Democracy in Action -- North Port, Florida

I spent the entire day Tuesday, January 29, outside of the George Mullins Community Center in North Port Florida. That is where the registered voters of precincts 106, 122 and 146 vote. Because of the huge turnout of early voters, we didn't really expect a busy day. That couldn't have been more wrong.
I arrived shortly after 7 am and it was cold and dark. Nevertheless, the parking lot was full and a mass of voters was already inside. The sun came up and the day grew warm, windy and bright. The voters never stopped arriving. It was really impressive to see the young first time voters, the police officers, the firefighters, the construction workers, the delivery truck drivers, the elderly and the infirm, make their way inside to vote. There were times when the line of cars stretched back out onto the road and backed up traffic on US 41. Whenever I went inside to use the restroom, I saw exhausted poll workers patiently greeting each new voter.
I was there with members of the North Port Democratic Club, including Tom Jones, Kathy Williamson, and Jen Cohen, to collect signatures on petitions for all of our local candidates. As I have mentioned before, these petitions take a minute or two to fill out, and we were collecting for six candidates, including myself. Of course not everyone could take the time to stop, nor was everyone interested. But my primary sentiment at the end of the day is profound gratitude to all of the people who did take the time to stop, talk and sign. I haven't counted all of the petitions yet, but I'll bet I collected over two hundred. So to everyone in North Port tonight I say: Congratulations on turning out to vote, and Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Marching, Speaking and Voting for Justice

Martin Luther King week activities continued in Sarasota on Sunday, January 20th, with a march from city hall, down Orange Avenue, and ending in the park named for the civil rights leader. The local media had not publicized this parade, and so there were several hundred participants but only a handful of spectators. In the photograph above I am clad in my new campaign tee-shirt and accompanied by Representative Keith Fitzgerald and the President of the Sarasota Democratic Club, Pat Liebert. The local Democratic candidates then went to the beautiful Siesta Key home of Peggy Strml for a meet and greet. A large crowd turned out to hear Christine Jennings, Barry Sullivan, Curt Lavarello and Jono Miller speak. Photos of this event may be seen at: http://sarasotadems.org/galleries/mng-jan08/

Monday, January 21, was my busiest day yet. Regina and I began at the annual breakfast held at the Newtown Estates Community Center. A large crowd was treated to an excellent breakfast, music, awards and speeches. It was quite a drive from Newtown to the Beachhouse Restaurant where I attended the meeting of the Anna Maria Island Democratic Club in order to hear Dr. Susan McManus. I then headed to Lincoln Park in Palmetto to take place in some of the festivities there. Next up was an appearance at the Manatee County fair where I worked the Democratic booth for a while, and made the acquaintance of a variety of fair goers and workers. Then back to Sarasota to finish up with music and barbecue in the park, while I continued to gather petition signatures.

As you can imagine, I was a little tired on Tuesday. But I made it to Nokomis where their lively Civic Association has quarterly meetings. On Wednesday night I attended a discussion on religion and politics at the Unitarian Church. Thursday saw the return of Senator Bob Graham as he addressed the Sarasota County Bar Association on the subject of judicial independence. We also celebrated Regina's birthday with a lovely meal at Derek's in the Rosemary District.

There was a court appearance on my schedule Friday morning that I managed to wrap up in time to head to Venice for a meeting of the newly formed South County Tiger Bay. Representatives from Venice, North Port, Sarasota County and the regional water agencies tried to reassure the audience that there is no serious water problem in the area. Many people had a rather skeptical reaction. Later Friday, Dr. Bernice King gave an inspirational speech to about 350 people gathered to support the Newtown Front Porch Revitalization Campaign. The banquet, at the Hyatt, featured easily the best meal I have yet had at a function like this. It was also nice to see some old friends honored, like Wade McVay from the Sarasota Police Department.

