Republicans Jaimebeth Galinis and Donna Benton introduced to the Republican Committee.
The Editor of Political Obsessions attended the 9/11 Republican Executive Committee meeting to watch the crowd's reaction to the candidates in the November 4 special election to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner James Taylor. Taylor resigned after being arrested for charges stemming from inappropriate behavior with a minor online. Taylor has plead not guilty and seeks a jury trial. Strangely enough Taylor was hand picked for the job by the Republican Executive Committee who used something called "Rule 8" which allows local Republican Committees to select a preferred candidate in the primary.
The REC heard first from Donna Benton. Benton is the wife of Fort Pierce former Mayor Bob Benton who presided over the building boom and financial bust of the early 2000's which included the building of Harbor Isles, the massive development on Hutchinson Island. Benton boasted of her experience on the beach. She stated that she favored a tax change. A change that would collect more money from poor people by taxing the first $50,000 in property and exempting the next $50,000. Benton had little to say that would benefit the 70% who live in District 2 but does not live in luxury on the island.
Benton was followed by newcomer, Jaimebeth Galinis. Galinis, who started to present a power point but thought better of it and told the crowd exactly what they were there to hear, " We need change," she said. "I am a proud Republican. Republican policies are just what we need to make change happen in Fort Pierce. "I am proud enough to put the word Republican on my sign because I want people to know where I stand. I want people to have more information not less, no more secrets".
Introductions came from fellow Ft. Pierce Commissioner Michael Broderick who told the 100% Republican audience that he needed a Republican elected to help him with some major reforms he has been working on like reforms to the bid process used by the City.
Fort Pierce is almost equally divided by Republicans and Democrats. The election of Commissioners is a non-partisan race but recent changes in election rules now allow candidates to disclose their party affiliations even in non-partisan contests. There are currently two Republicans and two Democrats on the Ft. Pierce Commission. The next election will decide if the Republicans or Democrats will be the majority.
The Primary election is scheduled for November 4th. A runoff election if needed will be January 13.
The Next Debate will be September 25th at the Ft. Pierce Elks Lodge and is open to the public. Dinner is $15 and optional. Attendance is free. Doors open at 5:30 Debate begins at 6:00pm Sponsored by the Treasure Coast Republican Women Federated.
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