My Tampa Life » Political Issues

Hillsborough County Commission Votes for Political Self-Interests

Admin — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:57:11 +0000

TAMPA- This evening before a packed house down at County Center, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners heard final public comments and voted to adopt a new re-districting map that will affect our county for the next ten years. It was a fiery session of public comments from opposing parties, diverse neighborhoods, and disenfranchised minorities.

The Tea Party was ever present, of course crying reverse racism because Hispanic Voters would like to prevent regression of their own political influence. Republican interests were also present, requesting gerrymandered districts that would ensure the future political domination of their party on the Commission.

Citizens of Brandon, West Chase, Seffner, East and West Tampa as well as many Central Tampa neighborhoods came out and voiced their support for fair and compact districts. There were many maps proposed by the county, yet the most significant maps that seemed to gain traction in recent days were Maps I and J. Map I, titled the “People’s Map”, was the sole map that put an end to gerrymandering and provided equitable representation for disenfranchised minorities.

Unfortunately, the people didn’t win tonight. Tonight the County Commission moved 6 to 1 to adopt Map G. Ironic that map G is the most Gerrymandered map out there. It encompasses Keystone all the way to Apollo Beach in District 1. It also regress the Hispanic representation in District 1 by over 3 percentage points. This is a bad map. It is more of the same self-centered incumbent politics.

I am personally disappointed in our Commission. Not just due to ignoring the people or being selfish, but for also shutting out the public in the re-districting process. Unfortunately, BOCC Policy requires that only Commissioners can submit maps and have access to county demographers. This merely shows that there is no Sunshine in Hillsborough County.
Yet, the people should not despair. The Voting Rights Act Protects from regression and dilution of minority representation in re-districting. This law has long protected African-American Districts in this nation, and fortunately enough our 14th amendment offers us equal protection under the law. Therefore, the Hispanic Community has every precedent to sue the BOCC and file complaints with the U.S. Department of Justice.

It is unfortunate that our Federal Government still has to provide oversight of our local county government, but as long as they continue to disregard the will of the people and disenfranchise them it is necessary. In addition, our Florida Constitution demands fair and compact districts. And, that is the exact opposite of what our BOCC has adopted.

I say to each and everyone one of you out there. Do not give up this fight. We will prevail. We will overcome. We will gain fair and equitable representation, by any means necessary.

Originally Posted in the Tampa Latin Chamber by Christopher Cano

Rhino PA.C. has second “Meet the Candidates” political mixer on June 10th

Admin — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:49:00 +0000

Rhino Political Action Committee will be holding a second political mixer at NOVA 535 on June 10th. Free food and booze, starts at 6PM.

The thing I enjoyed about the first event was that you can just show up, ask questions of your leaders and potential leaders, and get frank one-on-one attention from them. I can’t say everyone was being honest, but I did get a lot of answers and face time.

Anyone is welcome. Admission is free.

Rhino Political Action Committee mixer at NOVA535

Admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 12:38:00 +0000

I try to stay away from politics, especially public politics. I’ve never been a fan of the backhanded crap that goes on between lobbyists and those in power. I’ve always felt like those of us who opposed the biggest and most powerful had no voice at all. That’s why I was excited to hear about Rhino P.A.C. and their political mixer.

Rhino takes a different approach to the politics game. It’s members, a true democracy, gather both online and in the real world to discuss and vote on things they would like to see change. Topics range from simple local issues and candidates to more lofty projects. The group gathers in input and uses their collective power to push for the majority vote with the powers that be. If a high percentage of the group wants to stand behind a certain candidate or push for a change in policy, you hear the collective voices of the entire lobbying group in unison. This gives everyone the voice that once only the affluent would have.

I went to the political mixer at NOVA535 (and awesome gallery, by the way) with zero expectations. Thinking I would stand out like a sore thumb, I was surprised when both the RHINO leaders and a number of the mayoral candidates made a point of including me and getting my input.

One of the leaders of the group, Cliff Gephart, made introductions between myself and the others in the group. They were savvy on local issues, and the point was clear that they weren’t going to take these issues lying down. With this kind of pull from the community, I don’t see how they could fail.

Here’s some more photos of the mixer and the gallery.

Want to meet local politicians? Tonight is your chance.

Admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:27:00 +0000

NOVA 535 Unique Event Space & Modern Art Lounge will join forces with St. Petersburg-based RHINO Political Action Committee tonight at 6PM to host a political mixer for any and all interested parties. In preparation for the much anticipated mayoral election, guests will have the opportunity to meet St. Petersburg’s political candidates and voice their concerns. All mayoral and city council candidates will been informed and several have already confirmed their attendance.

RHINO P.A.C. is a group of nonpartisan individuals who are not affiliated with any political party, organization, candidate or campaign and who want to make a positive impact on the political scene. RHINO is dedicated to advancing the morale integrity and fiscal responsibility of St. Petersburg’s elected officials. The P.A.C. boasts that members of all political parties, donkeys and elephants alike, can still become Rhinos and promote positive change in St. Petersburg.

RHINO will provide a complementary glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres to each citizen that attends.

Housed in a 1920 built five & dime; NOVA 535 is a lush, meticulously renovated 7,000 sqft. versatile event space with two full bars and plenty of convenient parking. It’s high-end yet welcoming atmosphere offers each guest a world-class experience.

