Last Stand members and guests attending the January 24 annual meeting were treated to a great keynote speech by author, professor and NPR & BBC correspondent Diane Roberts.  Her talk was a colorful look at “How Florida Hopes to Atone for the Massive Screw-up of 2000”.  For the uninitiated, Diane gave her humorous impression of the media feeding frenzy in Tallahassee following the presidential vote in 2000 that introduced the term “hanging chad” into popular dialogue. After 2000 there was a new dawn for Florida elections with the introduction of touch-screen voting machines, until it was discovered that a spider monkey with a bobby pin could hack them.

Diane went on to opine that things were looking up as the new Secretary of State was not known to be a sleazeball or a jerk. But there is still a long way to go for progressive voter reform. She lamented the injustice generally in the south where older poor people who don’t have the proper paperwork are prevented from voting. Although it is difficult for people in the north to understand, many folks in New Orleans and in Florida don’t own or drive cars, don’t have driver’s licenses or the paperwork necessary to obtain one.

As to Monroe County, she advised that the real power lies with the South Florida Water Management District, not in Tallahassee, as they control the water. She was complimentary of SFWMD Commissioner Shannon Estenoz, who is fighting the fight for the environment. 

Al Sullivan, President, poses with keynote speaker Diane Roberts

Diane strongly advised Last Stand to keep doing what we are doing, but most importantly an informed electorate must elect responsible officials who listen to their constituents.

In the business portion of the meeting, two new members were elected to the board of directors: Tom Milone and David Lybrand. Margaret Domanski gave an optimistic Treasurer’s report, thanking major contributors and funding by the Rodel Foundation and the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys. She also noted the broad support of members for annual contributions as well as their response to the legal fund appeal.

The highlight of the award presentations was Mick Putney's recognizing Sylvia Murphy, Monroe County Commissioner, as the 2007 Best Elected Official. Mick seemed to anticipate Diane’s address by noting that Sylvia does listen to her constituents, does her homework on issues in advance and tries to come to a decision that is fair to all sides.

The Outstanding Citizen Activist award was presented to Arnaud and Naja Girard d’Albissin by George Halloran. George cited Arnaud's and Naja's persistent behind-the-scenes efforts to make sure all parties had the facts and information needed to understand the alternatives available when developers proposed annexation of Christmas Tree Island.

A Green Keys Award was given to Sherry and Bruce Popham for their wonderful example of how it is possible to run an environmentally friendly boatyard.  The Popham's own and run Marathon Boat Yard, which has been recognized as a "clean and green" marina..

Rosi Ware was also recognized as an outstanding board member, whose brilliant leadership in planning and executing educational and fundraising events is greatly appreciated by all Last Stand members.