Sweeping elections-law overhaul clears conunittee OB-TA IE LAKE CITY REPORTER LOCAL & STATE SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2011 Page Editor: C.J. Risak, 754-0427 "It may not be the way you want to do business," Labasky said. He also questioned the need for a personal fine for late reports. "Accountability always hurts," Bailey told reporters later about the ~fine provision. "If there's no penalty, things don't get done." Sancho told the committee that the bil's proposals disturbed him. He was in office and became nationally known during the con- tested 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. "Not allowing people to do , simple address changes at the polling place is min'dboggling," Sancho said. That one change will increase "by seven-fold" the use of provisional ballots, tax- ing already-stressed workers because all those ballots must be verified quickly after election day, he said. Sancho added that the possibil- ity of voter fraud is already low since poll workers check voters against a statewide database to ensure they're not trying to vote more than once. "~We've got it right," he said. "Don't destroy the process we have now." Ben Wilcox, spokesman for the League of Women Voters, which runs voter-registration drives, said the 48-hour requirement for handing in completed registra- tion forms would be onerous for groups like his. "In a year when you're looking to deregulate most areas of state government, why are you adding burdensome and costly regula- tions?" Wilcox asked the panel. Though the subcommittee cleared the. bill, some lawmak- ers asked Baxley for changes such as shortening early voting to one week but expanding voting hours, and clarifying the 100-foot rule. Poll i~vorkers, who will have to, enforce that rule, may favor one side over another, said state Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens. As the 100-foot limit shifts with the length of voters' lines, "I think we're going to find not only harass- ment, but lights and other disrup- tions at the polls," she said. The bill, HB 1355, next will be taken up.by the House State Affairs committee. Supervisor of Elections, said the changes are meddlesome and unneeded. "This is just partisan shenani- gans raising its head again," said Sancho, orie of the three Florida county elections supervisors - out of 67 who are not party- affiliated. The issue of "clean elections" has been used in recent years as a political wedge. Conservatives complained that supposedly left- leaning voter-registration groups were jamming the rolls with ineligible voters. Progressives responded that conservatives wanted to discourage registration and -depress turnout. Among the more notable pro- posed changes, the bill: Requires the Secretary of State, the state's chief election officer, to provide "direction and opinions" to the county elections supervisors. Requires voter-registration groups, such as the League of Women Voters,- to register with the state, file regular' reports and turn in completed voter-registra- tion forms within 48 hours. Allows elections officials to remove deceased voters from the rolls immediately, instead of wait- ing seven days. -- Creates a $50-a-day fine for elections supervisors, to be paid out of their own pockets, if they are late turning in voter history and other reports to the state. -- Forces voters to use provi- sional ballots instead of regular ballots if they want to update their name or address in voting records at the polling place. Allows groups to run opinion polls for people who are consider- ing running for office without having to later count those polls as campaign contributions. Prohibits approaching any voter waiting in line and giving voting advice, even if the voter is more than 100 feet from the entrance of the polling place. Ron Labasky, lawyer for the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections, said his group was concerned about the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the governor, telling elected county elections supervi- sors how t~o interpret laws or run their offices especially if that governor is on the ballot. JAMIES L. ROSICA Associated Press TALIAHASSEE Over the objections of county elections supervisors and public-interest groups, a bill that would make numerous changes to Florida's elections law cleared~ a House subcommittee on Friday. The Government Operations Subcommittee voted up the bill on Friday by a parly-line tally of 9-4. Its sponsor, state Rep. Dennis Bailey, R-Ocala, said the changes will get the state's Elections Code in "ship-shape" for the next elec- tion cycle and the redrawing of congressional and legislative dis- trict lines. "'This bill preserves and pro- tects the political process," Baxley told the subcommittee. . The bill started as a 14-page document and grew to 128 pages .by Friday. "It's a massive undertaking, but this will get us in good posi- tion to conduct wholesome elec- tions so we'll know every vote counts," he said. ' But critics~ such as lon Sancho, Leon County's six-term HTo submit your Community