Thursday, July 7, 2011

Reading suggestion:

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror, and an American Family in Hitler's Berlin by Erik Larson - I am currently reading it on my Kindle.  A true story about the U.S. Ambassador and his family living in 1933 Berlin.  Just getting into it and finding it hard to put down.  Here is the link to the book on Amazon.

Lake Worth official travels overseas to promote local tourism

Three guesses who and the first two don't count. This from the article (click title for link):

The grand prize for the street painting festival in England is airfare and hotel accommodations in Lake Worth. City officials hope this relationship stays strong and even proves to be lucrative in the future.

The Silver Lions Motel is lovely, just north of 6th Avenue South on the east side of Dixie. Any other suggestions? How about the Canew? Have to book early there and election times are a problem.

Responses to questions received from Tom Ramiccio...


Does he support our governor's positions on refusing federal money as tainted?
No. I will accept federal money to improve Lake Worth. There are many opportunities to get federal grants and I would take advantage of any that would be available to us. Gov. Scott is very wrong on this issue.

Would he ask the CM to put back some of her salary in these times of financial trouble, as a sign of good faith?
The CM should reduce her salary an show good faith and leadership by example. Many of our city employees made sacrifices. Those sacrifices should be shared at the top as well.

What does he think about the Compass Center's lease: good idea or bad? 
I support Compass. In fact, I encouraged them to move here. I support their lease agreement with the city.

What does he think about destroying the shuffle courts? 
The shuffle board courts is a terrible shame. There is currently no plan and renovations are being made without a plan. I would not have closed them without careful debate and thought and a definitive plan in place for their future.

What amount of the admission fees to various festivals at Bryant Park should go to the city and what to the organizers?
Fees for Bryant Park are reasonable for the entertainment value they deliver. Depending on the event, I believe that fee agreements need to be fair and equitable to all involved.


Why specifically do you think FPL is interested in buying LW electric, names and dates of info.

FPL stated they would have this discussion as reported by the Palm Beach Post on June 16th, 2011. http://www.palmbeachpost.com/money/fpl-would-discuss-buying-lake-worth-power-company-1543894.html

I want to begin this conversation with FPL. If it is not a deal for the taxpayers, we will then restructure the current system for lower rates. I don’t agree with the assessment by some on the current commission who believe that the utility is the city’s “cash cow”. This is very unfair to our residents.

How much effort will you expend on getting rid of CM and why?

I will not fire the city manager without having worked with her for a minimum of three months. I will then evaluate her goals and objectives and make a careful decision then.

Do you think LW should be "marketed" to the gay and alternate gendered population? If yes, explain. If not explain.

I believe that Lake Worth is already a gay destination and I am very proud of that. We should expand that interest and market to that community. In addition, I believe we should market Lake Worth as a destination to all types of people, including the LGBT community.

Would you try to alter the CRA policies. How, if yes.

I will review the current CRA policies after I’m elected and then evaluate the plusses and minuses. I am very disappointed that contractors from Broward County were awarded the contract for the grant money. I want to work to keep those jobs to our local market and within our community. That is one factor I would like to see altered.

Why do you think selling LW utilities is the best solution to high prices, and how exactly would you go about selling it? Could the project be completed while you were mayor?
1. In order to sell FPL there would have to be a referendum. I will begin the conversation with them, and then after careful consideration and evaluation begin the process to lower our high rates. Young families will not move into Lake Worth neither will small businesses. It's an obstacle for redevelopment. We pay 33% higher rates than our FPL counterparts. FPL has already indicated they are interested to talking to us about the possibility.
You sent around a mailer vowing to free Lake Worth from "anarchy." Are you serious? If so, how so?
We must end the anarchy mentality. We will go bankrupt if we continue to destroy our code enforcement department, cancel contract after contract, be involved in multiple lawsuits and encourage chicken farming as viable option to encourage economic development.

Please explain your ethics violations.
It was politically motivated to hurt my re-election campaign in 1999 yet voters re-elected me overwhelmingly. I have always been honest and open about this issue. Many news organizations have investigated this ethics complaint and agreed with my assessment.

Why were you fired from the Chamber of Commerce?
Susan Mulvehill wanted me out of the chamber because of my pro-progress agenda for the business community. She put the board of directors in a tight spot and told them through a letter that if they didn’t fire me, the city would no longer support the events sponsored by the chamber. Pure rotten politics. Many of those same board members are supporting my election for mayor today.

