Marsha's blog

The time for all debate/arguing/insulting over the Primary Election is now drawing to a close.  It's time for everyone who has not done so yet to get out and vote on Election Day.  So much is up in the air, so much is unknown but in a few days it will all be overwith.

I hope this primary will be a prelude to the largest voter turnout Clay County has ever seen.  Nothing sends a message to those still in office and those elected as a record number of voters.  Don't let go of the power of your one vote, if we all take that attitude then we can effect change in our goverment. 

It's nice to see George Bush taking an interest in the tom foolery going on in the SOE's Office. Story today in the TU Metro Section, the link is provided below.  Check out the last two lines, Chris Chambless who is running for SOE is part of a canvassing board overseeing the vote counting?

How can this be right, fair or even legal?  Barbara Kirkman who is supposed to operate as non partisan has publicly endorsed a candidate and has them physically working in the SOE Office and if I understand this correctly will be directly involved in the process of vote counting.  How can this be fair to the other two candidates?  I know she was sure vocal at the hearing (as were the three attorneys) about how unfair it would be for Freds would be opponents if he'd been put back on the ballot.  Where is her concern for Debbie Ricks and Stephanie Thomas? 

Do you have a voting strategy?  In contemplating the upcoming elections which I do alot, and in speaking with friends, other citizens and hear the differing points of view there is also strategy revealed.  I'm not just talking local elections but all that you will vote on.

Is your strategy to vote strictly based upon party?  Do you vote for someone because based upon six degrees of seperation you may just possibly have a connection.  How much do you weigh what your friends and family say, especially if there are opposite party lines?  Perhaps a great many do alot of reading, or watching tv to get information.  Don't you also have to investigate the sources of your news and information.  If you stop to think about it the only possible way to have a decent grip on accurate information it has to come straight from their mouths....live.....with no editing, does that even exist unless you're attending something local? 

A Hearing was conducted by Judge Buttner today, it began at 10:00am, was reccessed in order for the witness the Defendents wish to testify could present themselves. The Hearing was reconvened at 1:15pm and was over at 3:30pm based upon my watch, and when people started talking and when people stopped talking.

Fred was up against 3 Attorneys, all on Conference Phone. The witnesses were Barbara Kirkman and Scott Miller.

Even though a prior experience of appearing in front of Judge Buttner had left a very bad impression on me he was a different man today. He was polite, soft spoken, tolerant and patient. I was actually surprised the event lasted as long as it did. In his order he spoke kindly of Fred saying that "The Court notes that the Plaintiff presented his case admirably, and the Court has compassion for his predicament and has equal compassion for enforcing the law as it sees fit, fair, and appropriate."

The order also says"It is unfortunate that the Clay County Supervisor of Elections office determined that the Plaintiff failed to qualify properly until over thirty (30) days after the Plaintiff wrote the check to qualify as a candidate."

I thought I would come and give an update on what is going on with the lawsuit.  So far it was kicked back by the Judge for format.  Fred had never filed for an emergency injunction before so there were somethings he missed.  The new suit was filed today and responded to today by the Judge as well.  Without releasing any findings at all he said that it belonged in State/Circut Court.

Fred intends to refile in the morning, without an injunction before the end of Monday he will lose the opportunity to get back on the ballot it appears.  Gary Holland told Fred he would be tied up in court until he was timed out and so far that appears to be the case. 

Suit filed today in Federal Court. 

Fred Catchpole, who was running as an Indpendent Candidate for the District 5 Commission seat was disqualified as a Candidate by the Supervisor of Elections, Barbara Kirkman last week.  He was disqualified for having written a check for his entry fee of apx. $2,487.00 from an account they told him he could write it from the day he was there. 

When Fred decided to run he did what any person would do if they were unfamilar with the technicalities of running for office.  He traded a few emails with them and then went there in person with the man he'd chosen for his treasurer who I will refer to at this point as JL.  His name is a matter of public record I just don't want to have to type out his name or treasurer everytime I refer to him.  As I continue with the story remember that Fred went with a witness. 

A new website for the CTLAC is available that will allow you to make online donations through PayPal or with a credit card.

Folks, the outcome of this suit will forever effect the Peoples right to Petition their goverment so even if you are against all three amendments sponsored by the CTLAC you still have something to lose in this fight.  Lawsuits are won based upon among other things, case law, so this will be used across the nation whichever way it comes out, lets do what we can to make it come out on the side of the people

This lawsuit takes the rights of the people to vote and put it in the hands of a Judge, is that a pattern that you really want to see begin?

I received an email last night from a Parent of one of the girls in the Folio Story. It was very short but meaningful, a "Thank You" for the support.  Earlier in the day yesterday the Mother in me was very much preoccupied with these girls, their sisters, their friends and I wanted so much to try and say something to help.  Since I now know that at least one of them knows these blogs exist I have my chance. 

Girls,

First and foremost always remember that you are truly unique in this world although it sometimes doesn't feel that way.  You are precious to your Creator as well as your earthly Parents, regardless of what you do, and that is called unconditional love.  Always remember that many horrible things can happen to your physical body, but they cannot truly touch the essence of who you are, you are flesh, spirit and soul.  You and only you have the power to not allow the core of your being to be damaged.  It is difficult sometimes to not allow negative thoughts and emotions to seep in, the biggest hurdle in taking control over your life is to forget that it is a DAILY CHOICE.  Remember each day is a gift, and a new beginning, even with a job, each day you have to get up and make that choice to go to work.  It is this way when tragedy and adversity comes to reside in your life.  Each day, each moment that you smile, or laugh, do something for someone else, or yourself is a victory.  So, each day you have to make the choice, and the effort to value who you are by realizing that what you have experienced can make you stronger, and that YOU TRULY are the only person that has the control to make that choice.  So much of life that we fear is a lack of control, when you believe and accept that you are truly all powerful in how you let things effect you your life will change forever, but the daily choice to do so must always be made.

With so much discussion about the Sheriffs race I thought I would provide a link to a breaking story. Funny how I've seen people carrying stacks of Folio's off the racks to keep them out of the hands of readers, it's sometimes hard to find a copy.  Fortunately this time they've decided to run an online version in it's entirety.

I've not read it myself yet so I will not comment further.

Take a copy and pass it around.

Folio Weekly, Jacksonville and Northeast Florida's News, Opinion and Entertainment Magazine

Since there are other things going on in November besides electing people to office and the local amendments that are under attack I thought this one deserved it's own little showcase.  Now, for the sake of disclosure (pay attention Byron) you can find Amendment 5 in it's entirety on the SOE website (ClayElections.com) and I have included the link for the story being referenced below and the link has proven to last for only 30 days.

Amendment 5 is being misrepresented as another cut in taxes, and it isn't.  It's a shift of how they're paid for which there is no fixed solution on other then they keep talking about raising the state sales tax.