Help keep Polk County and Florida Red! |
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Message from Chairman Jim Guth
Greetings!
Thank you to each of you that offered me support in the vote for chairman.
I appreciate your support but will be asking for a lot of work in the upcoming term (two years). There are committees to fill and each will have work to do. One meeting per month of your time will just not be enough.
By my reconning, we have local elections coming in 2023 in Lakeland, Winter Haven, Auburndale, Lake Wales, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Davenport, Ft. Meade, and Bartow. If I missed one, let me know.
Nearly two thirds of our precincts are not represented in the REC, and most of the others are under-represented.
We (the executive board) are still finalizing the committee list and each committee will need a chair. We will need at least a membership committee, an education and training committee, a communications and technology committee, and a finance committee (these are required by our bylaws), as well as partner relations, events, election day operations, election integrity and build the bench committees.
Be ready to sign up for one at the next meeting.
In addition, we need presence at the school board meetings, planning boards, county commission meetings and their respective workshops.
I intend to solicit successful former office holders to be a team of advisors for good candidates that are running for office, particularly those candidates who are novices at it.
As you can see, I do not intend for you to get bored.
Keep up with your Polk REC by checking our website polk.gop. Republican Club Presidents please forward this newsletter to your club membership.
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Jim Guth
Chairman
Republican Party of Polk County
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January Membership Meeting
Date: January 16, 2023
Time: Social time is 6PM, Meeting Begins at 6:30PM
Place: Champions Church
1801 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven, FL
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January 9 is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day |
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Dr. Ed Shoemaker announces candidacy for the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) State Committeemen (SCM) and State Committeewomen (SCW) Caucus Chair.
Lakeland—1/3/2023 — Presently, Dr. Shoemaker serves as RPOF State Committeeman representing Polk County, Chair of the RPOF Congressional District 15 Caucus, President of the Faith Based Republican Club of West Polk, and member of the RPOF Faith Engagement Committee.
Focus
As Chairman of the RPOF State Committeemen and State Committeewomen Caucus, Shoemaker will follow through on his commitment as State Committeeman to identify and implement proven strategies to elect True Conservative Republicans to public office statewide. Shoemaker will initiate his Chairmanship by focusing on Education and Accountability by focusing on holding RPOF Chartered Clubs and elected officers’ accountability to the “RPOF Loyalty Oath” by advocating for an amendment to the RPOF Party Rules of Procedure (Republican State Executive Committee) under Rule 1-Chartering Process for Republican Clubs to add the requirement of RPOF Charter Club members and their elected officers to sign and abide by the RPOF Loyalty Oath, define blatant violations and process for removal or revocation of a RPOF Charter Club member elected officer or an RPOF’s charter status. Another strategy we need to focus on is effective communication without compromising our values and Republican platform within our Party and with collaborative stakeholders.
Shoemaker emphasizes that “All Republicans need to be on the same page to reverse the devastating impact of the progressive, liberal policies by uniting and standing firm to protect the U.S. Constitution and our God-given inalienable rights.”
Professional Experience
Dr. Ed Shoemaker, PhD (Psychology), LMHC, QS, TF-CBT is a National Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Adoption Competency Trained Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 30 years of professional experience working with "at-risk" children and families. Dr. Shoemaker is Founder, President and CEO OF Mr. Ed’s Circle of Inc. established in 2006 for the purpose of adoption advocacy, awareness, and therapeutic support services: creating family-based, strengths-based treatment programs and therapeutic support services to adoptive parents as an alternative to group home or institutional care for children and youth, promoting healthy relationships working in collaboration with adoption agencies, church leaders, ministry partners and the community. In addition, Mr. Ed's Circle of Trust Inc. provides therapeutic support services to students and adults with disabilities and for the purpose of family preservation and reunification. Over the past 30 years, many “at-risk” children and families have improved their lives through the therapeutic support and services provided by Dr. Ed hoemaker; “Improving the Lives of Others through Meaningful Relationships.”
Community Focused
Dr. Shoemaker is also active in the community; presently serving as Chair of the Medulla Elementary School Advisory Committee Lakeland, Florida), Chair of the Polk County Housing Authority, President of the Rotary Club of Lakeland Sunrise, and member of the Personnel Committee of Medulla Baptist Church.
