Seminole County Property Appraiser Endorses Cortes

CONTACT: Matt Mohler
850-222-8156
mmohler@flstrategies.com

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. – Today, Seminole County Property Appraiser David Johnson endorsed Bob Cortes for State House of Representatives in District 30. Johnson has 26 years of experience in the Seminole County Property Appraisers office and has held the office of Property Appraiser since 2004.

“Bob Cortes has exactly what it takes to be a dynamic and responsible State Representative,” said Seminole County Property Appraiser David Johnson. “I can see that Bob possesses the same characteristics as the most effective leaders of our state.”

David Johnson is a Certified Florida Appraiser (CFA) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Stetson University in Deland. He is a member of the American Society of Appraisers and is a past President and Treasurer of the Orlando Chapter. He is a Member and Trustee of the Seminole County Regional Chamber of Commerce and is a former winner of the Chamber’s “Choice Award – Public Servant of the Year.” Johnson is also Past President of the Sanford Rotary and is a Paul Harris Fellow.

“David Johnson is an outstanding public servant to our community,” said Bob Cortes. “He’s one of the leaders I look up to, and we believe this endorsement is an indication that our campaign is moving swiftly in the right direction.”

Bob Cortes has also secured the support of multiple state and local leaders, including former United States Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Hans Hertell; Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz; Orange County Commissioner Jennifer Thompson; Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke; Seminole County Sheriff Don Eslinger; former State Representative John Quinones; former State Representative Anthony Suarez; former Seminole County Commissioner Dick Van Der Weide; former Seminole County Commission Chairman Fred Streetman; Randy Garrett, Group 3 Supervisor of the Seminole County Water and Conservation Board; former Maitland Mayor Doug Kinson; and former Lt. Gov. Bobby Brantley.

About Bob Cortes for State Representative

Bob was elected to the Longwood City Commission in November 2009 and was elected Deputy Mayor in 2010. In 2012, he was re-elected to a second term. He is a member of the Seminole County Community Traffic Safety Team and a graduate of the Florida League of Cities Institute for Elected Municipal Officials. He is a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). With this organization, Bob has participated in several institutes, including the Newly Elected Leadership Institute, the Redistricting Institute, and the Fiscal Policy Institute hosted by NALEO and the Kellogg School of Business.

Bob grew up in New York and Puerto Rico and moved to Central Florida in 1989. He founded Cortes Towing Service, a successful small business now in operation for over two decades. In 2011, he started another venture, Cortrans Shuttle Service, a transportation provider that serves Orlando Sanford International Airport, Orlando International Airport, the Port Canaveral Cruise Terminal, and area attractions. He was recently named one of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando. He and his wife, Virginia, are members of St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs. They were blessed with their first grandchild this past November.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by Bob Cortes, Republican for Florida House of Representatives, District 30

Building Owners and Managers Association of Florida Endorses Mike Weinstein for State Senate

JACKSONVILLE, FLA – Joining other business organizations such as the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, Associated Industries of Florida, National Federation of Independent Business, Northeast Florida Builders Association and the North Florida Hispanic Leadership Alliance, the Building Owners and Managers Association of Florida, announced its endorsement of Mike Weinstein for Senate District 4. The Building Owners and Managers Association of Florida (BOMA Florida) consists of over 1,500 members representing the majority of office space and buildings in the State of Florida. … Continue Reading

Florida Highway Patrol Selects Brown to Lead Training Academy

~ Brown to take command of the FHP Training Academy ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Highway Patrol Director, Col. David Brierton, promoted Mark Brown to major and assigned him to lead the FHP Training Academy, effective March 16. The academy is responsible for recruiting as well as training new troopers and current members of the Florida Highway Patrol.

“The command team selected Major Brown from an impressive group of candidates who applied for the critical position within our agency,” Brierton said. “He is a forward thinking leader who is dedicated to accomplishing the mission of the Patrol.”

… Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith’s Statement In Support of Debt Agreement

Last night, President Obama announced that Congressional leaders have reached a compromise to raise America’s debt ceiling and begin to set our fiscal house in order.  That agreement will prevent the United States from defaulting on its debt for the first time in history, an event that would have had catastrophic consequences for our economy.  Following the announcement of that agreement, Florida Chairman Rod Smith issued the following statement: … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Taps Brannon Jordan As Communications Director

Tallahassee, FL — Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith Monday has named Brannon Jordan, a fourth generation Floridian and former deputy communications director for the Democratic Governors Association, as the party’s communications director.

