Photographs, Signs and Weather

There are a lot of decisions for a candidate to make when running for office. For one thing, there is the matter of the photograph to use on your flyers, signs and web-page. I wanted to do something a little different than the standard head-shot. The photo I have been using was taken on the steps of the Manatee County Courthouse, though you couldn't really tell the location by looking at it. I was happy with the shot but I was getting a lot of comments that I was better looking in person than in the photo. Since I am not necessarily all that good looking to begin with, I decided we needed to try something new. To the left is the result and I would like to thank Paul Martin of "Pictures in Paradise" and Lowell Gilbertson for their assistance.

The newly formed South County Tiger Bay held a lovely reception for all candidates at the Venice Yacht Club last Thursday. The best part was that I met a number of voters whom I hadn't met before. From there I went to a reception in Bradenton at the home of Becky and Ed Martin where I was able to speak to about 25 residents of Manatee County. On Friday evening I attended the family fun festival outside Van Wezel where a couple of thousand people were sweltering in the six o'clock sun. One campaign tactic is to print you face and name on fans and distribute them during hot parades and concerts. I had considered doing that but the cost is close to a dollar a fan and I am trying to be frugal.

The combination of being frugal, and the summertime weather, is why I have not yet put up signs. My opponents have begun to blanket Sarasota county with signs, and every day I am asked where mine are. I explain that they have an August primary while I will not be on the ballot until November, but my supporters are a bit anxious. But the weather this past Saturday reinforced my decision. "A Taste of Newtown" was scheduled and heavily promoted, the streets were closed, and a variety of vendors turned out. Then the thunderstorms moved in and remained most of the afternoon and evening. Not only was much of the festival washed out, in the aftermath I saw political signs laying damaged or destroyed along several roads. So be patient my friends, and help me scout out some good locations with permission from the owners, and I will put up some very nice signs in August.

Rally Round the Flag

Sarasota County Openly Plans for Excellence (SCOPE) held their annual event this past week. My friend Isabel Norton was honored as a "boundary crosser" for her multiple involvements in the community. I first came to know Isabel when we served together on the Scope mental health study group. Recommendations from this group led to improved training of law enforcement when they encounter people in crisis. Isabel also works to prevent blindness, is helping lead the capital campaign at Ringling School of Art, and is a lovely and gracious lady whenever we meet.

I had to leave her celebration early in order to head out to Lakewood Ranch for the organizational meeting of the new Democratic Club there. A lot of new voters have moved to Lakewood Ranch in the past decade and I am interested in meeting them all. A big crowd of 60-80 people turned out for this meeting, We overwhelmed the Country Pancake House who nevertheless provided outstanding food and service. The club has a picnic planned for Saturday, June 28.

Just as exciting was the "Chew and Chat" held on Wednesday night in Newtown. There was a fish fry and a meet the candidates event in connection with the monthly Democratic Executive Committee meeting. We had an inspiring crowd of well over one hundred people and everyone went home happy. It is great to see enthusiasm in the community and to reemphasize our commitment to include all people.

And finally, I was privileged to participate in the Daughters of the American Revolution celebration of Flag Day which was held at the historic Field Club in Sarasota on Saturday. !60 people turned out for a celebration of patriotism and to benefit the Haley House Fund. Tampa is home to the James Haley veteran's hospital where injured troops are treated and undergo rehabilitation. The Haley House fund allows the families of injured veterans who live more than 50 miles away, and who are short on funds, the opportunity to stay near their loved ones. I sat next to 86 year old Harry Stimmel, a member of Veteran's for Common Sense, and a big supporter of Haley House. The best part of campaigning is all of the interesting people you meet. Maybe this week I'll meet you in Manatee County as I turn my attention to the North.

Picking up the Pace

Summer is here and my campaign schedule is heating up. Last week I spoke to the Laurel Civic Association, attended the Indian Beach Sapphire Shores neighborhood association, joined the Young Professional Group for happy hour at the Rustic Grill, went down to Englewood for a picnic, attended World Ocean Day at Mote Marine, and danced the night away at the CYD prom. Those were all great events but the prom was particularly memorable. The CYD students had decorated the gym at the YMCA with streamers and balloons and ruffles and roses. Mattisons served a great dinner and the Rays game was broadcast on a big screen over the dance floor. It was fun to see local politicians cutting a rug, and it was great to have the student chaperones keep all us adults in line.

The big event of last week for me was the Tiger Bay “debate” for the Office of Public Defender. This was the first joint candidate appearance for the three of us. Marge Baldwin, the moderator, asked a few questions and then turned matters over to the audience. All of the exchanges were conducted at a very high level. I tackled a number of the questions first and felt like I had substantive and concise answers. Later I was told that I needed to smile more. That night there was some decent coverage of the race on SNN. All candidates welcome these forums, as we want voters to get a chance to know us, and the issues. The next time we will all be together is June 25th at the Manatee County Bar Association lunch.

We have 20 Democratic candidates running in Sarasota County this year. On Friday afternoon, most of us gathered for a rally in Five Points Park outside the Selby library in downtown Sarasota. A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out to cheer us on in the afternoon sun. When the rally was over, we retired to a downtown condominium for a fund-raiser, narrowly avoiding an afternoon deluge. I must again express my appreciation to all those who are helping local Democratic candidates in Sarasota. Your efforts leave me more time for other endeavors, such as creating a Facebook group called “Adam Tebrugge for Public Defender.” I posted video, photos and a podcast of my recent appearance on WSLR radio’s “Surreal News.” Within just a couple of days, sixty people joined the group. If I don’t see you on Facebook, maybe I’ll see you in Newtown at the “Chew and Chat” on Wednesday night, or at the PDA social at the Rustic Grill on Saturday.

Awards, Debates and Rallies

I was truly honored last week to receive the “Jim Slater Award for Professionalism in the Practice of Criminal Law.” Judge Peter Dubensky made the announcement at a meeting of the Sarasota County Bar Association held to celebrate law day. In his remarks, the Judge discussed a lawyer’s obligation to our constitutional process. While the client we represent may not always be on the right side, if we uphold the integrity of the courtroom and the rule of law, then all can know that justice was served. Jim Slater was a great lawyer who worked both as a prosecutor and public defender. He was a mentor to many young attorneys, including myself, and helped train a generation of capital attorneys throughout the State of Florida. Jim was also a friend of mine and if I never accomplish anything else, I will always have this honor to reflect upon.

On Thursday, June 5th, the Sarasota Tiger Bay will host the first debate of the Public Defender campaign. Tiger Bay is a long-standing political club with hundreds of members in Sarasota and similar clubs throughout the state. Marge Baldwin is the local moderator and she prepares a variety of questions that she peppers the candidates with over lunch. The floor is then opened to Marge’s “Tigers” who are not shy about grilling politicians with questions that are sometimes loaded for maximum impact. I have never been up on the Tiger Bay rostrum before and I am looking forward to the experience.

Finally, I would like to encourage anyone interested in local politics to come to Selby Five Points park this Friday, June 5th at 3:00 pm. There will be a rally to kick-off the summer campaign season that should be fun and interesting. If you come, you will be able to hear from candidates like Christine Jennings for U.S. Congress, Morgan Bentley for Florida State Senate, Keith Fitzgerald for Florida House of Representatives, Barry Sullivan for Supervisor of Elections, Jono Miller for Sarasota County Commissioner, and a number of others. You might also get to meet a certain candidate for Public Defender for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit. I hope to see you then and there.