GETTING BACK ON SCHEDULE
I know, I have not sent out my "Fourth Dimension" for several weeks. I can tell you it's because of a conflicting set of schedules, events, and being just plain lazy. I'd take my chair at the computer and get all organized to start writing when something would come up and I'd have to stop. Just did not seem to follow through. Hope you like this edition and hope you will give me feed-back on the various issues.

YARD WORK
I am convinced that the Good Lord did not intend for Jerry Melvin to be a yard laborer. I like to piddle in the yard doing such things as potting plants, rooting plants, shaping, and trimming; however, there is nothing I enjoy about raking, spraying, and digging. I have been doing a lot of all recently. After Opal flooded our yard and home in 1995, Pat and I decided we had had enough trying to have a pretty lawn and shrubs. So, we took everything out, laid down the heavy, expensive, black cloth that nurseries use and put cypress mulch over all. To plant a flower, bush, or tree, I simply cut a hole in the cloth, dug a hole, and planted. Over the years the mulch has rotted, leaves have deteriorated, and weeds began to grow in the mulch cover. This year I have raked up all the old mulch and dirt, sprayed all weeds, and distributed new mulch. It is work, I tell you! Must say though, it is rewarding when finished. I am over half finished and hope to get to the last this week.

LEGISLATURE SUFFERING
Governor Jeb Bush has called the legislature back for a special session beginning Monday, May 12 for the purpose of completing the budget process. I cannot blame the members too much because we had to be called back into session in 2002 to complete the budget and then another time to complete the Education rewrite legislation. There are times when the two parts of the legislature (House and Senate) just cannot seem to get their acts together. I say it is usually caused by the two leaders of the bodies (Senate President and House Speaker). If they have personal agendas and are somewhat hardheaded - as the present two (Byrd and King) happen to be, then you can expect the differences to cause problems. I think the public has let their wishes be known and I feel you will see the two houses getting thing completed this time. I personally like the House approach of "living within our means" without having to raise taxes and impose additional fees. So, hope House Speaker Byrd and his group will hold out for their approach to the budget. As usual, Education is out there screaming for more money at all levels rather than trying to find innovative ways to do what they should within their means.

DRIVING COURSE
My wife, Pat, was calling our insurance company to transfer some auto insurance and she was told about a class drivers can take and obtain a reduction in auto insurance. I called two or three numbers and finally got to speak to someone. Unfortunately, it was the day the person in charge was out of the office and someone was filling in. I did learn that the next class will be on May 17 in Pensacola. The course is 4 hours long and cost $30 per person. I will get all details and pass along to you. I will do almost anything to have some of our insurance costs to go down.KIWANIS HEARS JUDGE STONE AND TAX COLLECTOR CHRIS HUGHES 

Tax Collector Chris Hughes was the speaker for the Fort Walton Beach Kiwanis Club Tuesday, May 6 at the Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club. He did a great job of informing members relative to activities and responsibilities of the Tax Collector's office. For those who would like to know more, drop by his office on Eglin Parkway and pick up a copy of "A Guide to Services." This publication is extremely helpful in understanding what the office does and what it is responsible for. Just a little info: Chris's wife, Vicki, is expecting a son in September. Chris is all smiles.

Circuit Judge Bill Stone was the speaker for the April 29th meeting. He related his experiences thus far as the newest Circuit Judge for this District which covers Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton Counties. Judge Stone read two of his favorite quotes I'd like to pass along:

"We must never forget that the only real source of power that we as judges can tap is the respect of the people." Thurgood Marshall, Chicago Tribune, August 15, 1981

"The law is not the private property of lawyers, not is justice the exclusive province of judges and juries. In the final analysis, true justice is not a matter of courts and law books, but of a commitment in each of us to liberty and mutual respect." Jimmy Carter, Dallas Times-Herald, April 26, 1978

A LIVING LEGEND
The nation's last known living link to its great Civil War never has worn a hoop skirt or lived in a mansion like Tara.

Alberta Martin was a sharecropper's daughter with a baby and no job when, in 1927, she married a man 60 years her senior. William Jasper Martin had been a Confederate Soldier, and his $50.00 a month pension, paid by the state of Alabama, ensured there would be food on the table and, many years later, fame.

This information was sent to me by my good friend, Robert May who is Commander Dixie Camp #1861, Sons of the Confederacy. Bob says that every camp of the Sons is supposed to send in to Russell Darden of Virginia or Dr. Ken Yancy in Alabama, both members of thee Sons, a check for $60.00 each year to help pay for Mrs. Martin's "round the clock" care.

If you would like more about this subject, contact Robert May at robnfla@inetw.net, and he will be glad to fill you in.

SO YOU THINK I HAVE RETIRED!
I am constantly asked how I like it since I have retired. Well, just to set the record straight, I HAVE NOT RETIRED. Furthermore, I am entirely too young to even think of doing so. Since I am no longer in the legislature, I am getting involved in just about everything else. Here are just a few:

Board member of Emerald Coast Marine Institute (alternative school) President of Board of proposed Tapestry Park Charter School, Panama City Beach

Newly elected President Fort Walton Beach Camp of Gideons International
Board Member Community based Anti-Drug Coalitions
Board Member Homeless Coalition
Board Member Northwest Florida Juvenile Justice Council
Board member Science Center 
Board member Indian Flute Festival Mentor to two 8th graders at Meigs Middle School.

So, you see, there is little time to think about retirement. I am still studying all options for my future. There are several options with reference to political office; several private including those I am presently involved with; so new opportunities that have recently opened, etc. What do you think? I need your input to help me make up my mind. Should I run for something? If so, what? Should I look at the private options that may open up (Chamber of Commerce Management, Radio opportunities, writing opportunities). Many of you have been my friends, supporters, and advisors for many years. I need you now to help me make an important decision. Let me hear from you!

CELL PHONE USE IN AUTOMOBILES - WHAT DO YOU THINK?

This information appeared in the Direct magazine published by Geico Insurance.

"As of 2002, at least 25 countries prohibit or restrict using cell phones and other wireless technology in motor vehicles, according to the national Conference of State Legislatures. Specifically:

Israel, Japan, Portugal, and Singapore prohibit all cell phone use while driving. Australia, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, the Philippines, Romania, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates prohibit hand-held phone use while driving.

Drivers in the Czech Republic, France, and the Netherlands may use cell phones but can be fined if they are in a crash while doing so.

In the United Kingdom, using a phone while driving is listed as an example of failure to exercise proper control of the vehicle and can result in a fine."

Just what do you think about using cell phones, etc. in automobiles?

QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"We need true tax reform that will at least make a start toward restoring for our children the American Dream that wealth is denied to no one, that each individual has the right to fly as high as his strength and ability will take him.  But we cannot have such reform while our tax policy is engineered by people who view the tax as a means of achieving changes in our social structure..,." Ronald Regan (1954)

QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Do you feel the Florida Legislature (in special session May 12) should complete the budget without raising taxes?

Comments should be sent to:  jmelvin@gulf1.com