Members were welcomed by Richard Sherrill who sold only winning tickets.
President Keith Bullock called the meeting to order. He reminder those who would like to serve on the board of directors or other officials within the organization to let him know.
Also, that on November 5, we will be having Rotary Family nite at Jackson’s from 5 to 7pm. All are encouraged to sign up for this. Also, that on November 3, 2008, it will be Military Appreciation beginning at 12:15pm.
Judge Roger Vinson gave the prayer and led the Pledge of Alliangance. Charley Blackwell introduced our military guests, visiting Rotarians and other guests. Birthdays were celebrated with music from John Appleyard. The Rotary Rooters serenaded members with a Nashville Connection medley of songs.
David Stafford and Paul Young arranged for today’s speakers representing candidates for Mayor of Pensacola. Three candidates were invited, they are: C.J. Lewis, Eric Schmitz and Mike Wiggins. Candidate C. J. Lewis was unable to attend. Paul Young stipulated the time limit and organization of questions to the candidates and time limits for answers.
Candidates were quizzed on : Who they are, background and experience; Why they want to be Mayor; What their position is on consolidated government; What stand do they take on the Community Maritime Park and the future of the port of Pensacola.
Specifics discussed included the Jacksonville and Austin, Texas models of government, economic development, millage rate, job growth, consolidation of government services; and what should be built first as part of the Community Maritime Park.
David Stafford thanked both politicians. President Keith thanked all and meeting was adjourned.
Good members Janet Pilcher, Morris Marx, Debbie Ford and Ed Ranelli may soon be seen as part of a broad UWF promotional campaign, aimed at higher enrollment. This term the university has over 9,000 students.
Just a few days left for Jack Nobles to shake additional hands. Competition for the at-large city council seat is hot this time. And, noting city affairs, there’s word that some old-timers are about to mount a program to get the city to exercise its right to fill additional land adjacent to the Maritime Park property. Much of the planned park’s property was fill, put in place 120 years ago. If we want more waterfront, why not make it? (Another neat project for Al Coby.)
Sorry to report that long-time member, past president (1967-68) and Paul Harris Fellow Bill Fleming has died. Bill’s brother Jack remains an active member.
Hats off to Alan Bookman for his scholarly paraphrasing of the Constitutional Amendments to be voted on November 4th.
Coy Irwin and the Guardians report that all 101 WWII vets made the Honor Flight in good health and high spirits. Now the Flight Committee, which includes members Jerry Maygarden and John Appleyard, is about to alter its operations, establishing its own charitable status to handle funding for future flights. Number 3 is set for next spring.
Collier Merrill: October 28, Pensacola, FL, 19 years
Jeff Powell: October 28, Pensacola, FL, 8 years
Bill Davis: October 29, DeFuniak Springs, FL, 30 years
Jim Mitchell: October 30, Ft. Sill, OK, 13 years
Oliver Soule: October 30, Pensacola, FL, 38 years
Sandy Cesaretti Ray: November 1, Miami, FL, 11 years
Wanda Cross: November 2, Washington DC, 3 years
Alison Rogers: November 8, Scott AFB, IL, 8 years
MEMBERSHIP PROPOSALS:
Chris Klotz is the owner of Klotz Law Firm, sole practice focusing on criminal defense and general practice in state and federal courts. Chris graduated from Louisiana State University and Mississippi College School of Law. Chris was recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow while serving in the Rotary Club Downtown Jackson, MS, 2003-2007. He is married to Amy and has 2 children, ages 1 and 4.