Calendar item, contact Antonia Robinson at 754-0425 or by e-mail at arobinson @ lakecityreporter.com. North Florida is sponsor- ing a pamnt-out a9 a.m. to noon April 9 At the Alligator Lake Spning Festival There is an entry fee of $5 to enter the judged contest for four cash prizes to be present- ed at 12:30 PM. Work must be produced during the contest hours in order to be eligible. There will be art for exhibit and for sale by the exhibiting artists. A contribution from the artl contest will go to support the Audubon Society. For additional information call 697-4622 or 758 7853. The Columbia County Toxic Waste Roundup is - 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 9 at the Columbia County Fairgrounds. Safely dis- pose of household hazard- ous wastes such as old paint, used oil, pesticides, insecticides and more. Free for residents and a small charge for busi- nesses. Call Bill Lycan at' 386-752-6050. Bowling fundraiser The 4 Pets Sake bowl- ing fundraiser is 1:30 p.m. April 9 at Lake City Bowl: Registration is 1 pS.m. Prizes are for men and women; there will be a door prize and a 50-50. The cost is $10 per person for two series. Call 386-935- 0975 or e-mail fourpets- sakel@winadstream.net. Ester Bunny Arival Belk~ Kids Fest The Easter Bunny arrives at 11 a.m. April 9 at Lake City Mall. The bunny will have free gifts for the children. Belk will be holding a kids festival throughout the mall. Free face painting duck pond, balloons, re reshmep ts tx d number n. Il aci Fashion show at 1 p.m. begins at 8 a.m. The cost - is $75 for morning ses- sion, $25 for afternoon session, and $25 for stu~- dents. Education credits have been approved for ~ dietitians and' other health professionals. Visit www. eatrightgainlesville. orgi/iles/ for more information and to register. Not Your Mama's Couponing A workshop on Couponing is 10 a.m. 12 p~m. today at Artworks Studio The event is hosted by Lindley Ra~chel from R.O.C;.K Solid. Te cost is $5 per person, an pre- egi tration rqu red, Colleen at 386-758-9346 or e-mdarlmdfn 3yuno. 50 -percent and more on your grocery bill. The studio is located at 122 SW Midtown Plaza suite w003-k Vs o htp/ ww.ar - html for directions. Pioneer Days The 35th annual Pioneer Days is 9 a.m. -5 p.m. today and 10 a.m. 4 p.m. ' Sunday in downtown High Springs. It will feature musical entertainment, expanded kids korral with pony rides, handmade arts and crafts vendors, heri- tage village with demon- strations of old time skills and a shoot out at noon and 2 p.m. each day. Call 386-454-3120. Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup! #2 The Filipino American Cultural Society of Lake City will meet 8 a~m. today at the Columbia Bank Parking lot, corner of US 90 & Turner road. We will pickup both sides of our adopted 2 mile stretch of highway on US 90 west. For more information contact Bob Gavette 386-965-5905 Diva Day Altrusa Diva Day is 10 a.m. 2 p.m. today at the Columbia County Fairgrounds Banquet Hall. Admission is $5 which enters you into drawing for a Mariana bracelet or Suwannee Jam tickets. Tickets are available at the Lake City Reporter, Lake City Advertiser, Mercantile Bank on Hwy. 90 or at the door. Call Jan Smithey at 386-961-3217 . Sunday . Pioneer Days The 35th annual Pioneer Days is 10 a.m. 4 p.m. COURTESY PHOTO Local girls are Jaguars' photo contest winners Victoria (8) and Marissa (7) Johnson, from Lake City, entered a contest ~conducted by the Jacksonville Jgguars, submitting a photo that would be voted on online. The top 10 finish- ers in the contest would have their photo featured on the 2011-2012 Game Day tickets. The Johnsons were one of the top 10 and will have their photo featured, Tickets are $10. Proceeds to benefit Take Stock in Children Scholarship. Call 386-754-4340. Saturday, April 9 Alligator Lake Spring .Festival An early bird walk kicks- off the Second annual Alligator Lake Spring Festival 8 to 10 a.m. April 9 at Alligator Lake Park. The festival is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and sponsored by Four Rivers Audubon and Gateway Wildlife Habitat Organization. The festi- val is free but people are asked to RSVP for the bird walk to Jacqui Sulek at jsulek~audubon.org or call (386) 497-4185. Alligator Lake Park is located at 420 SE Alligator Glen. Paint-out artists wanted The Ar-t League Of Sunday in downtown High Springs. It will feature musical entertainment, expanded kids korral with pony rides, handmade arts and crafts vendors, heri- tage village with demon- strations of old time skills and a shoot out at noon and 2 p.m. each day. Call 386-454-3120. Mond 87 Feinstein challenge Christian Service Center is participating in the $1 million dollar giveaway Alan Feinstein Challenge from now until April 30. Every food item or -financial donation counts toward receiving a per- . centage of the giveaway. Call 386-755-1770 and bring donations either to the center at the corner of Hilton and Washington or mail to P.O. Box 2285, Lake City, FL, 32056 ' Tuesday Annual Meeting The United Way of Suwannee Valley Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet