As I write this is my last official post as Leon County Republican State Committeeman, a position I have held since being elected by the county’s Republican voters in 2008 and re-elected in 2012.  I am thankful for the opportunity to represent rank and file GOP voters and also serve as Treasurer of the Republican Party of Florida since 2011.  

On December 1, 2016, Leon County’s new Republican State Committeeman will be David Ramba, a very capable activist and advocate for the conservative cause!

Local Politics

As I look back on the past 8 years, we can point to many accomplishments:

• Increased fundraising for the Leon County Republican Party. The turnaround began with the first in years profitable Lincoln Day Dinner in 2010.

• Finance and upgrade to the local GOP website.

• 2010 also marked the first time the local party contributed significant sums to a local campaign for Mayor, which almost resulted in the election of Tallahassee’s First Republican Mayor.  We missed that mark by only 800 votes out of 40,000 cast.

• Increasing the number of chartered Republican Clubs in the county from 5 to 7.

• Increased registration of Republicans in Leon County from approximately 42,000 (2008) to 57,000 (2016).  Due in large part to a better organized local party and direct vote by mail efforts as well as greater coordination of local GOP clubs.

• Larger participation in state events such as the Presidency 5 (2011) and Presidential Summitt (2015) by Leon County voters.

Looking forward although we did not always achieve superlative heights, I firmly believe that we have laid the foundation for future victories in the coming years.  It’s only a matter of time before talented local Republicans get elected in larger numbers with good campaign organization, coordination, and fundraising.  The infrastructure is there to build and reach higher!

State Politics

On the State Party level I was privileged to be elected and re-elected two more times as the Treasurer of the Republican Party of Florida, a position I will hold until the Annual Meeting of the State GOP in January 2017.  It has been an honor to serve in such a position considering I have been volunteering for GOP causes in Florida since I was 14 years old.  Some of my achievements have included:

• Being the 1st member of the GOP State Committee to have a website to communicate with voters. https://www.gopjeff.com.  The purpose of which is to communicate with Republican voters.

• Serving as delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2012.

• Being selected by then-Chairman John Thrasher (now FSU President) to Chair the new Ethics Committee and helping to author the RPOF’s first Ethics Code.

• Serving as Treasurer of the State Party and posting regular updated party financial public reports to the internet via https://www.gopjeff.com/republican-party-of-floridas-treasurers-reports/

People Politics

As the end of the day politics is about people

My main motivation back in 2008 in seeking to be elected Leon County’s Republican State Committeeman was to get more people involved in the process!  Long ago the local party was essentially a small tightly knit social club.  My effort over 8 years has been to get young people involved in the Republican Party—young people are future of the GOP.  We must never cease our efforts to involve young people in politics.  More needs to be done to promote the Teenage Republicans, Young Republicans, and ….of course the College Republicans. 

Similarly, on the State Party level we need to do more to recruit minorities to the GOP.  On this issue, it is my opinion that the Party of Lincoln has fallen short.  Because of this I specifically requested that the State Party Chairman appoint me a member of the RPOF Minority Outreach Committee.  We’ve got to do better…..put our money where our mouth is…..the conservative message, if explained well, appeals to many.  For too long, the party has not put the effort in.  We can do better!

What’s Next?

Earlier this year I decided that “eight is enough”—8 years as the elected Republican State Committeeman.  It’s time to let someone new move up and help with the cause!  Quite frankly, things are changing with the GOP and it’s actually an exciting time to be a part of the process.  So I hope someone reading this will get involved!

My plans are to continue practicing law and teaching at Florida A & M University.  Teaching is a people person profession too and I am completing my 15th year.  Passing knowledge on to others is what it’s all about.

As for politics, I will continue to stay informed, vote, and support responsible Republicans who uphold Conservative ideals.  I will also keep posting on GOPJeff.com and it’s companion Facebook page from time to time about events, candidates, and my opinions.

After that….who knows what’s next!

As Ronald Reagan once said “In America, our best days are always ahead of us!”

To all of my friends, acquaintances, political buddies, elected officials, FSU College Republicans (past, present, and future), RPOF Members, Leon County voters, high school friends, campaign consultants & hacks, media, and muckrakers—THANK YOU for sharing the experience with me.  

