Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Hypothetical question: It’s quarter to seven, and the polls are about to close. You have about ¼ of a tank of gas left in your car, and you are passing by your favorite fillin’ station on the last day of the gas tax holiday. Do you stop for gas? Or hurry on to your polling place? Anyone wanna bet what most people will do?

Josh has it right. Go friggin’ vote first – the gas station stays open later, and you’re only gonna save $.80. I got my sticker this morning. If you haven’t voted yet - make sure you get there and exercise your right.

The NFL has their own network, broadcast via satellite on DirecTV. A year ago, the Atlanta Falcons introduced a cable network: FalconVision. This week, one day after the Dallas Cowboys announced their own network, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers became the third NFL team with a cable network. The Bucs network plans to start broadcasting around training camp next year. The NFL network makes some sense for those that need their fix in the off-season. But do the individual teams really need this? Who will watch? What will they watch? Instead of rabbit ears, will you need Buccan-ears? I have no idea, but Population Statistic may have already found an advertiser.

At any rate, there’s been no schedule set yet, but I can imagine what the lineup may include. How about a reality show involving the cheerleaders and a dorm? Perhaps a how-to show based on successfully passing drug tests. They could have a hour-long show during the season, just running the endless string of Kenyatta Walker penalty highlights. If you have ideas for a show on the Buccanetwork, share them in the comments.

I missed this yesterday, but Josh did not – In a highly unusual development, The St. Pete Times withdrew it’s support of Mel Martinez, and is now backing Bill McCollum. Embarrassed by the nasty, attacking turn of Martinez’ campaign, they rescinded their endorsement. Hey Bushies - yeah, both of you - See? it’s ok to change your mind.

UPDATE: The St. Pete Times rescinded their endorsement of Martinez.

For the Republican US Senate primary, Sticks of Fire recommends Bill McCollum, as does the Tampa Tribune. The Times endorsed Mel Martinez Bill McCollum also. Others running include Johnny Byrd, Doug Gallagher, Larry Klayman, Billy Kogut, and Sonya March.

The Democrats will choose from Bernard Klein, Alex Penelas, Peter Deutsch and Betty Castor. I like Castor, who also has been endorsed by both the Times and the Tribune. Check out the BettyBlog.

In the wake of the recent Allain case (and others), accusations of impropriety, and being named in a couple suits, Jerry Regier has resigned. The Jeb!-appointed head of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) did absolutely nothing to improve the performance or reputation of the agency over the last 2 years. He should have been fired long ago.

District 9 includes parts of western Pasco, northern Pinellas, and northern and eastern Hillsborough counties. US representatives serve two-year terms and are paid $158,100 annually.

The incumbent is Michael Bilirakis. You may have heard of him before. He was first elected to Congress in 1982. He has no campaign website, but the House of Reps gives him one to use for free. A lawyer from Tarpon Springs, he serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, is chairman of the Health Subcommittee and vice chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee. He has railed before on career politicians, but now finds himself with over 20 years in service. He gets a lukewarm endorsement by the Times. The Tribune is a bit more sure of him.

His opponent is Joseph Stanley, a construction company owner who lives in Carrollwood. He graduated from Citrus High School in Citrus County. Stanley lays out his thoughts and opinions on the issues clearly in his website, and has some unpopular opinions, but does not seem afraid to think outside the box. At the very least he is one candidate that is not afraid to talk about these important issues. He refuses contributions from PAC’s and special interests, and promises to spend only 3 terms in congress . Stanley would prefer a nationwide consumption tax, but contends even a flat tax would be better than the current income tax system. He declares that Social Security needs to be addressed now, instead of being ignored.

Sticks of Fire doesn’t agree with Joe Stanley on all of his views, but he does have a handful of good ideas. Most notably regarding social security and the deficit, it is time for serious discussion. As his website says, so does Sticks: Just Vote Joe.

Hey! You work in Tampa Bay. Do you use America Online’s Instant Messenger at work? Well then, roughly one out of every four of you use it to find a new job. Tampa Bay has been awarded the “Job Jumper Award” for leading the nation in use of IM’s for job hunting while at work. Read all about it.

District 56: Both the Times and Tribune have endorsed Lisa DeVitto. Sticks of Fire suggests Trey Traviesa. Deven Wanda Carty, Frank Shannon, Tim Mimbs, and Chris Tompkins are also running.

District 60: Times says Karen Perez, Tribune and Sticks want you to consider Dave Penoyer.

District 62: Tribune tabs Richard Glorioso, Sticks sides with the Times in this district, and proposes Arlene Waldron. Josh Burgin is running too.