The Business of Endorsements

Now is the time when candidates are interviewed for purpose of endorsements. Last week I had to complete a complex questionaire from the Sarasota Herald Tribune, and I was happy to have the opportunity. Unfortunately, many of the groups that do endorsements are not interested in the Public Defender election. I spend a lot of time going to business networking events. These are usually conducted in a relaxed atmosphere where there is time for conversations, not just introductions. Many people have concerns about our local criminal justice system and I think it makes me a better candidate to hear these questions. But while the organized business groups are interested in those running for county commission or state legislature, the Office of Public Defender is not on their radar.

One exception is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employes, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts. This is the largest and most influential union in Sarasota County and I was privileged to be invited to meet their members when their convention met at the Hyatt last weekend. Whenever I go to an event and I see that union member Roy Sorenson is there setting up the sound system, I know that everything is going to work properly. I am proud to be endorsed by the West Central Florida Federation of Labor and all of their members. I am also proud to have the endorsement of Representative Keith Fitzgerald (pictured above) who has truly distinguished himself in the Florida House of Representatives during his first term. Representative Fitzgerald has represented the interests of our area and of the entire state of Florida in a positive manner by emphasizing problem solving, not partisanship. I hope you get the opportunity to meet him or hear him speak during this campaign.

I am also trying to pay attention to the neighborhoods during this campaign. Nobody wants to feel insecure where they live, and street crime continues to plague some of our poorest neighborhoods. On the other hand, we must ensure that all people are treated equally under the law. The Office of the Public Defender can help maintain the delicate balance between citizens and law enforcement. We must be responsive to our clients and their families, we must investigate cases properly, and we must litigate matters in Court when necessary. When neighbors come together in the community they can combat crime and maintain positive relationships with law enforcement, while supporting those who need a second chance. As your Public Defender, I will be there with you when you need me, providing straight forward answers to your questions, and working to provide leadership in our criminal justice system.

A Three County Fourth

With parades, picnics and politicians, the four day long Fourth of July celebration kept us moving. Festivities began on Thursday evening with the boat parade down Main Street in Sarasota. A light rain let up enough that by 7:00 p.m. the sidewalks were filled with families. This is a somewhat unusual parade, made up primarily of decorated tractor trailers and large offshore racing boats and their crew. Sarasota has hosted these boats for many years now and it seems as popular as ever. I walked the parade route, handed out some literature, shook a few hands, and was a walking billboard in my red and white tee-shirt.

The parade we really prepared for was the next morning in Arcadia in connection with the annual Independence day rodeo. The main road through downtown is Oak Street and it is lined with antique stores, restaurants and churches. It seems like the whole town turns out for the parade, either to participate or to spectate. We borrowed a cute red PT Cruiser convertible from our friend Carol Williams. One of Regina's ideas was to fill the back-seat with balloons, to almost make it appear as if I were emerging from a red, white and blue bubble bath. The crowd along the parade route seemed to get a kick out of this and we all waved at one another enthusiastically.

The day was just beginning, however, as we then headed to North Port. We missed the parade there but went to Dallas White park where some picnics were in progress. After grabbing a snow cone and a hot dog, we traveled to Sarasota, dropped off the convertible, and went home for a quick nap. Then it was of to Bradenton for a part at the west end of Manatee avenue with a lot of the volunteers from WSLR community radio. The only fireworks we got to see were in the night sky as we finally headed home.

The final big event of the weekend for me was pizza and politics put on by the Parrish Civic Association. The Florida Railroad Museum allowed a flat-car to be used as a staging area and a large tent was set up in front. A couple of hundred people turned out to hear a debate among the Manatee County commission candidates. Though I wasn't allowed to speak, I did get to greet the audience as they entered, and then passed out my pamphlets and discussed the Public Defender's office at each table. Forums like this are really encouraging as there seems to be more interest in politics, both local and national, then I have seen in some time. No parades for me this week but I do have stops scheduled in Lakewood Ranch, Venice and Bradenton. Let me know what else is going on this month and I will try and join you there.

Manatee United

Regina went on vacation without me last week as there were too many exciting events in the area to miss. I toured a diamond mine in Sarasota, courtesy of Gemesis. This is a company that grows diamonds in a warehouse as opposed to extracting them from the ground. I made it to North Port by 7:00 a.m. Wednesday morning to address the early bird Kiwanis meeting at the Family Table restaurant. The Sarasota area Realtors kicked off their "surge of support" for veterans with a nice program about Haley Hospital and the Haley House for families located in Tampa. And the Venice area Chamber of Commerce hosted an excellent networking event at the Ashton Gardens Senior living center.

The best parts of my week were spent in Manatee County. We had a joint candidate appearance in front of the Bar Association where I was well received. The newly formed Lakewood Ranch Democratic Club hosted a picnic on Saturday in Adventure Park. Approximately two hundred people showed up to enthusiastically kick off the campaign. A club like this is very important to a candidate, particularly in a community like Lakewood Ranch that does not allow door to door campaigning or even yard signs. There were also a half dozen or more house parties held in the area to support Senator Obama's campaign. I went to Cortez where 25-30 people gathered to share snacks and stories about what attracted them to the Obama candidacy. To be honest, I have never before seen such excitement and enthusiasm connected with the political process. I am hopeful that the momentum will carry us all into November as citizens unite to retake and reform government.

The 4th of July is a big day for campaigning. Regina and I will begin the day in the Arcadia Rodeo parade, then make our way to Dallas White Park in North Port, head up to Bradenton for a party on the Manatee River, and close the evening with fireworks in Sarasota. Come say hello if you see us out and about.

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.