Tickets for Allen Boyd Town Hall Meeting

**MamaBear** · 08-24-2009, 06:35 AM

Congressman Allen will hold a Town Meeting at the Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City on Friday, August 28th, 5:30 p.m. at the Amelia Arts Center.

Tickets are necessary. 500 free tickets will be distributed Tuesday, August 25th, from 4-8 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Community College Student Union.

**Andy A** · 08-24-2009, 07:41 AM

Originally Posted by MamaBear

Congressman Allen will hold a Town Meeting at the Gulf Coast Community College in Panama City on Friday, August 28th, 5:30 p.m. at the Amelia Arts Center.

Tickets are necessary. 500 free tickets will be distributed Tuesday, August 25th, from 4-8 p.m. at the Gulf Coast Community College Student Union.

Well, this will cut out a lot of people. It is nice of the Congressman to recognize the fact that not all those interested in attending live in Panama City and won't be able to go for these "tickets" at the appointed time. This isn't representation I would vote for in the future.
I'll be calling his office this morning and if the information is different from that posted, I'll let everyone know. BTW, I have contacted his office many times during the break to find out what the procedure for the meeting would be and until today it has not been given to the public. Oh well....

**Smiling JOe** · 08-24-2009, 10:37 AM

As I said earlier, good luck at passing his screening. Now, instead of having a town hall open to the general public, Congressman Boyd has opted to sit on a panel and discuss only healthcare, and you must show up three days early to sit and wait in line to try and get a ticket.

As an FYI- this change of plan has not been on the news, but there is a Panama City radio talk show host who mentioned the tickets to the meeting, late last week. That panelists meeting was already scheduled, so Boyd just opted to skip the town hall meeting, since he didn't want to face his voters.

**beachmouse** · 08-24-2009, 11:06 AM

Considering that in order to get to previous health care town hall meetings, he's had to drive past constituents who have chosen to exercise their first ammendment rights by hanging him in effigy, I can understand him feeling a little bit skittish right now.

**Everytime** · 08-24-2009, 12:30 PM

I realize he's a Democrat, but I thought Boyd was opposed to the currently proposed plan. Why is there local hostility to his meetings?

**Smiling JOe** · 08-24-2009, 12:39 PM

because regardless of the letter beside his name, he is supposed to represent the people, as all politicians should. The opposition is also due to his lack of public access to the only meeting he will be hosting which is a panel discussion on only healthcare. He backed out of the town hall meeting he had planned.

**destintide** · 08-24-2009, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Everytime

I realize he's a Democrat, but I thought Boyd was opposed to the currently proposed plan. Why is there local hostility to his meetings?

the article below provides some insight as to where the hostility is brewing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/op...h.html?_r=1&em

I am all for free speech but we should always maintain civility and strive to be constructive rather than destructive.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-24-2009, 12:49 PM

I am all for free speech but we should always maintain civility and strive to be constructive rather than destructive.

Tell that to Congress.

**Andy A** · 08-24-2009, 12:51 PM

Originally Posted by Everytime

I realize he's a Democrat, but I thought Boyd was opposed to the currently proposed plan. Why is there local hostility to his meetings?

I don't understand what you are saying about "hostility". The meetings during the recess should be to discuss all aspects of what is brewing in Congress not just healthcare.
Allen Boyd would not even state his position on Cap and Trade and then voted for it. I would like to know his reasoning for voting for such a bill. I wanted an "open meeting" as a constituent, to possibly be able to ask a question. I also wanted to issue a challenge to Representative Boyd regarding term limits. I would like to challenge him to introduce such legislation, and no, I'm not so stupid as to think it would really go anywhere or be introduced. It is just another item that is badly in need of implementation in our society.
BTW, I have called Boyd's office this morning regarding the meeting, tickets and the format. The answering machine said my call would be returned. I am still waiting and will let all know when it is received.

**Everytime** · 08-24-2009, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

I don't understand what you are saying about "hostility".

