CONTRIBUTOR
REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES / NATIONAL IMPACT
Rich Swier
Member For
1 year 22 weeks
Website:
Red County - Sarasota
» Follow Me on Twitter
» My Facebook
Contact:
Red County Editor -
Sarasota County, FL
rswier@comcast.net
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Richard M. Swier, Ed. D., LTC, US Army (Ret.)
Richard holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, a Master's Degree in Management Information Systems from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Richard is a 23-year Army veteran who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his years of service. Additionally, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for Heroism in ground combat, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Richard was the Founder/CEO of Sarasota Online, a high technology company that was sold to Comcast Cable in 1996. He helped start Backsoft Corporation an enterprise software development company in 1997 whose clients included Coca-Cola, Anheuser- Busch, Hyundai Electronics, Volkswagen, Moen and Goodyear. Backsoft was sold in 2001.
Richard twice chaired the Sarasota Better Business Council, sat on the Board of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and served from 2000 to 2009 on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. He currently serves on the Sponsorship Advisory Committee to the Sarasota County School Board.
He is President of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, an honorary member of the BRAIVE Fund, and has been elected Chairman of the Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee.
Rich is the Publisher of Red County – Florida and Editor of Red County – Sarasota, www.redcounty.com, an internationally read website dedicated to center right grassroots commentary, news and politics.
COMMENTARIES
Christ just doesn't get it on illegal aliens
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
This past week another major difference in national public policy surfaced between Governor Charlie Crist and Senatorial Candidate Marco Rubio. The issue deals with counting illegal aliens for the purpose of apportionment. Crist is for it, Marco is against it. It doesn't get any better than this. Governor Crist is quoted by the Palm Beach Post as saying, "“Florida deserves to have her fair share. And I think making sure that we count... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
New federal water regulations could risk urban floods in Florida
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
The Florida Association of Special Districts warned that the new water regulations for Florida proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would severely weaken the flood protection provided by Florida’s water control and improvement districts, especially in the South Florida region, which was often inundated by floods before the construction of the region’s complex canal system. Separate from Florida’s state,... read more »
3 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Is the Sarasota County School Board Financial Advisory Committee “Advising” or “Advocating”?
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
The political action committee Citizens for Better Schools (CBS), funded by the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association (SCTA), has on its website a link to a report issued by the Sarasota County School Board Financial Advisory Committee. The report states, “The Financial Advisory Committee [FAC] consists of independent local business professionals with broad experience and perspective.” [Emphasis added] The School Board, District... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »Sarasota County (FL) |
Enough is Enough! Buchanan Opposes Debt Limit Increase
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) voted today against raising the national debt limit by another $1.9 trillion to a staggering $14.3 trillion, which is roughly the size of the entire U.S. economy. “Enough is enough,” said Buchanan. “We need to stop borrowing and spending more than we take in. I am concerned about its impact on the economy and the debt we are leaving our children and grandchildren.” In... read more »
2 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
MARCO RUBIO TO MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF CRIST-OBAMA STIMULUS RALLY
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
To mark the first anniversary of the Ft. Myers Crist-Obama stimulus rally, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio today announced he will join Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey at a FreedomWorks PAC event next Wednesday, February 10. The event will also mark the culmination of Rubio’s Stimulus Fundraising Bomb effort (www.StimulusBomb.com), which was launched on February 1 with the goal of raising $1000 for every $1 billion... read more »
BAKER’S 10th AMENDMENT RESOLUTION CLEARS FIRST HURDLE
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
Judiciary Committee Supports Baker’s Effort to Reaffirm State Sovereignty 6 to 2 Tallahassee, Fla. –Senator Carey Baker announced today that Senate Bill 96, Florida’s 10th Amendment resolution, has successfully passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation, which seeks to reaffirm Florida’s legislative sovereignty under the United States Constitution’s 10th Amendment, passed the Judiciary... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Election Fraud Complaint Filed Against Sarasota County School Board
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/04/10
