Bay Co. Republican Roundtable News, July 2009

Tom Neubauer speaks at July meeting
Tom Neubauer, President of the Bay Defense Alliance, spoke at the July 14 Roundtable meeting about the BDA’s efforts to offset the economic impact of the current drawdown at Tyndall AFB. The information he shared was well received and generated numerous questions from the audience.

Gibbs wins membership drive award
Barry Gibbs, BCRR Secretary, was awarded a beautiful cloisonné elephant at the July meeting for his dedication to membership recruitment for the Roundtable. Barry maintains an email distribution list with hundreds of names. His enewsletters, meeting announcements and updates on local Republican activities have drawn many visitors and new members to the Roundtable. Our sincerest thanks, Barry!

Resolution unanimously adopted
The Roundtable’s general membership unanimously adopted at its July meeting a resolution calling on Florida’s Republican leaders to uphold Rule 8 of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) Rules of Procedure. Rule 8 provides for the endorsement of one Republican candidate over another in a contested primary only with the unanimous approval of RPOF’s Executive Board and 60% approval of its Executive Committee.

Books for Soldiers project makes second shipment
2nd Vice President Richard Plantec and his wife Barbara recently met with Door Prize Co-Chairs Sue Bynum and Mike Speaks to pack up six boxes of donated books, CDs, DVDs and candy for U.S. soldiers in service overseas. Another set of boxes will be shipped soon. Richard and the Projects Committee are also working on ways to assist Junior ROTC programs at local high schools this fall.

August, September programs set
The program for the August 11 Roundtable meeting is a discussion free-for-all. Bring a friend and your opinions, and join us for the fun! 1st Vice President Vicki Doolittle has arranged for Lt. Col. (Ret.) Don Arias to speak at the September 8 meeting. Don now works for Air Force Special Operations at Hurlburt Field. His brother died in the 9/11 WTC terrorist attack, and Don has dedicated himself to counter-terror efforts.