that the amendment does not affect which health care services a health care provider is required to perform or provide; affect which health care services are permitted by law; prohibit care provided pursuant to general law relating to workers' compensation; affect laws or rules in effect as of March 1, 2010; affect the terms or conditions of any health care system to the extent that those terms and conditions do not have the effect of punishing a person or an employer for paying directly for lawful health care services or a health care provider for accepting direct payment from a person or an employer for lawful health care services; or affect any general law passed by two-thirds vote of the membership of each house of the Legislature, passed after the effective date of the amendment, provided such law states with specificity the public necessity justifying the exceptions from the provisions of the amendment. The amendment expressly provides that it may not be construed to prohibit negotiated provisions in insurance contracts, network agreements, or other provider agreements contractually limiting co-payments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other patient charges.

This Amendment may not be on the ballot because there is a suit to remove it in the courts
This proposed amendment is essentially the same as the one that passed in Missouri several weeks back. Adopted from a cookie cutter outline that may one day become an amendment to the US constitution.
It is a good start and I suggest a "YES" vote.

 

June 22

John Wayne Responds To Abigail Adams Project of Florida Survey

Friday July 16 2010 Welcome to the Abigail Adams Project of Florida
Welcome to the team!!

We understand that this will take a sacrifice from all of our families. With the understanding that a sacrifice of the time that we would have normally spent with our children, the money spent on making copies or mailing letters, or the time and money spent on driving to visit our representatives whether they are in Tallahassee or D.C., comes the knowledge that it's necessary to protect our children. Know that while there is little or no "extra" money in most families today, we will find a way to get our point across with what ever we are able to spare.

Homemakers for America Inc. is a National, membership based, nonprofit {501(c)(3)} corporation focused on education, citizenship and empowerment.

Homemakers for America Inc. is made up of a diverse group of women who share the core values of God, Freedom & Family.

We recognize the great legacy our founders left us when founding this nation and constructing the constitution and respect our freedom documents and what they stand for. It is our desire to preserve this great legacy through our influence in our homes, our communities and in the nation.

As the Florida Coordinator for Homemakers for America, I am working on collaborating with Patriot groups across the State of Florida on the Abigail Adams Project. It's a non-partisan voter education project that will make a difference in how candidates are elected. Our objective is to restore the Constitution through the power of an educated electorate. Once the qualified candidates have completed the survey, we will produce voter guides in both English and Spanish. These voter guides will be distributed by patriots in neighborhoods and at the polls on election days.

We are searching for persons of integrity and high moral character, who possesses a strong desire to serve others, recognize his/her imperfections and strives to overcome them to be the person he/she can be. People that have been trained in humanity. They have learned the moral code of right and wrong, the positive attributes of honesty, humility, patriotism, accepting responsibility, and the selfless standards of love thy neighbor, the golden rule, and country above self. Basically, we are searching for Statesmen and women to represent our families.

The Abigail Adams Project will aid us in that search!!
Let me encourage you to check out the "County Level Candidates" link!

Karena Morrison
State Coordinator
Florida Homemakers for America, Inc.
The Abigail Adams Project of Florida aap.florida&gmail.com

This site is to be used for communication and networking on the Abigail Adams Project only. The purpose of this site is to coordinate efforts to create voter guides for Florida voters. Political commentary and endorsement of candidates or political issues are not allowed and will be removed immediately.
2010 Federal / Florida / County Commissioner Survey
Florida Abigail Adams Project
Before completing this survey, please read the instructions carefully.

Instructions for Candidates First of all, make sure that you are filling out the correct survey and have the code that was given to you by our Abigail Adams Project volunteer. The codes were designed to provide security for the candidate's information and are unique to each candidate. Entering the correct code at the end of the survey will ensure that your survey is verified by our team as legitimately submitted from your campaign. If you are a candidate that has come here without being contacted by an AAP volunteer, please send an email request for a candidate survey code to aap.florida&gmail.com and include your name, county and contact phone number.