My big event Saturday was a speech at the Venice Democratic Club. Around 80 people turned out to hear me discuss the history of the public defender's office, the local criminal justice system, and my campaign. I was really overwhelmed by the level of attention and interest this talk generated, as we continued a lively discussion well into the afternoon. On Sunday, January 27, I participated in the forum put on by the Coalition on Inclusion and Diversity. The small group workshop I attended help open my eyes to some of the challenges faced by disabled citizens. Regina and I finished this busy week by heading to Rhea Chiles gallery on Anna Maria to see the beautiful new show by Jean Blackburn, and support the friends of Myakka River.

Don't forget to vote tomorrow. Even if you are not a registered Democrat or Republican, there is still an important and misguided constitutional amendment to vote against. Supervisors of Elections throughout the State of Florida are reporting a strong turnout already, thanks to early voting. I will be outside the precincts located at the Mullins Center in North Port if you want to stop by and say hello. I have given notice to my office that I will be leaving on March 3 so I can campaign full time.

Celebrating the legacy of Dr. King

You may recall that in the 1980’s, there was controversy over whether to have a holiday honoring the late Martin Luther King, Jr. In retrospect it is even tougher to understand the debate. In Manatee and Sarasota counties, the celebration of the birth, life and works of Dr. King has evolved into one of the most successful annual examples of unity that we experience in this area.
A favorite event of mine is the Palmetto Youth Center banquet that took place on Friday, January 18. This dinner inside the gymnasium allows several hundred people to join together to celebrate the good works of people who strive to create a true sense of community. Each year we also get to hear local students deliver their winning speeches on topics related to the life of the civil rights icon. The question posed this year was “Has the Dream Been Realized.” The audience fell quiet as we listened to the litany of progress accomplished and gains yet to be made.
On Saturday I was privileged to participate in one of the largest parades south of the Skyway Bridge. Hundreds of parade participants entertained thousands of spectators who lined the streets of Palmetto. I walked with the Manatee Democratic Executive Committee float, handing out small American flags, while the Reverend Charles McKenzie urged everyone to register and vote. Bands, politicians and floats proceeded at a brisk pace and I found myself running to keep up with the crew.
I couldn’t stay for the talent show at the Youth Center because it was time to go to candidate training in Sarasota. Running a campaign involves planning, fundraising and budgeting, all the while making sure you do not run afoul of the myriad of election laws. I had hoped to return to Manatee County to campaign at the Fair but I grew discouraged when the severe thunderstorm and tornado warnings were issued. So instead I attended the unity service at St. Martha’s Catholic church in downtown Sarasota. I was raised in the Roman Catholic faith, served as an alter boy for many years, and attended Catholic boarding school in Colorado from the 9th through the 12th grades. One thing I had never seen before was an African American Baptist gospel choir perform at a Mass. The talented singers from the True Vine Baptist Church in Sarasota had the full congregation clapping, swaying and singing along.
It is hard to believe the weekend isn’t even half over. I am off to march in the Sarasota parade this chilly Sunday afternoon as we proceed from city hall to the MLK Park. On Monday Regina and I will attend the annual King day breakfast in Sarasota. From there I will head back to Lincoln Park in Palmetto, before finishing the day in Sarasota at the park. And this Friday night, which is also Regina’s birthday, we will be honored to hear Dr. Kings daughter, the Reverend Bernice King, at the Front Porch banquet. I thank everyone who has come together in the spirit of unity and justice to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

