Minutes of the Membership Meeting of The Rotary Club of Pensacola
Welcome greetings were extended by Auby Smith on this warm winter day and Charles Sherrill Jr. strong armed the raffle ticket sales. President Jerry called the meeting to order turning over the podium to Jack Nobles for the prayer and pledge.
Our newest member, Audrey Young, was introduced by Andrea Farage. The $71 raffle was won by Gene Killinger, and on to sunshine with Rodger Doyle. Military guests, visitors and visiting Rotarians were introduced, some outstanding humor was allowed and an off pace “happy birthday” was presented.
Roger Enzor introduced our speaker, Senator Don Gaetz representing our area’s District Four. Elected in 2006, the former Okaloosa County School Superintendent has a keen interest in State Education policies. He acknowledged Rotary’s work and programs especially those our club has for youth. He announced Gov. Crist has appointed Roger Enzor to the Florida Board of Realtors and also showed his support for Holly Benson’s appointment as Secretary of the State’s Agency for Health Care Administration.
Speaking to the recent approval by 2/3rd vote of the tax relief Amendment I, Senator Gaetz announced his support of the Amendment. A “No” vote would have put the issue aside and no further tax relief would have been addressed in this session.
Senator Gaetz is planning to sponsor legislation to limit and correct the scope of Government’s authority over taxes. He proposes adjustments to the Property appraisers “presumed correctness” and replaces it with a provision for the property owner to be presumed to be correct in the land use. He wants to replace the “highest best use” concept with an “actual use” provision for taxation.
Senator Gaetz maintains that the two main factions in Tallahassee are those for “big government” and those for “limited government”, who are in the minority. Government needs to be accountable and operate on smaller budgets. With new housing incentives using public property for development and with tax incentives, growth can be created in the private sectors. School funds need to go to the schools and classes rather than the larger amount going elsewhere in the school system. Florida will be better if we can improve Education, housing and taxation.
Frank Beall, former pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, will be part of the celebration of the church’s 50th anniversary, along with Hugh Hamilton, Ted Nickinson and many others.
Look for Gerry Hoewing to help club members see and understand the new game which the National Aviation Museum now has in use. (It’s for big kids as well as little ones.)
When ground was broken for the Saenger renovations Jack Nobles and Miller Caldwell were among those turning early.
Hill Turner is depressed! His beloved St. Louis Cardinals claim that they have lost the keys to another National League pennant. And Hill’s too old to play.
Jack Gray seems to qualify for “the new civic club responsibility of the week” club. Now he’s also president of the Catholic Charities organization
Stephen Benz – Feb 19- born in Pensacola, FL, in Rotary 9 years
Cal Moore – Feb. 19 – born in Montgomery, AL, in Rotary 24 years
Roger Vinson – Feb. 19 – born in Cadiz, KY, in Rotary 25 years
Don Haferkamp – Feb. 20 - born in LaPorte, IN, in Rotary 7 years
Jimmy Jones– Feb. 21 – born in Paragould, AR, in Rotary 29 years
Frank Beall – Feb 23- born in Dothan, AL, in Rotary 42 years
The Ethics in Business Award will be presented on Monday, May 5, 2008 at our Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola luncheon at New World Landing. If you would like to nominate an individual from the public/non-profit sector or from the private sector, please pick up a nomination form at Tuesday’s meeting. All nominations must be received by April 4, 2008.
Audrey Young was born in Yuma, Arizona. In 1995, Audrey chose to move to Pensacola to pursue a degree in Accounting. In 1999, she graduated with her degree from the University of West Florida. Her dedication and hard work is evidenced by her advancement with Varona’s Enterprises. Welcome!
Trey Manderson is our newest Rotarian. He heads the Manderson Group real estate team. Trey graduated from Mississippi State University in 1994 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration. He also is a graduate of the Realtor Institute. He is a member of Gulf Beach United Methodist Church and coaches youth soccer and basketball.