The anti-Boyd hostility I was referencing was to beachmouse's claim that protesters were hanging him in effigy.

Please note that I agree with you (and disagree with Rep. Boyd) on Cap and Trade; that being said, I had been optimistic about him and some of the Blue Dogs in the face of the health care legislation (which I also oppose), and I was hoping that the effigists and such wouldn't threaten to fracture that potential alliance.

I also agree with you and Smiling JOe about public access to the event.

**lerxst** · 08-24-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by destintide

the article below provides some insight as to where the hostility is brewing.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/op...h.html?_r=1&em

I am all for free speech but we should always maintain civility and strive to be constructive rather than destructive.

Articles like that make the atmosphere worse.

**Bob Wells** · 08-24-2009, 03:46 PM

I am all for free speech but we should always maintain civility and strive to be constructive rather than destructive.

INDEED, Thanks

**SWGB** · 08-24-2009, 04:51 PM

Just because a group is highly vocal does not make it a majority either real or representative.

**supercollider** · 08-24-2009, 04:56 PM

Originally Posted by Everytime

I realize he's a Democrat, but I thought Boyd was opposed to the currently proposed plan. Why is there local hostility to his meetings?

For me personally, this man voted for the stimulus without reading the bill, and he voted for the Cap and Trade (aka: Cap and Tax) bill, and then had the nerve to put a commercial on local television bragging about his support of the bill.

Representative Boyd, (the word "representative" should be in quotation marks) has consistently demonstrated a desire to vote the party line instead of the will of the people he represents.

When contacting his office, his staff is curt and often rude and condescending.

I will support ANYONE who runs against him in 2010.

... but that's just me...

**Andy A** · 08-24-2009, 06:30 PM

It is now 6:30 PM and I'm still waiting for that call. Maybe tomorrow.

**Andy A** · 08-25-2009, 09:32 AM

It is 9:30 AM and I'm still waiting on that "return call". Guess I'll call and ask them if I can pick up a ticket for my wife as they say only one ticket per person.

**Andy A** · 08-25-2009, 09:41 AM

I realize most evidently don't care, but I called Allen Boyd's Panama City office again. I got the same result and message. He and his staff do rather a poor job communicating with constituents, IMO. What else is new?

**Smiling JOe** · 08-25-2009, 09:47 AM

just show up for the town hall meeting in the parking lot of GCCC on Friday, at 645pm. Apparently, the meeting will go on, even if Congressman Boyd's chair is empty. He will still have to walk through the mass of people when he leaves the other panelists "discussion" on health care.

**MamaBear** · 08-25-2009, 10:06 AM

"Four incumbents lost in primaries last year and several others came close or were held to 50 percent or lower, so blood is in the water. But some of the most serious primary challenges to emerge so far have actually come against members who haven't exactly been primary-prone - people like Kanjorski and Reps. Allen Boyd (D-Fla.) and Sander Levin (D-Mich.)."

Lots of complainers but few people willing to step up to the plate, run a campaign, get elected, and try to please thousands of diverse, opinionated, unhappy, angry people. (Boyd probably thought that voting against the stimulus package would earn him a few points!)

With all the smart and socially committed people in South Walton . . . .anyone willing to sign up?

**SWGB** · 08-25-2009, 02:35 PM

Just a reminder that GCCC campus is a gun free zone regardless of carry permit.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-25-2009, 02:47 PM

MamaBear,
Eddie Hendry is running against Boyd.