Accomplishments
Political
- 2022 Defend Freedom Event, Polk County
- 2022 Lead, Polk County School Board elections, Polk REC
- 2020 Co-Ordinator, God and Country Rally, Faith Based Republican Club of West Polk
- 2020 Elected Delegate (CD15) to RNC Convention
- 2018 US House Congressional District 15 Candidate
- 2016 Polk County School Board Candidate
- 2017-2020 Alternate Chair, RPOF Congressional District 15 Caucus,
Community
- 2012-present, member Medulla Elementary School Advisory Committee
- 2020 Consultant, Children’s book titled “Freddy the Foster Frog Finds a Friendly Family”
- 2019-2021 Advisory Board, Community Partnership Schools, UCF
- 2017-2021 Advisory Board, Children’s Homes Society of Greater Lakeland
- 2017-2018 Board of Directors, Learning Resource Center of Polk
- 2017-2018 Co-Chair, Community Partnership School Model Initiative, Polk Vision
- 2016-2018 Lead Advocate, Community Partnership School Model, Polk County
- 2014-2016, Chair, Polk County District Advisory Council Executive Board
- 2011 Nominee, Irene Sullivan Adoption Advocacy Award (Pinellas County)
Education
- 2021 Inducted, National Society of Leadership and Success, Northcentral University
- 2018 Nominated, Alumni of the Year, Northcentral University
- 2016 Doctorate degree (Psychology), Northcentral University2001
- Master of Art’s degree (Biblical Counseling), Trinity Bible College & Seminary
- 1994 Bachelor of Art’s degree (Psychology), The Union Institute
Dr. Ed Shoemaker
RPOF State Committeeman, Polk County
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Annual Polk County Legislative Delegation Meeting
Date: January 13, 2023
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Location: Polk State College Center for Public Safety, 1251 Jim Keene Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33880
Here's your chance to have a dialogue with our Polk County elected leaders in Tallahassee. Listen, Learn, Share. Remember to always be respectful and support your opinion with facts.
Public comment cards will also be available on the day of the meeting affording you time to speak. Those completing a card at the meeting will be heard in the order in which the card is received.
Any handouts you have for the Legislator's to review can be submitted in advance or at the meeting where you will need 10 copies for distribution.
If you would like more information regarding this meeting, please contact Kara Lucas at lucas.kara@flsenate.gov or by calling the Bartow office at 863-534-0073.
FOLLOWING ARE OUR POLK COUNTY DELEGATION MEMBERS AND CONTACT INFO:
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Resolution to NOT Support Ronna Romney McDaniel as RNC Chair
Whereas, The Republican Party of Florida’s mission is to promote Republican principles and policies, and to support the election of Republican candidates in national, state, and local elections in affiliation with the Republican National Committee (RNC), the Rules of the RNC and the RNC platform;
Whereas, While we have had tremendous successes here in Florida, at the National level the RNC, under its current leadership, has not been successful for the last three cycles;
Whereas, Florida has drawn national attention for our polices and election results, and we are seen as a beacon of hope for Freedom.
Be It Resolved; the undersigned members call on our Chairman, National Committeewoman, and National Committeeman to vote for a New Chair of the Republican National Committee at the January 2023 meeting.
Signed,
- Evan Power, Chair, Leon County
- Dianne Williams, State Committeewoman, Putnam County
- Tom Williams, Chair, Putnam County
- Tom Gaitens, State Committeeman, Hillsborough County
- Bill Helmich, State Committeeman, Madison County
- Anthony Sabatini, Chair, Lake County
- Hunter Peeler, Chair, Columbia County
- Mary Ann Russell, State Committeewoman, St Lucie County
- Vic Baker, State Committeeman, Volusia County
- Kimberly Adkinson, State Committeewoman, Brevard County
- Bill Gaskin, Chair, Calhoun County
- Jesse Phillips, State Committeeman, Seminole County
- Joe Budd, State Committeeman, Palm Beach County
- Debbie Galvin, State Committeewoman, Orange County
- Jaquelyn Dabney, Chair, Walton County
- Michael Thompson, Chair, Lee County
- Lisa Keep, State Committeewoman, Suwanee County
- Barbara Radcliff, Chair, Gulf County
- Tom Germano, State Committeeman, Bradford County
- Debbie Phillips, State Committeewoman, Volusia County
- Terrell Stoltzfus, State Committeeman, Calhoun County
- Blake Paterson, Chair, St Johns County
- Ralph Smith, State Committeeman, Lake County
- Sandra Atkinson, Chair, Okaloosa County
- Michelle Merrell, State Committeewoman, Broward County
- Dana Galen, Chair, Hillsborough County
- Shawn Frost, State Committeeman, Indian River County
- Joyce Estes, State Committeewoman, Franklin County
- Lasha Boree, State Committeewoman, Okeechobee County
- Anthony Bonna, State Committeeman, St Lucie County
- Roger Busscher, State Committeeman, Columbia County
- Susan Rissman, State Committeewoman, Jefferson County
- Steve Rissman, State Committeeman, Jefferson County
- George Metz, State Committeeman, Union County
- Jim Guth, Chair, Polk County
- Ed Shoemaker, State Committeeman, Polk County
- Larry Benjamin, Chair Charlotte County
- Charlotte Flynt, State Committeewoman, Walton County
- George Norris, State Committeeman, Bay County
- Joanna Bryan, State Committeewoman, Gulf County
- Sharon Regan, Chair, Santa Rosa County
- Stafford Jones, State Committeeman, Alachua County
- Donna Solze, State Committeewoman, Bradford County
- James Campo, State Committeeman, Martin County
- Nancy McGovern, State Committeewoman, Lee County
- Erin Huntley, Chair, Orange County
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Make Your Voice Heard on Who Should Be RNC Chair
Here are the FL voters for the upcoming RNC Chair - recommend you write to them if you're unhappy with Ronna McDaniels as RNC Chair.
