Liberty Tampa Bay http://libertytampabay.com Because life is too short to vote for bad politicians. Tue, 14 May 2013 19:48:09 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Action Alert! Contact the Corps of Engineers about the Pier! http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-contact-the-corps-of-engineers-about-the-pier/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-alert-contact-the-corps-of-engineers-about-the-pier http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-contact-the-corps-of-engineers-about-the-pier/#comments Sat, 20 Apr 2013 19:20:29 +0000 Tim Rodocker http://libertytampabay.com/?p=1095 The US Army Corps of Engineers wants to hear from YOU about the future of the Pier.  Please write a letter and email in support of the Pier!  Destroying the current pier and replacing it with the Lens with out a vote  is not the right thing to do!  Even worse, the impact will be felt by the entire county and those of us not residing in St. Petersburg have no say even if it does go to a vote.

Use this request for letters as your opportunity to express your concerns as a resident of Pinellas County! 

Read below for more details and contact information:

http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/us-army-corps-of-engineers-seeks-comments-about-st-petersburg-pier/2116236

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers seeks comments about St. Petersburg Pier

  • By Times Staff

Friday, April 19, 2013 3:19pm

ST. PETERSBURG – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is accepting public comments about the city’s plan to build a new Pier.

The city is seeking a permit to demolish the existing 230,000-square-foot inverted pyramid and to build a new 121,700-square-foot Pier known as the Lens. The current Pier is scheduled to be closed on May 31, with demolition to follow in late summer.

Comments about the proposed work should be submitted in writing by May 3 to: District Engineer, Tampa Permits Section, 10117 Princes Palm Ave., Suite 120, Tampa, FL 33610-8302, by email to darlene.dannels@usace.army.mil, or by fax to (813) 769-7061. The public notice and supporting documents are available at www.saj.usace.army.mil.

 

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-contact-the-corps-of-engineers-about-the-pier/feed/ 0 New Port Richey: Vote for Michael Malterer! http://libertytampabay.com/new-port-richey-vote-for-michael-malterer/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=new-port-richey-vote-for-michael-malterer http://libertytampabay.com/new-port-richey-vote-for-michael-malterer/#comments Mon, 08 Apr 2013 01:09:25 +0000 Liberty Tampa Bay http://libertytampabay.com/?p=1069 We recommend voting for Michael Malterer for New Port Richey City Council.

ELECTION DAY: TUESDAY, APRIL 9

Vote from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm at the Recreation and Aquatic Center, 6630 Van Buren Street. To be eligible to vote, you must reside within the corporate limits of New Port Richey. Please bring proof of residency.

http://cityofnewportrichey.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=135

Michael’s Platform:

http://newportrichey.patch.com/articles/meet-michael-mohr-city-council-candidate

  • Eliminate all red-light cameras in New Port Richey
  • Balance the city budget
  • Reduce regulations on small businesses
  • Provide leadership and common-sense solutions on re-development issues, while working to bring new businesses and tourists to New Port Richey

Read more about Michael at this link to the local news: http://newportrichey.patch.com/articles/meet-michael-mohr-city-council-candidate

Michael’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MikeForNPR

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzXjpKoA5XQ

 

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/new-port-richey-vote-for-michael-malterer/feed/ 0 Third-Parties and the “Hopelessness Factor” http://libertytampabay.com/third-parties-and-the-hopelessness-factor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=third-parties-and-the-hopelessness-factor http://libertytampabay.com/third-parties-and-the-hopelessness-factor/#comments Sat, 30 Mar 2013 17:13:56 +0000 Joe Jordan http://libertytampabay.com/?p=1050 An excerpt of a larger discussion on the LibertyTampaBay discussion group regarding the "hopelessness factor" that precludes many from getting politically active for a third-party candidate.

]]> This was my response to a thread in our Liberty Tampa Bay group in regard to the hopelessness factor that precludes many from getting politically active for a third-party candidate. Check out the full thread here (group membership is required to read). This is an important discussion to have as we move forward.

We all want to see positive changes in our government and society, and I believe there is a strong thirst for liberty in Tampa Bay and in the country. <name removed> you mention a good point; most people have given up hope. I’m guilty of it myself at times. I didn’t attend the latest fluoride vote because I didn’t feel like my presence would have any impact on the commissioners, AND I’d be out gas money and time. Shoot, I haven’t even harassed my local House Representative Kathleen Peters about red light cameras since she was elected, because I know she’s not going to change her mind (but now that I think about it again I’m going to do it anyway :P )

I guess the number one thing holding people back from getting involved is indeed what you state; a perception of hopelessness. Time is a valuable commodity. Life is short, and almost nobody wants to waste their time fighting seemingly insurmountable odds when defeat is almost certain. This is probably the same problem that plagues Libertarian candidates; almost nobody wants to eat up a weekend walking a neighborhood in 95% humidity for a candidate that they think may get a small percentage of the vote when it’s all said and done. And yes, I realize the unfortunate catch-22/chicken-and-egg syndrome in that scenario.