(Eddie Hendry for Congress 2010 | Republican for Congress | Florida Congressional District 2)
WELCOME

I am Eddie Hendry, and I was born in Taylor County in 1959 and have lived the majority of my life in North Florida. My family has lived and worked in North Florida for several generations. I am a graduate of The Citadel, was a commissioned officer (Captain) in the United States Army, and currently work as a diabetes specialty sales representative for Sanofi-Aventis pharmaceuticals. I have been married to my wife Angela for 20 years and we have two children, Courtney (19) and Grant (15).
After several years of watching our federal government waste taxpayer dollars, serve special interests instead of the American citizen, and abuse the Constitution, I've decided to seek election to the U. S. House of Representatives Florida District 2. I'm very concerned, as I'm sure you are, about the future of this country. The impact of the policies of the government over the next few years will shape our future generations.
There are some very real solutions to the issues we currently face. However, the politicians in Washington continue to cater to the agenda of special interests and political action committees instead of representing the citizens who elected them. As your voice in Washington I will protect your tax dollars, protect and promote moral and ethical values, serve with unconditional integrity, and adhere to the principles of our founding fathers.
I will fight for a fair and honest tax structure, protect 2nd Amendment rights, reduce spending and balance the federal budget, and keep our borders secure. This is still the greatest place to live in the world and with your help we can put this country back on the right track. We should enable everyone to have a fair chance at the American dream.

Sincerely,

Eddie Hendry

**MamaBear** · 08-25-2009, 03:13 PM

Yes, candidates have declared from both parties. But, I would love to see more new AND younger faces.

"State Senate Minority Leader Al Lawson (D) confirmed to Florida newspapers in February that he intends to challenge Rep. Allen Boyd (D) in the 2010 Democratic primary.
Lawson � who was elected to the state Senate in 2000 by beating Boyd�s cousin � is being forced to retire in 2010 because of term limits. He told the Tallahassee Democrat that �there needs to be a fresh approach� in the 2nd district and that Boyd has forgotten about his constituents back home. He specifically chided Boyd for voting for the financial industry rescue bill last year."

**scooterbug44** · 08-25-2009, 05:01 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

I realize most evidently don't care, but I called Allen Boyd's Panama City office again. I got the same result and message. He and his staff do rather a poor job communicating with constituents, IMO. What else is new?

I care - nice to know they ignore vets the same as Scooterbugs!

**SWGB** · 08-25-2009, 05:48 PM

I got my tickets, anybody else?

**Andy A** · 08-25-2009, 06:32 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I got my tickets, anybody else?

First of all, I am glad you got your tickets. I didn't. There was no way I could go to Panama Cily today as the day was consumed by doctor's appointments and chemotheraphy for my wife's cancer. This was suppose to be an open forum for constituents of Congressman Boyd. What a joke! I, for one, am furious, regarding the method that this discourse with constituents has taken. If this is representative of the communication that will be normal between the citizenry and our elected Representatives, God, or whatever you believe in, help us. Mr Hendrey, you already have my vote. BTW, I'm still awaiting that return call.

**Douglas the Intrepid** · 08-25-2009, 06:54 PM

Originally Posted by Andy A.

First of all, I am glad you got your tickets. I didn't. There was no way I could go to Panama Cily today as the day was consumed by doctor's appointments and chemotheraphy for my wife's cancer. This was suppose to be an open forum for constituents of Congressman Boyd. What a joke! I, for one, am furious, regarding the method that this discourse with constituents has taken. If this is representative of the communication that will be normal between the citizenry and our elected Representatives, God, or whatever you believe in, help us. Mr Hendrey, you already have my vote. BTW, I'm still awaiting that return call.

Thats lousy Andy. I hope they contact you and you and your wife get in somehow!

**seanote** · 08-25-2009, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by SWGB

I got my tickets, anybody else?

I'm glad you got a ticket and please report back. I wasn't aware that tickets were needed until I just read this thread. I had called his office earlier in the month and it wan't mentioned. I'll call again tomorrow.

I hope it doesn't turn into a circus.

**SWGB** · 08-25-2009, 11:19 PM

This isn't directed at only Andy A. so I'm not quoting him.

The reason for tickets boils down to physics! The initial panel is being held in an auditorium that has a fire code maximum occupancy of around 600. After the speakers, panel members, tech staff, and press are in that leaves about 500 seats. If this were held outside in a stadium on an August day people would be screaming to high heaven that the poor old people would sweat.