This survey has been designed by Floridians for candidates that are running for the following offices: United States Senators, United States House of Representatives, Florida Executive Branch Offices, Florida State Senate, Florida State House of Representatives, and County Level Commissioners. The statements with an asterisk will be included on voter guides that will be handed out in neighborhoods and at the polls on election days. The entire survey will be posted on a website that will be available for all voters to educate themselves about the candidate and their views.

Please read through the following issues and mark whether you support or oppose each issue. If you do not wish to answer a question, please either choose the decline to respond option or leave the field blank. Any spaces left blank will be marked as "decline to respond" on the voter guide. Any surveys not returned will be marked as "refused to respond to this survey". Each candidate will be given ample opportunity to respond to the survey and we will call to confirm your decision to refuse to answer the survey before we submit the information to our website/voter guides.

In order to maintain consistency and fairness in representing all candidates we have implemented the following restrictions on additional comments.
Comments about the candidate's responses are limited to points of clarification only.
No references to opposing candidates will be allowed.
Response to why you are running for office will be limited to 300 words.

If you do not receive a phone or email confirmation from us within 5 business days of submitting your survey, please email aap.florida&gmail.com to confirm that we have received your questionnaire.

Please note, all the information will be provided on the website but only the questions with an asterisk will appear on the AAP printable voter guide.

It is important to note, that while the candidates and their stand on key issues are listed in our voter information, Party affiliations are not. The Abigail Adams Project does not endorse or promote any political party or particular candidate. The Project simply informs voters on who the candidates are and where they stand on the issues, allowing the voters to decide for themselves who they want to represent them. Party affiliations are irrelevant. It is the person running that matters and not the political party they are affiliated with or whether they are affiliated with a political party at all. For that reason, the Abigail Adams Project does not include Party affiliations.

Homemakers for America is the sponsoring organization for the Abigail Adams Project and all questions regarding the project should be directed to the Florida Coordinator of Homemakers for America.

Thank you so much for your willingness to serve your country as an elected official !
Karena Morrison
Florida Coordinator
Homemakers for America / The Abigail Adams Project
aap.florida&gmail.com

I have read the Candidate Survey Instructions and agree to follow the instructions as listed.*
Yes
NO Please choose whether you strongly support, support, oppose or strongly oppose the following statements. If you feel that your response needs clarification, you will have an opportunity to briefly clarify any of your responses at the end of this portion of the survey.

*1. Limits on the Federal Government that have been clearly defined by the Constitution.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*2. The Constitution should reflect our changing social values and growth.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*3. Judges should interpret the Constitution within the bounds of clearly written original intent
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*4. Imposing government restrictions on an individual's right to keep and bear arms.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*5. Federal Government is responsible to provide health insurance to all persons residing in the United States.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*6. Tort Reform should be a primary focus of health care reform.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*7. Taxpayer funded abortions.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*8. Legislation requiring parental consent for abortion procedures on girls under 18 years of age.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*9. Federal Government should regulate and fund K-12 education.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*10. Federal funding for special projects in Florida requires the concurrence with the Florida Legislature.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*11. Introduction of a State Income Tax to support current/proposed State Programs.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*12. Abolish the IRS and implement a fair or flat tax system.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*13. Balanced budget amendment to the United State Constitution.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*14. An audit of the Federal Reserve Bank.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*15. Energy taxes should be imposed to reduce the effect of climate change.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*16. Redistribution of wealth will equalize economic differences between citizens.*16.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*17. Enforcement of Federal Immigration laws by State and Local Law Enforcement.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*18. Repealing the 17th Amendment which states that the Senators of each state will be elected by the people instead of being appointed by the State Legislature.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*19. Child centered funding (school choice) that allows money to follow the student in their choice of public, private, or charter schools.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*20. Drilling for oil in American controlled lands and waters.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