Third-party candidates are fighting two huge battles at once, and its difficult to activate large numbers of people because of the hopelessness factor we’ve talked about. One is you have to convince the majority of the voting public that voting (R) or (D), as they have always done, is passe, and voting (L) really is in their best interests, and that everyone else is doing this too and it won’t be throwing your vote away. The second is the campaign battle against the two major parties. They have thousands of donors, millions of dollars, and an army of media ready to cover their every move. They PAY people to walk precincts. They pay for mailers and newspaper ads and television ads and everything else that a non-millionaire third-party candidate cannot.

All of this contributes to the hopelessness factor. I really wish it were different, but its just reality as it is today. The reason the “Liberty Republican” approach is appealing to so many is because, in a sense, it comes closer to leveling the playing field (we will always be at a disadvantage, however). By getting a good candidate to run in a major party primary, they will likely receive more attention, support, donations, media coverage, etc. than a non-millionaire third-party candidate would in the general election. For all the suckiness that is the two-party system, it is still the most effective way to get your message heard, and if you’re good enough, you might just be able to win the party nomination and actually get elected. Adrian, if he were running to primary Rick Scott, would probably have 6-figures in donations at this point, a small army convinced that there really was hope of victory, and his sound message and platform would be covered on nearly every local news channel and paper in Florida (at least in passing; it is a Liberty platform, after all). Running from within the two-party system removes some of the hopelessness factor that is inherent in any third-party candidate run, and in turn triggers more people to get over that inactivity hump.

Anyway, that was long but I had to get it out. I know we’ll disagree on some points, but ultimately I believe we all want the same things. There are many paths to tread, but nearly all can be helpful in some manner, even if most are not necessarily the path we would choose. Life is indeed short, and we all choose to spend it as efficiently and effectively as we can, the best way we know how.

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/third-parties-and-the-hopelessness-factor/feed/ 0 Eight is Enough Pinellas County Term Limits Lawsuit http://libertytampabay.com/eight-is-enough-pinellas-county-term-limit-law-suit/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=eight-is-enough-pinellas-county-term-limit-law-suit http://libertytampabay.com/eight-is-enough-pinellas-county-term-limit-law-suit/#comments Tue, 26 Mar 2013 02:01:31 +0000 Tim Rodocker http://libertytampabay.com/?p=1044 On behalf of the taxpayers of Pinellas County, local Patriot Patrick Wheeler has reached into his pocket to pay the majority of the legal fees to bring the Pinellas County Commission into compliance with the will of the Pinellas voters who overwhelmingly (73%) passed a local referendum for term limits in our county for the commissioners in 1996. Unbelievably, 16 years later, the commissioners continue on as though this never occurred.

After a Florida Supreme Court Ruling in May 2012, Mr. Wheeler filed suit in July 2012 to force the Pinellas Commissioners to comply.

The first round was their attempt to have the suit dismissed by the Judge in early December at the first hearing. They lost and then promptly hired 4 more attorneys bringing their headcount to 8!  As of this date the county has now hired 8 attorneys to beat the lawsuit.

If the lawsuit proves favorable for the plaintiffs, 4 Pinellas County Commissioners out of 7 will be outed.

Karen Seel
John Morroni
Ken Welch
Susan Latvala

This is huge opportunity to return our county to justice and out of the hands of career politicians spending us into bankruptcy and high taxes.  This will help send a message that the people’s vote matters.

If you would like more details on how to help, please refer to the South Pinellas 912 group’s page .

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6urJO6iT4HI

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/eight-is-enough-pinellas-county-term-limit-law-suit/feed/ 1 Action Alert! Support HB 1233/SB 1728 to Label Genetically Engineered Foods (GMOs) in Florida http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1233sb-1728-to-label-genetically-engineered-foods-gmos-in-florida/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-alert-support-hb-1233sb-1728-to-label-genetically-engineered-foods-gmos-in-florida http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1233sb-1728-to-label-genetically-engineered-foods-gmos-in-florida/#comments Sat, 16 Mar 2013 16:59:02 +0000 Theile http://libertytampabay.com/?p=939 Two bills, HB 1233 & SB 1728 - Genetically Engineered Foods,  that would require the labeling of Genetically Engineered Foods in the State of Florida have been filed in both the House and Senate. The Senate bill has been referred to Agriculture, Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government, & Appropriations. The House Bill is now headed for vote in the Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BhY68CtvUE

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BhY68CtvUE

Other Videos to Watch

Additional Resources

Senate Bill 1728:

Introduced by: Senator Maria Lorts Sachs

Read the Bill: SB 1728 – Genetically Engineered Foods

Summary: “Genetically Engineered Foods; Providing a list of commercial commodities commonly cultivated in genetically engineered form and requiring the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to publish the list by a specified date and to update the published list annually; providing mandatory labeling requirements for genetically engineered raw agricultural commodities and processed foods made with or derived from genetically engineered ingredients; exempting specified foods, commodities, ingredients, and other substances from the labeling requirements, etc.”