When I took over the chamber in 2002, they were $50,000 in debt, had no visible office space and was near bankruptcy. In just 6 months I recruited more than 100 new corporations, began a capital campaign to build a welcome center in downtown and in 2006 was recognized as the number one chamber in the state.

Do you still think gays are "very clean people?" If so, do you agree with Rachel Waterman that Lake Worth could market itself as a gay tourist destination?
I believe that Lake Worth is already a gay destination and I am very proud of that. We should expand that interest and market to that community. In addition, I believe we should market Lake Worth as a destination to all types of people, including the LGBT community.

Other than selling the utility, what other projects, specifically, would you take on as mayor, and how, specifically, would you implement them? Please name at least three.
 1) I would aggressively pursue code enforcement violators and get our neighborhoods cleaned up. This would increase our property values and would encourage people to move here. We have lost an enormous amount of property tax revenue with abandoned and foreclosed homes. We have many occupied homes that are run down and not kept up which also hurts our property values.

2) Now that we have Publix in our city, I want to expand on that and encourage more businesses to move into the downtown and the Dixie Highway corridor. I also want to see our dream of a park of commerce become a reality. This would bring revenue to the city, sales to our local businesses and much needed local jobs.

3) I want to ensure we keep the contracts with both PBSO and PBC fire rescue. For us to reconstitute those departments would be an enormous expense to us and foolhardy. Ensuring our safety must be our highest priority.

Response from Rachel Waterman re the Beach Issue..."I can not take responsibility for the actions of others..."


"How to tell the Voting Public What they Want to Hear in Order to Get Elected" by Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill...

A response to the "other blogger" from the "other blogger..."

The "other blogger" cites the following from RFQ for the Casino Rehabilitation project:

"The successful firm will demonstrate a clear understanding of the cultural and historical importance of the siteas well as an understanding of the importance of the site to Lake Worth Residents. The selected team will develop an innovative design that captures the renewed spirit of Lake Worth that is truly unique in the Palm Beach area."

That was from the RFQ that went out on our Casino rehabilitation.

In the RFQ it states: Debate regarding the preservation of the Casino Building versus the redevelopment of the site by commercial developers has been controversial and divisive in the community, and has been a major factor contributing to the building’s current state of disrepair. After many years of debate and dialog, the City has decided to redesign and rehabilitate the current structure.



Let's talk about what "rehabilitation" of a structure really means. Click here for a link to the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.  This is how "rehabilitation" is defined:

"Rehabilitation" is defined as "the process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural, and cultural values."

AND...

As stated in the definition, the treatment "rehabilitation" assumes that at least some repair or alteration of the historic building will be needed in order to provide for an efficient contemporary use; however, these repairs and alterations must not damage or destroy materials, features or finishes that are important in defining the building's historic character. For example, certain treatments--if improperly applied--may cause or accelerate physical deterioration of the historic building. This can include using improper repointing or exterior masonry cleaning techniques, or introducing insulation that damages historic fabric. In almost all of these situations, use of these materials and treatments will result in a project that does not meet the Standards. Similarly, exterior additions that duplicate the form, material, and detailing of the structure to the extent that they compromise the historic character of the structure will fail to meet the Standards.
ca 1922 column formerly part of west facade which consumed hours of Commission mtg. time.
We already know that the building has been deemed structurally unsound and that the demolition taking place now is designed to remove those deficient parts, that in the judgement of a building official, do not meet current code standards.  That, as we have seen from the demolition plans, amounts to 90 percent of the former building. BY DOING THAT WE ARE LOSING THOSE PORTIONS AND FEATURES OF THE BUILDING WHICH ARE SIGNIFICANT TO ITS HISTORIC, ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL VALUES.  There is nothing of historical, architectural or cultural value that is being saved - an unadorned section of a wall is just what it is - it has no historic value.  The building that was there before the demolition started did have historic, architectural and cultural value.  What the city is getting is a NEW building which will have a vague resemblance to that which has gone before !

Thus, we are going against the stated purpose of the RFQ without any recognition of this change from our elected officials or city administration, or for that matter, the "other blogger."

Casino Demolition Movies and Pics from today...






