Voter Guide from Republican Party of SJC

We have a number of county races in which the candidates' party affiliation is not shown. Still, we know it makes a difference. The Republican Party of Saint Johns County has issued its Official Voter Guide to help, featuring candidates for office as well as the Republican position on the proposed FL constitutional amendments. You can access the guide here.

"NO" on 3; Jobs Returning in Florida

RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters recently reinforced the importance of voting NO on Amendment 3, which would create open primary elections in Florida: 

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of voting NO on Amendment 3 to maintain the integrity of the Republican Party in Florida. The Amendment destroys Republicans’ ability to choose our candidate for office and could leave only two Democrat options on a ballot in the General Election. Share widely the importance of this NO vote on Amendment 3.

(See posting below for a link to more info on this amendment.)

In positive news, the Department of Economic Opportunity announced that jobs are coming back in Florida after the corona virus hit:

The three industries losing the most jobs from February to April 2020, gained back 448,300 jobs from April to August 2020: leisure and hospitality at 278,500 jobs, 50.6 percent of those lost; professional and business services at 73,200 jobs, 48.5 percent; and education and health services at 96,600 jobs, 72.9 percent.

  

St. Augustine Prayer Rally Sept. 26

Paralleling the prayer march being led this month by Franklin Graham in Washington, D.C., the local Faith Based Committee will hold a Save Our Nation Prayer Rally here in downtown St. Augustine on Saturday, September 26. The rally will take place at the Plaza de la Constitucion (between King Street and Cathedral Place) from noon to 2 p.m. A number of area pastors will lead attendees in prayer for our country. Details and e-invite are here.  

As Franklin Graham said, “America is in trouble. Our communities are hurting, our people are divided, and there’s fear and uncertainty all around us. Let’s join together and do the most important thing: pray!”

The Downside of Amendment 2

Nicole Chapman and Anthony Sexton discuss the ramifications of Amendment 2, raising Florida's minimum wage, which will appear on the November ballot.

At our September 14 meeting, speakers Nicole Chapman and Anthony Sexton discussed the downside of the proposed Amendment 2, gradually raising the minimum wage throughout Florida to $15 per hour by 2026. Ms. Chapman is Director of the N.E. Division of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, and Mr. Sexton owns and operates the Victorian House Bed and Breakfast in downtown St. Augustine. While raising the minimum wage may sound like a good idea, they admitted, the repercussions of it to both business owners and employees have been damaging where it has been enacted (New York, Seattle, San Francisco). The burden to business owners will be magnified as they struggle already to recover from the virus shutdowns. For more information, visit Amendment2HurtsYou.com.

September Is Suicide Prevention Month

Florida's Senator Rick Scott drew attention in his latest newsletter to resources available for those considering suicide--a problem that has only grown larger in the U.S. during the virus lockdowns. Senator Scott co-sponsored a bill to designate 9-8-8 as a nationwide suicide prevention and mental health hotline, but that bill is awaiting passage in the U.S. House.

Here are some current resources he recommends if you or someone you know is in distress.

In cases of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273 TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line
If you’re uncomfortable talking on the phone, the text line provides free crisis support at your fingertips.Text HOME to 741741 to connect to a free, trained counselor. 

The Truth About Amendment 3

RPOF Chairman Joe Gruters warns Republicans to beware of Amendment 3 on the November ballot. It seeks to eliminate Florida's two-party system of closed primaries and throw the primaries open to all registered voters, with the two top-scoring candidates--even if from the same party--going on to compete in the general election. This is dangerous for a number of reasons, as detailed by Matthew Isbell here. Take a few minutes to read about the schemes behind this proposed amendment and spread the word.

Enlist in the Army for Trump

The Trump campaign offers a variety of ways for individuals to help Donald J. win another four years in November. 

Check them out at Army for Trump to see if one is right for you!