Saturday, December 22, 2018

Ybor Paparazzi

Candy, Mona and Connie

Florida Elections Guru Ion Sancho

Ion Sancho, former Leon County Supervisor of Elections and a nationally-recognized expert on voting policy and procedure, told Tampa Bay Beat that DeSantis’ slow walking implementation of the constitutional amendment could have serious consequences.
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“Basically, the Florida Division of Elections is putting a hold on its responsibility,” Sancho explained. “With the governor demanding legislation for implementation, it could be that the Division won’t act until May.” The “hold” will certainly affect important, local spring elections in the cities of Tampa (nonpartisan) and Jacksonville, Sancho, a Democrat, went on. Ex-felons will be deprived of their voting rights in those mayoral and council races. more

Friday, December 21, 2018

Email to Kathy Castor

In response to THIS NEWS, and without commentary, I post here the email I sent to Kathy Castor's office today:

As one of your constituents, I feel I should inform you of something. By accepting the position of head of the "revived" U.S. House panel on climate change, which effectively killed efforts to establish a select committee on a Green New Deal, something polls showed was approved by over 80% of registered voters, and by waffling on any commitment to bar members who have accepted donations from the fossil fuel industry from serving on this panel, you have pretty much assured that, if you choose to run again for re-election, you will likely be contested.
As a committed voter, I have to consider your complicity in the furtherance of my government's role in neglecting to address the most vital issue of this age.
As a known activist in Hillsborough County, I feel it is my responsibility to fervently spread the word that we, the people, must pressure you and others to immediately take drastic steps to negate the disastrous effects we have had on our environment. There is no longer a place for debate. As the people have made clear, it is a Green New Deal or no deal at all.

2018 Tampa Activist Of The Year: TheZulema Ramos

Zulema and I met when they started coming to climate justice meetings. Their energy drew me in immediately. From the day I met them, they have been consistent, kind, open, dedicated, and extremely active in the community - all while going to college! One thing about Z that make them truly a model for other activists is that that their personality is genuinely kind and uplifting. They understand that in this work, we have to support each other, encourage each other, and create an atmosphere
 of mutual respect.

 Another thing about Z that I reflect upon at times is that they deeply understand intersectionality in a way that motivates them to show up for every marginalized person, plant, animal and community whenever they have a spare moment. Finally, Z is someone you can count on. Even if they aren't able to make it to your event, they will always respond to your text with appreciation and an eagerness to learn more. We are so lucky that Z is in our community and is dedicated to empowering the marginalized, oppressed, working and non-working class of Tampa Bay. We love you Zulema - take care of yourself, don't work too hard, and take some time for yourself to just relax and eat dank vegan food in your pjs!

Dayna Lazarus

Ybor Paparazzi

Andrew Joseph
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Candy Lowe Black Business Bus Tour 2018