21. The repeal of the provision in the State Constitution that requires public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits.
Amendment #1 of Florida 2010 Ballot
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*22. An amendment to the State Constitution to require the Legislature to provide an additional homestead property tax exemption by law for members of the United States military or military reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its reserves, or the Florida National Guard who receive a homestead exemption and were deployed in the previous year on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature. The exempt amount will be based upon the number of days in the previous calendar year that the person was deployed on active duty outside the continental United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature.*22.
Amendment #2 of Florida 2010 Ballot
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*23. The State Constitution generally limits the maximum annual increase in the assessed value of non-homestead property to 10 percent annually. This proposed amendment reduces the maximum annual increase in the assessed values of those properties to 5 percent annually. This amendment also requires the Legislature to provide an additional homestead exemption for persons who have not owned a principal residence during the preceding 8 years. Under the exemption, 25 percent of the just value of a first-time homestead, up to $100,000, will be exempt from property taxes. The amount of the additional exemption will decrease in each succeeding year for 5 years by the greater of 20 percent of the initial additional exemption or the difference between the just value and the assessed value of the property. The additional exemption will not be available in the 6th and subsequent years.
Amendment #3 of Florida 2010 Ballot
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

*24. Before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Therefore the taxpayers in every city and county in Florida should be required to pay for the holding of the additional elections that will be required to vote on proposed changes to comprehensive land use plans.
Amendment #4 of Florida 2010 ballot
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

25. The Florida Health Care Freedom Act which states any " law or rule shall not compel, directly or indirectly, any person, employer, or health care provider to participate in any health care system, " and specifies people and employers can’t be fined for not buying insurance.
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond
Please provide any additional comments to clarify your responses on the support/oppose statements.

*26. Congressional or Legislative redistricting plans may not be drawn to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party. Districts shall not be drawn to deny racial or language minorities the equal opportunity to participate in the political process and elect representatives of their choice. Districts must be contiguous. Unless otherwise required, districts must be compact, as equal in population as feasible, and where feasible must make use of existing city, county and geographical boundaries.
Amendment # 5 & 6 of Florida 2010 Ballot
Better than what we have but I do not believe it will pass federal court muster.

*27. The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. If elected, how will this statement influence your decisions in office?
10th Amendment to U.S. Constitution
I will honor the 9th and 10th amendments as written.

28. Lifetime term limits should be implemented that will limit members of the Senate to two six-year terms and members of the House to six two-year terms. Term Limits should be an amendment to the United States Constitution. Please state your position on these statements concerning " term limits" and how they should or should not be implemented:
Term Limit: No elected, appointed or hired person should hold government positions for more than 20 years during a lifetime, or one job for more than 12 years.

29. Please explain what you hope to accomplish if elected. Why you feel you deserve the confidence of the voters? And how you will protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and the Florida Constitution.
Candidate Summary
What I would hope to accomplish if elected is to reduce the government to its necessary and proper principles and actions. A reduction of 50% would not be out of line.
I can lead Florida to a brighter, freer and safer future by reducing the size of government and allowing Floridians to act with more responsibility. 
First I would make sure Florida's constitution contained all of the values that the federal constitution contains and would establish a state militia with all law enforcement and other citizens a member of such force.

30. I have read the Constitution of the United States and pledge to uphold the rights and standards contained within it.
Pledge
Yes
No

31. I believe in sovereignty and security of our country and vehemently oppose any measure giving another country, the United Nations, or any other entity power over the US citizens. United States Sovereignty
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

32. I believe the United States of America is the greatest country on earth and therefore will not apologize for policies or actions that have served to free more and feed more people around the world than any other nation on the planet.
United States FOR No Apologies
Strongly Support
Support
Oppose
Strongly Oppose
Decline to respond

33. Please indicate below if and when you have attended a seminar/course on the United States Constitution.
Constitutional Studies/Seminars - List
Making of America Seminar
Institute on the Constitution
Have not attended any courses on this subject
Other courses (please specify)
Constitutional Studies/Seminars: Michael Badnariks courses

June 22

John Wayne Responds To Flagger County TEA Party Movement Survey

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

STATE : Governor
Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer, Commissioner of Agriculture
State Senator (District 8) State Representative (Districts 20 and 26)

CANDIDATE INFORMATION (Please Print or Type)
Candidates Full Name: John Wayne Smith
Office Sought: Governor
Campaign Address 203 W. Magnolia Street.
City: Leesburg State: Florida Zip 347485-5836
Phone: 353 787 5550 Cell 352 617 7098
Email: JWSmith42000@aol.com
Website: JohnWayne4Gov.com

Please indicate your position relating to the following issues by marking "Yes", "No", or "Undecided". If you mark "No" or "Undecided", please provide an explanation for your response to each question on the separate sheet of paper provided with this questionnaire and attach your comments to the back of your completed questionnaire. Failure to complete and return the questionnaire on or before the deadline date of MONDAY, JULY 5, 2010 will result in a listing of "No Response" on the FCTP Website.