is 6 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Flonida Gateway College Howard Conference Center. The cost is $25 per person. RSVP Wednesday Newcomers and Friends Luncheon The Apnil Fniendship Luncheon of the Lake City Newcomers and Friends is 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Brooklyn Boys located at 4196 W US Hwy. 90. All members, guests and friends are welcome. For more infor- mation call 386-438-8100 or 386-754-7227. Thursd y Free Mediclaid workshop SA free Medicaid work- shop; is 10 a.m. Thursday at the Lifestyle Enrichment Center, 628 S.E. Allison Court. The workshop on Medicaid planning is led by Teresa Byrd Morgan of Morgan Law Center for Estate & Legacy Planning. It will discuss the myths and opportunities avail- able. Call Shana Miller at 386-755-1977. Friday, April 8 Tribute to Journey The Ultimate Tribute to Journey is 7 p.m. Friday at Florida Gateway College. Dorothy Edna Ward McMullan Dorothy Edna Ward McMullan, 91, of WillowBrook in Lake City, FI passed away Thursday, March 31, 2011 in the Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center after a short illness. She was born in Wilkes County, North Carolina and graduated from Jones Business College in High Point, North Carolina. She moved to Lake City in 1957 with James L. McMullen (Mac), her husband of 53 years, who preceded her in death. She was a loving wife and mother, who enjoyed bridge, sewing, needlepoint, and hand crafts. Being active in the First United Methodist Church, she regu- larly participated in the United Methodist Women's society, the School of Missions, Church Women United, and both sup- ported and volunteered at Happy House school and the Christian Service Center from there begin- nings. She was recognized for her 50-year membership (actu- ally 57 years) by the General Federation of Women's Clubs. Survivors include one son: James L. McMullan, Jr.(Beth) of Mel- bourne, Fl; One daughter: Rhon- da M. Green (Curt), Flagstaff, Az; One sister: Elaine Jackson, Rock Hill, Sc; Two brothers: Sherrill Ward, Wilkesboro, Nc and Jim Ward, Roaring River, Nc; Four grandchildren: Ash- lyn Butts, Nick Green, James L. McMullan, HII and Stuart Green; Seven Precious great-grandchil- dren: Miranda Butts, Meredith Butts, James L. McMullen, IV, Lucas Green Nicole McMullan, Owen Green and Zoey Green. Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm Sunday April 10, 2011 in the First United Method- ist Church, Lake City, FI with Rev. Jeff Tate officiating. Inter- ment will follow mn the Memo- rial Cemetery, Lake City; Fl. Visitation will be one hour before service time. In hieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First United Method- ist Church 973 S. Marion Ave, Lake City, Fl. Arrangements are under the direction of the DEES-PARRISH FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 458 S. Marion Ave., Lake City, FL 32025 752-1234 please sign Our on-line family guestbook at parrishfamilyfuneralhome. com Obituaries are paid advertise- ments. For details, call the Lake City Reporter's classified depart- ment at 752-1293. CO~~~REMMUNT CLN Tod y Class nteeting Richardson High School class of 1970 is meeting 1 p.m. today at Richardson Community Center. Contact Dennis Murphy at 697-3739 or Macy Wilson . at 752-3471- Garage sale The Lake City Alumni Chapter of Bethune Cookman University is hosting its annual Garage Sale Fundraiser 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at 920 NE Joe Coney ~Terrace (the home of Dianne George. This multi-family event will contain items of value to the entire family with more than 20 families participating. Contact Minister Jan Harrison, President of the BCU In~ke City Alumni Chapter at 386288-2368. Yard sale A Spring Community Yard Sale is 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. today in doi~irntown Wellborn. The event is hosted by the Wellborn Community AssociatioI-. Booth spaces are $5 for 12 x 12. A blueberry pan- cake breakfast is 7:30 to 10 a.in. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be available for lunch. The bloodmobile will also be at the event. Call 386-963-1157 or visit www.wellborncommuni- tyassociation.com. Alli Walk Four Rivers Audubon hosts a monthly Alll-Walkl: Bird /Butterfly / Nature's Garden outing is from 8 to 11 a~m. today at Alligator Lake. Jerry.Krummrich, biologist, Virlyn Willis, avid birder, and others will share their knowledge. Bringe- . a hat, sunscreen, water, binoculars and a snack. No fee is charged. All levels of participation and knowl- edge are welcome. Enter Alligator Lake at the County Park on Country Club Road (east side of lake). Drive in and around to the parking area in front of the lake near the new construction. Call Inve Barnard at 497-3536 for more information. Spring Health Professional Seminar The Gainesville District Dietetic Association is hosting the "Spring Health Professionals Seminar 2011" today at Trinity United Methodist Church in Gainesville. It is an all day seminar for registered dietitians and other health professionals. Registration