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Kevin McCarthy Elected Speaker of the US House on the 15th Ballot
Representative Kevin McCarthy was elected Speaker of the US House on the 15th ballot after acceding to the Good Governance demands of the "Freedom 20" led by Florida's own Matt Gaetz. Hopefully Speaker McCarthy will abide those demands and restore power to the people in the House and undo the damage done during the Pelosi years.
Freedom Caucus good government conditions:
- Enact a “majority of the majority” rule that legislation passed in a Republican House should be supported by a majority of House Republicans to prevent leadership from cutting deals with Democrats if a bill is not supported by conservatives
- Restore independence of committees by electing committee chairs based on qualifications and effectiveness
- Diversify the Steering Committee so that all House Republicans can have input on committee assignments, which McCarthy has agreed to already
- Open the legislative process to allow for amendments. Members have not been allowed to vote on an amendment on the House floor since May 2016, and the Republican 115th Congress, under then-Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), broke the record for the most bills being considered without amendments
- Ensure fiscal responsibility by blocking consideration of any other bill until the House can pass an appropriations bill by August 1. If the House has not acted by September 10, then the Speaker should be prevented from recessing or adjourning until it has passed a spending bill.
- End proxy voting
- Restoring the “Motion to Vacate the Chair’ so any member can offer a privileged motion to remove the Speaker
- Restore a requirement so that a print is made to show how legislation would change existing laws before a bill receives a vote on the floor
- Eliminate the ability automatically suspend the debt ceiling without a standalone vote when the House adopts a budget resolution
- Hold bureaucrats accountable by restoring the “Holman Rule” to allow House members to make targeted spending cuts in spending bills, which would even allow making targeted cuts of bureaucrats’ salaries, including Dr. Anthony Fauci
- End secret deals requiring bills to be made available to the public five full days ahead of a vote and require a two-thirds threshold House vote to waive this rule
- Ban earmarks to prevent taxpayer-dollar spending on lawmakers and lobbyist pet projects.
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Constitution Classes Offered at Lake Ashton
New class starting January 19th. We meet every Thursday at 3:30 in the Lake Ashton Club House game room (4141 Ashton Club Blvd, Lake Wales). Class will last about 1 hour. Approximately 30 minutes will be Hillsdale's Constitution 101 video. The balance of time will be discussion and current events related to the constitution. Everyone is invited and we try to stay as non-partisan as possible. No need to sign up, just show up. Everyone receives a pocket constitution.
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Polk County Public Schools is hosting a series of School Choice Showcases in January to give families a chance to explore their school options. Each showcase will highlight the options available at PCPS schools in the surrounding community.
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Please watch out for our upcoming January Newsletter. In the meantime, please see below for a few informational follow-ups from our January meeting.
1. Republican Nation Committee Chair Election: If you would like to make your voice heard on the upcoming election for RNC Chair, you can send an email to:
RPOF Chairman, Joe Gruters
joegruters@gmail.com;
FL National Committeewoman, Kathy King
kking779@gmail.com; and
FL National Committeeman, Peter Feaman
pfeaman@feamanlaw.com
2. Student's for Life to Attend the National March for Life: If you would like to learn more about Southeastern University's Students for Life group's upcoming trip to Washington, DC to attend the National March for Life, please contact Levi Stovall at lstovall0811@gmail.com
3. "The Chapel" Bar: As discussed during our meeting, a local business is seeking to convert a currently unused church building into a bar/special events venue that is to be called "The Chapel". The building is located at 417 North Massachusetts Avenue, and the promoter is asking the Lakeland City Commission to grant his business a "conditional use" permission that would allow it to function as a bar/special events venue.
Please see link to article in LakelandNow concerning this matter: https://www.lkldnow.com/local-businessmen-want-to-resurrect-church-building-as-a-bar/
Many Lakeland residents are concerned that the project mocks people of Christian faith. See in particular the picture at the bottom of the LakelandNow article from an event promoting "The Chapel".
A decision on whether "conditional use" permission will be granted will be made at the next meeting of the Lakeland City Commission on Tuesday, January 17th.
If you would like to have your voice heard on this issue, you can email the Commission at citycommission@lakelandgov.net or attend the next Commission meeting live at 3PM on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023, at 228 S. Massachusetts Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801, 3rd Floor, Commission Chambers.
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Please support our REC patrons |
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Laura Larsen, Licensed Real Estate
863-206-1317
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If you want to advertise your business or candidacy or just be a supporter the cost is only $50 for 6 months or $100 for a full year of appearing here in every REC newsletter. Contact our newsletter editor - John Velebir at jvelebir@att.net to learn more and sign up.
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