Normally a state Green Party chapter would be happy to have an extra $10,000 in the bank. The good folks in the Green Party of Florida are a bit concerned because that extra $10,000 came in the form of filing fees from five people unknown to the Florida Greens.
As noted in a comment on an earlier post, because of recent changes in state law put forward by the Republicans from that state, apparently anyone can run as a Green, even if the Green Party does not know them. Is that a problem? Maybe. Maybe not.
The candidates are Horacio Lemus IV, Sarah Roman, Aniana Robas, Kristina Wright and Anthony Joseph Mauro. I have left a message at what I think is Sarah Roman’s home, and what I think is her cell phone number, and sent her a message through what seems to be her page at the social networking site My Yearbook, but so far have gotten no reply.
While there is some concern that these folks may not be on the up-and-up, there is considerable sentiment that the Florida Greens will take things slow, and not jump to conclusions. Comments at Tampa Bay.com seem pretty firm in the conviction that there are Republican boogie men behind the whole thing, but we Greens would do well to remember that we have been accused of being Republican tools since the founding of the party. Other than speculation, there is no proof that they are Republicans playing fast and loose with democracy, and much of the speculation seems to be coming from Democrats.
Folks at the Hernando County Greens have attempted to reach Roman in person, but so far have not been able to connect. Roman was reportedly volunteering when a spokesperson for the Hernando Greens stopped by for a visit, but could not be found at the volunteer organization either, although others there did say that Roman is a volunteer. Again, not what you might like, for we all would like to see all our candidates available and willing to meet, but the law does not require it, so who knows?
The first notice I could find of Roman’s interest in the race was also at Tampa Bay.com and was published on June 20th. Since then both Tampa Bay.com and their local rival, Hernando Today have been trying to get more details, as have I. Interestingly enough, Ms. Roman seems to have been the recipient of a scholarship offered by the St. Petersburg Times She also has served as a “student ambassador” at Pasco-Hernando Community College. Details at the Florida Dept of State lists Roman’s address, but not her phone number.
Here are some related links.
Horacio Lemus at imeem, a music social network site
Horacio Lemus’ fraternity photo.