“Brannon will be a tremendous asset to our already strong team,” Chairman Smith said. “A Florida native, she is a seasoned and talented communicator who stands ready to hold Republicans accountable while promoting our party’s focus on restoring the economy and creating jobs.” … Continue Reading

Weinstein Announces Finance Committee

Committee Includes More Than 100 Community Leaders from Clay, Duval and St. Johns Counties

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (August 1, 2011) –State Representative Mike Weinstein today announced the membership roster of his Campaign Finance Committee.  The committee includes more than 100 community leaders from across Clay, Duval and St. Johns Counties.

Weinstein said, “I am blessed and overwhelmed at the level of widespread support that I continue to receive from throughout the district as I campaign to serve my third term in the Florida House of Representatives.  I am honored to know that these community leaders believe in me as we work together to fight for the ideals of limited government and more freedom for all of Florida. … Continue Reading

Alan Grayson: I’m In. Are You?

Dear Friend:

I’m in. I’m running for Congress.

I’m running because I promised Charlaina and Rick that I would. Charlaina called me a few weeks ago, from the hospital. She told me that her husband, Rick, was suffering from multiple organ failure – lungs, kidneys and liver.

Rick was 56 years old. That’s three years older than me.

Rick was a veteran. But the Veterans Administration wasn’t covering his hospital bills.

Rick had had a bad liver since he was 30, when he contracted hepatitis. No insurance company would go near him.

… Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Releases 2012 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan

The Florida Democratic Party today released the Florida Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan laying out the proposed process for selecting Delegates to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Over the next 30 days, the Florida Democratic Party will welcome public comments regarding the plan at http://www.FlaDems.com/2012DelegatePlan, where the full plan can be viewed. … Continue Reading

Citizens for Fairness in Florida Rally – April 5, 2011

On April 5, 2011, Citizens for Fairness in Florida held a rally in support of HB 1207.

RPOF: Democratic Party of Florida Appoints “Turnaround Committee” To Study Party’s Problems

Tallahassee, FL:  Democratic Party of Florida Chairman Rod Smith was in Sarasota on Sunday discussing how he plans to avoid another year of across the board victories for Republicans. He has appointed a “turnaround committee” to list all of the party’s problems and reevaluate their message delivery. However, the strategy seems to focus more on rhetoric than policy. … Continue Reading

Orlando Residents Fight Back Against Politicians’ Attack on Florida Families, Look to ‘Awake the State’

WHAT:  March and Rally in opposition to proposed cuts on state budget

WHEN:  Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 from 4:30 to 6:30 PM

WHERE: March meeting point (4:30 PM): IBEW Hall 820 Virginia Drive Orlando, FL
(the march will lead to the Rally)
Rally (5:30 PM): Senator Beth Johnson Park, 59 South Ivanhoe Boulevard,
Orlando, FL (adjacent to Chamber of Commerce)         … Continue Reading

President Obama And Bill Nelson Standing Together In Washington And Florida

Tallahassee, FL- After years of standing beside President Obama’s policies and priorities in Washington that are piling up debt onto future generations of Floridians, Senator Bill Nelson will once again be standing by his man as they campaign together tonight.

“It’s no wonder President Obama is willing to fly down to Florida for tonight’s fundraiser considering that Bill Nelson has been a reliable ‘yes’ vote for the policies that are taking our country in the wrong direction, spending recklessly and piling up trillions in new debt,” said RPOF Communications Director Trey Stapleton “His votes for the $800 billion failed stimulus and  Obamacare are proof that Floridians can’t afford Bill Nelson in Washington anymore.”

… Continue Reading

In Light Of Preclearance Approval For California’s Non-Partisan Redistricting, Chairman Smith Renews Call On Rick Scott To Resubmit Application For Fair Districts Amendments

With the U.S. Justice Department approving California’s request for preclearance of their state’s nonpartisan redistricting rules yesterday, Florida Democratic Party Chairman Rod Smith today renewed his call on Governor Rick Scott to immediately resubmit the application for preclearance of the Fair District amendments.

“Governor Rick Scott continues obstructing the will of Floridians who overwhelmingly voted for the constitutional amendments last fall. … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party: Congressmen-elect Rivera and Southerland Living Large on the Dime of Special Interests and Lobbyists While Florida Families Struggle

Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff today released the following statement concerning reports that Congressmen-elect David Rivera and Steve Southerland will be two of a dozen freshmen Republican lawmakers to benefit from a lavish fundraiser attended by lobbyists and special interests at an exclusive Washington hotel tonight.

