Initiative underway to legalize marijuana in Florida, petition signatures have begun

Yesterday, August 26, 2015, Regulate Florida received the go-ahead to begin collecting signatures for a landmark petition to change in how Florida deals with marijuana (cannabis). The proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution will regulate the commerce of cannabis with age restrictions and guidelines for licensing as well as the rights for adults over 21 to possess and cultivate the plant at home.

If passed by over 60 percent of Floridians, the initiative will have the effect of dramatically reducing the taxpayer expense of housing Floridians in state prisons while generating a large amount of tax revenue for the state. According to the nation’s most authoritative survey, a majority of Americans now favor the legalization of marijuana. The measure comes at a time when Americans and Floridians are more willing to acknowledge the reality that the War on Drugs has been an abject failure and marijuana is mostly seen as less harmful than other products legally or illegally. The Regulate Florida’s aim is to have a marijuana industry flourish in the state, generating revenue and reducing crime.

The initiative was crafted by 2014 Florida Attorney General candidate Bill Wohslifer, Esq. and Michael Minardi, Esq. Through their teamwork, as well as some dedicated volunteers, the Florida government has given its approval for them to begin collecting signatures in an effort to get the measure on the November 2016 ballot.

Wohslifer stated yesterday in an email, “Sensible Florida, Inc. was not the first team to ask me to draft a regulation ballot initiative for the 2016 general election. I declined earlier opportunities because of limitations on my volunteer time. But when Karen Goldstein introduced me to the team she was developing this initiative with, I could not say no. I worked with Karen in the past on the Cathy Jordan Medical Cannabis Act. I trust her judgment and insight.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

Voter's Guide for 2014 General Election – Palm Beach County, Florida – A Libertarian Perspective

I am often asked for my opinion as to who would make good choices for elected office and the 2014 General Election is no different. So here is the list of those I plan to vote. The person / issue I will vote for is in BOLD, sometimes with an explanation.

U.S. Representative, Dist. 22

PAUL SPAIN – I am voting for Paul Spain. He was my #2 pick during the primaries and am comfortable with him leading District 22. I wish he was more libertarian and perhaps in two years we will have a Libertarian Party challenger for this seat.
Lois Frankel
Write-In Candidate Raymond Schamis

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Rick Scott / Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Charlie Crist / Annette Taddeo
ADRIAN WYLLIE / GREG ROE
Farid Khavari / Lateresa A. Jones
Glenn Burkett / Jose Augusto Matos
Write-In Candidates

Attorney General
Pam Bondi
George Sheldon
BILL WOHLSIFER – no matter who wins the Governor’s race, it is imperative to supporters of Amendment 2 (medical marijuana) Bill Wohslifer win to be Florida’s next Attorney General so Amendment 2 will be implemented properly and go unchallenged.

Chief Financial Officer – It is unusual for me; however, I am skipping this race (and a couple more below). I can not in good faith vote for either of these candidates. Both are bad in my opinion.
Jeff Atwater
William “Will” Rankin

Commissioner of Agriculture
Adam H. Putnam – I am not a huge fan of Putnam and am tempted to skip this race as with the CFO race; however, Putnam is the better candidate and has helped Libertarians in the state move their agenda forward.
Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton
Write-In Candidate – Jeffrey Obos

State Senator, Dist. 34 – I am sitting out this race as well. Sachs is awful and I do not believe she lives in this district which is required by our state constitution. If allegations are proven true (it is currently being officially investigated) it could lead to her going to jail for continually lying on official qualification forms and violating the state constitution. Bogdanoff is equally awful. Her record in the Florida legislature is terrible from a Libertarian point of view and is more interested in corporate welfare than offering small or big business a truly free market in Florida. As before, perhaps a Libertarian Party of Florida candidate will challenge the winner next time around.
Ellyn Bogdanoff
Maria Lorts Sachs

State Representative, Dist. 89 – I can not in good faith vote for either of these two. UGH! Both are nice people; however, I do not want either representing me in Tallahassee. I could get into the nitty and gritty details – but will spare you.
Bill Hager
David Ryan Silvers

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Alan O. Forst of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Mark W. Klingensmith of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge W. Matthew Stevenson of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Martha C. Warner of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District Group 5 – 4 Year Term
Eva S. Webb
Karl Dickey – he is the OBVIOUS choice! 🙂

No. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 28
Water and Land Conservation – Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.

