A full night at the RCGL monthly meeting, April19
The Republican Club of Greater Largo accomplished
so
much tonight at the monthly meeting highlighted by Guest Speaker, Karen Seel,
Pinellas County Commissioner. Karen is greeted warmly by Joe Bugeja.
After opening with the invocation and singing of God Bless
America led by the club’s string instrument duo, President Barbara Peckham
introduced and welcomed
elected
officials, candidates for office and representatives of county and state
officials.
Included were Jean Halvorsen,(L) Largo Town Commissioner
and
Marshall Reynolds, Redington Shores Town Commissioner.
Representing Senator Dennis Jones was Doris Burns.
Candidates Ken Burk – seeking the County Clerk’s seat and Tim Glassburner – seeking the Sheriff’s position were introduced.
Recently
appointed PCREC Development Director Peggy O’Shea, pressed the county’s need for
volunteers. She noted “that every one has something to contribute and this
election will require every willing Republican’s volunteered time. If each club
would volunteer just one night a month the campaign impact would be significant
and every one is of substantial value”. Ms O’Shea invited all to visit the PCREC
web site to obtain the latest information from the White House to the County
Republican Club meetings with easy access to all information. Ms. O’Shea
provided the location and commented that some club webs have direct links to
accomplish this task.
Evelyn Bartoszek presented a report on the
“shoe
boxes for solders in Iraq” project and shared the many notes of thanks received
from officers and enlisted men. Clearly, all who received the gifts were warmed
by the thought that many of us at home, think, care and pray for their safe
return.
Nominations for new officers were presented and the motion for slate approval second as follows:
Officers
President- Toni Wolff
1st VP - T.J. Smith
2nd VP - Sandy Harper
Secretary – Karen Donovan
Treasurer – John McKnight
Directors
Barbara Peckham
Janice Hill
Evelyn Leonhardt
Returning
Keith Bailey
Paul Julien
Dennis Logue
Guest Speaker and County Commissioner, Karen Seel listed
the six items of most concern to the Commissioners as follows:
1. Transportation
2. Public Safety
3. Economic Development
4. Drainage and Sewage
5. Health Care
6. County Parks
Karen noted that of the 1.5 Billion spent on road
development many dollars are funding the US 19 reconstruction effort. In view
of the traffic congestion imposed by this activity, she
offered suggestions for easing the driving discomfort and arriving home safely
and quickly. 
Karen Seel produced a map that facilitates alternate route choices
and coupled with radio transmission related to specific traffic problems,
commented that these items
aid drivers select safer and faster driving alternative.
Karen discussed “smart cards” to enable an individual's health data (required on voluminous forms on initial entry to a doctor’s office, hospital or other health care provider) to be given by card. Everything require would be encoded in the “smart card” thus no need to prepare time consuming forms on each new visit.
She wondered how many knew about the amount of Pinellas County land that is currently allocated for “green space”. Her answer 30 percent of all land is being used for “green space”
She ended by encouraging members to visit this “green space” and specifically mentioned a few locations then noted if not, so much enjoyment is being lost. Good sharing Karen, God Bless You.
Faye Wyatt displayed new club badges and requested orders from the membership.
The meeting closed with members singing America the
Beautiful led by
the
club’s string section and Gail Hebert’s announcement of the Honoring Dinner for
Karleen DeBlaker’s retirement. Details provided on her club’s web located at
www.sprc1.com