Constitutionally Limited Government
1. Would you support legislation that compels elected officials to commit that: All laws apply equally to all, including elected officials, other government officials and agency heads and their respective staff .
Yes No Undecided

2. Do you support the Florida Attorney Generals lawsuit against the federal government alleging the Health Care Reform bill signed into law by the President is unconstitutional.
Yes No Undecided

3. Do you support the removal of state judges who legislate from the bench.
Yes No Undecided

4. Do you support the safeguarding of property rights by opposing the use of eminent domain for private development projects.
Yes No Undecided

5. Do you support the periodic review for the purpose of "sunsetting" agencies, regulations, and entitlement programs that are unnecessary or outdated.
Yes No Undecided

6. Do you support the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution relating to states rights.
Yes No Undecided

While I answered all of these questions "Yes" There are things just as important that are not asked. I support the Ninth (9th) amendment more strongly than I do the 10th amendment. I also support "Jury Nullification" much more strongly than I support "the removal of state judges who legislate from the bench."

Fiscal Responsibility
1. Do you support real tax incentives that encourages small business growth
Yes No Undecided
Even though I answered this question "yes" reality does not match this answer. I am very opposed to land, licensing or income tax. Lets face it. There will have to be ways to pay for the few necessary things government must do. Florida should only rely on a sales tax.

2. Should the State of Florida solicit and accept federal "stimulus-type funds" for make work projects and programs
Yes No Undecided
To accept such would require Florida to live under some "Federal" Rules that are not acceptable to most of Floridas citizens. Furthermore, the forceful of taking money from people in Florida (through taxes) to pay for other people in Florida to work (on non productive jobs) does not make sense. If the people of Florida already have the money and are pumping it into the economy, stealing it from that person and giving it to another does not change anything economically for the state. It is still the same "X" dollars. Having government robbing Peter to pay Paul is absurd.

3. Should the State of Florida reject any mandates from the federal government that are not fully funded
Yes No Undecided
Even though I answered this question "YES" I believe that Florida should reject all “Federal Mandates” that are not directly related to the rights and safety of Floridas citizens.

4. Do you support using federal stimulus funds to balance the state budget beyond fiscal years 2010-2011
Yes No Undecided
To accept such would require Florida to live under some "Federal" rules that are not acceptable to most of Floridas citizens. Why should people in other states pay for Floridas balanced budget? The very fact that we need help in balancing the budget should set off bells and whistles in our state legislature that we are doing something wrong. This should be fixed at the local level. If we are creating a deficit because of over spending then cut spending. We are very conscience of our monies at home why would we not be at the government offices as well? Handling taxpayers moneys is a very highly regarded trust that the people gives our government. That trust should not be broken by government mismanagement of those funds.

5. Do you support the High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program
Yes No Undecided
To accept such would require Florida to live under some "Federal" rules that are not acceptable to most of Floridas citizens. This is a waste of taxpayers hard earned monies. Adding another public transportation system to an already broken system makes no sense. You will never be able to regain any ROI on the deal and government will end up subsidizing transportation of the few at the cost of the many. This is a perfect example of government waste that makes or budget overflow with costs and drives us into deficits. All subsidies need to be eliminated.

National and State Defense
1. Do you agree to strictly enforce all existing Federal Laws relating to illegal immigration
Yes No Undecided
Not as they stand. Actually, this might be closer to a NO. The Federal government does NOT have jurisdiction on immigration, ONLY naturalization. So any law they have regarding immigration is probably unconstitutional. When taking office I would have to swear an oath to defend the constitution. My duty then would be to uphold the constitution and not follow laws that are against it.