Things are really heating up around extending a School Tax Referendum to be voted on March 16, 2009. The two previous times the referendum was put on a special election ballot in 2002 and 2006 there was no opposition. Well the anti-tax movement is flexing its muscles and holding the Sarasota School District to task on student performance, taxes and spending. A group of concerned citizens, led by Walt Augustinowicz, have launched the website... read more »
Six Amendments set for Florida's 2010 ballot
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/04/10
Voters will decide on six proposed constitutional amendments this fall with Monday’s end to the time window for proposals to qualify for the ballot. Floridians will see questions on campaign finance, property taxes, growth plans and legislative redistricting come November. Repeal of public campaign finance laws - The Florida Legislature voted in the spring to put before voters a proposed amendment that would repeal the public... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Edward Lynch Prevails In Special Election Republican Primary
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/03/10
Edward Lynch declared victory in the Special Republican Primary Election in Florida's 19th Congressional District this evening, as he offered congratulations to both of his opponents on a close and hard fought primary race. "Now is the time for unity as a Party as we advance our agenda, our principles, and our ideas that we believe are essential for restoring individual liberty and fiscal responsibility back to our federal ... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
SCARBOROUGH & HALPERIN DISCUSS FLORIDA SENATE RACE ON "MORNING JOE"
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/02/10
MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Joe Scarborough & TIME’s Mark Halperin Discuss Florida’s U.S. Senate Race Tuesday, 2/2/2010 Scarborough: “Well, Charlie’s really tried to be all things to all things to all people at all times. … He spent his first year trashing Jeb Bush, trashing everything Jeb Bush did. … I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he kept running all the way over to the... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
CONTRIBUTOR
REGIONAL PERSPECTIVES / NATIONAL IMPACT
Rich Swier
Member For
1 year 22 weeks
Website:
Red County - Sarasota
» Follow Me on Twitter
» My Facebook
Contact:
Red County Editor -
Sarasota County, FL
rswier@comcast.net
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Richard M. Swier, Ed. D., LTC, US Army (Ret.)
Richard holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA, a Master's Degree in Management Information Systems from the George Washington University, Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from Washington University, St. Louis, MO.
Richard is a 23-year Army veteran who retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1990. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his years of service. Additionally, he was awarded the Bronze Star with “V” for Heroism in ground combat, the Presidential Unit Citation, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry while serving with the 101st Airborne Division in Vietnam. He is a graduate of the Field Artillery Officers Basic and Advanced Courses, and U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
Richard was the Founder/CEO of Sarasota Online, a high technology company that was sold to Comcast Cable in 1996. He helped start Backsoft Corporation an enterprise software development company in 1997 whose clients included Coca-Cola, Anheuser- Busch, Hyundai Electronics, Volkswagen, Moen and Goodyear. Backsoft was sold in 2001.
Richard twice chaired the Sarasota Better Business Council, sat on the Board of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and served from 2000 to 2009 on the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. He currently serves on the Sponsorship Advisory Committee to the Sarasota County School Board.
He is President of the Sarasota County Veterans Commission, an honorary member of the BRAIVE Fund, and has been elected Chairman of the Sarasota National Cemetery Advisory Committee.
Rich is the Publisher of Red County – Florida and Editor of Red County – Sarasota, www.redcounty.com, an internationally read website dedicated to center right grassroots commentary, news and politics.
COMMENTARIES
Christ just doesn't get it on illegal aliens
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
This past week another major difference in national public policy surfaced between Governor Charlie Crist and Senatorial Candidate Marco Rubio. The issue deals with counting illegal aliens for the purpose of apportionment. Crist is for it, Marco is against it. It doesn't get any better than this. Governor Crist is quoted by the Palm Beach Post as saying, "“Florida deserves to have her fair share. And I think making sure that we count... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
New federal water regulations could risk urban floods in Florida
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
The Florida Association of Special Districts warned that the new water regulations for Florida proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would severely weaken the flood protection provided by Florida’s water control and improvement districts, especially in the South Florida region, which was often inundated by floods before the construction of the region’s complex canal system. Separate from Florida’s state,... read more »
3 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Is the Sarasota County School Board Financial Advisory Committee “Advising” or “Advocating”?