The actual town hall style meeting will be held outside after the forum in the, again, seating restricted auditorium. Since it is outside there is no limit to the number of people showing up.

The tickets are also attached to a small piece of paper reminding everyone what isn't allowed:

(Yes, some of these things had to be listed)
- Alcohol or illegal drugs
- Weapons or explosives
- Umbrellas
- Food or beverage
- Coolers or container, including cans, cups, and bottles
- Bags larger than 12" x 12" x 12"
- Backpacks
- Artificial noisemakers (whistles, bells, air horns, etc.)
- Sticks, poles, flags, or signs
- Laser pointers
- Laptops
- Pets (except special service animals)
- Strollers
- Skateboards
- Beach balls or other airborne objects

Additional items may be prohibited at the discretion of the law enforcement officials.

There are no provisions to check/store prohibited items at the door!

**SWGB** · 08-25-2009, 11:23 PM

I just turned over the ticket and realized that it is sponsored by The Palms Conference Center & Sleep Inn and Suites of Panama City Beach.

Panama City Beach Florida Event Planning and Meeting Space

I got ticket number 397 and I was there at 4:15pm.

**Andy A** · 08-26-2009, 10:05 AM

Well, I said that I would post once my call was returned from Congressman Boyd's office and a short time ago it was.
I spoke at length with Jill Small from Congressman Boyd's office about the ticket issue and left my question for the Congressman.
Here is the kicker. It seems Boyd's office was unaware of the fact tickets would be issued until late last week. Bobby Roberts, a Democrat Party big wig and a Republican whose name I didn't get, were the ones responsible for the idea of tickets. BTW, SWGB, she said nothing about the town hall meeting being held outside though she did say Congressman Boyd would take questions after the panel discussion. All in all, it sounds like a circus to me but that is only one man's opinion.
I should add that Jill was extremely courteous and understanding in her response to my points. It was a good discussion and I am appreciative of the attitude and kindness shown by Congressman Boyd's representative.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-26-2009, 10:45 AM

It is true that tickets weren't announced until last week, and it is likely that if Boyd had continued with the town hall event, 500 ppl might not have shown up for the health care panelists discussion.

By the way, tickets are not needed in order to limit the number of people entering the auditorium. All they have to do is use counters and stop entry after reaching maximum capacity.

In my opinion, if this many people are showing up for this event, and even more who would like to attend, perhaps Congressman Boyd should consider having a few days in a row of these talks, or perhaps have the town hall meetings in other parts of his region, such as Walton County and Okaloosa County. If he really cared about the opinions of the public, which he doesn't appear to, he would find venues that would allow such. If nothing else, why not video tape a couple of smaller venues of questions and response, and upload to his website. I'm sure that most people will have similar questions they want answered. He really could use this to his advantage.

**GoodWitch58** · 08-26-2009, 10:51 AM

FYI:

Community Health Care Reform Forum

Event Date: 8/28/2009
Event Time: 5:30 - 7:30 PM (doors open at 5:00 PM)
Description: Participants in the Community Forum are: Congressman Allen Boyd; Steve Johnson, CEO Bay Medical Hospital; Brian Baumgardner, CEO Gulf Coast Medical Center; Dr. Neal Dunn; and a representative from the Florida Medical Association.

Moderators: Jerry Brown (WMBB-TV 13) and Tom Lewis (WJHG-TV 7)

Free tickets for this event will be distributed at the GCCC Student Union Breezeway from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 25 (one ticket per person).

For more information, contact Jim Barr at (850) 769-1551, extension 3513.

Location: Amelia G. Tapper Center for the Arts

FWIW, this is apparently a Community Forum, not a regular Town Hall meeting typically organized by the Congressman.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

**Smiling JOe** · 08-26-2009, 11:11 AM

update,
Jerry Brown was asked to step down as moderator ( I think due to his push for the story from his viewers, to learn why Allen Boyd is unresponsive and has backed out of the town hall meeting.)

