Impressions from last night's Bryant Park and South Palm Park candidate forum...

Just a couple of notes from last night's meeting.  I hope that you enjoy the videos.  I tried to get more of the question and answer session than the previous candidate forum.  But, since I just have a 4 gig card, that came at the expense of closing statements and much of the other discussion.  I'll look into getting a  bigger card.

On my way into the clubhouse, the various campaign volunteers were out in front passing out literature. One of Jo Ann Golden's team was trying to convince me to vote for her.  It was nearly 6:30 p.m. and I didn't want to take too much time to engage her, but I said "There's a lot of fiction on those fliers. Let's go down the list."  She said, "O.K. - Casino Building Opening in 2012."  To which I responded "See, it's 2011 now, come see me in a year and we'll see if that's the case."  At that point I went into the building.

Does anyone notice how cold they keep the clubhouse?  Many people commented on it after the meeting.  I noticed that when we were in there for three hours during our joint Planning and Zoning, Historic Resource Preservation Board.  For a city that should be aware of electric usage and proclaims its "sustainability" emphasis, it just seems odd that the city would keep a large room cold enough to hang meat in.  An observation...

The organizers of the meeting, and I thought that the people running the forum did a good job, made a point how the candidates were all going to be seated to accommodate Commissioner Golden who has a broken knee.  That was a worthy accommodation, but Commissioner Golden herself stood every time that she answered a question - which made me wonder about if that request came from her or not.  If it came from her, and she stood most of the time, did this give her an advantage?  I have always been told it is better to stand in that sort of situation where you are trying to persuade the group you are talking to.  Call me a skeptic.

And then, after proclaiming that she was for the millage rate increase, voted for it and "knew the budget", Commissioner Golden told everyone that the city's budget is $5.8 million.  That is the amount of the ad valorem tax generated by millage on property values - NOT the entire $170 plus million budget including utilities or the general fund for regular government activities of around $31 million.  And she has been a Commissioner here for four and a half years?  You would think that she would like to explain what makes up the budget for the benefit of the public - if she had an opportunity.  To be so off really is astounding.  The other candidates took a pass and defaulted to her representation, but that turned out to be a missed opportunity to point out either the gross over-simplification or gross misrepresentation of reality, whatever it was.

The moderator mentioned that a question from the audience came up four times and kept being taken back - and then he went ahead and asked it.  It was essentially, do you candidates think that the Mayor should be allowed to participate at the Playhouse debate if she declines to participate in the ones leading up to it?  After the question was read and the candidates were preparing to answer, there were two or three voices in the audience that shouted out "Provocative, provocative."  It was like Mayor Waterman's attorney was in the audience objecting to the "court" that the question was out of line.  The question was then withdrawn and went unanswered.  I am sorry, that was a legitimate question and I think Mayor Waterman gave up any representation at the meeting through her non-attendance.  And, on top of that, her absence and her press release being distributed at the door was "provocative."  I enjoyed not having her there since I didn't have to endure her arrogant attitude.

Another gaff, especially since she has been on the Commission for four and half years, made by Commissioner Golden was only being able to mention the name one person that also represents Lake Worth on another level.  The question was can you name who represents Lake Worth on the state and federal level and how would you work with them?  Commissioner Golden could come up with Shelley Vana - a county commissioner, but couldn't remember the other county commissioner that also represents Lake Worth, Priscilla Taylor.  And she didn't even mention Jeff Clemens, the city's state representative, that sat next to her on the dais for two and a half years.  A head-scratching moment to be sure.

Mayor Waterman's absence did more to confirm that she has thin skin than anything else.  It also made me question the real reason for her lack of participation in these forums.