I have forwarded your questions for Tom Ramiccio...

to his campaign manager.  I have talked with her previously and they know they were coming.  I will publish a response to them once it is received.

It's time to remember a few things...

In her two times running for City Commissioner, Cara Jennings never ran as a radical.  Sure, her background as a radical cheerleader was used in negative campaigns by her opponents, but she presented herself as someone who could be considered part of mainstream society.  Her message was simple, her pictures full of smiles with hair perfectly in place.  She was packaged as pleasing to someone who, if they lived on North Lakeside Drive, would be comfortable voting for Cara Jennings.  Never mind that she detested the presumed consumer-oriented lifestyle of that voter.  It was all about getting through the the fifty percent plus one test offered by the electoral process and securing that Commission seat.  Once there, she and her supporters were on their own, which granted her a large berth.  The exception is those times where we have an issue like PBSO that immediately galvanizes the community for or against a certain issue.

The bottom-line, it is all about getting into the seat of power - not being true to the actual message that gets you elected.  Look at the promises about the casino building, about John G's, etc.  All of those promises pandered to public opinion to get elected, but the reality has turned into something completely different. Note too that Ms. Waterman denies knowing Ms. Jennings, except for having some of the same friends.

That is the danger that we have in this run-off election.  Click here for a link to a document that contains wording from the Waterman campaign.  This is what is being sent out to probable absentee voters.  Reading through the message, you would have a difficult time distinguishing that from the messages from the Ramiccio camp, including  the possibility of selling the electric utility to FPL.

The exception to what is included in this message is what is said about PBSO.  "We must work with the Sheriff to ensure a long-term, win-win contract for the safety and prosperity of our city."  Well, didn't we just do that?  I think it leaves the door more open to "changes" in our law enforcement contract beyond what we already have made - and this is consistent with the mutterings from the other members of the dais that happen to fully support Waterman.  Not to mention the city manager who continues to lament about her lack of control over a law enforcement department.

But that would not necessarily be apparent to the casual observer/voter.  What this message represents is what both campaigns think is the "winning" message - it's essentially the same one!  Then you have to ask, what then we are basing our decision upon when electing someone to this office of Mayor for three and a half months?  Remember, your past record is the best predictor of future performance.  Do we really want another clone from the Cara Jennings' camp to continue the cozy relationship between the city administration and love of the status quo, or do we want someone in there that knows how the system used to work and bring a different point of view to the center seat?  We need someone there that is not afraid of asking the hard questions.  Is that Waterman or Ramiccio?  We need a set of experienced eyes and ears up there.  That person is Tom Ramiccio.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

E-mailed Partisan Rallying Cry for the Waterman Campaign - THIS IS A NON-PARTISAN RACE!


Let's Get Rachel Elected!
 
As you know, the Lake Worth Mayoral Run-Off Election will be held next Tuesday, July 12, between Democrat Rachel Waterman and her Republican opponent.  Your help is needed.
 
The Republicans are going all out to support their candidate & try to stop the momentum of recent Democratic mayoral wins in Florida.  We can't let this happen in Palm Beach County!!!  Electing a Democrat is important both for good government for the City of Lake Worth, and for the state of Florida and the nation, to keep our Democratic momentum going and show that our organized party activity and commitment to Democratic ideals trumps money.  
 
All hands are needed on board, to knock doors and make GOTV calls for Rachel.  The doorknocking schedule for this weekend is below -- can you help for at least one shift?  RSVP information is below.
 
P.S.  Please come early for the DEC meeting on Thursday to help make GOTV calls, starting at 5:30!   We'll have the lists -- bring your cellphone and join us to make calls before the DEC meeting!! 

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Tonight, in front of the Canew...


Note: The Canew is the self-named boarding house that Ms. Jennings operates in a single family zoning district.

Still no questions for Tom Ramiccio have been e-mailed to me...

I am extending the deadline until Wednesday at 9 p.m.  Use the e-mail address found in the righthand column.

Outside of the Canew, 2021

Sunday, July 3, 2011

If you would like to pose questions for Tom Ramiccio...

Please e-mail me (do not use the comment feature of the blog)  and I will forward the questions on to his campaign.  Try to get them to me by Tuesday noon - thanks.  I will publish the results.

Overheard at Starbucks...

Saturday, July 2, 2011

The Grand Inquisitor...

