"THAT'S MY PREROGATIVE' bobby brown

I never thought I would use a Bobby Brown tune but the title fits perfectly for this post.

Tuesday night I attended the Lake County Tea Party ‘meet the candidates’ night held at Harvey High School. This was the first time I saw two police officers on duty at one of these events. Why… to control the crowd? My best guess would be the total in attendance was around 65 people, about 80% over the age of 60. One African- American, Ms. Arlene Becks. I know it was her, she waved at me.

Before the meeting started, Chuck Laughin, President of the local Tea Party, introduced himself to me. I have no idea if he knew who I am. I did seem to have a shadow last night. I would be flattered that anyone might think I pose a threat to any person or any particular movement, except that the notion is pretty silly.

I am starting to understand the Tea Party a little better. It really isn't all about whether you’re doing your job properly… Chuck even mentioned this to County Clerk of Courts Democrat Maureen G. Kelly. Clerk of Courts is a very apolitical position. Along with being somewhat interested in the fact that she lowered operating costs 25% with 20% fewer workers he seemed much more interested in her political philosophy. For instance, what she thought of Obamacare and what about using the U.N. to do this or that? To Mrs. Kelly's credit, she mentioned that her opinion on those subjects have nothing to do with the job she does as Clerk of Courts. I also give her credit for not telling them things she might think they want to hear just to get their vote. I agreed with her approach but they seemed disappointed that she would not answer questions regarding her personal political thoughts.

One question from the audience was ‘did she accept the Mexican Matricular Card as proof of identification?’ She hit the ball out of the park with her answer. "If State Law tells me to accept it I will, if they don't… I won't." I think that was the perfect answer. Her challenger, Emilee Teresczuk, seems to need a little more experience before attempting to do this job. Although, in her position of Clerk of Courts, she would be against Obamacare?

Now on to the position for Representative of the 60th district of Ohio. The position Councilperson Lori DiNallo is seeking against long time local politician Dan Troy (who did not attend).

Mrs. DiNallo explained to those present why she was running for this position. She says that the time for her to make this run is now. Mrs. DiNallo explained her credentials along with her work record and her husband’s work record. Mrs. DiNallo made a point of sending her three children to Harvey and to private Christian Colleges. She seems rather disappointed in the liberal ideas that they picked up while there. I was confused about how, as a state representative, she would change what a private college does. Now, if Mrs. DiNallo thought about it, the founder of the Christian religion had some very liberal ideas. So liberal that they crucified him.

They did not question her on her views of “collective bargaining" which one would think to be red meat for this bunch. She did mention the public sector has surpassed the private sector in wages and benefits and they must be brought back in line. She also mentioned that a change is needed in part because of teachers who triple their salary for doing the same job for 30 years.

She was asked a few other questions from the audience. "If the state gets more revenue due to the economy getting better and adding the revenue from state gambling… should the state increase money to cities and schools or lower state income tax? Her answer was to lower state income tax. O.K. …Mrs. DiNallo…you can count on me for whatever amount I save on state income tax I will divide between the city levy and the school levy.

Another question was ‘did she agree with Governor Kasich’s plan for education?’ Seems no one knew the answer, including me. When it was asked who in the audience asked the question. Republican GOP County leader Dale Fellows claimed it was his question.

Wonder if these Tea people get on a plane and ask the pilot which political philosophy he/she follows, thinking that will that guarantee them successful flight.

Look... the Tea Party and it leaders can use this method to decide on who to elect…after all, it’s their prerogative.

One final thought… the Tea Party has teamed up with the Romney campaign on finding the uncommitted voters in Lake County. They will have lists of voters in every precinct. Their plan is to canvass these people. If they knock on a door, the question will be ‘what do you think of President Obama's record as President?’ If the person seems satisfied, they will thank them and move on. If they find someone uncommitted to a candidate or leaning towards Romney, they will thank them, provide their names to the Romney campaign and the Romney folks will do the rest.

So if you do not want to be bothered, here are your options. Don’t answer your door or else tell them you think Obama is the best thing since sliced bread. Here the Tea Party is joining ranks with the person who started Romneycare in Massachusetts, left the state 47th in job creation, and how much in debt? What's your motto AGAIN?