Space Coast Progressive Alliance

Melbourne FL - SCPA  Gun Control and Public Safety Forum

Thursday, February 7, 2013 6:30 PM 

Each expert panelist to open with a brief statement based on their personal opinions, area of expertise, experience and position.

Opening statements to be followed by discussion and an audience Q & A.

Free and Open To the public

Front Street Civic Center, 2205 S. Front Street, Melbourne, FL 32901

Full range of panelists: representatives of law enforcement, gun rights, gun safety, legal establishment, mental health, and children's advocates 

UPDATES 1/27 - We are pleased to announce forensic and clinical psychologist Dr. Todd Robert Poch will be joining our expert panel.  

Expert Panelists:

Dr. Todd Robert Poch

Dr. Todd Robert Poch is a forensic and clinical psychologist who practices nationally in a firm, which includes both psychiatrists and neuropsychologists. Licensed in three states he is also listed in the National Register of Health Care Providers and holds a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.  Trained as a linguist and foreign area specialist (certified in both Western Europe and Southeast Asia) Dr. Poch served in the military throughout the world and is a highly decorated combat veteran.  Clinically he has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma related disorders and cross-cultural psychological assessment. As a linguist, he also has an interest in and has lectured abroad on the neuropsychology of language acquisition.  He holds a master’s degree in development economics from Tufts University as well as a MALD (Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy) from the Fletcher School of Law administered in cooperation with Harvard University.  He obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Denver and completed his forensic internship at Atascadero State Hospital, one of the largest forensic facilities in the country. He has been qualified as an expert witness in numerous high profile capital murder trials both at the state and federal levels. In addition to his private practice he serves as Assistant Professor in Psychology, in the doctoral program of the School of Psychology at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Tommy Schechtman, MD, MSPH, FAAP

Dr. Schechtman is a pediatrician in private practice in Palm Beach County. He graduated Medical School from University of Texas Medical Branch and completed his pediatric residency at Texas Children’s Hospital. He also earned a Master’s in Public Health from University of Texas. As a pediatrician his focus is providing exceptional care for all children. In addition, his practice specializes in providing behavioral and mental health services to all of our patients and their families. Dr. Schechtman is a dedicated advocate and community leader for children’s health and safety issues.

Ryan Vescio - Career Criminal Lead Assistant State Attorney

Mr. Vescio prosecutes violent crime cases and handles death penalty litigation. Education: BA, Political Science, Univ. of Central Florida; J.D., Nova Southeastern University Mr. Vescio has prosecuted more than 2500 cases and is the current violent crime prosecutor handling homicide and violent repeat criminals; 2007 MADD Top DUI Prosecutor in State of Florida; 2008 Selection for National Computer Forensics Institute (nation’s top training for computer crimes sponsored by US Secret Service and only prosecutor selected from the State of Florida); prosecutor within Orange County State Attorney Government Accountability Unit from 2006-2012; Former Sex Crimes and Child Abuse prosecutor; Committee Member of Justice Teaching Program in 9th Judicial Circuit as selected by Supreme Court of  Florida. Mr. Vescio is the married with three children. He has lived in our district 28 years.

Arthur C. Hayhoe

Mr. Hayhoe has led the Florida state gun control group the "Florida Coalition to Stop Gun Violence," since 1987 as its Executive Director. He has been engaged in every gun control issue in Florida for well over 20 years working with numbers of other State and National gun control groups including the Brady Campaign. Mr Hayhoe is gun owner and an Army Veteran.

Major Vic DeSantis on behalf of Brevard Sheriff Wayne Ivey

Major DeSantis is a twenty-six year law enforcement veteran; twenty of those with the Brevard County Sheriff¹s Office.  He has served in nearly all capacities including patrol, investigations, narcotics, and administration.  He holds a Bachelor¹s Degree in Business, a Master¹s Degree in Criminal Justice, and is Dean¹s Scholar Graduate of the Southern Police Institute¹s Administrative Officers Course at the University of Louisville.

Mark Laderwarg - Chairman of the Space Coast Friends of the NRA

Mr. Laderwarg will share his personal opinions based on his 30 years of experience as a police officer. Mark is the retired commander of the Melbourne Police Department. He has extensive experience investigating violent crimes as well as teaching law enforcement officers and civilians personal protection. He is also a martial arts, self-defense and firearms instructor.

All of our Federal, State, and local representatives have been invited to attend or send to a staff member.

"There are no simple answers when it comes to gun control and there is no single solution that will satisfy us all. Too much of the debate has been focused on assumptions by the other. We believe it would be worthwhile to have a community discussion where all points of view would be shared. We all want the same thing, to be safe." Vicki Impoco SCPA

SCPA / Space coast progressive Alliance is a public interest advocate for civil and personal liberty, the environment, health care, education, labor, peace, social welfare, financial stability and international harmony.

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Representatives invited to attend or send a staff member:

Gov. Rick Scott

Senator Rubio

Senator Nelson

Congressman Bill Posey

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Carroll

Senator, District 16 Thad Altman

Senator, District 13 Andy Gardiner

Representative, District 50 Tom Goodson

Representative, District 51 Steve Crisafulli

Representative, District 53 John Tobia

Representative, District 52 Rich Workman

All Brevard County Commissioners

All School Board members

All Brevard County City Councils, Mayors, and Department Heads

   Cape Canaveral

   Cocoa

   Cocoa Beach

   Grant/Valkaria

   Indialantic

   Melbourne

   Palm Bay

   West Melbourne

   Satellite Beach

   Indian Harbour Beach

   Malabar

   Palm Shores

   Melbourne Beach

   Rockledge

   Titusville

   Melbourne Village