The CJA meeting last weekend in Naples was good. I always learn something, but it’s great to hang out by the pool at the Waldorf Astoria. It’s perfect for kids with the shallow pool and slide. United States attorney for the SD of FL Willy fielded complaints and questions with a smile. Few USAs would do that. GPS cases, 2255 waivers in pleas and the ethical considerations, 4th amendment year in review, and judge Kathy Williams on “THE DOCKET” and it’s gravitational pull.
David Markus is, like me, the poster child for sunblock. You thought I was going to say birth control. Wrong. He had towels draped over his head and legs at the pool while in a lounge chair. I just doused myself in sunblock.
In judge Pete Evans courtroom this morning. He didn’t take the bench until 9:30 a.m. He is working hard on his campaign. John Whittles’ all lawyer band did a fundraiser for him at Roxy’s last week. I’ve been getting emails from his campaign too.
Speaking of campaigns, there’s a lot to talk about.
Margarita Downey has bus ads. There I was on US1 and I saw her on the back of a bus. I was expecting Kogan and Disavlo or Bruce Silver. To my surprise, there was Margarita’s smiling face. She is giving Jimmy Martz a run for his money. Women do well in the polls here in Palm Beach county. Margarita has been doing family law from what I hear. She used to be an assistant public defender. Prediction: she will win the race.
Dina Keever has been sending me emails too. Where do these people get their email lists? It basically went like this:
Did you see the bad news about Dave Aronberg? Here’s a link to the Palm Beach Post article in case you missed it.
Then, I got a robo call from Ron Alvarez this weekend. It went something like this:
Hi, I’m Ron Alvarez and I’m asking for your vote. I’ve presided over 1000 trials in juvenile and started programs to help abused and neglected children….
Haven’t heard anything from Jane Sullivan or Fast Eddie.
Bill Abramson opened it all up. Before Bill, there was an unwritten rule that you did not run against a sitting judge. The other judges would blackball you if you did. Palm Beach is the new Broward. Well, in one way. Lawyers are not afraid to take on the judiciary. Especially if they feel the judiciary is doing something wrong.
In a side note, I ran into former asa Steven Smith. He is running for county judge in Collier county.