2. Do you support the Arizona Law relating to illegal immigrants
Yes No Undecided
I believe that the Arizona law is necessary for Arizona at this time but do not believe that it is necessary to extend it individually to the various states. Each state has a right to invite whom they want in their state.

3. Do you agree to support securing all Florida borders by any and every means possible
Yes No Undecided
I am not sure based on your question. "Any and every" no of course not, you want to shoot people from Georgia because they cross the border, that is crazy? I use this example for a reason, you see, shooting is part of "any and every" isn’t it. Does it make any sense that we are going to shoot people just because they crossed our borders? No, it doesn’t and if anyone thinks it does they need to have their head examined. People get punished for crimes. Florida does not have immigration laws that need to be enforced so rigorously that "any and every means possible" would be used.

4. Do you support fully funding all Florida National Guard operations
Yes No Undecided
The actual answer maybe should be "No, I do not" The National Guard is a "Federal" army and on demand they would work under "Federal" authority. I would be a champion of the 9th and 10th amendments to the U. S. Constitution and all state law enforcement officers would also be members of the "state" militia and charged with the protection of all Florida residents except those who have committed provable crimes. People who otherwise are not a government employee would be asked to join in the "State" militia reserve.

5. Do you support the privatization of the U.S. Space Program
Yes No Undecided
As the principle owner and the CEO of a private space research company, 1000 Planets, Inc. (http://www.1000Planets.com) I would like to be able to do my research and operations openly and with out government interference. I would like to be able to enter into contracts that are responsible, reasonable and rewarding and to plan on the future without answering to thousands of government functionaries who can not even tighten a bolt.

Free Markets
1. Do you support energy independence from foreign sources by allowing domestic drilling and all alternative domestic energy options in the State of Florida
Yes No Undecided

2. Should all Floridians be required to carry health insurance
Yes No Undecided
I also do not believe that Carte blanche medical care should be provided, especially by emergency rooms of the hospitals in Florida. Government cannot legislate morality. While it may behoove people to have insurance it should not be mandatory. What you are talking about here is the transfer of risk. Why would anyone force that transfer? What if I wanted to keep the responsibility for myself, you are going to punish me because I am responsible?

3. Do you support the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Amendment 17A to close the entire South Atlantic Economic Enterprise Zone (EEZ) to red snapper and grouper fishing
Yes No Undecided
I do not have the solution to the perceived problem but the proposed action is worse than no answer. Nature will take care of it’s own. Is that not what the free markets tell us? Everything has its place in the market. Whenever government gets involved in the market it ALWAYS hurts those it is supposed to help. Keep the government out of the picture and the market will tale care of itself.

Family Issues
1. Should Florida taxpayer dollars be used to pay for abortions
Yes No Undecided
No Comment

2. Should references to God be removed from Florida government property
Yes No Undecided
No Comment

3. Do you support the traditional American family and its right to raise children without intrusive interference from the State of Florida
Yes No Undecided

4. Do support the Florida Gun Laws relating to the rights granted to all legal, law-abiding Floridians
Yes No Undecided

5. Education
Do you support federal mandated standards for public schools Yes No Undecided
Have you solicited or received support from the FTA or the NTA Yes No Undecided
Do you support periodic standardized testing and continuing Education requirements for certified educators Yes No Undecided
A - No Comment
B - No Comment
C - There should not be many "public schools" (indoctrination centers) but those that do exist should be as good as they can be.

Proposed November 2010 Constitutional Amendments to the Florida Constitution sponsored by the Florida Legislature
There is an entire post dedicated to this very subject coming shortly. It makes no sense to post it twice. Please, keep a look out for the post if you want to know the answers.

Do you pledge to your constituents that if you are elected and do commit a felony crime, or commit any act which would raise a reasonable question as to your individual moral character, including any contractual obligations or oaths of office, from this point forward, that you would resign immediately from your elected office
Yes No Undecided

Explanation: I do not feel comfortable with the way some of these questions are ask because they make assumptions that sometimes are not valid and there is no room for honest answers. There is nothing that I am undecided about but have answers that do not fit any of your selection of answers, including undecided.

