Bully!

Amendment 1 The Constitution of the United States of America

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Everyone should read an article published in the Tuesday, October 23, 2007 edition regarding events in the 2nd Ward City Commission race.

Kevin Novellino owner of Brooklyn Boyz Pizza has re-enter the race. Mr. Novellino withdrew from the race after being, "bullied" by 7th Ward Commissioner Marie T. Kurzer. Seems the Commissioner had not liked the fact that Mr. Novellino had posted in his business a campaign poster for his candidate of choice in our Mayor's race. (Interesting to note what the Times failed to report, the fact that this Commissioner is actively supporting the other candidate in this race and the fact the Bay County Democratic Party has endorsed this candidate.) So, Ms. Kurzer as a "friend" and "fellow business owner" offered him some "advice". Remove the sign or there will be a "boycott" of your business. With a friend like that who needs an enemy!

Mr. Novellino, not only removed the campaign sign but also got out of the race. However, the boycott remained in place and now Mr. Novellino has had to take a second job to make ends met. (Likely a third when he gets hit with Jenny's tax increases) Of course, this is nothing new in the world of Bay County Democratic politics. How many of us will not put a Republican sign in our yard, fail to go to a GOP fundraiser because we don't want our name on the list, or not take part in local elections because we are afraid of the impact on our businesses and families. We could all learn a valuable lesson from Mr. Novellino, the only way to deal with a bully is to stand up to them!

I would like to applaud Mr. Novellino's courage in exercising his first amendment rights and to bringing the light of day the tactics used by the Bay County Democratic Party to suppress these rights. Of course, I'm sure the ACLU will be filing a suit on behalf of Mr. Novellino because of the assault on his freedom of speech by an elected official sworn to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. It will also be very warm in a tropical location when this happens.

So, the next time your on Midland street stop in at Brooklyn Boyz Pizza and have a slice or a whole pie, and tell them the Bay County Republican Party sent you.

Cut Taxes! Not Freedom!

Matthew Lance
Chair
Bay County Republican Party

PS: This is not an endorsement in the 2nd ward race. John Augilar owner of Bailey's Bar and Grill and the Academy Center is also running. May the best man win!