East Hillsborough County Democratic Club

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                                   (Membership renewals for 2012 are also available on this page.)                                   
        

 Our next meeting is: 
    
 Tuesday, June 12, 2012  
 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
  Plan to arrive alittle early to get seated! 

  BARNACLES
 926 Providence Road
 Brandon, Florida  33511   




Ordering food and drink will be done on an individual basis.  We have a door prize at every meeting, too, and you must be present to win!  Remember to bring a non-perishable food item to our meeting. You'll receive and extra door prize ticket when you do!        

As mayor of Tampa from 2003 to 2011, Democrat Pam Iorio led the city and region through a dazzling period of growth, revitalization, and reform.  Using her skills at identifying key issues, involving stakeholders, and leading with compassion, integrity, and expertise, Ms. Iorio’s tenure has been dubbed “Pamelot” by citizens across the political spectrum. Her 87% approval rating when she left office vigorously attests to her appeal.

However, marrying such popularity with effectiveness is not a haphazard process.  According to Ms. Iorio, straightforward leadership requires a distinctly direct, clear, honest, strategic, and respectful approach.  Ms. Iorio’s candid stories from government, business, and non-profit organizations, as well as from other accomplished leaders, reveal real-world solutions that are pragmatic, not ideological.  Come to hear this celebrated public figure as she shares her insight on ways to improve any leader’s ability to influence, drive change, and accelerate progress.

East Hillsborough Democratic Club Talks Politics With State Rep. Randolph
April 10, 2012
By David Rice, Brandon Patch




The East Hillsborough Democratic Club welcomed a special guest to Barnacles on Providence Road, where they talked about issues facing Florida Democrats during their monthly meeting.

Dozens of Tampa Bay area residents gathered Tuesday night in Brandon for a chance to ask tough questions to someone they figured might have some answers.

They were not disappointed.

State Rep. Scott Randolph of District 36 (Orlando) met with the East Hillsborough Democratic Club at Barnacles Restaurant for their monthly meeting to discuss the issues facing Florida Democrats. Topics ranged from voter supression laws, Republican political tactics, women's rights and the truth about tax cuts, leaving those in attendance feeling slightly more educated than when they walked in.

"He was very informative," Tampa's Marvin Baity said. "It was real thought provoking so I'm glad my sister brought me out here. I'll definitely come back, especially after hearing about the rights of those with criminal records who want to vote, I think it's important we address that issue."

Randolph is somewhat famous for being reprimanded by the State House of Representatives last year for using the word "uterus" when discussing the Republican stance on government regulation over businesses and women's rights. He suggested his wife incorportate her uterus to combat measures that restrict abortions.

On Tuesday, Randolph stuck mostly to policy questions and what is currently happening in the Republican-dominated Florida House, where he is outnumbered by more than 2-1.

"If you're uninsured, a union member, middle class or a woman, they've attacked you during this session," Randolph said. "We're in the midst of a deep recession, and we spent three days this session talking about anti-choice laws. They drive people to the polls with social issues and create legislation that favors big corporations and wealthy people. Realize when they talk about tax cuts, they don't mean you."

Randolph talked extensively about voter supression laws and Republican political tactics Tuesday and by the time he exited the podium he was hearing suggestions that he run for governor in 2014. But he wasn't off the hook yet.

The concerns of those in attendance came through vividly for Randolph when he opened the floor to questions, prompting the 38-year old to comment on just how difficult a crowd it was to face.

"You guys sure do ask the tough questions," Randolph said."This is great, and I just hope we keep asking these questions so that we can make sure we're focusing on the things we want to see addressed in the House and beyond as a party."

For Brandon's Alice Brayton, a long time Democrat from Republican roots and a retired schoolteacher, hearing what Randolph had to say about unions and matters concerning the educational system was informative and satisfying.

"I don't think he left any questions unanswered," Brayton said. "This was one of the best meetings I've been to. I'm a loyal Democrat, so I agree with pretty much everything he said, but it's good to see him come out here and answer questions from the crowd."
 

    "What Has Obama Ever Done For Us?"


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Our meetings are informative and fun!

                     
                     

If by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people — their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties — if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."
                                 -- John F Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963)

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Why I am a Democrat
 
Because it’s the thinking woman’s party.
                        -       Teresa McDermott, Valrico

I am a Democrat because I believe in working for a stronger middle class, a healthier environment, a level economic playing field, and a brighter future for not only my own family, but for ALL Americans.
                       -    Michelle Kenoyer, Riverview

I am a Democrat because I believe in a liberal view of life.  The freedom to be able to come to my own conclusions is very important to me.
                        -  Alisha Johnston, Tampa

America needs a strong middle class, and the Democratic party is the only one working for that.
                        -  Elvira Weaver, Brandon
                       
I am a Democrat because it allows my political beliefs to be most in line with my intentions for my community, my children and the living of my Catholic faith.
                       -       Rosalind Moffett, Dover

Because I was born into a Dem family and I’m old enough to remember FDR well.  We loved him!  Dems are “givers” not “takers”!!!  
                        -  "Bo" Barbara Nicholson, Sun City Center
                      
Because Democrats stand up for Union working people who have set all work rules in this country.
                       -       Don Carpus, Valrico

I agree with their ideas and beliefs.  They’re for the middle class, pro-union, pro-choice, etc.  I feel very strongly about these beliefs.
                       -       Lisa, Valrico

I’m a Democrat to save my grandkids from “K” Street, Wall Street and the Mega Banks.
                       -       Kent Bailey, Thonotosassa

Because my faith in things other than me demand it.
                       -       Don Moffett, Dover

I like their core values.
                       -       David Nicholson, Sun City Center

I am a life-long Democrat that likes to paraphrase the philosophy of FDR's economic message, "That the test of our progress is not that we provide an abundance to those who have much, but to provide enough for those that have too little."  
                        -  Harry Palaynes, Valrico
 
I am a Democrat because I believe government should be a positive influence in the lives of working-class people and families.  I am a Democrat because I believe in social justice, broader prosperity, equal opportunity, and the overall notion of fair play.
                        - Doug Tudor

Raised in Maryland, and a child of the "sixties," it was a natural choice (and wanted to vote in primaries).  
                        - Nancy D. Renno, Riverview

I am a Democrat because I belive in human progress, equality, justice and the American Dream.
                        -  Ken Fiallos, Seffner

Because I care about equal rights, the environment, education, and those who slip between the cracks of our society.
                        -   Jean Wilson, Valrico

Because I believe that in order for our voices to be heard, we need to elect people that will be our voices and fight forus.  Our founding fathers said it . . . We the people!  They not say, only the property owners, business owners and those that  make $250,000 per year will reap the benefits of our labor.  It's for all Americans, those born here and those that have come to this great country and have become citizens.
                        -  Michele Yarbrough, Seffner

                        
OUR WEBSITE MASCOT 

Tabs above are: 
1.  Home Page - Greeting and club meeting information 
2.  Guestbook - Sign in and let us know you visited
3.  Club History and Beliefs -  recap how our club began and what we believe as Democrats.  
4.  Contact Us - information on our club Officers and Directors.  Also, use the contact sheet to send us your recommendations and ideas.
5.   Donations - your donations to the club are appreciated and are not tax deductible.
6.   Calendar - check this for upcoming events in Hillsborough County.
7.   Membership - JOIN US!  Find a membership form on this page.  
8.   News - President Obama's weekly address and other websites to find the news.  A special tribute page to our brave men and women serving in the military.
9.   Photo Album - we have a few pictures posted and will eventually have more for your viewing pleasure.

Send your comments and submissions for the website to EHCDClub@yahoo.com.