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.
Replies
57Beach Lover
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
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!
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
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.
Panama City Beach Florida Event Planning and Meeting Space
I got ticket number 397 and I was there at 4:15pm.
Beach Fanatic
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.
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.
Edited
SoWal Expert
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.
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.
Beach Fanatic
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SoWal Expert
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 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.)
Beach Crab
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!
Beach Fanatic
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
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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
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.
Beach Fanatic
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.
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
SoWal Expert
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?
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?
SoWal Expert
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.
Beach Fanatic
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.
SoWal Expert
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.
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.
Beach Fanatic
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.
Beach Fanatic
I feel really cofused right now. Can you use smaller words?
Is there still a meeting tomorrow?
Will Congressman Boyd be there?
Is there still a meeting tomorrow?
Will Congressman Boyd be there?
SoWal Expert
Just Curious, you need to think like a politician to know if there is a meeting tomorrow. I really have no clue. I know there will be a "gathering" of angry folks in the parking lot of GCCC, and they are trying to get a sponsor to provide hotdogs for 1000 ppl. There will not be a loudspeaker/p.a. system, but they will take questions and email them to Congressman Boyd. GCCC has stated that they will provide security for Congressman Boyd, if he chooses to attend.
IMO, a crafty politician would show up for the event he planned, and get out a legal note pad and pen and open by saying, "I know there are many unknown answers and many questions about this 1000 page bill on Health Care. There is no way I will know all the answers you may have, but I would like to make a list of your questions so that I can further research this for you, and so that I can make an informed decision when I go to vote on this bill. Can you imagine having to read a 1000 page bill written by a bunch of lawyers and actually feel like you know what you are reading? I will have my legal staff investigate these questions for us all. Now who would like to begin?"
Instead, Boyd is taking the duck and roll approach to dealing with the people he is supposed to represent.
IMO, a crafty politician would show up for the event he planned, and get out a legal note pad and pen and open by saying, "I know there are many unknown answers and many questions about this 1000 page bill on Health Care. There is no way I will know all the answers you may have, but I would like to make a list of your questions so that I can further research this for you, and so that I can make an informed decision when I go to vote on this bill. Can you imagine having to read a 1000 page bill written by a bunch of lawyers and actually feel like you know what you are reading? I will have my legal staff investigate these questions for us all. Now who would like to begin?"
Instead, Boyd is taking the duck and roll approach to dealing with the people he is supposed to represent.
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