Although I am an environmentalist, the state has enough land AND it continually sells off land that was SUPPOSED to be held for conservation. The government has a horrible track record and cannot be trusted to keep this land preserved.

YES
NO

No. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 29
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory and enforcement activities associated with the production and sale of medical marijuana. Fees will offset at least a portion of the regulatory costs. While sales tax may apply to purchases, changes in revenue cannot reasonably be determined since the extent to which medical marijuana will be exempt from taxation is unclear without legislative or state administrative action.
YES – I will be voting YES for this amendment because we must end the absurd practice of jailing patients for using this tremendous resource.
NO

No. 3
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE V, SECTIONS 10, 11
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution requiring the Governor to prospectively fill vacancies in a judicial office to which election for retention applies resulting from the justice’s or judge’s reaching the mandatory retirement age or failure to qualify for a retention election; and allowing prospective appointments if a justice or judge is not retained at an election. Currently, the Governor may not fill an expected vacancy until the current justice’s or judge’s term expires.
YES
NO

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 1
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Shall the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, which provides early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, preventative and other children’s services in Palm Beach County, be reauthorized to continue in existence as a district with voter-approved taxing authority, with independent oversight and accountability as required by law, unless and until it is dissolved as specified in s.125.901 (4)(a), Florida Statutes?
YES
NO – this $100 million+ per year taxpayer funded agency should be abolished. They do great work; however, it can be done better privately.

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 2
REFERENDUM TO CONTINUE AN AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONAL NEEDS

Shall the School Board of Palm Beach County have the authority to continue to levy 0.25 mills of ad valorem millage dedicated for operational needs of non-charter District schools to fund teachers, as well as arts, music, physical education, career and academic programs for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2019, with oversight by an independent finance committee of citizens and experts?
YES
NO – VOTE NO to end this ‘hidden’ unnecessary tax

Voter’s Guide for 2014 General Election – Palm Beach County, Florida – A Libertarian Perspective

I am often asked for my opinion as to who would make good choices for elected office and the 2014 General Election is no different. So here is the list of those I plan to vote. The person / issue I will vote for is in BOLD, sometimes with an explanation.

U.S. Representative, Dist. 22

PAUL SPAIN – I am voting for Paul Spain. He was my #2 pick during the primaries and am comfortable with him leading District 22. I wish he was more libertarian and perhaps in two years we will have a Libertarian Party challenger for this seat.
Lois Frankel
Write-In Candidate Raymond Schamis

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Rick Scott / Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Charlie Crist / Annette Taddeo
ADRIAN WYLLIE / GREG ROE
Farid Khavari / Lateresa A. Jones
Glenn Burkett / Jose Augusto Matos
Write-In Candidates

Attorney General
Pam Bondi
George Sheldon
BILL WOHLSIFER – no matter who wins the Governor’s race, it is imperative to supporters of Amendment 2 (medical marijuana) Bill Wohslifer win to be Florida’s next Attorney General so Amendment 2 will be implemented properly and go unchallenged.

Chief Financial Officer – It is unusual for me; however, I am skipping this race (and a couple more below). I can not in good faith vote for either of these candidates. Both are bad in my opinion.
Jeff Atwater
William “Will” Rankin

Commissioner of Agriculture
Adam H. Putnam – I am not a huge fan of Putnam and am tempted to skip this race as with the CFO race; however, Putnam is the better candidate and has helped Libertarians in the state move their agenda forward.
Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton
Write-In Candidate – Jeffrey Obos

State Senator, Dist. 34 – I am sitting out this race as well. Sachs is awful and I do not believe she lives in this district which is required by our state constitution. If allegations are proven true (it is currently being officially investigated) it could lead to her going to jail for continually lying on official qualification forms and violating the state constitution. Bogdanoff is equally awful. Her record in the Florida legislature is terrible from a Libertarian point of view and is more interested in corporate welfare than offering small or big business a truly free market in Florida. As before, perhaps a Libertarian Party of Florida candidate will challenge the winner next time around.
Ellyn Bogdanoff
Maria Lorts Sachs

State Representative, Dist. 89 – I can not in good faith vote for either of these two. UGH! Both are nice people; however, I do not want either representing me in Tallahassee. I could get into the nitty and gritty details – but will spare you.
Bill Hager
David Ryan Silvers

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Alan O. Forst of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Mark W. Klingensmith of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge W. Matthew Stevenson of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Martha C. Warner of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District Group 5 – 4 Year Term
Eva S. Webb
Karl Dickey – he is the OBVIOUS choice! 🙂

No. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 28
Water and Land Conservation – Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.