I do not know if I would trust those who are asking the questions or who is deciding what moral character means. I do understand what a felony crime is and I understand contractual obligations and oaths of office are and would not accept any terms that I did not intend to abide by.

Explanations to questions that you marked "No" or "Undecided". Please attach your comments to the back of your completed questionnaire. Please print clearly or type as these comments will posted with your survey responses on the FCTP Website.

Candidates Name (Print)John Wayne Smith
Candidates Signature
Date June 22, 2010

Please return to the Flagler County TEA Party Movement by mail or email on or before Monday, July 5, 2010 at 5:00 pm MAIL: FCTP, 55 Front Street Palm Coast, Florida 32137

March 25


Can You Do Me A Favor

Dear Libertarian,

I hope this finds you well.

I'm wondering if you can do me a favor...it's simple and won't cost you a cent.

As you may know, I am running for governor of Florida. I am doing this as a Libertarian.

Not as an independent.

Not as a demopublican.

But as a proud Libertarian!

You see, I'm running as a Libertarian so that millions of voters in Florida will see the Libertarian label right there on their ballot.

I'm not just doing it for those voters though.

I'm also doing it so that millions of voters in the future will have a choice - a Libertarian choice. If we don't start today to build up the momentum for the LP we will never get there. So, I'm doing it for all those future Libertarian candidates as well.

I hope you will join me on this campaign! And, if possible, I hope to meet you in person somewhere along the campaign trail.

Now, that favor I'm asking of you...could you please take a couple of minutes and answer this question:

What would having a Libertarian governor mean to you?

See, I told you it was simple...we're just looking for some feedback to help with the campaign.

Please email me at: JohnWayne@JohnWayne4Gov.com
or leave a message on Facebook here.
and let me know your answer.

Thanks in advance!

In Liberty,

John Wayne Smith
Libertarian Candidate for Florida Governor – 2010

Authorized and Approved by John Wayne Smith Libertarian Candidate for Florida Governor - 2010

April 15

Punta Gorda Tea Party

John Wayne Smith will be appearing at the Punta Gorda Tax Day Tea Party in Laishley Park on April 15th. Many people are expected to show up for this event. Last year there were approximately 2500 concerned citizens who came out and listened to the speeches.

Depending on how many candidates show up will determine how long each can talk. Time constraints usually limit speeches to around three minutes. None-the-less, all candidates will be there for several hours to answer people's questions one on one. Tables will be set up and brochures available. Everyone is expected to have a great time.

March 18

Meet the Candidates Hob Nob

John Wayne Smith will be appearing at the Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida. Robert Secrest, of the Student Government for Valencia Community College in Kissimmee, Florida, has invited John to participate in this event. The annual Meet the Candidates hob knob will take place on March 18, 2010.

This event will be open to the over 8,000 students that attend the Osceola campus, and the surrounding community of Kissimmee. Many of the students are concerned with local politics and the state of the State during these troubled times. This is the perfect opportunity for these students to meet the future leaders of the State of Florida.

Feb 13

Orlando Tea Party Candidate Hob Nob Straw Poll Results

On Saturday, February 13th, the Orlando Tea Party hosted a Candidate Hob Nob and Straw Poll at Orlando City Hall. The straw poll was administered by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office with actual ballots and vote scanning machines. It was a great opportunity for the grassroots to register their voice on the various races, and they did not disappoint! The hosts of the Tea Party Patriots Live radio show and the rest of the volunteer organizers would like to congratulate the winners of the straw poll.

GOVERNOR'S RACE
REP Paula Dockery 179 45.4%
REP Bill McCollum 139 35.3%
LIB John Wayne Smith 56 14.2%
REP Tim Devine 4 1.0%
DEM Anthony Knox Sr. 3 0.8%
IDP Peter Allen 2 0.5%
NPA Herman Giger 2 0.5%
REP Ed Heeney 2 0.5%
NPA C.C. Reed 2 0.5%
DEM Alex Sink 2 0.5%
REP James Van Driessche 2 0.5%
NPA Lesther Trujillo 1 0.3%
394

Read the full story at http://www.teapartypatriotslive.com/2010/02/13/orlando-tea-party-candidate-hob-nob-straw-poll-results/#respond

Nov 07

Refounder's Rally

John Wayne Smith and Alex Snitker appear at the Refounders Rally. It was a huge success with several hundred people inattendence. The theme of the rally was a celebration of thier new goal, which is to take back our house of representatives and promote a more fiscally conservative government at all levels. It is time that WE the PEOPLE set the agenda for Washington. We first need to strengthen each other as we promote truth and principle.

