"Conservation and Rehabilitation Program" for needy homeowners, many of them seniors, IS NOT a broad conspiracy to steal homes

Worth another look and more on that 'G' word. . .

To hear Lake Worth Commissioner Ryan Maier tell it (use this link for video) this new program for needy homeowners, many of them seniors, is a broad-based conspiracy by Adopt-A-Family, the City of Lake Worth, CRA, the Electric Utility, Siemens Corporation, and who knows how many others to steal people's homes in the City.

On the pretense of "gentrification", Maier suggested Adopt-A-Family is involved in some sort of nefarious undertaking. So that's the definition of gentrification now? Fixing windows, installing A/C, a washer and dryer, a workable toilet and shower for an elderly citizen or poor family? For more about "the 'G' word" and the "Politics of Fear" read the blog post following this one or use this link.

Are these the people Maier is referring to? The one's out there on the front line trying to make a difference in Lake Worth:

We are #humbled to share the news that our incredible funding partner, @TheHondaClassic, will feature AAF in their upcoming PSA!

— Adopt-A-Family (@AAFPBC) August 23, 2016

Maier read some stuff on a blog and, apparently, that was the information he used as 'basis' to prove a conspiracy of some sort (misinformation in red):

No where does it mention the total estimated cost of this program regarding implementation and constant supervision in a city that has no money. How many residences are they anticipating to be included in this program and how many houses need a lot of help? 5,000? More? Where will all the money come from?

Joan Oliva, the CRA Director, answered all this nonsense quite clearly:

     "The process starts at electric utilities. It is not a wide open program for anyone to apply. If you call the CRA or the City we will direct you to the Utility dept. Its about teaching conservation and not just residential rehabilitation. The program doesn’t start until next fiscal year. The City is contributing $75K, the CRA $50K, Siemens $50K for a total one year program of $175,000.
     Similar to NSP in nature this is not an easy process. It can be lengthy because of all the paperwork and the reviews we have put in place. We tried NOT to make it too bureaucratic but we also have to be good stewards of taxpayer money. I don’t expect to do more than 8–10 per year plus conservation training."

Then there's this from a recent front page article in The Lake Worth Herald:

     "Lake Worth has a tremendous need for a local housing rehabilitation program. This can be evidenced by the large number of households, especially those headed by seniors, which have required financial assistance with their electric bills and have been assisted by Community Partners and Adopt-A-Family."

Maier may or may not run for re-election next year. Many of his former supporters may have a thing or two to say about that. Look in the right-hand column for "March 14th, 2017—Election Day" or use this link.