From Lake Worth Media

Saturday May 31, 2008 - Amidst all the preparations for the Grand Opening of the pool at the beach, questions arise as to the fairness of the city selecting one neighborhood association to assist in the celebration.

LWM contacted Peter Willard of Greater Bay who characterized the event as a community celebration for getting something done together. When asked about the assignment of John Rinaldi to a committee and Tropical Ridge Neighborhood association to assist the city in the event, Mr Willard responded saying, "I have no knowledge of how that was put together but it's not a political event." John Rinaldi responded that he was selected to serve on a committee to assist the city and that he didn't consider that he was in charge or hosting the event... "just helping out on a celebration of finally getting something done at the beach."

But other residents and members of organizations such as Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, and neighborhood associations are objecting to the process by which Mr. Rinaldi and Tropical Ridge Association ended up being the exclusive group selling food and drinks (fund raising?) at the celebration. One resident said, "How did that happen? They get exclusive rights to fund raise at a city celebration when we were never even told of any meetings or that the city was looking for assistance. We want the opportunity to do some fund raising at a city event too."

LWM also contacted Mayor Jeff Clemens who said he had no knowledge of a committee per se but he welcomed any volunteer to help. He said that John Rinaldi had contacted city staff, Laura Hannah. He also stated he had no knowledge of a fund raiser at this event.

A few critics were quick to point out that perhaps Mr. Rinaldi is gaining some political visibility for his campaign for mayor next year but Mr. Rinaldi disclosed no intentions of running or not. At the moment, it looks like official answers will have to wait until Monday but we will update as soon as anything new turns up.