Monday 11/14, 5:30-6:30pm
"Miracle on Longboat Key: Democrats and Republicans Attempt to Close the Partisan Divide" via Zoom.
“Since early 2021, four members of the Democratic Club of Longboat Key and four members of the LBK Republican Club have been meeting to address the lack of civility and extreme partisanship that appears to be ever-present in our political lives. Four members from the group, dubbed ‘Miracle on the Key’, will discuss the progress made and process used to establish a civil discourse among the group which will, hopefully, set an example for others to follow, most especially our political leaders”.
Speakers: Paul Hylbert, Scott Gray, Bob Gary, Becky van der Bogert include two Republicans and two Democrats. They have been speaking on the subject on the radio (NPR), on TV (Suncoast News), in the newspapers (Herald Tribune), and with other groups (Rotary) and are passionate about spreading the importance of developing a civil dialogue among our fellow citizens.
Paul Hylbert is a businessman and concerned citizen who moved to LBK from California four years ago. He grew up in the Midwest and attended Denison University (BA) and the University of Michigan (MBA).
Scott Gray is a retired Air Force Major General, and a retired Vice President from Lockheed Martin. He is gravely concerned about the divisiveness in our Government and Nation and in our inability to civilly discuss issues. He moved to Sarasota 3 years ago and is a full time resident.
Robert Gary has had a long history of distinguished government service as a lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice in Ohio. After leaving the DOJ, as a private attorney, Mr. Gary was appointed to represent the interests of Muslim prisoners held in federal custody in Ohio, an experience that led to his immersion in the study of Islam and travel in Muslim countries. He is a prolific lecturer and writer, in addition to his practice as a class action litigator, where he initiated the Chinese drywall litigation, and he has been a frequent lecturer on various topics in Sarasota County.
Becky van der Bogert is a retired Superintendent of Schools and advocate for social justice and democracy. She created an International Network of Leadership Centers at Harvard where she earned her doctorate and currently serves on the Boards of The Hotchkiss School, and the Education Foundation of Sarasota County Schools.