Status: The bill was referred to Agriculture; Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government; Appropriations

What You Can Do? Contact the State Senators listed below and ask them to support and schedule SB 1728 for vote in their committees. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives. Be sure to comment with any responses you get below and we’ll add it to our articles for others to reference.

Agriculture Committee Chair: Senator Bill Montford (850) 487-5003
Agriculture Committee Vice Chair: Senator Dwight Bullard (850) 487-5039

Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government Chair: Senator Alan Hays (850) 487-5011
Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government Vice Chair: Senator Geraldine F. “Geri” Thompson (850) 487-5012

Appropriations Committee Chair: Senator Joe Negron (850) 487-5032
Appropriations Committee Vice Chair: Senator Lizbeth Benacquisto (850) 487-5030

House Bill 1233:

Introduced by: Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda

Read the Bill: HB 1233 – Genetically Engineered Foods

Summary: “Provides definitions; provides list of commercial commodities commonly cultivated in genetically engineered form and requires DACS to publish list by specified date & to update published list annually; provides mandatory labeling requirements for genetically engineered raw agricultural commodities & processed foods made with or derived from genetically engineered ingredients; exempts specified foods, commodities, ingredients, & other substances from labeling requirements; authorizes department to adopt rules; provides for enforcement of labeling requirements; provides penalties & civil remedies.”

Status: The bill is now in Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee

What You Can Do? Contact the State Representatives listed below and ask them to support HB 1233. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives. Be sure to comment with any responses you get below and we’ll add it to our articles for others to reference.

Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee

What Else Can I Do?

 

Share & Recruit:

http://libertytampabay.com/?p=939

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1233sb-1728-to-label-genetically-engineered-foods-gmos-in-florida/feed/ 0 Action Alert! Support HB 1061/SB 1342 Traffic Control Bills http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1061sb-1342-traffic-control-bills/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-alert-support-hb-1061sb-1342-traffic-control-bills http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1061sb-1342-traffic-control-bills/#comments Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:54:25 +0000 Theile http://libertytampabay.com/?p=930 Two new bills, HB 1061 & SB 1342 – Traffic Control, have been filed in the Florida House and Senate that would reform Red Light Cameras, making it easier to contest tickets and prohibiting right-turn on red fines. The House Bill is now in the Economic Affairs Committee and the Senate Bill is in the Transportation Committee. Please contact the members listed in the article and ask them to support HB 1061.

Update – 3/21/13: Florida Senator Jeff Clemens, an American Traffic Solutions donor recipient, has successfully gutted the Red Light Camera reform bill (SB 1342).

Red Light Camera at Brandon Blvd

Red Light Camera at Brandon Blvd

Senate Bill 1342:

Introduced by: Senator Joseph Abruzzo

Update – 3/21/13: Florida Senator Jeff Clemens, an American Traffic Solutions donor recipient, has successfully gutted the Red Light Camera reform bill (SB 1342) with his Amendment. Both the Right-on-Red Exception and Yellow-light timing provision has been removed. Read more about the change at BanTheCams.org. We encourage you contact the Senators in the Transportation Committee and demand the provisions be reinstated. We we will update with the next committee contacts.

Quote from Paul Henry:

The bad news is the Clemens amendment to the Lee amendment passed (Sen. Clemens withdrew his other amendment), so Motorist Rights have been gutted- among other things such as right on red and yellow light timing. The bill as it stands now is nothing like what it started life as. Sen. Lee said outright the devices were only about money. It was good to hear a politician say this.

There is hope Motorist Rights and the other provisions can be re-inserted at one of the two upcoming committee stops.

Read the Bill: SB 1342 – Traffic Control; Clemen’s Amendment

Summary:Click Here to Open a Summary of the Bill

Traffic Control; Revising provisions for enforcement of specified provisions using a traffic infraction detector; prohibiting a notice of violation or a traffic citation for a right-on-red violation under specified provisions; specifying that, in any hearing involving a traffic infraction detector or similar unattended device, each person so charged has the right to confront the witnesses against him or her; requiring traffic control signals to maintain certain signal intervals and display durations based on posted speeds, etc.

Status: The bill will be voted on in the Transportation Committee on 3/21/13 at 10:00 am.

What You Can Do? Contact the State Senators listed below and ask them to support SB 1342. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives. If you receive any responses, share them in the comments below. We’ll add them to our article under the listed Senator.

Transportation Committee

 

House Bill 1061:

Introduced by: Representative Frank Artiles

Read the Bill: HB 1061 – Traffic Control

Summary:Click Here to Open a Summary of the Bill

Revises provisions for enforcement of traffic control signals using traffic infraction detector; prohibits notice of violation or traffic citation for right on red violation; revises provisions for hearings; requires traffic control signals to maintain certain signal intervals & display durations based on posted speeds.

