Protesters Take on Rep. Young, Earmarks

Armed with signs, a drum and some masks, dozens of protesters lined Central Avenue at 4th Street Wednesday in downtown St. Pete to protest local U.S. Rep. C.W. "Bill" Young. 

Protesters, such a Bill Hurley, said they were there to bring light to the millions in earmarks Young has voted on to help the one percent, the military and companies his sons use to work for. 

"We want him to remember there's other people out here that need his support," Hurley said.

"Help us, the people that are losing our homes," Hurley added. "The people that are starving, the people that are sleeping on sidewalks. It’s time to remember them and to stop the war mongering, stop all these payouts for corporate welfare."

According to a news release from the Florida Consumer Action Network Young has a long history of earmarks. 

"Defense contractors like Honeywell, General Dynamics, and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) are among top recipients of millions in federal earmarks. All happen to be among Young’s major campaign contributors as well."

This is the  that protesters have taken aim at Congressman Young. 

In May, around two dozen protesters marched into Young’s Seminole office to read a letter to Young’s staff requesting a meeting with the congressman when he returns from the latest session of Congress.

The letter read:

“We are troubled by your support of the Ryan budget … Representative Young, your support for this bill enables millionaires and corporations to avoid paying their fair share of taxes, while costing average Americans countless jobs.

This bill, crafted by and for the elite and 1 percent, is an all-out assault on the rest of us, the hardworking Americans that make up the 99 percent.

… We respectfully request a meeting to discuss these important issues.”

Young’s staff members said they would pass along the message to the Congressman.

According to Hurley, even though Young has been back in town and it has been a month since their request, Young has not responded to the group's letter. 

"I have not heard a word from him, his staff," Hurley said. "I have heard nothing at all. I just want to ask him a question."