What an action packed club meeting on March 30, 2004, filled with a club Vice President appointment, a special award, new member introductions, friendship renewals, candidate comments and the highpoint was our guest speaker, Karleen DeBlaker. A well tested, highly experienced and politically astute Pinellas County Clerk of Court offered profound wisdom. Without a doubt, unless an attendee was fast asleep, the meeting offered something for everyone.

 Guest speaker, Karleen retiring after 23 years, shared the ongoing pitfalls faced every day by the County’s Court Clerk. The biggest of these daily battles is keeping taxpayer’s money directed toward its intended uses. As she stated, the greatest qualities desired, by any replacement for her post, is integrity, ethics and vigilance. When asked a question by Mayor Beyrouti of Redington Shores, if specific skills were required, she disclosed that her own skills set, brought to the positions, included a business degree and management experience. Karleen stressed the key point that county employees must be reminded that they work for the taxpayers and therefore are justifiable responsible and accountable for the proper handling and uses of county funds. This must happen while still providing the best services possible for citizens of Pinellas. In essence, while many tasks are part and parcel of the Clerks job, the primary charge is minding the store for county taxpayers. Point well made Karleen. Clearly from her track record of accomplishments, she has followed this mandate well and will be a tough act to follow.

 A moment of levity shared by (L to R) Karleen DeBlaker, Marshall Reynolds, Gail Hebert and Charles DeBlaker

The club’s new Vice President, Marshall Reynolds, a Professional Realtor, appointed by President Rheinsmith, accepted the appointment and immediately went to work on club business.  First he bestowed the club’s Achievement Award for more than fifty years of continuous and dedicated service to the Republican Party on our oldest club member, the distinguish 93 years young, John O’Connor. In John’s absence his daughter, Trish accepted the Certificate on behalf of her ailing dad.  But you can bet he will be up and about in short order because that is his modus operand. Big John, one giant of a man, never stays down. God Bless Him.

Next having brought in and signed up four new members, Marshall introduced them to the membership. Nice touch Marshall. So based on his first evening in office the club can expect many positive things to happen and is most grateful for his arrival.

Candidate Mayor Beyrouti of Redington Shores seeking a county commissioner seat explained the need for unity within the county and discussed the numerous pages from his book of services beyond his Town boundaries. He noted his commitment to the many councils, organizations and programs, either as the spearhead or as a participants that brought much to Pinellas County. He specifically mentioned the FTAA and recent activities to balance the state and the nations best interests while at the same time staving off foreign competition.

Candidate and Commissioner of Safety Harbor, Neil Brickfield seeking the same seat as Beyrouti noted that his business experience  has served him well in the Town Commissionership post and would be very useful in the County Commissioner post.  He cited a few examples of large savings to Safety Harbor by using a business approach to town issues. Specifically he noted that examination and planning of town expenditures on a financially sound and timely basis facilitated better town management and taxpayer savings.

Candidate for Clerk of Court, Ken Burke related the many academic and experience skills acquired over the years in preparation for the clerks position.  He listed the many legal activities and accounting functions performed over the past two decades in his post with a l professional title firm. He noted his acquisition along the way of a CPA title and how he has journeyed often down and through the Pinellas Court system on many different legal matters. He stressed that he has been preparing for the Clerks job for many years.

Friendships are renewed (L to R) Trish Reynolds and Caroline Morris share hugs and hellos while all about the room members discuss political, business and social items over dinner.

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