Status: The bill passed the Economic Affairs Committee on 3/14/13 and is now headed for the Appropriations Committee.

What You Can Do? Contact the State Representatives listed below and ask them to support HB 1061. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives. If you receive any responses, share them in the comments below. We’ll add them to our article under the listed Representative.

Florida House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee

Florida House of Representatives’ Economic Affairs Committee

HB 1061 passed the Economic Affairs Committee as “Favorable With Committee Substitute” on 3/14/2013 — see the votes below. Feel free to contact your Representatives and thank them for their support or otherwise.

Click Here to Open the Economic Affairs Committee List to View Votes


Reader Poll

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

The Tenth Amendment Center posted a complete breakdown of the two bills, analyzed by Paul Henry:

Bill Analysis of SB 1342 by Sen. Abruzzo (D)
HB 1061 by Rep. Artilles (R) similar
Analysis by Paul Henry, March 1, 2013.
Key: Red= negative or possible negative aspect; Blue= positive aspect
*Components of the Florida Motorist Rights Restoration Act (MRRA)

Summary of Statutory Changes

Section 1, FS 316.0083 (main red light camera law)

  • Right turn on red automated tickets are prohibited. Police officers can still write regular tickets.
  • “Careful and prudent” language eliminated.
  • Notices of violation (NOV) can now be issued to a person identified as having custody of the vehicle. (Prior to this, they would get a more expensive uniform traffic citation (UTC).)
  • Ability to request a hearing from the NOV added*
  • Certified mail is now required for mailed tickets, not first class.
  • Despite any other provision of law, requesting a hearing from a NOV is now an option. No prepayment may be required. This includes those identified by the vehicle owner.*
  • If the defendant challenges the delivery method of the NOV, they waive any challenge as to if the NOV was delivered.
  • 60-day time limit for mailing the UTC deleted.
  • 30-day time limit established for mailing to person identified via affidavit.
  • Despite any other law, the burden of proof in the statute rests on the government.*
  • Despite any other law, a person charged via any automated device has the right to confront witnesses, and the witnesses must appear in person so as to validate their evidence.*

Section 2, FS 316.075 (general running a red light law)

  • Yellow light timing is required when an engineering analysis is performed to evaluate or reevaluate new or existing signal display durations. It is as follows:
    • The minimum yellow duration is speed limit plus 10% based on the Florida DOT manual. A minimum of 3 seconds is required for 25 MPH or less. The minimum duration must be raised to the nearest half-second, not to exceed 6 seconds.
      • This while good still uses flawed DOT guidelines, which were shortened in 2011. A better standard is using the posted speed limit plus 1 second as was done in Georgia.
    • Intersection with traffic signals where the speed limit is higher than 55 must have warning signs posted.
  • An “all red” time is required as per the Florida DOT manual. It may be extended for any cycle based upon detection that a vehicle is predicted to violate the red signal.
    • This will allow use of automated devices to control the light timing, which while good in concept can also allow for misconduct.
  • Tickets issued from signals that do not meet these standards are unenforceable. This applies to both automated and officer tickets.
  • Intersections using automated enforcement must meet these standards by December 31, 2013. New installations after that date must meet these standards. All other intersections must meetthese standards by December 31, 2014.
  • A local government entity that violates this law is fined $500 and the money goes to the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Trust Fund.*
  • Any tickets issued from the preceding 60 days at a non-conforming intersection shall be dismissed and any fines paid refunded. The effective date for the 60 days is the day it is discovered to be non-conforming.

Also check out the related HB 4011, Action Alert! Florida Red Light Camera Ban Bill Moves to Appropriations Committee.

Some information from our friends at the National Motorist Association:

Few people are aware of this, but the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) changed their rules on how long yellow intervals must be in July 2011. The newer rules allow cities to deliberately and maliciously set yellows too short for the ACTUAL approach speeds of at least 85% of the vehicles (safest way to set yellow lengths). This allows cities to literally create thousands of split second violations by deliberately mis-engineering their lights with yellows too short for the actual traffic speeds. These split second violations by 0.3 or 0.9 seconds into the red would not occur at all if the lights were timed for maximum safety and minimum violations using the correct length yellows for the ACTUAL approach speeds of traffic.

WHY would FDOT allow cities to deliberately create thousands of violations with mis-engineered traffic lights using too-short yellows? Well, the state gets $83 of each $158 ticket without paying any part of the high $4,000 to $5,000 per month per camera costs – a total of $51 million in revenue last year. Can you connect the one important DOT that created this predatory revenue stream? (pun intended)

Red light cameras are a for-profit business partnership between the state, a camera vendor and a city willing to mis-engineer their traffic lights for maximum ticket revenue instead of for maximum safety. They are a scam that must end.

