Comment from anonymous Jo Ann Golden supporter (one of three?) who is challenged by the calendar...

"It is really nice to watch a back seat driver trying to drive.When we elect someone, it is because we the people of lake worth judge and believe that person is the best we have or at least available for the interest of the city. When you guys come out of the woodwork bashing on their accomplishment, it is nothing but a slap in the face of dedicated voters like myself. If this conversation is not pure propaganda, the election is november 8th 2001, that would be a good time to prove it.In order to be a good leader one should be able to follow closely the people and the city that he or she wishes to lead. Frankly, Jo- Ann Golden does just that. The proof, she is getting reelected for a 3rd term by the city of lake worth as commisioner district 3."

Miroslav Volf

"The goal of pursuit of justice must not simply be that justice happens but that reconciliation also happens."

Jen wonders where Rachel is...a premonition?

Occupy Lake Worth Agenda for tomorrow - Bryant Park

Be suspect of the Mayor's stated reasons for not attending the Neighborhood Association candidate forums...

Living in College Park, I get the regular e-mails from the College Park Neighborhood Association.  This afternoon, I received this announcement.  Clicking image will make it easier to read.

Please note that the Rachel Waterman for Mayor campaign told the neighborhood association that she would be unavailable for the joint Eden Place, Parrot Cove and College Park candidate forum scheduled for October 17th.   This was communicated on October 2nd - a day before said TRNA candidate forum.  Note that the neighborhood association is still offering an invite should our Mayor change her mind or if she is available after all.

Here is the e-mail:

"... had no objective discussion of the issues relevant to our city and instead served as a platform for vicious personal attacks...."

Don't believe the lady in the white suit.

I haven't had time to decipher my notes from the question and answer period that took place during the Tropical Ridge candidate forum last Monday.  I did not video this portion of the meeting, but these are some of the topics that were discussed at the forum - generated from direct questions from the audience.

District #3 Candidates:

• Status of Power Plant and FMPA pull-out
• What is the most important issue facing Lake Worth?
• Can you discuss the CRA and why the Commission wanted to take it over?
• What is being done with code enforcement?
• Assessments and taxes are increasing on businesses - why and what are you doing/would you do to change that?

Mayoral Candidates

• What can be done to promote business and redevelopment along Dixie Hwy?
• Do you think it is important to be a  homeowner to be a Mayor in Lake Worth and, if not, should that person have the right to set other people's taxes?
• What can be done to improve the relationship between the City Commission and its residents and business owners in the community?
• What are your answers to code enforcement and some of the problems in the neighborhoods that won't go away and are getting worse?

When I have more time, I can go into the answers given to some of these questions.  I am a little cautious as mine are not "verbatim" notes and don't want to be charged with putting words in people's mouths.  However, I think it is a valid point that the tone of the forum was not as NEGATIVE as the Mayor suggests - and it was not all about her.  It most definitely explored some of the "issues relevant to our city."

This was being handed out at the Night-Out on Crime downtown...

By someone carrying the U.S. flag and saying that they lived on N. Lakeside.

This previous post is getting a lot of hits today...

Click here for link.  It's about the aftermath of the last meeting where the City Commission, led by Commissioner Golden, attempted to take over the CRA.  It hits on the issues of civility on the part of the City Commission towards members of the community that they represent.  Click here for memo prepared by Commissioner Golden as back-up for the takeover attempt.

From Cara Jennings' FaceBook wall...

This is a person whose idea of compromise is setting up a street barricade.  Have we forgotten Rene Varela Dolphin Killer?  How about Scott Maxwell racist?  Just sayin'...

Former Congressman Lee Hamilton

Speaking to a group in Madison, Indiana on the topic of civic discourse.  I have spent time visiting my father in Madison for the past two summers.  He pointed this talk out to me and it comes at a very good time.  Click here for more information on Lee Hamilton.  Click here for link to an 18 minute video that is a MUST see!

One Country, One Future...

E pluribus unum or "One City with One Future"

I am having trouble with Mayor Waterman's campaign slogan - "One City, One Future."  It would normally just be a throw-away phrase as part of a local campaign, but it is being used to squash dissent and debate.  The administration and the dais have established the ground rules - more like made a fortress - that restricts opportunities for public input.  See the already reported oodles of City Commission work sessions where "consensuses" are agreed upon and the City Manager takes action upon them without the benefit of public input or comment.  How the public is given 2 minutes to express itself on any one of the hundreds of issues that face the city, that aren't already on the agenda, twice a month at regular City Commission meetings.  The public also gets 2 minutes on an agenda item - except items on consent or any presentation when no public comment is allowed (which sometimes can be half of a regular agenda.)  This is perceived by the public as a time when the City Commission has already made up its mind and that anything that is said is whatever is expected by whoever's mouth it comes out of.