Click here for more on Tomás de Torquemada

Thomas Paine 1737-1809

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from oppression; for if he violates this duty, he establishes a precedent that will reach to himself."

From the current City Manager's Report...the deception continues...

Click title for link to pictures.

Click here for responses to your questions posed to Rachel Waterman...

I received these this morning.  I have not edited any of them and the document is as presented by the candidate.  Click the box in the upper right hand corner of the frame below or use the zoom tools.

Friday, July 1, 2011

Latest horror story from Lake Worth Utilities Customer Service...

Today, a single mother with a young, asthmatic son, owed some $476 for her monthly utility bill.  She was only able to pay $400 of that bill, which she did, giving the cashier the money through the window.  When she got home, her electricity was shut off.  She now owes the re-connect fee, the past due $76, plus her current bill which means she needs over $500 to turn her electricity back on.  It is the beginning of a holiday weekend, meaning that even if she did come up with the money, the power wouldn't be turned on until Tuesday at the earliest.  This after coming and going to and from a public building that smells like a Monkey House (overwhelming urine smell upon entry.)  The kicker is that the father, who faithfully pays for the utilities, happened to work at John G's and is laid off due to their move to Manalapan.

This is not about where we get our power from - it is about customer service which is under the complete control of this City Commission and administration - and we have seen no improvement under this regime. It turns out that since the child is asthmatic, the household is eligible for a medical exemption - but this was never told to this resident/customer.  We should keep her, and every other Lake Worth Utilities customer, including ourselves, in our prayers - especially upon entering that building.

Latest Casino demolition pic...

Perhaps these can be served prior to Commission Meetings?

Letter from Resident ATTN Capt. Silva - In Support Of Continuing PBSO as Lakeworth's Law Enforcement Provider


Dear Captain Silva,
 
I am writing to extend my support for the movement to have PBSO continue as the law enforcement agency for our little town, your District 14.
 
As a NEWly arrived Lakeworth homeowner, I closed on a residential property in early March of this year.  It is at 711 South F street in the “Genesis” neighborhood.  While I am a part-time resident at the moment, it is my intention to relocate full-time to Lakeworth within the next 2-3 years.  I am familiar with several of South Florida’s coastal cities but have determined that Lakeworth is the place for me! Thus I hope to take an active interest in the welfare of the city, be a good neighbor in my community and contribute positively to the social and economic fabric of the place.
 
Having just landed in town, I cannot say that I have a full historical understanding of the “then” to “now” profile of the city as it was “then” under the local LWPD. My limited understanding is that the LWPD was a severely under-manned and under-resourced agency in proportion to the magnitude of woes that the city was dealing with at the time. Therefore the LWPD was hardly seen as an effective law enforcement organization by the community. It’s my impression that overwhelmingly, current public opinion credits the 2008  merger with the PBSO, the considerably more formidable and sophisticated resources, staffing & tactical capacity that the PBSO affords, with bringing about significant positive changes in the crime profile of the city and the security and viability of the town. 
 
Although I just got here, I already have had personal experiences that convince me PBSO is the way to go!  Here’s my story:
 
My home was purchased in March as I said earlier and the months of April and May were spent doing some remodeling upgrades to stabilize the structures, replace infrastructure that had suffered at the hands of previous vandalism episodes, introducing landscaping and exterior improvements to increase curb appeal etc, etc.  Well, no sooner than we were 99% done and ready for move-in, we sustained not one, but two attempted break-ins and property damage in quick succession May 3 and again on May 6 !  While no arrests have been made in either incident, and while I will admit that even though I am from Brooklyn, NY, I did have my “OMG what have I gotten myself into” moment,  I was completely re-fortified by the response that my two 911 calls got and the follow-up from your officers and detectives.  Their professionalism was awesome and confidence inspiring.  In particular, the follow-up inspections by Detective Careirro went a long way in reassuring me that someone has our backs in a demonstrable way.  This sort of vigilance is what MUST continue to be maintained in order to not lose ground and backslide into more negative territory. 
 
I WHOLEHEARTEDLY COMMEND THE PBSO and will offer my support any way that I can toward a resolution that allows our city government to keep PBSO at work for us.
 
Please feel free to use this testimonial in any manner that furthers this goal.
 
Sincerely,
 
Susanne Lyn
Lakeworth citizen
Since March 2011