-James C. Walker, National Motorists Association

Alternative Solutions to Red Light Cameras

The National Motorist Association recommends the following alternatives to Red Light Cameras that provide solutions that are easier, safer and more effective:

  • Increasing the yellow-light time, adding 1 second to the yellow-light resulted in a 53% reduction in violations according to a Texas Transportation Institute study.
  • Adding an all-red clearance interval
  • Making traffic lights more visible
  • Improving intersections for motorists
  • Re-timing traffic signals

Additional Resources

Additional Coverage

 

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]]> http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-hb-1061sb-1342-traffic-control-bills/feed/ 0 Action Alert! Support SB 846/HB 797: Search and Seizure of a Portable Electronic Device http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-sb-846hb-797-search-and-seizure-of-a-portable-electronic-device/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-alert-support-sb-846hb-797-search-and-seizure-of-a-portable-electronic-device http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-sb-846hb-797-search-and-seizure-of-a-portable-electronic-device/#comments Fri, 01 Mar 2013 14:42:21 +0000 Theile http://libertytampabay.com/?p=889 Senate Bill 846 and House Bill 797, titled Search and Seizure of a Portable Electronic Device have been introduced into committee. These bills would require a search warrant to be issued in order for a law enforcement officer to seize and search through someone’s cell phone (or other portable electronic device.) Please contact the representatives listed and ask them to support SB 846/HB 797.

Update #4 – 3/20/13: HB 797 passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/19/13. Votes listed. The next stop is the Civil Justice Subcommittee, contact information for Representatives in this committee has been added to the article.

Cell Phone Searches SB 846 HB 797

Update #3 – 3/18/13: HB 797 is scheduled for vote in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/19/13 at 9AM.

Update #2 – 3/6/13: SB 846 is now headed for the Judiciary Committee. Contact the State Senators listed below today!

Update #1 – 3/5/13: SB 846 passed the Criminal Justice Committee with a vote of 5-2.

State Senator Jeff Brandes has introduced SB 846: Search and Seizure of a Portable Electronic Device. State Representative Carlos Trujillo has introduced an identical bill, HB 797: Search and Seizure of Portable Electronic Device in the House. Information and tracking of the bills will be posted and updated below. After you contact your representatives don’t forget to encourage your friends and family to do the same! If you receive a response from a representatives, please post in the comments below! We’ll add any responses to our article.

Reader Poll

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfiOJsCFwIA

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfiOJsCFwIA

Senate Bill 846:

Introduced by: Senator Jeff Brandes & Senator Joe Negron

Read the Bill: SB 846: Search and Seizure of Portable Electronic Device

Status: The bill will be up for vote in the Judiciary Committee.

What You Can Do? Contact the State Senators listed below in the Judiciary Committee and ask them to support SB 846. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives.

Criminal Justice Committee

SB 846 passed the Criminal Justice Committee on 3/4/2013. The votes are listed below under each Representative’s name and can be found here. You can also watch the meeting. We encourage you to call your representative and thank or give them an earful depending on how they voted.

Click here to open the list of Senators and how they voted

Judiciary Committee

SB 846 is not yet listed on the Judiciary Committee’s schedule, but the bill is in the Committee. Contact the State Senators below and ask them to support SB 846.

House Bill 797:

Introduced by: Representative  Carlos Trujillo

Read the Bill: HB 797: Search and Seizure of Portable Electronic Device

Status: The bill passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/19/13. It is now in the Civil Justice Subcommittee It has also been referred to the following committees: Criminal Justice Subcommittee; Civil Justice Subcommittee; Judiciary Committee

What You Can Do?  Contact the State Representatives listed below and ask them to support HB 797. Be sure to include your name and zip code in any correspondence with your representatives.

Civil Justice Subcommittee

Criminal Justice Subcommittee

HB 797 passed the Criminal Justice Subcommittee on 3/19/13. Votes are listed below. Feel free to contact your Representatives and thank or condone them for their vote.

Click here to open up the Criminal Justice Subcommittee Contact List and see how they voted

  • Representative Matt Gaetz (Chair)
  • Representative Ray Pilon (Vice Chair)
    • Voted Nay on HB 797
    • Comment: “Thank you for writing. I have not yet decided one way or the other on the bill. My goal during the debate will be to see if the bill can balance privacy and public safety.”
    • (850) 717-5072
    • Ray.Pilon@myfloridahouse.gov
    • Web E-mail
  • Representative Irving “Irv” Slosberg
  • Representative Randolph Bracy
  • Representative Michael Philip “Mike” Clelland
  • Representative Dane Eagle
  • Representative James W. “J.W.” Grant
  • Representative Gayle B. Harrell
  • Representative Charles David “Dave” Hood, Jr.
  • Representative Travis Hutson
  • Representative Dave Kerner
  • Representative Kionne L. McGhee
  • Representative Charles E. Van Zant

 

Share & Recruit:

http://libertytampabay.com/?p=889

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-support-sb-846hb-797-search-and-seizure-of-a-portable-electronic-device/feed/ 0 Pinellas County March 12th Local Elections http://libertytampabay.com/pinellas-county-march-12th-local-elections/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pinellas-county-march-12th-local-elections http://libertytampabay.com/pinellas-county-march-12th-local-elections/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2013 03:57:17 +0000 Tim Rodocker http://libertytampabay.com/?p=808 We are teaming up with the Republican Liberty Caucus of Tampa Bay, and, most importantly, the buzz on the ground in our local Liberty movement to provide you with a definitive list of the best candidates to vote for in your local election on March 12th, 2013 in Pinellas County.