Best Wishes,

Jeff Howell

Friends,

As you go to the polls on Tuesday, it is important to remember the local races here in Leon County. The winners of these local races will determine policy that directly influences our lives. That being said, we have a candidate running for the Leon Soil and Water Conservation District that deserves out support. I am proud to endorse Brook Bustle for the Leon Soil and Water Conservation District, Seat 1!

Brooke graduated from Florida State University in 2015 with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Social Sciences. She is currently seeking her Master’s degree in Public Administration from FSU, specializing in Environmental Law. You could say that environmental conservation runs in Brooke’s blood. From her website, Brooke is the great-granddaughter of  Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame Inductee, Robert “Bob” Whisenant, who revolutionized commercial farming with his development of irrigation systems. Brooke has worked for Rep. Steve Southerland, The Republican Party of Florida, Governor Rick Scott’s Office of Policy and Budget, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Brooke plans on using her Soil and Water Conservation seat to bring attention to the public of the important environmental issues that Leon County faces. She tells the League of Women Voters that she intends to implement cost effective solutions to enhance and preserve our natural resources and landmarks. Brooke will also fight to insure that that environmental programs are funded adequately to help with her plans.

Brooke Bustle cares about the environment. But she also has the tools and experience necessary to help steer environmental policy in Leon County in the right direction. On November 8th, go to the polls and elect the candidate we need to serve on the Leon Soil and Water Conservation District, Seat 1. Vote for Brooke Bustle!

I want to take a few moments of your time to ask you to vote for my friend Bill Helmich for Leon Soil and Water Conservation District, Seat 3.  I am proud to endorse Bill for this seat, he has earned my vote and support and I would like to ask you to support him too.

It is important that we take time to support Republicans at all levels of the ballot, from Governor, all the way down to Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

Bill operates Helmich Consulting, Inc., a legislative and political consulting firm.  Prior establishing Helmich Consulting, Bill was the Director of House Campaigns at the Republican Party of Florida in the 2006 election cycle, for then Speaker Designate Marco Rubio.  Bill has also held several other positions at Senator Rubio’s request.  He ran the Florida House Majority Office during the 2003 & 2004 Legislative Sessions and ran then-Representative Rubio’s Speaker’s race. Bill earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Norwich University, the Military college of Vermont, in 1997.  He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve for six (6) years and was honorably discharged.

When you go to the polls I would ask that you take a few extra seconds and make sure you vote for Bill Helmich.

Thank you

Jeff Howell

Friends,

I want you to imagine November 9th. The election will be over and we will be watching the winners and wondering if they are the right fit for the job. We will be wondering if that person not only has a passion for public service, but also if they have a track record of success in public service. Leon County has just that candidate running to represent you as our Tax Collector. That is why I am fully endorsing John Paul Bailey for Leon County Tax Collector!

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Mark Walker ruled against Florida Democrats and their attempted coup of the electoral process. Democrats wanted to allow people to vote in this election without being verified as legitimate voters by election officials. That means dead people, felons, illegal immigrants and others who Democrats want to use to take power away against the wishes of hard working Floridians would be able to flood polling stations on election day under the guise of legitimate voters.

Fortunately, Judge Walker rebuked this attempt, stating that there is no evidence that state officials are delaying the approval of new voters. Judge Walker also stated that these voters could vote a provisional ballot. Governor Rick Scott applauded the ruling along with RPOF Chairman Blaise Ingoglia, who scolded Democrats for trying to circumvent Florida law.

For more information on the ruling, here is a link to an article from the Gainesville Sun 

Friends,

I want you to imagine November 9th. The election will be over and we will be watching the winners and wondering if they are the right fit for the job. We will be wondering if that person not only has a passion for public service, but also if they have a track record of success in public service. Leon County has just that candidate running to represent you as our Tax Collector. That is why I am fully endorsing John Paul Bailey for Leon County Tax Collector!