“Congressmen-elect Rivera and Southerland did not even wait to be sworn in before showing Floridians that they have gone Washington. While Florida families struggle to make ends meet, Rivera and Southerland will be living large on the dime of special interests and lobbyists at a lavish Washington fundraiser costing $50,000 to attend. If there was ever any doubt before, it should be abundantly clear now that they will be working in Congress to defend the Washington special interests and lobbyists, not the people of the Sunshine State.”

… Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Commends the President, Democratic Congress for Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Florida Democratic Party Chair spokesperson Eric Jotkoff released the below statement today after President Barack Obama signed critical legislation that would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”  The legislation would allow Americans to serve in the military regardless of their sexual orientation.

“With the President’s signature today, he has enacted a reform overwhelmingly supported by the American people and has fulfilled another campaign promise that takes a critical step to ensure equal rights for all Americans. … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Reacts To Announcement Florida Will Gain Two Congressional Seats

Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Scott Arceneaux released the following statement regarding the U.S. Census Bureau’s announcement today:

“Today, Floridians are celebrating the U.S. Census Bureau’s announcement that our state will be gaining two new seats in Congress as part of the decennial reapportionment process. … Continue Reading

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman Applauds Senate Vote to Move Forward with Bill Repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the below statement today, following a vote in the U.S. Senate to move forward on critical legislation that would repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The legislation would allow Americans to serve in the military regardless of their sexual orientation.

“The Senate did the right thing today for our country and our military by voting to move forward with legislation that would repeal the outdated and discriminatory ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy.

“President Obama pledged to overturn this legislation when he campaigned for office, and the U.S. Senate today cast a critical vote to move this goal forward.
… Continue Reading

RPOF: After Voting For the Obama Agenda, Bill Nelson Now Lashing Out at Obama as His Election Nears

After Voting For the Obama Agenda, Bill Nelson Now Lashing Out at Obama as His Election Nears

TALLAHASSEE – Sen. Bill Nelson has been a reliable vote for the Obama Washington agenda of record spending and debt. He supported the failed “stimulus,” Obamacare, and countless other policies that Floridians rejected and have only resulted in higher unemployment, record spending, and record debt. Yet, now, with a reelection campaign on the horizon, Sen. Nelson is suddenly lashing out at President Obama.

According to the Politico today, “…typically mild-mannered Bill Nelson of Florida – lit into President Obama during an unusally tense air-clearing caucus session on Thursday… Nelson told colleagues Obama’s unpopularity has become a serious liability for Democrats in his state and blamed the president for creating a toxic political environment….”
… Continue Reading

Alan Grayson for Congress:Toys for the Rich

Dear Friend,

Sometime between now and December 31, we will vote to extend the Bush tax cuts for the rich, or Obama tax cuts for the middle class. In the case of the Bush tax cuts, this money will go to the high and mighty. According to Citizens for Tax Justice, the top 1% of taxpayers — people with more than $1.3 million a year — will receive an average of $83,347 in Republican tax breaks.

Here are some possibilities of what those masters of the universe can buy, with their new government welfare:

- A brand-new Mercedes Benz E-Class car, $83,000. Every single year. And each year, they can give the “old” one to a spouse, a girlfriend, whoever.

- A Hermes “Birkin” handbag, $64,800. (Actually, though, if you need to know how much it costs, then you can’t afford it.)

- Chateau d’Yquem wine from 1787, $56,588. That will leave each one with around $25,000 of loose change in their pockets. Enough for a nice lunch, maybe.

- 20,000 jars of Grey Poupon. So when people ask, “excuse me, sir, but do you have any Grey Poupon,” the answer is “Yes!”

- 800 luxury cigars. One for the morning, and one for the evening, every single day. But how will they light them? Each one, with a $100 bill. That costs only $73,000 a year. Ah.

Thank you, Republican Party. You’re letting the rich in this country enjoy two cigars a day, each lit by a $100 bill.

Now I have a question for you. What do you suggest that the wealthy purchase with their welfare, courtesy of the Republican Party? What new toys for the idle rich? A Mercedes? A Hermes bag? Cigars? They need your ideas, because they will all have so much more of our money.

So please, submit your ideas.

Courage,

Alan Grayson

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson Praises Thurman’s Service As Florida Democratic Party Chair

U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson released the following praising Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman as she announces her retirement:

“Over the past six years, as chair the Florida Democratic Party, Karen Thurman worked to ensure our state would have a vibrant political system in which all voters could have a choice,” said U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson.  “I’d like to commend her for this effort, and also for her previous public service in Congress.  She has always put Floridians first.”