This list will be updated as the Candidates respond back to our voter’s guide questions.  If you have any additional information or have recommendations for other Tampa Bay Area counties, please contact TimRodocker@LibertyTampaBay.com.

Short on time? Here is a printable, sharable candidate slate: TBD

Quick Guide: TBD

Usage tip: Press CTRL+F on your keyboard and type in the name of the candidate you are interested in. If you have any recommendations that aren’t listed here, please share them in the comments section.

 

South Pasadena Mayor

Dan Calabria (REP)  vs. Larry Crowley (REP)

Q & A: Calabria and Crowley (Incumbent) 

Based on the responses to the questions below, Liberty Tampa Bay recommends Dan Calabria.  Dan is against the unconstitutional red light cameras and he does not support a tax payer funded light rail system.

Q: Do you support red light cameras?

Calabria: No, if for no other reason than they are being challenged in the courts in several states and cities, including Florida.  I believe it is best to observe what happens in these challenges, which may provide a definitive answer to their legality and effectiveness.  I believe the answer to red light running is strict law enforcement, with appropriate fines and “points” that will result in higher auto insurance rates for offenders.

Crowley: Yes

Q: Do you support the use of Drone Aircraft in Pinellas County skies by either local, state, or federal authorities?

Calabria: Absolutely not – NO, under any circumstances.

Crowley: No

Q: Do you support a publicly funded light rail transit system?

Calabria: No, not until we learn the definition of “light rail system,” the planned routes – are they fixed routes between isolated destinations that are no of interest or use to the overwhelming majority of residents?

In addition, raising the Pinellas County sales tax by 1% is really a 14% increase in our sales tax (+1% over the current 7%) on virtually all our purchases – socks, underwear, toasters, coffee pots, TVs, cars, etc.  And it would have a severe, negative effect on businesses and jobs in Pinellas County with no known offsetting benefits.

Crowley: Yes

Q: Do you support bans on assault style weapons such as the AR-15 Bushmasters?

Calabria: I am not familiar with an AR-15 Bushmaster, but I am member of Gun Owners of America and a staunch supporter of the 2nd Amendment, which is vital to our continued safety and well being.

Crowley: No

Q: Do you support tighter regulations on gun control?

Calabria: Not until I know what “tighter regulations” means.  In my opinion, we already have regulations in place, which when enforced seems to have addressed any problems that may arise.

Crowley: No

 

Tarpon Springs City Commissioner Seat 4

Tommy Frain (REP), David Banther (REP), Timothy Keffalas (REP) and Jim Bouldin (DEM)

Top vote getter wins only open seat.

Tommy Frain was the only candidate to respond back to our questionnaire.  Tommy’s responses indicate a strong understanding of constitutionally garunteed rights.  Here you can read more about Tommy Frain.

Q & A: Tommy Frain

Q: Do you support red light cameras?

A:No, I am morally and constitutionally opposed to red light cameras.

Q: Do you support the use of Drone Aircraft in Pinellas County skies by either local, state, or federal authorities?

A: No. Drone surveillance flies in the face of the bill of rights and of individual liberty in general.

Q: Do you support a publicly funded light rail transit system?

A: Philosophically, I do not support publicly funded projects such as these, but if government insists upon investing in public transit, I believe that light rail is more efficient than other forms.

Q: Do you support bans on assault style weapons such as the AR-15 Bushmasters?

A: No, any form of gun control or ban goes against the idea of private property rights or voluntary exchange. Not to mention 2nd amendment protection.

Q: Do you support tighter regulations on gun control?

A: No, I believe the reasoning is the same as my above answer.

 

Belleair Bluffs City Commissioner

Suzy S. Sofer (REP) vs. George Lawton (INT) and Jack Nazario (DEM)

The top two vote-getters will win the two seats that are available.

 

Gulf Port Mayor

Robert E. (Bob) Worthington (REP) vs Sam Henderson (DEM)

 

Kenneth City Council Member

Troy Campbell (REP) and Joanne DeSimone (REP) vs. Albert Leonce Carrier (DEM) and Wanda L. Dudley (DEM)

The top two vote getters will win the two seats that are available.

 

Oldsmar Council Member Seat 3

Gabby McGee (REP), Dan Saracki (REP) and Suda Yantiss-Colon (REP)

Top vote-getter wins the only seat available.

