Leon County Tea Party announces forums and debates for upcoming primary

LCTP president Bill Lyle presided at Monday’s Tea Party at Hilltop Lakes. Sherry’s Shots The Tonkawa Room at Hilltop Lakes was filled with Leon County Tea Party patriots who were hoping to hear Anne Mezone inspire and motivate them on Monday, February 01, 2010. Unfortunately, Ms. Mezone failed to appear so LCTP president Bill Lyle took up the slack.

Lyle announced three upcoming events which will allow citizens of Leon County to hear and evaluate candidates in the upcoming primary.

On 2-15-10 Leon County Republican Party will host an affair at Dona Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant in Jewett. The meeting will focus on the Leon County contested races but there will possibly be some District and State candidates as well. This will not be a debate but will be a forum setting where each contender will be allowed three minutes to speak. The cost will be $15.00 per person or two for $25.00. To be a sponsor the cost is $100.00.

The LCTP in conjunction with Madison and Houston Counties Tea Party will host a debate on 2-17-10 at the Jewett Civic Center in Jewett. This will feature Steve Ogden and Ben Bius, both of whom are running for State Senator, District 5. Representatives from Rick Perry’s and Debra Medina’s offices have committed to attend and other contestants will be highlighted as well. The debate will begin at 7:00 p.m. but the doors may be open earlier to give the candidates an opportunity to meet the people. The time will be announced at a later date.

Hilltop Lakes Property Owners Association will host a “Meet the Candidates” event at Hilltop Lakes on Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. This will include all District and County candidates and will be a forum format allowing each contender to speak for three minutes.

In the absence of the primary speaker Lyle asked the group if anyone would like to share their thoughts. Brian Welch, who lives between Buffalo and Centerville, encouraged members to attend a Tea Party Protest scheduled for August 28th in Washington D.C. Welch said he had attended two such events and believed them to be very effective.

There were several County and District candidates scattered throughout the room but none were on the program or volunteered to speak.

Lyle proclaimed the need for the group to elect a Nominating Committee to suggest officers for the upcoming year. A committee was formed and the group held its first meeting following Monday night’s assembly.