Publishers note: I am sorry to say this is the first time that I can remember Tony Powell not doing his column. Tony is a perpetual motion machine / Energizer Bunny. His column is enjoyed by many. He had to take time recharge. Hopefully he will be ready for next month’s column. I will put in something I think he would like to put in.
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Let’s Talk Social Security Funds
Franklin Roosevelt, a Democrat, introduced the Social Security (FICA) Program.
He promised:
1.) That participation in the Program would be Completely voluntary. No longer Voluntary
2.) That the participants would only have to pay 1% of the first $1,400 of their annual Incomes into the Program. Now 7.62% on the first $128,400. + your employer’s contribution.
3.) That the money the participants elected to put into the Program would be deductible from their income for tax purposes each year. No longer tax deductible. Continue reading
As we approach opening day of Legislative Session on March 5th, many bills are in drafting and over 1,600 filed by members. Of the many bills being heard in committees, I will focus on two. The Senate Education Policy Committee has passed an update to school safety expanding access to The Guardian Plan which permits more educators to volunteer for service, additional training, and background clearance to provide an added defense team of leaders already on site to provide armed response in the first three minutes in a crisis to prevent an incident from becoming a massacre like we saw last year . Time is of the essence. Seconds count. No educator is required to participate but can be considered. Thankfully over 2.8 million students safely attend school. There are full safety and prevention steps in the updated school safety plan. Another bill filed that is stirring debate is the Heartbeat Bill which will protect the unborn child who demonstrates a heartbeat. Over 60 million young lives have been extinguished since abortion rights were expanded by court ruling in 1973, more than all soldiers killed in all the wars of American history. It is time to reconsider this sensitive policy that erodes our future and our respect for human life.
We look forward to a meaningful debate for the many issues before us. Be a part of this discussion. It is your government.
Sincerely,
Dennis Baxley
It’s hard to believe another CEP Annual Luncheon has come and gone. We put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this event to provide our partners with an incredibly experience that leaves them excited about our community, the CEP, and how their business is investing in “Doorways to Opportunity.” Thanks to everyone who attended this year and a special thanks to our sponsors: CareerSource CLM, Chase Bank, Duke Energy, On Top of the World Communities, and Zone Health & Fitness.
Once again, we sold out our 600 seats in just 10 days. We added a second presentation to provide an additional opportunity for more partners to attend and participate. Encore presented by CenterState Bank was a cocktail reception and presentation held on the following evening at the Marion Theater. I am so glad we were able to add this second presentation and hope that we can grow this event in the future. Continue reading
We had some sad news this month. We lost a good friend, Vince Cribbs, the Vice President of Operations of the Printing Plant. We met him many years ago when he first started printing our papers. He has personally overseen our printing. He was working in his workshop at home when there was an explosion. Several people attempted to pull Vince to safety but it was too late. He will be missed!
You need to enjoy every moment you have for we never know what is just around the corner.
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Clinton passed a bill in 1996 that separates Children from their parents when they enter our country illegally. Obama enforced that Law and now they demonize Trump for enforcing the same Laws! They even used pictures of children in cages being detained during the Obama era and used it to blame Trump for doing it. When you’re elected to Congress are you are not supposed to represent Illegal aliens and forget the American Citizens. Officials are elected to protect American citizens from foreign countries and the bad guys in our Country. Continue reading
(Anything I say is my opinion only!)
Feb 4th the Commission meeting was called to order. Minutes of the last meeting on the subject of Chief McKinstry and the Town Manager were handed out. They were not accurate. The first two things that I noticed were that when the Commissioners voted not to review the Town Charter, Kussard said “if it is not broke don’t fix it!” (That was left out!) The Charter has not been reviewed in 40 years! Also left out of the minutes of the last meeting was when Councilman Dan Vincent made a motion to ask for Town Managers resignation. Kolgaard said “Go for it!” (That was left out!)
Later I ask Holden who approves the minutes of the meetings. He said Kris Kolgaard. At the first meeting because of the arguing back and forth, Councilman Tony Holden asked for a special meeting to discuss the Town Manager and the forcing out of the Chief McKinstry!
The special meeting was called to look at the Town Manager’s Job performance and the possible re-hiring of Chief McKinstry.
The meeting started civil. The Councilmen and Councilwoman were each asked if they had anything to say. Continue reading
By TomL
The Villages / Lady Lake Florida.
Approximately 9:30 AM, Sunday Feb. 10th, Paramedics were called to assess a man who was acting strangely and saying “people are eating brains out”. The Lady Lake Police Department was called to assist. A Villages security guard pulled up and left his vehicle running. The accused just got into the security Community Watch vehicle and drove off, leaving the paramedics and LLPD. The chase began!
Two Lady Lake police cars went on a high speed chase through the densely populated residential area, then chasing him onto a Golf Course endangering many lives as the two Lady Lake Police cars pursued the man in the Villages Security car. One golfer witness said the vehicles actually came flying over the hill landing, then fishtailing out of control. One lady golfer reported they had to run for cover. The lady said they actually ran over her golf towel. The high speed pursuit caused two accidents, injuring one driver. Luckily they were minor injuries. The lady said her hip was hurting. Continue reading
Photo Credit: Governor Ron DeSantis Press Office
The Villages, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis announced his commitment to create a prescription drug importation program for Florida. This program will offer access to FDA-approved prescription drugs that have been imported from Canada, allowing the drugs to be sold to Floridians at a much lower cost. The Governor was joined at the announcement by Speaker Jose Oliva, Representative Ray Rodrigues and Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Mary Mayhew.
“One of the biggest drivers of this country’s out of control healthcare spending is the cost of prescription drugs,” said Governor DeSantis. “While our prices remain high, our neighbors in Canada are spending significantly less for the same drugs. These price disparities are indefensible and inexcusable and I am ready to act. I thank Speaker Oliva for prioritizing this issue and look forward to working with him to reduce the prices of these drugs for Floridians that depend on them.” Continue reading
President Trumps results of latest medical exam were released. Dr. Sean Conley, his physician, says Trump gained four pounds in the past year but proclaimed that he is in good health.
Chuck Schumer and Alex Soros, yes son of George Soros, having drinks. Chuck is probably being reminded of who is really in charge!
Roaring twenty’s theme was well represented at the 2019 Ocala Business Leaders Installation Banquet. It was held at a Secret Speak Easy last month and was well attended. The food was good, the games were fun, the door prizes were plenty, what more could you ask and no it not get raided! Pictured left is the new incoming President of OBL Connie Pendleton and right, April Savarese, Vice President of Membership with OBL. Both Ladies are very active with OBL.