 

Seminole City Councilor

Tom Barnhorn (REP) and Tom Christy (REP) vs James Quinn (INT) and Matt Nilssen (DEM)

The top two vote getters will win the two seats that are available.  We did not receive a strong response from the candidates in this race.  The only candidate to respond was Jim Quinn.  We encourage you to research more on Tom Barnhorn (video below) and Tom Christy.  We do not recommend Jim Quinn based off of his response to our questionnaire.  We will let you decide, below.

Speech and Q & A: Tom Barnhorn

  1. Do you support red light cameras?
    1. As a matter of principle I do not support  the use of Red Light Cameras. I do not agree with  technology being used to watch, control and replace human (police officers) judgment. Technology is based on yes or no,  0s or 1s no accounting for circumstance, just black or white, or should I say red or green. It cannot tell if the judgment to go through the light was to avoid an accident  or even to save a life.
    2. I would share with you the north has added steroids to this process and now has electric speed traps that’s right, radar guns with cameras attached. The Ohio turnpike times your cars entrance and  exit and if you get to you exit faster than speed limit allows it issues ticket with your receipt Welcome “BIG BROTHER” to our northern states.
  2. Do you support the use of Drone Aircraft in Pinellas County skies by either local, state, or federal authorities?
    1. I do not support the use of Drone Aircraft in Pinellas County.
  3. Do you support a publically funded light rail transit system?
    1. I believe that a light rail that could stimulate the local economy, be used for transport from our ports to other destination centers and allow our residents to travel to jobs in the center of the state, should be jointly funded by the public and private sector.
  4. Do you support bans on assault style weapons such as the AR-15 Bushmasters?
    1. I believe that our rights under the constitution were best worded by Thomas Jefferson, “ The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” If we have 22s and they have AR-15 Bushmasters what chance do we have if it ever came to that.
  5. Do you support tighter regulations on gun control?
    1. I believe that we have a serious dilemma facing this nation and that is the lack of education , training and respect for firearms that we were taught both as young hunters and while serving  in the military. Today’s youth miss that training.
    2. The only 2 restrictions I could SUPPORT in owning firearms are: 1st An oath that the firearm is for their personal protection and or use not for another party.  2nd should be a requirement of passing a basic safety, handling and use education prior to or at the time of acquisition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8D_UhHDbRM

Q & A: James “Jim” Quinn

First, if you check my voter information, you will see that I am registered as an independent, I vote with my head and my heart.

Part of the doctor’s oath ” DO NO HARM”  also applies to my decisions.

Q: Do you support red light cameras?

A: I support the use of red light cameras, if the yellow light is adjusted to stay on a little longer, 2. As Beretta always said ” Don’t do the crime, if you can’t do the time(fine).

Q: Do you support the use of Drone Aircraft in Pinellas County skies by either local, state, or federal authorities?

A: If I am a law abiding citizen, which I am, I have no problem with the law looking for the bad guys.

Q: Do you support a publicly funded light rail transit system?

A: I do support any effort to bring the state of Florida into the 21st century.  The beginning of light rail may seem like a waste of money,  but in time it will blanket the whole state and eventually connect to the whole country.

Q: Do you support bans on assault style weapons such as the AR-15 Bushmasters?

A: No civilian needs an assault weapon  like an AR-15.  A good home protection weapon is a shotgun.

When the constitution was written, the weapons that were available were black powder long rifles or muskets.

So  I say you can have all of those type weapons you would like to own, I think anyone who uses the second amendment as the reason for having an AR-15 also would allow anyone else to own a bazooka or a tank if that is their choice.

Q: Do you support tighter regulations on gun control?

A: I support any effort to make sure anyone buying any gun goes through a background check on any sale of a firearm

 

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/pinellas-county-march-12th-local-elections/feed/ 0 Youtube.com Channel http://libertytampabay.com/youtube-com-channel/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=youtube-com-channel http://libertytampabay.com/youtube-com-channel/#comments Sun, 17 Feb 2013 22:45:34 +0000 Tim Rodocker http://libertytampabay.com/?p=772 Liberty Tampa Bay is pleased to announce our new Youtube Channel!

We will be posting videos to the channel of various local events that we attend and film.  Below, you will find a number of videos that we filmed while attending the Republican Liberty Caucus’ 4th meeting.  Three local City Council candidates gave speeches and did a Q & A after their speech.

We here at Liberty Tampa Bay will continue to update the channel and as always, we will provide you with the freshest of Liberty content available in the Tampa Bay Area!

Our updated list of links:

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LibertyTampaBay

Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/groups/LibertyTampaBay/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/LibertyTampaBay

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LibertyTampaBay

Web: http://www.libertytampabay.com

 

If the videos below interest you and you would like more information about the Republican Liberty Caucus of Tampa Bay, here are the links to their social media pages.

