Chamber News & Views:
Vote early and often
Vote early and vote often. Now I’ll bet you don’t hear those words very much this election season. That is unless you’re talking about the election of the chamber’s honorary Mayor. And it veers even more off the traditional election path when you consider the only way to win this election is to “buy” votes. Yep. No voter registration cards needed. Cash or checks will buy those votes.
For those of you familiar with our process, I know you’re on board. If you’re new to this, I’ll give you more details. It is totally legal here in “chamberland.”
We’ve got two great guys running for honorary Mayor — Roger Rolewicz and Joe Zuniga. Roger’s a longtime franchise expert. But this time around, he’s running under his wife Cindy’s business: Mary Kay Cosmetics. Joe is the President of Zuniga Marketing.
Believe me when I tell you this is going to be a very spirited competition. I’ve been in two meetings with these guys. They are both epicenters of energy and enthusiasm. And they’ve both got the gift of gab. After meeting with them, you either need a nap or seatbelts.
Both are raising money for their pet charities and the chamber. Roger’s charities are C.A.R.E. (Critter Adoption & Rescue Effort) in memory of the chamber’s recently departed friend and volunteer Kay Todd, and The Mary Petro Fund. Joe’s charities are the Ruskin Woman’s Club, Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry and the Ruskin Community Development Foundation. We’re thrilled they want to help these worthy organizations.
Here’s how you fit in. Chamber member or not, turn out for their fundraising events. You’ll have a blast while helping local charities with their great work. And remember, your contributions help Roger and Joe buy votes for the win.
It’s time to get out your pens to mark your calendars. Ready? Join Roger:
• Monday, Oct. 29, at Pinot’s Palette at 2086 Badlands Dr. in Brandon. Snacks start at 6:30, painting starts at 7 p.m. RSVP to 813-618-3064.
• Thursday, Nov. 1, it’s Bunko at the chamber at 5:30 p.m., $12 at the door gets you snacks, a glass of wine and Bunko. I’ve been promised I can learn to play that night.
Roger’s Parkland Jewelry online fundraiser can be found at https:/parklanejewelry.com/store/start/fundraiser/1798
Support Joe on the following dates:
• Friday, Oct. 26, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the National Cremation & Burial Society at 308 E. College Ave. in Ruskin for a Tricks and Treats Halloween Party. Entry is $20 and includes food and two drink tickets.
• Sunday, Oct. 28, from 1 to 6 p.m. it’s Festival Dia de Los Muertos at Beth-El Farmworkers Ministry, 18240 U.S. 301 in Wimauma. Fun for the whole family.
• Thursday, Nov. 8, it’s Drag Queen Bingo at 7 p.m. at Hamburger Mary’s located at 2016 Town Center Blvd. in Brandon. Get in for $10, but you need to RSVP to 813-643-2110 today, Oct. 25, and mention Joe’s campaign.
Both Roger and Joe have GoFundMe® and Facebook pages. Give me a call at the chamber if you have questions or email them directly: rogerscchonorarymayor@gmail.com, or joe@zunigamarketing.com. But vote early and often. The honorary Mayor’s race ends Wednesday, Nov. 14, at 4 p.m.
Now I have to figure out what to get the winner….a sash and a crown aren’t manly. Just sayin’.
Lynne Conlan is Executive Director of the Sun City Center Area Chamber of Commerce. Call her at 813-634-5111, or email lynne@sccchamber.com.
