We were delighted to have Manatee County Commissioner for District 2, Amanda Ballard as our featured speaker Tuesday evening. This was Amanda's first appearance at Manatee Patriots since her election. The turnout was strong as nearly every available chair in the Honeybell Hall was filled with folks anxious to hear from the Commissioner. The audience was certainly not disappointed.
Amanda kicked off off her presentation with a list of campaign promises that she had already fulfilled. She noted that one of the first issues she looked into was how Manatee County became a member of the ICLEI - a Non-governmental Organization (NGO) backed by the World Economic Forum (WEF). She also mentioned her work on controlling explicit material in our libraries and encouraged parents to join the Library Advisory board. And as an example of her fiscal conservatism, rather than building additional libraries at a cost of tens of millions of dollars, Amanda is championing the notion of "Bookmobiles". These mobile libraries would be updated with the latest technology and represents an economical way of bringing reading materials throughout the county.
Amanda fielded a number of questions spanning a wide variety of issues and concerns. Her responses were honest, thoughtful and respectful even when she voiced her disagreement.
It was a long presentation - over an hour - but it definitely illustrated that Amanda Ballard has the right stuff to faithfully represent the citizens of District 2.
We have recorded her presentation in its entirety and it may be reviewed by visiting the "Past Meetings Videos" on our website. To go there now, simply click this link.
Need A Refresher Lesson On The US Constitution?
Then come to our meeting next Tuesday! Walter Finkelstein - Co-founder of The Proud Majority - will deliver an overview of this important document. The origins of the Constitution will be discussed as well as the role and structure of government. So be sure to join us next Tuesday evening for this important presentation.
Schedule Change: Representative Tommy Gregory To Present On June 27
We have a change in our schedule of speakers. Representative Tommy Gregory (District 72) will now be joining us for our meeting on June 27. Rep. Gregory is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and he will provide a summary of the most recent legislative session. So mark your calendars and be sure to be on hand for this informative presentation.
The War On Farmers To Be Presented On May 16
Michael Sabga from the John Birch Society will be on hand to discuss the current war on farmers and its effect on the US Food Supply. You won't want to miss what will prove to be a this presentation.
Rep. Mike Beltran To Present On May 9
We also want to remind our readers that Florida House Representative Mike Beltran (District 70) will be our featured speaker during our meeting on May 9. Mike is a rock-solid Conservative and this will be his first visit to Manatee Patriots. So please plan on coming out and extending him a warm welcome to Manatee County.
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Don't Forget The Potluck Dinner!
It has been our tradition to host a potluck dinner at all Manatee Patriots meetings. So we ask attendees to please bring along an item that can be shared among fellow Patriots. Bring any portion you like but most folks tend to bring 10-12 servings of a particular item.
Speaker Schedule
Our speaker schedule over the next few weeks has been expanded to include a a wide variety of topics. Here's a sample of what's in store for you:
- May 2 - Walt Finkelstein, The Proud Majority
- May 9 - Representative Mike Beltran, District 70
- May 16 - Michael Sabga, JBS
So check it out! Click on the "Calendar" link on our website (https://manateepatriots.us) to stay up to date with all of our great speakers in the coming weeks.