It’s has been a while since we’ve met and I’ve been negligent in writing a BP 2020 Forum newsletter. Here it is.
The Flagler Dem Party has been busy. We are now holding Zoom meetings to communicate with our Executive Steering Committee, club principals, volunteers and candidates. These are among several issues we are addressing.
– Use of social media to inform, train and rally voters
– How do our local candidates qualify via signed petitions to get on the ballot?
– How do candidates campaign?
– The postponement of the national Democratic Party Nominating Convention.
– How do we engage and utilize volunteers to inform and register voters and promote Vote By Mail?
Our world has changed and we don’t have a timetable to get back to normal. For the foreseeable future, we are fully digital. I am encouraging everyone to follow us on Facebook (Flagler County Democrats) and our web page (flaglerdemocrats.com).
The city and county are now holding virtual meetings. Go to their web sites to get the schedules and connections. The preferred platform everyone is using is Zoom. Simple to use the audiovisual tool. Look it up. You can download it free but the city and county links can be used without you having your own account.
In the news… The Trump Administration’s incompetence is criminal, and Trump’s personal demons have taken over his every word and action. He’s going to kill people before someone gets him off the podium and away from the microphone. Don’t believe a thing he says. There are no miracle drugs and social distancing does work. So do masks. I wear one if I’m forced to go out. Gloves, too.
State level… we are encouraged that a federal appeals court has ruled that it was unconstitutional to force Florida felons to first pay off their financial obligations before registering to vote, siding against state Republican lawmakers who imposed the restriction last year. Since the FL Supreme Court will probably not deal with this issue this year, we may have caught a big break.
At the county level, the BOCC has gone virtual. Go on their web page to get the schedule and connectivity.
Looks like the FL constitution has caught up with the Flagler BOCC and commissioners had to back off on their decision to build Sheriff Staly’s edifice next to the library in PC. Now the BOCC is being pushed to build the new FCSO headquarters in Bunnell next to the proposed new library on moody Blvd. Then refurbish the bank building in PC for a substation. How are they going to pay for all this? Well, if you listen to Joe Mullins, and I’d caution you against that, they’ll sell the old sheriff’s operation building (remember that one?), make a fortune and pay for the new construction with little impact on your tax dollars. Right! Cori Hermle can make this issue a big one in the election.
The city has also gone digital. Go on “Palm Coast Connect” or the city’s web site to get the council’s virtual meeting schedule and connectivity.
I’m sure you’re all aware of the controversy of Mayor Holland’s connection to Coastal Cloud, the developer of Palm Coast Connect. She’s a well-paid employee. There was a kerfuffle between her, former city manager Jim Landon and a former city employee. There appear to be no legal issues with Holland’s employment, but there sure is an optics issue. Something John Brady and Pastor Sims Jones can run on.
This is long enough. Talk to you later and stay safe.
Cocch
Mike CocchiolaChair, Flagler Democratic Executive Committee