A Graham of Civility

In the Spring of 1981, I was a nineteen year old student at New College when I was selected to be part of the Governor's internship program created by Bob Graham. I spent that semester in his press and speech-writing office where I worked under the direction of Jill Chamberlain, a member of New College's charter class of graduates. As part of my internship I was allowed to sit in on morning staff meetings with Governor Graham and to help write ceremonial speeches that he delivered around the state. This experience was a highlight of my college career. I felt like I gained a practical understanding of state government, and that I also did a lot of growing up during that time in Tallahassee. As a direct consequence I decided to enroll in the Florida State University College of Law. This led directly to my return to Sarasota in 1984 as an assistant public defender.
Governor Graham went on to serve three terms in the United States Senate where he distinguished himself with his understanding of issues related to foreign affairs and intelligence. He coauthored an influential book in 2004 titled: "Intelligence Matters, the CIA, the FBI, Saudi Arabia and the Failure of America's War on Terror." Now 71 years old, Graham spoke at the Sarasota/Manatee campus of the University of South Florida on Friday, January 11. He was there as part of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice's initiative called "Civility Matters." He continues to display youthful facial features under a well kept mane of white hair, and was accompanied by his charming wife Adele who was called upon to help keep him in line on several occasions.
The primary message he now wished to convey is the debilitating effects of "hostile, predatory, pervasive partisanship. According to Graham, the great issues of our time are not being addressed because of failures of the political parties, the media, and "passive citizens." Graham wants to emphasize civic education in our schools in order to engage future voters with their community and their country. He suggests that presidential debates should focus on one issue at a time with the candidates being questioned by leading experts in the field so that they do not resort to "bumper sticker answers." And he agreed with Representative Keith Fitzgerald that nonpartisan redistricting of legislative districts could force politicians to address the needs of all of their constituents.
In addition to reconnecting with Senator Graham, I had a busy week in the courtroom and the community. I am busy litigating an important case in Sarasota that has many issues of interest and is requiring a lot of work from all sides. I was invited by Mark Johnson to address the Sarasota Sertoma club about issues surrounding our local criminal justice system. I found the club to be a wonderful mix of engaged people who are dedicated to staying informed and to serving others. I continue to speak out against the death penalty and had a large audience turn out to hear me on Wednesday evening in downtown Venice. And I attended meetings of the Suncoast Partnership to end Homelessness, the Sarasota County Bar Association, Sarasota Democratic Club, and addressed the voters of precinct 14 in Sarasota. Hopefully I'll see you this week at one of the many celebrations of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King.

Peace of the New Year

New Year’s day is also World Peace Day, and I attended the services at the beautiful St. Boniface Church on Siesta Key to commemorate the event. Sarasota has a vibrant peace and social justice community and there was a large and enthusiastic turnout. One message that is emphasized can be summed up in the words of the song: “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” That is, in order to effectuate change, we must be that change ourselves. We must practice peaceful behaviors in our day-to-day lives, in our workplace, and in our relationships. Together we can than transform our local community and ultimately our national and global communities as well.
Less peaceful, but a whole lot of fun, was the New Year’s Eve celebration in downtown Sarasota. The street parties of the past few years have done more to bring the community together than almost anything I can think of. People of all ages, colors and styles of dress, came together to enjoy music, fellowship and abundant beverages. Despite the intoxicants, we witnessed few anti-social behaviors. Instead, we joined in the dancing led by the band “My Friend Scott” who rocked the south end of Lemon Avenue. I give great credit to the organizers and sincerely hope that a way can be found to continue these parties in the years to come.
And what would New Year’s in Florida be without black-eyed peas? My mother always served these for good luck, and we have continued that tradition over the years. I have found that if you want good peas for the New Year, that it is a three-day process. Begin your soak on December 30th. Start your cooking on the morning of the 31st by bringing them close to a boil before reducing to a simmer. By that evening the peas will be edible, but simmer them all that night if you dare. On New Year’s Day they will be tender and flavorful, particularly with some chopped yellow onion and hot sauce.
I hope that my black-eyed peas will bring me some luck on the campaign trail in 2008. One way or another, I know this is going to be a big year for myself, and for all the candidates for public office. Campaigning was a little light over the holidays, but I am ready to shake off the cold I am presently suffering from, and start back up again next week. I still need to collect a couple of thousand petitions in order to qualify for the ballot. If you are willing, and a registered voter in Sarasota, Manatee or DeSoto counties, go to my web-site at www.adam4pd.info and click the “how you can help” link, and print one of my petitions, fill it out, and send it on to me. I really appreciate all of the support and encouragement that I have been receiving, and I look forward to seeing you soon.