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/RLCTB

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rlctb

Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/Republican-Liberty-Caucus-of-Tampa-Bay/

 

Action Items from the meeting:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPZwD-XDsQ

 

David McKalip for St. Petersburg City Council

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MngQDBl3X4o

 

Michael Malterer for New Port Richey City Council

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzXjpKoA5XQ

 

Thomas Barnhorn for Seminole City Council

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8D_UhHDbRM

]]> http://libertytampabay.com/youtube-com-channel/feed/ 0 Action Alert! Florida Red Light Camera Ban Bill Moves to Appropriations Committee http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-florida-red-light-camera-ban-bill-moves-to-appropriations-committee/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=action-alert-florida-red-light-camera-ban-bill-moves-to-appropriations-committee http://libertytampabay.com/action-alert-florida-red-light-camera-ban-bill-moves-to-appropriations-committee/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2013 13:59:54 +0000 Theile http://libertytampabay.com/?p=762 HB 4011 – Traffic Infraction Detectors, a bill that would ban red light cameras in the State of Florida recently passed the Economic Affairs Committee and is now moving to the Appropriations Committee. The bill is not yet on their schedule, but don’t let that stop you from encouraging the Representatives below to support HB 4011. Local Representative Ed Hooper, whom voted Nay on the Bill in the Economic Affairs Committee will vote again on the bill. Hooper received donations from ATS.

Update #5 - 3/4/13: Two more bills have been filed to fix problems with Red Light Cameras, SB 1342 and HB 1061. The two new bills would not repeal red light cameras from the State of Florida but instead would make it easier for drivers to contest the tickets and ban tickets for turning right on red.  State Senator Jeff Brandes, chairman of the Transportation Committee, said  “I’d want full repeal, but that may not be available because we might have to buy out the contracts.” The Tenth Amendment Center has a full breakdown of the new bills here.

Update #4 - 2/28/13: The City of St. Petersburg has issued a moratorium on issuing red light camera tickets. As we learn more we will update here. Fox Update: “Clarification: St. Pete will still issue red light tickets; moratorium is for the ones challenged by people who say they weren’t driving.”

Update #3 - 2/26/13: Ken Burke of the Pinellas County Clerk of Courts has asked St. Petersburg and other cities to stop issuing red light camera citations. Mr. Burke posted an Open Letter on the Clerk of Court’s website listing the flaws and explaining why cities should stop the citations. We encourage you to contact Mr. Burke and thank him for his support, e-mail or call (727) 464-3341.

Update #2 - 2/18/13: Additional resources and links have been added to assist constituents in researching and writing their Representatives. We have also added the e-mail addresses for the Representatives for those that do not like the Web Forms. We say, use both!

Update #1 - 2/16/13: The Republican Liberty Caucus of Tampa Bay has released a flier with all the Representatives’ phone numbers and addresses. Print them out today! Stick them on windshields, pass out at the office today, share them with your friends! Download the PDF here.

In total, 14 of the 26 members of the Appropriations Committee have received contributions from American Traffic Solutions (ATS), the primary red light camera contractor in Florida.

Theile Riordan, Membership Director of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Tampa Bay introduces the Red Light Camera Ban Bill to the RLCTB. Download the checklist here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPZwD-XDsQ

YouTube Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEPZwD-XDsQ

Some information from our friends at the National Motorist Association:

Few people are aware of this, but the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) changed their rules on how long yellow intervals must be in July 2011. The newer rules allow cities to deliberately and maliciously set yellows too short for the ACTUAL approach speeds of at least 85% of the vehicles (safest way to set yellow lengths). This allows cities to literally create thousands of split second violations by deliberately mis-engineering their lights with yellows too short for the actual traffic speeds. These split second violations by 0.3 or 0.9 seconds into the red would not occur at all if the lights were timed for maximum safety and minimum violations using the correct length yellows for the ACTUAL approach speeds of traffic.

WHY would FDOT allow cities to deliberately create thousands of violations with mis-engineered traffic lights using too-short yellows? Well, the state gets $83 of each $158 ticket without paying any part of the high $4,000 to $5,000 per month per camera costs – a total of $51 million in revenue last year. Can you connect the one important DOT that created this predatory revenue stream? (pun intended)

Red light cameras are a for-profit business partnership between the state, a camera vendor and a city willing to mis-engineer their traffic lights for maximum ticket revenue instead of for maximum safety. They are a scam that must end.

-James C. Walker, National Motorists Association

Alternative Solutions to Red Light CamerasBan Red Light Cameras

The National Motorist Association recommends the following alternatives to Red Light Cameras that provide solutions that are easier, safer and more effective:

  • Increasing the yellow-light time,  adding 1 second to the yellow-light resulted in a 53% reduction in violations according to a Texas Transportation Institute study.
  • Adding an all-red clearance interval
  • Making traffic lights more visible
  • Improving intersections for motorists
  • Re-timing traffic signals

Additional Resources

Additional Coverage

Reader Poll

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Florida House of Representatives’ Appropriations Committee

Constituents are urged to contact the Committee members and ask them to support HB 4011, be sure to leave your name and zip code if leaving a voice-mail.

Special thanks to the following contributors: Timothy Rodocker, Joe Jordan

 

Share & Recruit:

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