Coordination with the Saturday Farmer's Market on Main St. in Brooksville allowed space for those who wished to set up booths or tents to sell products or distribute information. Many political personel were there spreading the word of freedom. Alex made his speech and John Wayne Smith used the opportunity to introduce himself to constituents, hand out campaign material, and let his views be known.

It was much more than the normal average 4 plus hours of speeches. This rally had the who's who of various patriot organizations. Each making it known that the time has come to reorganize America and take our country back from governments run amok. Here is a list of speakers, entertainers etc. that were there. If you missed it, you missed a whopping good time to see the shakers and movers in Florida.


Speakers
INVOCATION - Dr. Chuck Fightmaster, Sr. Pastor The Bridge Christian Life Center
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Pledge will be led by all of our Veterans in attendance
Jason P. Sager - Hernando 9.12 Project Organizer
Bob Brown - President One Nation Under God (http://ONUG.us...)
Alexander Snitker - 9.12 Candidate for US Senate (http://www.snitker201...)
Jordan Baker & the CCTA; Young Patriots of the CCTA - Conservative Christian Teens of America
Pastor Chuck Fightmaster - "The Black Regiment of the Revolutionary War"
Dr. Domenick Maglio - Hernando Today Columnist and Founder of the New Horizons School
Wayne Walton - Host on RedPillRadio.com
Emily Barsch - East Pasco Tea Party Patriot reads her poem, "The Rise and Fall of the Constitution"

Entertainers
Stephanie D. Barnett - Opera Singer "Our National Anthem" & "The Battle Hymn of the Republic"
Aimee Webber - Contemporary Christian Singer
Micah Brewer - Contemporary Christian Singer
My Brother's Scars - Christian Rock (Acoustic Set)
Christina Daly - 10 year old singing star of the future. 2008 Hernando County Fair Singing Competition Winner

Onsite booths and information tables
The CCTA will be holding a voter registration and volunteer poll worker drive.
The CCTA will have information regarding their Parental Rights educational drive. www.parentalrights.org
The Campaign For Liberty will have information and petitions ready to promote auditting the Federal Reserve
One Nation Under God will have their world famous t-shirts available www.onug.us
Jerry Hammett with the Fairtax effort will have all of your Fairtax promotional needs

Supported Charities
Gifts from Home Inc. - Come bring your gifts for our men and women fighting overseas
Lea's Prayers and Postage - Help Gold Star mom Dee Mills cover costs of sending packages from GFH above.
Love Your Neighbor - Help out with your canned goods for our local hungary families. www.lynco.org

Nov 03

John Wayne Smith On the People Power Hour

John Wayne Smith, Libertarian candidate for governor of Florida, will be on the People Power Hour with John Hamilton today (Tuesday Nov 3, 2009) with John Hamilton. John will be calling on JWS at around 3:40 PM and they are intended to be talking for approximately 40 minutes.

The regularly scheduled show can be heard in Orlando on 810AM WEUS Monday through Friday from 3:00 PM until 4:30 PM. This week’s theme is the Libertarian Party and its candidates. They are looking for people to be on the show so if your Libertarian candidate has not yet been there now is the time to tell him about this show.

Excerpted from the website http://www.peoplepowerhour.com/

Tuesday, November 03, 2009 at 3pm An Interview with LP Gubernatorial Candidate John Wayne Smith

The People Power Hour gang welcomes Florida gubernatorial candidate John Wayne Smith of the Libertarian Party. A colorful character, we’ll discuss the reasons for his candidacy, what he hopes to accomplish, the prospects for the Libertarian Party and more.