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/06/10
The political action committee Citizens for Better Schools (CBS), funded by the Sarasota Classified Teachers Association (SCTA), has on its website a link to a report issued by the Sarasota County School Board Financial Advisory Committee. The report states, “The Financial Advisory Committee [FAC] consists of independent local business professionals with broad experience and perspective.” [Emphasis added] The School Board, District... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »Sarasota County (FL) |
Enough is Enough! Buchanan Opposes Debt Limit Increase
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-13) voted today against raising the national debt limit by another $1.9 trillion to a staggering $14.3 trillion, which is roughly the size of the entire U.S. economy. “Enough is enough,” said Buchanan. “We need to stop borrowing and spending more than we take in. I am concerned about its impact on the economy and the debt we are leaving our children and grandchildren.” In... read more »
2 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
MARCO RUBIO TO MARK FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF CRIST-OBAMA STIMULUS RALLY
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
To mark the first anniversary of the Ft. Myers Crist-Obama stimulus rally, U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio today announced he will join Former House Majority Leader Dick Armey at a FreedomWorks PAC event next Wednesday, February 10. The event will also mark the culmination of Rubio’s Stimulus Fundraising Bomb effort (www.StimulusBomb.com), which was launched on February 1 with the goal of raising $1000 for every $1 billion... read more »
BAKER’S 10th AMENDMENT RESOLUTION CLEARS FIRST HURDLE
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/05/10
Judiciary Committee Supports Baker’s Effort to Reaffirm State Sovereignty 6 to 2 Tallahassee, Fla. –Senator Carey Baker announced today that Senate Bill 96, Florida’s 10th Amendment resolution, has successfully passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The legislation, which seeks to reaffirm Florida’s legislative sovereignty under the United States Constitution’s 10th Amendment, passed the Judiciary... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Election Fraud Complaint Filed Against Sarasota County School Board
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/04/10
Things are really heating up around extending a School Tax Referendum to be voted on March 16, 2009. The two previous times the referendum was put on a special election ballot in 2002 and 2006 there was no opposition. Well the anti-tax movement is flexing its muscles and holding the Sarasota School District to task on student performance, taxes and spending. A group of concerned citizens, led by Walt Augustinowicz, have launched the website... read more »
Six Amendments set for Florida's 2010 ballot
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/04/10
Voters will decide on six proposed constitutional amendments this fall with Monday’s end to the time window for proposals to qualify for the ballot. Floridians will see questions on campaign finance, property taxes, growth plans and legislative redistricting come November. Repeal of public campaign finance laws - The Florida Legislature voted in the spring to put before voters a proposed amendment that would repeal the public... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
Edward Lynch Prevails In Special Election Republican Primary
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/03/10
Edward Lynch declared victory in the Special Republican Primary Election in Florida's 19th Congressional District this evening, as he offered congratulations to both of his opponents on a close and hard fought primary race. "Now is the time for unity as a Party as we advance our agenda, our principles, and our ideas that we believe are essential for restoring individual liberty and fiscal responsibility back to our federal ... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
SCARBOROUGH & HALPERIN DISCUSS FLORIDA SENATE RACE ON "MORNING JOE"
By Dr. Richard Swier | 02/02/10
MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Joe Scarborough & TIME’s Mark Halperin Discuss Florida’s U.S. Senate Race Tuesday, 2/2/2010 Scarborough: “Well, Charlie’s really tried to be all things to all things to all people at all times. … He spent his first year trashing Jeb Bush, trashing everything Jeb Bush did. … I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he kept running all the way over to the... read more »
0 Comments | Related Topics »FLORIDA |
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