In the Leon County Commission District 2 race I am endorsing Kirk Headley-Perdue.  The current incumbent is a nice person, but has been in office for over 16 years and is hardly seen in the community.  County Commission District seats are not the property of long time politicians, they belong to the people.  Communities like Fort Braden and Woodville report rarely seeing the current incumbent, who has built a retirement home in North Caronlina….and spends most of the time up there!

Leon County deserves better.  Commission District 2 deserves Kirk Headley Perdue, whose roots run deep in this community and is actively seeking this seat.  Kirk is a business woman as well as a philanthropist and community leader.

She would do infinitely better than the current commissioner who is essentially delaying her retirement by continuing to run for office.

On November 6th Vote Kirk Headley Perdue!!!!!!!!

People have asked me a lot lately who to vote for in the Circuit Judge race in Leon County.  As a practicing attorney, I have worked with both individuals however, one candidate stands out: JOSIE TAMAYO.

Judge Josie Tamayo has the experience, ethics, and judicial temperament to continue serving the people of the Second Judicial Circuit.  Having worked as General Counsel of two state agencies, Josie Tamayo has the depth of legal experience one needs in a Judge.  She has served the past three years as our Circuit Judge and has the requisite experience and jurisprudence to continue in the job.

If I had to choose one word that describes my vote for Josie Tamayo based on my knowledge of the candidates in this race it would be: Integrity.

I’m voting for TAMAYO for Circuit Court Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit!

Jeff Howell

_{A close friend asked me to post my thoughts on the proposed Amendments to the Florida Constitution.}

_{The Republican Party of Florida has issued a statement that says that the Party supports all of the proposed Amendments to the Florida Constitution, but is neutral on Amendment 5.}

_{Because several friends and colleagues have asked me how I intend to vote here are my thoughts.  They are in no way intended to represent any official position of the Republican Party, just an overview of my thoughts in general.  In actuality, I think there are entirely too many proposed constitutional amendments put on the ballot over the years.  This year voters have to mull through a 4 page ballot and one doubts whether anyone really reads all of the language in the ballot summary.}

_{Amendment # 1  Health Care Services – YES}

_{This amendment is in reaction to the mandates contained in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Obamacare as it’s called.  This provision is an attempt to prohibit the Federal government from mandating that one buy health insurance.  I don’t know if it’s constitutional under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, but let’s see.}

_{Amendment # 2  Extra Homestead for Combat Veterans with Disabilities – YES}

_{I generally don’t favor granting a bunch of exemptions because pretty soon then everyone will want an exemption, but our country does not do enough for combat veterans.  Politicians play word games and say they support helping veterans but these promises are usually not kept after election day.  Providing an extra tax discount to this courageous group who defend us is the right thing to do.}

_{Amendment # 3  State Government Revenue Limitation – NO}

_{This will have my Tea Party friends all worked up, but if you have lived in Tallahassee as long as I have,  you know any measure to “limit” revenue will just result in the politicians finding another what to get those tax dollars.  This is a complex amendment, which means it’s susceptible to the law of unintended consequences.  Rather than create a “sounds good” limitation on government revenue with no guarantee that government will abide by the limitation, the Florida Legislature should continue to balance the state budget and live within it’s means.  That’s what we send them to Tallahassee to do anyway.}

_{Amendment # 4  Property Tax Limitation – NO}

_{Here’s another one that some of my friends, particularly realtors, will not like my position on.  My law partner, Ben Phipps, who specializes in ad valorem taxation, recently wrote an op-ed piece for the Tallahassee Democrat in which he stated that Amendment # 4 should receive a NO vote because it is bad public policy.  An additional homestead exemption for first time home buyers may seem nice, but this Amendment would shift the tax burden to those of us who already own homes.  Same principle as above, giving breaks to some, will result in others getting the tax burden laid on them.}

_{Amendment # 5  State Court Restructuring – NO}

_{Let’s not mess with the Court system.  Currently, the Governor appoints from a list submitted by the Judicial Nominating Council.  This Amendment would require, among other things, that appointments made by the Governor to the State Supreme Court to be subject to Senate Confirmation.  This would politicize the judiciary in my opinion.}

_{Amendment # 6  Prohibition on Public Funding of Abortion – YES}

_{I’m Pro-Life so this is my position anyway.  Also it contains a limitation on state court judges’ ability to broaden abortion rights.}

_{Amendment #8  Religious Freedom – YES}

_{I have some trouble with the idea of religious organizations getting government funding.  They do that in Red China too and it doesn’t work out well.  On one side is the Florida Catholic Conference and I understand their arguments.  Today, I learned that the Americans for Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is against this amendment.  That’s all I needed to know to be for it.  All I’m saying is be careful taking government money, even if you are a religious organization.  The Government always has strings attached to their money.}

_{Amendment # 9  Homestead Exemption for Surviving Spouse of Veterans or First Responders—YES}

_{My thoughts on this subject are the same as the earlier ones above regarding granting additional exemptions.  Pretty soon we will have as many exemptions as license plate designs in Florida.  But, alas, surviving spouses are another worthy cause.  However,  you can see where this will lead…next time “surviving spouses of….this …and that…..and surviving children…etc.”}

_{Amendment # 10  Tangible Personal Property Tax Exemption—YES}

_{If you are a small business owner like me you will be for this amendment.  The tangible personal property tax is ridiculous anyway.  I say repeal it!}

_{Amendment # 11  Additional Homestead Exemption for Low Income Seniors—YES, but.}