**surfrider** · 08-26-2009, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Everytime

I realize he's a Democrat, but I thought Boyd was opposed to the currently proposed plan. Why is there local hostility to his meetings?

I guess you haven't paid attention to his positions, and votes, on Cap and Trade and the stimulus. A Democrat is a Democrat!

**GoodWitch58** · 08-26-2009, 07:50 PM

well apparently the entire event is canceled--according to Ch 7 News. It will be rescheduled as a "regular" town meeting with questions; and those who stood in line for the 500 tickets will get a seat. No venue selected yet

**Smiling JOe** · 08-26-2009, 09:44 PM

There was a news tease on ch 13 just a moment ago with more to follow at 10pm, but Jerry Brown announced that Allen Boyd was not coming to the meeting at all. He didn't announce that the entire panelist meeting had been indefinitely postponed.

**Jdarg** · 08-26-2009, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

update,
Jerry Brown was asked to step down as moderator ( I think due to his push for the story from his viewers, to learn why Allen Boyd is unresponsive and has backed out of the town hall meeting.)

Jerry Brown stepped down as moderator last night, before the meeting was cancelled. We saw it on last night's newscast.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-26-2009, 09:53 PM

jdarg, that is correct. Jerry Brown was asked to step down as moderator and he did, before the event was canceled. I posted that this morning. Meeting has just been announced as being cancelled.

**Jdarg** · 08-26-2009, 09:57 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

jdarg, that is correct. Jerry Brown was asked to step down as moderator and he did, before the event was canceled. I posted that this morning. Meeting has just been announced as being cancelled.

He and his station made the decision to pull out due to viewer outrage and letters to the station about his presence there. That is how he reported it last night- did he change his story? You are making it sound like Boyd's people asked him to step down, which is not the case as reported.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-26-2009, 10:04 PM

Didn't mean to insinuate that Boyd's people had anything to do with it. He announced that since his viewers were wanting him to run a story of why Boyd was failing to show up at the town hall meeting, that all involved thought it best that he not be a moderator, as he was pressing on one side of the story.

**Jdarg** · 08-26-2009, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Didn't mean to insinuate that Boyd's people had anything to do with it. He announced that since his viewers were wanting him to run a story of why Boyd was failing to show up at the town hall meeting, that all involved thought it best that he not be a moderator, as he was pressing on one side of the story.

What a pansy. He pulled out last night, announced it on the news last night and this morning, and is now using the reason of Boyd cancelling as the reason the viewers wanting him to pull out? Give me a break. The station pulled a bias (and cowardly) move yesterday, period. Bdarg and I replayed his little announcement 3 times last night, pointing, laughing and shaking our heads. Ridiculous.

**SWGB** · 08-27-2009, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by surfrider

I guess you haven't paid attention to his positions, and votes, on Cap and Trade and the stimulus. A Democrat is a Democrat!

I'm betting this is one of the reasons that they canceled it. It seems that most people can't focus on the theme of the town hall meeting and want to drag up anything they don't like.

**GoodWitch58** · 08-27-2009, 06:13 AM

I think you are probably right. Last time he was at GCCC for a community meeting, was the time he was "hanged ".

I think it is pretty obvious there is an element of the citizenry who just want to disrupt every meeting...for the sake of disruption. It is too bad for the rest of the people who are sincerely trying to get and give information.

IMO It is particularly sad for the elderly people who are frightened to death -- I watched Tuesday afternoon as many elderly waited in line for a long time to get a ticket.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-27-2009, 07:27 AM

Originally Posted by jdarg

What a pansy. He pulled out last night, announced it on the news last night and this morning, and is now using the reason of Boyd canceling as the reason the viewers wanting him to pull out? Give me a break. The station pulled a bias (and cowardly) move yesterday, period. Bdarg and I replayed his little announcement 3 times last night, pointing, laughing and shaking our heads. Ridiculous.