It has come to the point that if the Mayor doesn't like the way you button your shirt she can kick you out of the Commission chambers.  If you were to objectively observe who the targets of her ire are, they are never part of her "posse."  Even though many of her "posse" are guilty of disturbing the peace and quiet of the Commission chambers during meetings.

And how about the lack of Commission audio in the hallway City Manager?

Can we get back to E pluribus unum?   "One City, One Future" should read "One City, One and Only One Point of View."  The Mayor's latest refusal to participate in candidate forums shows her lack of openness to ideas other than those of hers, the City Manager's and her posse's.

Let's find ways to engage the public in a meaningful and productive way - I think the defensiveness is breeding more frustration which is going in the wrong direction.

Response from 10/3 Debate Organizer...

From: Ryan Anderson <randerson@lwnapc.org>
Date: Thu, Oct 6, 2011 at 2:55 PM
Subject: Re: FW: For Your Information
To: "Howard, Willie (CMG-WestPalm)" <WHoward@pbpost.com>

Hello Willie,

 

I’m taken aback by the statements made by Mrs. Waterman in this email.  Thank you for sharing it with me as it’s the only confirmation I’ve received for her attendance to the NAPC debate on October 24^th.

 

The statements made by Mrs. Waterman regarding TRNA leadership failing to create an objective environment and preventing abusive behaviors are wildly inappropriate!  It seems as if Mrs. Waterman cannot differentiate a personal attack from an embarrassing truth. When running for public office it’s common knowledge that facts about your past will be publically discussed.  Mr. Zacks, candidate for Lake Worth Mayor, presented some information about Mrs. Waterman in a fashion that he deemed appropriate.  This information was presented during his opening and closing statements.  While the exchange between our mayoral candidates was lively I don’t feel that it was the duty of the Association’s leadership to censor any candidate.  Allowing Mr. Zacks to express himself does not mean that the TRNA condones or agrees with his statements.  Rather, the TRNA is allowing candidates to present themselves to the voters in a way they choose appropriate.  In my opinion, the way that candidates communicate with constituents during political campaigns is half of the reason they get elected, the other half being their platform.  If I were to change the communication dynamic, especially during opening or closing statements, I would have been showing bias.

 

Moreover, if Mrs. Waterman has decided not to attend forums “until such time that the neighborhood association leadership, organizers and moderators can appropriately facilitate forums with decorum and propriety,” it makes me wonder why she has agreed to attend the NAPC debate.  Mrs. Waterman is aware that the Presidents’ Council is an independent organization made up of the leaders of each Lake Worth Neighborhood Association that she’s libeling in her email to the Palm Beach Post.  The only difference is that there will be a larger audience.  Unfortunately, Mrs. Waterman’s email has spurred the Council’s desire to revisit the status of her invitation to this debate. Personally I feel that it would be a shame not to have her in attendance but statements such as hers are not taken as lightly by all Council members.  I’m hoping the NAPC can determine a course of action by sometime next week.

 

At the end of the day, Willie, the TRNA set the expectations of our forum by clearly defining the rules and format in the invitation (see attached).  It’s a shame that this first time politician of three months has not yet grown a thick enough skin to handle criticism from the public and her opponents in a group setting.  I feel terrible that other Association memberships and residents will not have the same opportunity to meet Mrs. Waterman prior to making a decision at the polls on November 8^th but take no responsibility for it.  I’m proud of what the TRNA accomplished during our October 3^rd forum and I look forward to continuing the work that the Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Association has set out to do in our Community.

Ryan Anderson | President | TRNA | 561.706.4976 | ryan@tropicalridge.org

The Press Release that started it all...

For Immediate Release

From: Re-elect Mayor Waterman Campaign

Date:   October 5, 2011

RE:      Mayor Waterman refuses to participate in Candidate Forums 

Please be advised I will only be attending the NAPC Candidate Forum at the Lake Worth Playhouse on Monday, October 24^th.

We live in a great city that is funky, cool, diverse, creative, and replete with social capital.   However, the important work that neighborhood associations can do is undermined when they become vehicles for the politics of division. 

The TRNA Forum that I attended on Monday, October 3^rd had no objective discussion of the issues relevant to our city and instead served as a platform for vicious personal attacks. The neighborhood association leadership failed to create an objective environment in which issues could be respectfully debated. Moreover, the neighborhood association leadership failed to prevent abusive behavior from participants and event volunteers.