Although I am an environmentalist, the state has enough land AND it continually sells off land that was SUPPOSED to be held for conservation. The government has a horrible track record and cannot be trusted to keep this land preserved.

YES
NO

No. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 29
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory and enforcement activities associated with the production and sale of medical marijuana. Fees will offset at least a portion of the regulatory costs. While sales tax may apply to purchases, changes in revenue cannot reasonably be determined since the extent to which medical marijuana will be exempt from taxation is unclear without legislative or state administrative action.
YES – I will be voting YES for this amendment because we must end the absurd practice of jailing patients for using this tremendous resource.
NO

No. 3
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE V, SECTIONS 10, 11
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution requiring the Governor to prospectively fill vacancies in a judicial office to which election for retention applies resulting from the justice’s or judge’s reaching the mandatory retirement age or failure to qualify for a retention election; and allowing prospective appointments if a justice or judge is not retained at an election. Currently, the Governor may not fill an expected vacancy until the current justice’s or judge’s term expires.
YES
NO

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 1
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Shall the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, which provides early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, preventative and other children’s services in Palm Beach County, be reauthorized to continue in existence as a district with voter-approved taxing authority, with independent oversight and accountability as required by law, unless and until it is dissolved as specified in s.125.901 (4)(a), Florida Statutes?
YES
NO – this $100 million+ per year taxpayer funded agency should be abolished. They do great work; however, it can be done better privately.

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 2
REFERENDUM TO CONTINUE AN AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONAL NEEDS

Shall the School Board of Palm Beach County have the authority to continue to levy 0.25 mills of ad valorem millage dedicated for operational needs of non-charter District schools to fund teachers, as well as arts, music, physical education, career and academic programs for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2019, with oversight by an independent finance committee of citizens and experts?
YES
NO – VOTE NO to end this ‘hidden’ unnecessary tax

Bill Wohlsifer Speaks on Dogs Shot by Police

Wohlsifer continues work to keep elections officers honest

Bill Wohlsifer is one of four candidates vying to be Florida’s next Attorney General and yesterday, August 13, 2014, he filed an official complaint against the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office (SOE), Bill Cowles. Wohlsifer states that Cowles caused the SOE to conduct a straw poll on July 31, 2014 that did not include his name.

As a constitutional office, the SOE is obliged to be fair and impartial in their conduct; yet, it is clear the SOE was not in this case and, as Wohlsifer alleges, affect the outcome of the election. Often omissions are explained away that it is due to the primaries, however the Republican, Pam Bondi, does not face a primary and her name was included in the straw poll.

Bill Wohlsifer, candidate for Florida Attorney General

As Wohlsifer states in the complaint, “Although straw polls have been held by private organizations for some time to create an illusion of candidates being presumptively favored by voters prior to an official election, the use of taxpayer equipment and staff when qualified candidates are being discriminatorily excluded is both highly prejudicial and illegal.”

Wohlsifer has a prior Florida Attorney General opinion, as well as Florida Statute and case law to support his argument. In this case, Wohlsifer was materially damaged by the SOE’s excluding his name and lessens his chances of being taken seriously as a candidate for which he is and is as qualified, if not more qualified, than his opponents in the race.

 

Bill Wohlsifer for Attorney General 2014

Bill Wohlsifer’s Campaign Blog Atypical Voter’s Information Source by Cabinet Position Candidate

Florida Attorney General Candidate Bill Wohlsifer (LPF) has created a one stop site for voter’s to visit to get the most information about the upcoming elections. He has compiled an atypical amount of information and discussion topics for a politician running for a cabinet position. 

“We wanted to host a site where the voters can read about real issue stances and be informed of the discussions concerning the issues that are most important to the public,” campaign manager, Steve Edmonds was quoted as saying.

The blog can be visited at http://wohlsifer4ag.com/blog/