Fellow Republicans,

Please read the following message from Evan Power, the Chairman of the Leon County Republican Executive Committee on an event happening this Tuesday night:

Join us on Tuesday Night!     Tuesday night we will gather at Table 21 (1215 Thomasville Road) at 6:00pm to watch the primary election returns come in.  We have had a busy year with a large number of Republicans on the ballot.  Come out and support the Republicans who had elections in the primary cycle and prepare for the general election cycle to come. If you have not voted yet please make sure that you vote at your precinct on Tuesday.  We look forward to seeing you all Tuesday night. Evan Power Chairman

As a resident of Leon County, I want nothing but the best for the county and the people who live in it. I can think of nothing better than to have a candidate elected who has a proven track record of success. Leon County has just that candidate running to represent District 2 at the Leon County Commission. That is why I am fully endorsing Manny Joanos for Leon County Commission District 2!

As I said, Manny has a proven record of success at the Leon County Commission. He once sat on that commission from 1990 to 1998, serving as Chairman twice. Manny has also served on several boards around the area, including the Leon County Research and Development Authority and the Florida Associations of Counties Trust. Many of you may know Manny from eating at Manny’s restaurant until it closed in 2003. Currently, Manny is the Divisional Director of Food Service, Purchasing, and Energy at Leon County Schools where he has worked to bring down costs to taxpayers by doing innovative things, such as switching the school buses in the county to compressed natural gas instead of diesel.

Manny announced that he was running for the Leon County Commission back on October 14^th in front of a crowd of supporters at Bruster’s Ice Cream. He is running on a platform of bringing economic prosperity back to Leon County through creating jobs and encouraging businesses to grow in areas of the county that need revitalizing, particular in the district he is running in. He is a fiscal conservative that wants to help Leon County thrive.

He’s done it once, he can do it again. Do you want to help turn Leon County in the right direction? Vote for the proven candidate who can do it. Vote for Manny Joanos for Leon County Commission, District 2!

I look around and I see so many great candidates running in this years election. I want to see candidates elected to office with the passion, energy and drive to make a difference and make life better for us all. That is why I enthusiastically and wholeheartedly endorse Kara Wade Tucker to be the next Mayor of Neptune Beach!

A graduate of Fletcher High School in Neptune Beach, Kara went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in Sociology and her master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of North Florida. Not stopping there, she continued to Auburn University for her graduate certificate in Rehabilitation Leadership and Management. Her dedication to rehabilitation has gotten the attention of Tallahassee, as Kara was appointed by the Governor to serve as Chairperson of the Florida Rehabilitation Council, where she currently serves. As you will see from her website, karatucker.com, She has dedicated countless hours as a board member for the First Coast Business Leadership Network, Beaches Council for the Disabled, Neptune Beach Planning and Development Review Board, Neptune Beach Ish Brant Beautification Committee, and spearheaded universal beach accessibility.

Her dedication has also led her to serve the people of Neptune Beach as a two term city councilwoman and Vice-Mayor. Her policies of lower taxes and cost cutting measures have attracted new businesses to the community, keeping the economy on track. She wants to continue serving and making life better for the citizens of Neptune Beach as the next Mayor of the City.

I believe that Kara has what it takes to keep Neptune Beach moving forward! This Tuesday, August 30th, vote for proven leadership. Vote Kara Wade Tucker for Mayor of Neptune Beach!

Fellow Republicans,

the primary elections of the 2016 election season are upon us! Candidates are busy sign waving, going door to door, meeting voters in order to represent us in our government. The direction of our cities, towns, counties, and country will be decided, not only on election day in November, but very much so in the primary election on Tuesday, August 30th.

The polls on election day will be open from 7am to 7pm. You must vote at your precinct. If you are voting by absentee ballot, your ballot must be turned into the supervisor of elections office by 7pm. Don’t forget to bring the appropriate voter identification! You can find out what forms of identification are acceptable at this link. For information on your voter registration status, visit this link. For information on where you voter precinct is, visit this link.

The Leon County Republican Party will be hosting an election night watch party at Table 21 at 1215 Thomasville Road at 6pm on Tuesday night. Come out and have a good time with your fellow Republicans as we watch election results come in. If you cannot join us but want to follow the election results, please go to leonvotes.org or the Florida election results website at this link.

It is very important that we get out the vote! Vote on Tuesday, August 30th and help lead our country in the right direction.