Wednesday, July 22, 2009

UPDATE YOUR CALENDAR!

Here are a few dates to put down:

Aug 26: TBD Beachside Resort, KW Chamber Forum

Aug 21: 5:30pm KW Botanical Gardens, Meet the Candidates,

Aug 31: TBD Mayoral Forum

NOTE: Email or call if you have any questions: 305-304-7683


Political Advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt Candidate for Key West City Commission District 6

Francis Street Neigborhood Association Meeting

Tuesday, July 20th the Francis Street Neighborhood Association met at 611 Francis Street.

What would have been a routine general meeting was overshadowed by recent neighborhood events. Specifically two muggings one of which was a candidate for Key West City Commission District 1, Mr. Thomas (Tom) Milone. Tom is a long standing watchdog and I consider a friend. He was mugged on his way home from the gym and lucky for him, does not remember much of the attack. He is healing with two fractures to his jaw.

SIDE NOTE: Celebrity Bartending Benefit for Tom's Medical Expenses is this Saturday, July 25th, from 7pm on, Bottlecap Lounge on Simonton St (Corner of Catherine and Simonton).

It appeared more of a City Photo opportunity with the following in attendance. (I do not mean to take away from the event but when do all these people turn out??)

Mayor McPherson, City Manager Jim Scholl, City Attorney Shawn Smith, Code Compliance Jim Young, then the people I would expect: Dist 1 Commissioner Bill Verge, Dist 6 Commissioner Clayton Lopez, Police Chief Donnie Lee; then of course myself and District 1 Candidate for City Commission District 1, Jimmy Weekley.

A strong turn out and an encouraging sign that the City Administration is concerned - you tell me.

It seems that the exact spot where Mr Milone's mugging occured has been dark for years, tree canopy or light out, they will let us know.


Of course the discussion of Iguana's still happened which really is important but given the circumstances around Mr. Milone's mugging it begged a strong response which was represented in KWPD Chief Donnie Lee.

Until next time, see you on the streets!

Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt, candidate for Key West City Commission District 6.





http://francesstreetneighborhood.blogspot.com/

Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus KEY WEST!

The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Summer Convention was held here in Key West July 17 - 19. What a packed weekend and what wonderful people, information and new friends!

Lambda Democrats hosted the group and Henry Woods puts on a great show. It was very evident all the work that went into the coordination of this event and to Henry and Mabry and all the others, my hat is off to you.

The highlight for me at this event was the Lunch session which was to short for my taste but there was only so much time! Food was great however! The luncheon event was "Walk Before You Run" A mini primer on what decisions and considerations should be made before running in a campaign.

Panel guests where Monroe County Commissioner Heather Carruthers and Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin Beckner.

Passion, Stamina, do you like people, raising money, willing to lose, impact on your partner and commitment of your partner. All are decision making points.

The later, Com. Beckner ran openly gay in a non gay friendly County and unseated the incumbent! He did this by being up front about lifestyle and making it a non issue.

I cannot go on enough about these two people and what was said, absolutely great stuff!

We had State Rep Saunders ALL DAY! Our local politicals just popped in and out with the exception of County Com Carruthers. Election year?

On the phone were US Rep Tammy Baldwin (WI), Florida CFO and gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink; in house were Sate Attorney Dennis Ward, Attorney general candidate Dan Gelber, Florida Ag Commissioner candidate Eric Draper, US Senate candidate Kevin Burns and the list went on and on! Again what a day!

Here is the link to the FLGLBTDEMCAUCUS web site and what happened in detail:
http://www.floridaglbtdemocrats.org/2009/07/reporting-from-florida-glbt-democratic.html

Until next time, see you on the streets!

Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt candidate for Key West City Commission, District 6

Fundraising In High Gear!

Now is the time to send in the checks! Please call at least five friends and ask them to send whatever they can and then have their five friends call another five, etc. We will need funds to win this campaign - simple.

We are doing excellent and have almost 50% of our budget raised. We will need more now than later so please lend a hand and send in whatever you can:

Make payable to and send to:

James Marquardt Campaign Fund, 204 Olivia Street, Key West, FL 33040

Note: Contributions are NOT tax deductible, please list your occupation on contributions of $50 or more. Limit per person is $500.

Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt Candidate for Key West city Commission, District 6

A contribution to this campaign is a contirbution to the Campaign Fund of James Marquardt

Jazz at the Garden's Hotel

Sunday, July 12th, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm; Jazz in the Gardens at the Gardens Hotel! What a wonderful event since the first night! My Campaign Manager Christine Garcia and I met with friends and made new friends, Commissioner Teri Johnston and Life Partner Dar, Nancy Robinson and Brion and Julie. Brion recently up and about after a near fatal scooter crash.

The Gardens Hotel Sunday Jazz is always a pleasant evening with so many nice people including the fabulous and always courteous staff! The dogs are even happy!

Until next time, see you on the streets!


Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt Candidate for Key West City Commission, District 6.

Bahama Village Community Meeting

The regular meeting occured on July 9, 2009, at the Nutrition Center in Bahama Village. For a Summer meeting, a large turn out of over 25 people were present.

This group consisted of local residents, 2 church Pastors, about 6 Police Academy Students (YEAH!) Com for Dist 6 Clayton Lopez, Last Stand Board member and BCCLT Board Member among the scheduled officers, etc.

(I know Pablo is higher ranking in the KWPD but here I mean no disrespect) KWPD Pablo reported on the months arrests of 41 of which 15 where from Miami. Officer Pablo asked all residents for help in that if something is going down, call the police non-emerg # and give location, descriptions, etc. Officer Pablo also responded to questions about selective stopping with out apparent cause. He stated Officers have wide discretion if a person is respectful. He stated they never stop anyone unless there is a reason. Some residents disagreed and said it appeared more racial than anything. Officer Pablo disagreed and it was left at that. Be mindful and respectful, a positive attitude goes a long way. Hey, isn't that my campaign slogan? Be A Part Of Positive Change? This goes for all residents not just the ones on bikes! This includes our KWPD!

Citizens Review Board is looking for a representative for the four year volunteer term, from the Bahama Village area of District 6. Deadline is Aug 7.

If you would like to attend the Citizen's Police Academy, contact Steve Torrence KWPD.

Com. Lopez asked if anyone knows 19-24 years old, low income, possible high risk kids, the S. Fl Workforce has put together a summer work program.

No Community Meeting in Aug. Next Meeting is in September.

TIF Board meets the first Thursday of every month. Go speak on where your tax money is spent. This is for the area in Bahama Village.

If we are not part of the solution, there is no problem right? Be active! Be A Part Of Positive Change!

Until next time, see you on the streets!

Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt, Candidate for Key West City Commission, District 6.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

KONK AM 1680 Interview

I enjoyed meeting the fine people at KONK am 1680 this morning.

You can listen here: http://www.site.konkam.com/Listen.html

I look forward to our next interview!

Political advertising paid for and approved by James Marquardt candidate for Key West City Commission District 6