Call in and join the discussion! 407-774-1085.

Everyone in the Orlando area is encouraged to call in and talk with John Wayne. Many times have gone by when people say that if they could only ask the candidate a question directly. Well folks, here is your chance. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity.

Nov 02

John Wayne Smith on WAFS-TV

John Wayne Smith, Gubernatorial candidate for Florida is appearing live on WAFS-TV at 7:00 PM. Tonight. Everyone is encouraged to listen in and see what he has to say about the future of our great state. The show will be about his positions on the state of affairs in Florida and his campaign positions on those affairs.

Many Libertarians met with John Wayne across the recent months. Now it is time for the public to hear from him. If you ever wondered what it would be like to see and hear a Libertarian point of view on the Florida government, tonight is your chance to find out.

John Wayne is running for Governor so there is any number of questions people could ask. One might ask, since he is running, what is his stance on states rights? Where does he stand on the Health Care bill that is circulating through Congress? The president issued a Swine Flu state of emergency, where does he stand on forced vaccinations? What if the people of Florida got together and decided they didn’t want to pay any national tax, what would his stance be? How does he intend to change things in the state government?

These are just a few that are thrown out there for you to think about. I am sure you can come up with your own. Many times people say they want to talk to the candidates and hear them answer their questions personally. Here is an opportunity to do so, don’t waste it.

Oct 30

John Wayne Smith and Alex Snitker Appear at Pioneer Days

Recently Lafayette County held its 30th Annual Pioneer Day Festival in Mayo at their newly renovated Mayo Town Park. It was a warm sunny day in October. Thousand of people venture forth each year to join the people of Mayo in this now annual celebration of their heritage that made America and the South so great. Vendor craft tables scattered about with wares of old, reenactment of events, and other such activities take place telling the tales that shaped this little community.

I must say, nothing brings forth the ideas of our forefathers like the words “Pioneer Days”. The very words themselves conjure up images of yester year like log cabins, horse drawn carriages and of course, all the famous people we hear about in history class. Thoughts easily go back to wondering how these people shaped our country from the beginnings of the revolutionary war.

I can see it now; George crossing the Delaware, Thomas writing the Declaration, the Constitutional Convention. It brings awe and wonder to the heart imagining the dreams of such stalwart heroes. Their intensity to achieve the freedom of all people and the foresight to recognize that if they don’t change the way things were going nothing else would change. Their steadfast drive to create a country rooted in Libertarian principles has never been seen before or since.

What better place to begin a campaign for office then the scenery that began it all. John Wayne Smith, Libertarian Candidate for Florida Governor and Alex Snitker, Libertarian candidate for Senator of Florida were on hand to participate in the festivities. A table was set up, brochures were available, and signs announcing their candidacy could be seen far and wide.

Candidates spent many hours in the heat talking to a multitude of people. Letting people know what they stand for, why they stand for it and how it will save our state from the current disasters we now face at the hands of people in office that had forgotten what our forefathers did. It was the perfect backdrop needed to remind all who visited what this country’s Libertarian roots were all about.

It is heart warming to know there are still people in this country that “get it”. Congrats to both candidates for being able to make appearances and letting people know what you stand for. I wish you both all the best in your endeavors. May you win and set us back on the correct path.

Oct 30

Michael Jingosian Luncheon

The Libertarian Party of Orange County, Florida hosted a Luncheon on Sunday, October 25th. Libertarians throughout the state attended to enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, socialize and exchange ideas about Party building. LNC Vice Chair, Michael Jingosian was the featured speaker. The proceeds from the Luncheon were donated to the Libertarian Party of Florida to benefit our 2010 candidates.

There were several prospective 2010 candidates in attendence including John Wayne Smith, Libertarian candidate for Governor of Florida, his running mate, Florida State Chair, J. J. McCurry and Alex Snitker, Candidate for U. S. Senate. The Libertaian Party of Florida has never in their history fielded any statewide candidates appearing on the ballot with the name Libertarian and next year we will have three.

I'd like to extend a special thanks to our National Vice Chair for helping to make this event a success.