_{You can now see where this is all heading.  Four of these amendments are granting exemptions to various “preferred” groups.  Why not just exempt everyone from property  taxes?  I’m voting for this one out of pure self-interest.  If I live in my house for the next 16 years I will get a big exemption!  ( I won’t be mad at you if you vote against this one or all of the exemptions however, as this exemption stuff is getting out of hand)}

_{Amendment # 12 Appointment of Student Body President to Board of Governors—YES or NO}

_{Talk about special interest legislation.  I don’t know what the policy arguments are for and against this proposal.  I do know that the Florida Student Association has had some problems over the years.}

Concerning the race for Leon County Superintendent of Schools:

There is not a Republican challenger in this race, and I believe that as a Republican we have a duty to elect the most qualified candidate.   Jackie Pons is a proven leader with a solid, fiscally responsible track record.   Jackie has led Leon County Schools to become one of the” Highest Performing” districts in the state while navigating the largest budget cuts in recent history.   In just the past 4 years LCS has lost roughly $111 million in combined funding sources.

In his focus to keep quality teachers in the classroom, he looked for other ways to save money.  He is now replacing an aging diesel school bus fleet with buses that run on much cleaner compressed natural gas (CNG).   These CNG buses will save over $300,000 each year in fuel costs.   Additionally, Jackie has instituted a very aggressive energy savings policy that has saved the tax payer $4.4 million since he was first elected.   Not only does this save money but it is better for our children’s future.

For these reasons, I believe Republicans should vote for Jackie Pons.

In case you missed it, earlier this month Republicans in Leon County passed the 50,000 mark in registration.  According to the Leon County Supervisor of Elections office GOP registration is now 50,844!

Just 25 years ago registration was around 30,000.  This new milestone was reached due in large part to active in migration of Republicans from other areas, an active local GOP, and registration efforts recently by the Republican Party of Florida.  No doubt the Presidential election this year caused many to register.  But registration is only part of the story, everyone needs to VOTE!

The General Election is November 6th and Republicans and like minded Conservatives need to vote to bring about change.  If you need a Romney/Ryan bumpersticker or yard sign contact the Victory Office at RPOF at 222-7920.

The Florida State Tailgate for America welcomes fans of all teams to tailgate with Josh Romney, son of the next President of the United States Mitt Romney, this Saturday, September 22, before the Seminoles take on the Clemson Tigers. Come for a burger and a cold drink as the premier tailgate at FSU welcomes this BYU/Harvard graduate to Doak Campbell Stadium. For the opportunity to meet Josh, please arrive at the stadium between 5:45 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. as he is expected to arrive at 6:15 p.m. The Florida State Tailgate for America is located in LOT 6/Space #50 at Doak Campbell Stadium. For updates, be sure to like Florida State Tailgate for America at facebook.com/FSUTailgateforAmerica. Enjoy a great evening of tailgating by supporting America’s Comeback Team!

If you are responsible for making a payroll or hiring employees, you know that the Obama years have been bad for business. The Obama Administration’s reckless spending and crushing regulations have battered small businesses. For America to see prosperity again, Mitt Romney must prevail in November. To this end, Herman Cain and Bernie Marcus have founded Job Creator Solutions to empower job creators to educate their employees and others on which candidates will best cultivate an environment where everyone can prosper. Messrs. Cain and Marcus will be in Tallahassee on Friday, September 21, for a luncheon with individuals responsible for employing people. Visit the Job Creators Solutions website for details on eligibility to attend and registration information..

Special thanks to Chairman Lenny Curry and the State Executive Committee & Staff of RPOF for pulling off a great Convention experience.  Despite what others may say we stuck together and remained united with our eyes on November.  Now let’s go win an Election!

Tonight we heard upbeat and positive speakers like Governor Jeb Bush who spoke about educational standards & school choice and United States Senator Marco Rubio who detailed American Exceptionalism.

But tonight was Mitt Romney’s night by far.  Speakers told the crowd about Mitt’s compassion and also his business acumen.  It was plain spoken and heartful, showing a personal side to humanize himself, despite the way he’s been portrayed by the current occupant of the White House.

The most energy from the crowd came when Romney mentioned how Obama said he would slow the rising oceans and heal the planet…Mitt said “My promise is to help you and your family”– a reference to the economic struggles of everyday Americans.

I am proud of the Republican Party for keeping the message positive and focused on the economy.   Like James Carville once said “It’s the Economy stupid!” —WELL IT REALLY IS ABOUT THE ECONOMY THIS TIME!!!

I am also proud of the GOP because the Party is taking the issues directly to the Democrats– the Economy, Medicare, and high taxes.  Staying upbeat and being adult enough to talk about the issues is what your average Americans want to hear from our Leaders.  Not invective and dirty campaigning– Chicago style.

This time it really is the Economy stupid.

I have received a number of text messages and e-mails from individuals concerned about the proposed changes to the Rules of the Republican Party. Coming into the Convention, it was proposed that Rule 15 be changed to allow the Republican presidential nominee’s campaign to choose delegates as opposed to selection processes in the states. Grassroots activists were rightly concerned about the ramifications of such a move and vigorously spoke out against it. Their voices were heard, and a comprimise was reached prior to the rules vote where the change to rule 15 was struck.

I am a grassroots activist and will continue to fight for grassroots activists. Let’s look forward to the work-at-hand, making Mitt Romney the next President of the United States!