Tea Day Tax Party in Tampa

Admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Tax Day Tea Party goes on today:

When: April 15, 5:00pm
Where: Lykes Gaslight Park, 401 N Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602
Facebook Group: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=54785494759

The Tax Day Tea Party is a national collaborative grassroots effort organized by Smart Girl Politics, Top Conservatives on Twitter, the DontGo Movement and many other online groups/coalitions.

The Tea Party protests, in their current form, began in early 2009 when Rick Santelli, the On Air Editor for CNBC, set out on a rant to expose the bankrupt liberal agenda of the White House Administration and Congress. Specifically, the flawed “Stimulus Bill” and pork filled budget.

During Rick’s rant (see video below), he called for a “Chicago tea Party” where advocates of the free-market system could join in a protest against out of control government spending.

A few days later, grassroots activists and average Joe Americans began organizing what would soon become the Nationwide Chicago Tea Party effort.

On February 27th, an estimated 30,000 Americans took to the street in 40+ cities accross the country in the first nationwide “Tea Party” protest.

Organizers of the February 27th events pledged to continue on with an even bigger and better protest to follow the first. With April 15th being “Tax Day”, it was decided to schedule the second round of Tea Party protests to ride alongside the tax deadline.

And with that, the “Tax Day Tea Party”, the second round of the Nationwide Tea Party protests, moved into reality.

Racism alive and well in Hillsorough State Committee

Admin — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:32:00 +0000

This was too good not to re-post. Originally from St. Peters Blog. My comments in bold.

How many black people does it take to fire a GOP official?

NONE! It actually just takes said GOP official forwarding racist, idiotic e-mails and those going public. For your enjoyment I present the comedic stylings of Hillsborough state committeewoman Carol Carter.

From: Carol Carter
Friday, January 30, 9:30 AM
Subject: FW: Amazing!

I’m confused

How can 2,000,000 blacks get into Washington, DC in 1 day in sub zero temps when 200,000 couldn’t get out of New Orleans in 85 degree temps with four days notice?

Carol Carter

Good one, Carol! HAWE HAWE HAWE. What an asshat.

The most ridiculous part of this is you’d think someone in that position would know that email is easily monitored. You’d also think that of the people she sent it to, at least ONE of them would take some offense. This is insanity that this kind of blatant racism exists within our local government.

I find it worse that in the e-mail she sent to apologize for the first e-mail she said the following:

I am also sorry to learn that some of these persons are not real team players. There really was no reason for this to go beyond those that I e-mailed (8 people). This was not an e-mail blast as I do not have that capability.

Yeah dudes, that means what you think it means: team player in the GOP = keeping those racist jokes going and definitely not sharing them with those close minded people out there in the world that don’t find humor in racist jokes about national tragedies. Duh!

I am pleased to announce that Carol has resigned from her position as Hillsborough GOP Comedienne Laureate effective today. I’m also please to announce that the HCRP site is TEH SHIT!

Can you even imagine the email that prompted that half-ass apology? I’m sure one of her not-team-players was like, “Listen, lady, this isn’t 1885 and you’re no land baron”. Furthermore, this is equivalent to those holocaust deniers that rant and rave all day about the importance of the “Final Solution”. What are these people on? I can’t even imagine how anyone would find this acceptable. I wonder how Ray Nagin feels about this? or the NAACP? I’m hoping this woman never gets hired anywhere again. I know I wouldn’t tolerate this kind of hate in my workplace.

Obama-Rama fills the streets

Admin — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 13:12:00 +0000

It’s already been a big day for Tampa Obama supporters. On my normal morning route for breakfast and coffee, I saw a collection of supporters, all dressed in Obama gear, walking up Nebraska screaming, “Let’s go Obama! Let’s go Obama!”

It’s also worth mentioning that Krisky Kreme is giving away a free donut to everyone in America today. All you have to do is go to a Krispy Kreme store and ask for one.
http://blogs.usatoday.com/ondeadline/2009/01/happy-inaugurat.html

The Inauguration begins in 3 hours. Today is going to be a good day.

The Great Michigan to Tampa Exodus

Admin — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 16:49:00 +0000

It’s not secret that anyone who has lived in Michigan for the last several years has seen things decline rather quickly. Home prices, jobs, opportunities… all down. Unemployment, depression, turmoil, and exodus… all up.

I don’t like to think that I lead the exodus out of the Mitt and down to Florida in 2005, but it seems like that’s how it’s working out. Kara and I left first. Dustan left shortly after. Several of my techno-related people moved to Miami. Sharon moved here back in the summer. Kara’s brother moved here (and then, dumbly, moved back). Now, Dustan’s brother Dereck is moving here tomorrow.

I’m concerned that this mass exodus, while easing some of the pains in Michigan, will now put the hurt on Florida’s employment opportunities. We’re already “at capacity” with the slowing economy. What happens when thousand of people flock here from the rust belt every month demanding work?

I’m hoping tomorrow is the first day of the great cleanup of our nation. I also hope the auto industry in Detroit fixes it’s flawed way of doing business. We’ll see.

In the meantime, I welcome our new Floridians with open arms. I just hope the economy here can handle the influx.