<font face="Verdana">Hello  -

This marks the first of what I intend to be a weekly update on the campaign. I apologize for not having been in contact much recently.  The campaign is an all-day, every-day effort and petition gathering is the priority at the moment.

First, I'd like to proudly announce that the Florida AFL-CIO, the Central Labor Council, the Florida Education Association and the Pinellas Classroom Teachers Association -- Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association have endorsed me.

Secondly, I'm glad to announce we're well on our way to getting enough petitions to qualify for the November ballot, but I need your help if you live near the district to come out and help this Saturday.  We at the campaign are forming several teams to gather petitions at the local libraries in district 48.  Palm Harbor Library and Tarpon Springs Library are to be focused on but we may also include East Lake and Oldsmar libraries as well.

I'd also like to have a couple of teams cover different neighborhoods. If you can help by being  a team member or by forming a team to cover a neighborhood, please email my webmaster John Fontana  who is helping coordinate things. 

For those who haven't, please take the time to visit and read over my website. There are several issues I've covered in-depth and will be adding more in the near future. My campaign is currently focusing on the five issues I feel are most pressing to Floridians at current: education, 
  homeowners insurance, affordable housing, health care and property taxes.  I have solid ideas to successfully fix all five.

Of course there are many other issues that are important, yet we all need to beware of the wedge-issue diversions the Republicans will try to put forth.  Immigration is shaping up as such, but it's taken on a life of it's own beyond the GOP's political control.  We cannot afford to let the voters have their focus taken off key issues such as the five I listed.

I'm hoping to have another fund raiser during the month of June at the Round Up in Oldsmar.  If anyone would like to organize a candidate house party or other social get-together in their home, please let me know and we will work together to set one up. 

I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that you can donate securely online to my campaign. No contribution is too small and every little bit helps.</font>

If you happen to be a MyDD reader in the Tampa Bay area and can help out -- please contact the above listed email address or fill out Carl's Volunteer form.