Ben Kirby - page 4

Last Sunday, Jennifer Salmon, the Gulfport City Council Member from Ward 3, announced she would not seek a third term. From her blog, where she posted her letter to the Mayor, her fellow council members, appropriate city staff, and citizens: I made this decision because being an elected official has prevented me from doing the work that I was trained for. This became evident when I found out that the city would be recruiting for  a Social Services Supervisor at the…

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The Tampa Bay Times offered their recommendation for Mayor of St. Petersburg, and it they could not have made it any clearer they like Rick Kriseman. Again and again they recognize Kriseman for his leadership, his vision, and his experience: Rick Kriseman has the breadth of experience and leadership qualities to lead St. Petersburg with new energy and a fresh approach. Kriseman is better positioned to build goodwill and move the city forward. Kriseman strongly supported public education during his six years…

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After the unexpected death of Congressman C.W. Bill Young, who only just last week shocked the Florida political world with his announcement that he would not seek re-election in 2014, political watchers — and the Congressman’s constituents in the 13th Congressional District — cast their gaze towards Tallahassee and Governor Rick Scott, who is expected to call for a special election to fill the seat. Per the Article I, Section 2, Clause 4 of the Constitution, the governor cannot name a…

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The Senate and House have passed a bill one day shy of national default which will end the government shutdown and extend the federal debt limit ceiling. The Senate voted 81 to 18 (see the breakdown here) and moved along a 35-page bill to the House of Representatives, where it was approved 285-144. At approximately 9:00 EST, President Obama addressed the nation on the deal: I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I am willing to work with anybody, I…

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On day 16 of the federal government shutdown, Senate leaders are announcing a bi-partisan deal to fund the government through mid-February and raise the debt ceiling limit. At this hour, Politico is reporting that votes in both chambers have yet to be scheduled. Thursday is the deadline to raise the nation’s borrowing limit before a potentially calamitous default.   According to Roll Call, the Senate agreement is essentially the same as the one hammered out earlier this week. However, the new…

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On behalf of rational thinking people everywhere, I would like to call for a formal and official end to the media and societal malpractice of false equivalence. This government shutdown is not about two equally aggrieved sides trying to find common ground. If one good thing comes of the shutdown, may it be the death of both sides do it, an unceremonial burying of a pox on both their houses. This is a lazy practice unrepresentative of what is actually…

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Early reports out of Washington may be a light — albeit faint — at the end of the federal government shutdown tunnel. Here are the basics of what is being negotiated right now (via the Atlantic, and other outlets): The government is funded through January 15. The debt ceiling is raised through February 7. There are two minor changes to Obamacare: There will be stronger verification of incomes for those applying for insurance subsidies, a Republican wish; and a reinsurance fee in…

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