Jdarg, I think you are missing the other meeting. Boyd had originally planned a town hall meeting, a separate meeting than this panelist meeting on health care which was canceled yesterday. Last Friday, he decided to cancel the town hall meeting which was also going to be held at the GCCC. The news guy, Jerry Brown, who was going to moderate this panelist meeting on Health Care, at the urging of some of his viewers (for his "On Your Side" story), wanted him to do a story on why Boyd cancelled his town hall meeting. Because of Jerry Brown's quest for a story on Boyd cancelling the town hall meeting, he was asked to not moderate the panelist meeting on healthcare, and he agreed that he would have a bias, and stepped down as moderator Tuesday night. Then, yesterday, after that, the panelist meeting on health care was announced that it was canceled.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-27-2009, 07:32 AM

I'm curious to know what is the theme of a town hall meeting. I thought it was open forum on all subjects. ???

The health care panelist meeting which was also planned had a "theme," but the town hall meeting had no announced theme to my knowledged.

I'm still not sure I understand this panelist meeting on health care. Is it still on and Boyd just not going to attend (that is what I am hearing on the news this morning), or is the meeting canceled?

**Jdarg** · 08-27-2009, 07:35 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Jdarg, I think you are missing the other meeting. Boyd had originally planned a town hall meeting, a separate meeting than this panelist meeting on health care which was canceled yesterday. Last Friday, he decided to cancel the town hall meeting which was also going to be held at the GCCC. The news guy, Jerry Brown, who was going to moderate this panelist meeting on Health Care, at the urging of some of his viewers (for his "On Your Side" story), wanted him to do a story on why Boyd cancelled his town hall meeting. Because of Jerry Brown's quest for a story on Boyd cancelling the town hall meeting, he was asked to not moderate the panelist meeting on healthcare, and he agreed that he would have a bias, and stepped down as moderator Tuesday night. Then, yesterday, after that, the panelist meeting on health care was announced that it was canceled.

Just know what we saw and heard him say on 2 newscasts.

I think Goodwitch is right on the money- these town hall meetings have become very unproductive.

**GoodWitch58** · 08-27-2009, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

dged.

I'm still not sure I understand this panelist meeting on health care. Is it still on and Boyd just not going to attend (that is what I am hearing on the news this morning), or is the meeting canceled?

Ch 7 News last night interviewed the person who had put the Panel together; he said he was very disappointed that it was canceled as they had worked hard for three months on it.
I will check when I get to campus this morning and post if I find out anything different.

**Smiling JOe** · 08-27-2009, 07:57 AM

Boyd's website shows the event still being held and that he is attending, but I guess he hasn't had staffers make any adjustments yet.

This morning's news is saying that Boyd will still be in town on Friday, but that he isn't attending this meeting. They report that Boyd said that the audience wasn't big enough and that he wanted a larger forum (I guess to include the expected 1000 hell-raisers who couldn't get tickets to the limited seats in the forum). What happened to the good ole days? I remember going to listed to Boyd to a packed room of maybe 25 ppl at the SoWal fire station on 393.

**GoodWitch58** · 08-27-2009, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Smiling JOe

Boyd's website shows the event still being held and that he is attending, but I guess he hasn't had staffers make any adjustments yet.

This morning's news is saying that Boyd will still be in town on Friday, but that he isn't attending this meeting. They report that Boyd said that the audience wasn't big enough and that he wanted a larger forum (I guess to include the expected 1000 hell-raisers who couldn't get tickets to the limited seats in the forum). What happened to the good ole days? I remember going to listed to Boyd to a packed room of maybe 25 ppl at the SoWal fire station on 393.

according to the GCCC contact person in a note to the college president; they were meeting yesterday about the Panel and Cong. Boyd called to say he would not attend.
Word here is that the "protest" group has requested the use of the parking lot for their "meeting" anyway and as of this moment, the College is allowing them to use the space.