I DO NOT support the politics of division.  We are One City with One Future. 

Until such time that the neighborhood association leadership, organizers and moderators can appropriately facilitate forums with decorum and propriety, I decline to participate.

I welcome the opportunity to meet ALL those who make Lake Worth their home. I am open to meeting with small groups of residents in their homes, businesses, churches, organizations or during my weekly open office hours on Tuesdays, 9:30AM-12:30PM and Wednesdays, 4:00PM-7:00PM.  Please contact me regarding the upcoming election atwatermanformayor@gmail.com

Your Mayor,

Rachel Waterman

--
Rachel Waterman, Mayor, City of Lake Worth


Political advertisement paid for and approved by Rachel Waterman, Mayor

Where is our local activist community on this issue?

Lake Worth mayor to pass on candidate forums due to 'vicious, personal attacks'

"I do not support the politics of division," Waterman's statement said. "We are one city with one future." - from the article, click title for link.

This is code for "I do not encourage or tolerate debate, discussion of issues or public participation and I am trying to hide from any inquiries into my past since it does not compare well with the other candidates - there is one way this city has to go and that is my way, and my trusty City Manager's way."

Rachel's Peeps in Panic Mode...

Part of blast e-mail sent out to potential ground troops.  Prepare for a blitz this Saturday.  I guess they see a need to defend her behavior and/or background.

Thank you Steve Jobs...

Lake Worth to go back to four-hour downtown parking after merchants complain

Do you get the sense that the city doesn't know what it's doing or how to do it? Click title for Willie's take on Stanton's unilateral action.

An example of freedom of speech, political satire and/or disrespect, depending on your point of view...

Resident Suzanne Squires' short story read during public comment at last night's meeting...

A Montana cowboy was overseeing his herd in a remote mountainous pasture when suddenly a brand-new Blue Gas Guzzling Hummer advanced out of a dust cloud towards him. In the area @ a Conference, the driver, a gray fox in a Brioni suit, Rolex Watch and assorted designer Jewelry, leans out the window and asks the cowboy, 'If I tell you exactly how many cows and calves you have in your herd, Will you give me a calf?'

The cowboy looks at the gray fox, obviously a person of ‘means’, then looks at his peacefully grazing herd and calmly answers, 'Sure, why not?' The 170K a year Salaried Fox whips out her iPad, Connects it to her iPhone, and surfs on the Internet, where she calls up a GPS satellite navigation System to get an exact fix on her location, then feeds to another NASA satellite that scans the area in an ultra-high-resolution photo w/expensive video editing software…the iPad begins processing the data

The young gray fox then opens the digital photo in Final Cut and exports it to an image processing facility in Hamburg, Germany. Within seconds, she receives an email on her iPad that the image has been processed and the data stored.

She then accesses the database (through a Newly installed Super Server in the basement of the City) and Produces a 3D holographic Excel Spreadsheet with email on her iPhone. She prints out a Fat full-color, 550-page report and turns to the cowboy and says, 'You have exactly 1,586 cows and calves.'

'That's right number, all right. Well, I guess you can take one of the little ones,' says the Cowboy. He watches the young gray fox select one of the animals and looks on amused as the ‘gal of Means’ stuffs it into the back of the blue hummer.

Then the cowboy says to the young fox, 'Hey, if I can tell you exactly what your business is, will you give me back my animal?' The fox thinks about it for a second and then says, 'Okay, why not?'

You're a tri-lingual elected public official, says the cowboy. 'Wow! That's correct,' says the young gray fox, 'but how did you guess that?'

'No! guessing was required.' answered the cowboy. 'You showed up here even though nobody called you; you want to get paid for an answer I already knew, to a question I never asked. You tried to show me how much smarter than me you are; and you don't know a thing about cows...this is a herd of sheep.

Now give me back my dog!


Later, Pearl Oliphant, sycophant to Mayor Waterman who has had more names than some small town phone books, cited this as an example of the public not showing respect to an elected official. She said that she didn't understand it, but the reference to someone who spoke three languages surely referred to Mayor Rachel Waterman.

Mark Parrilla's Ode to Joe Kroll presented at last night's meeting....

RESIGNED

Do you have to be reminded that you are not a slave? That this is no plantation, nor your desk, an unmarked grave?

They paid you lots of money for your work and for your time; but you helped Lake Worth prosper and you earned your every dime.

They could fire you at any moment, as they did to many friends, but now you fire the city and you choose just when it ends.

You owe this City nothing,
we owe it all to you, You are a hero in this town
Don’t ever doubt this to be true!
You were the boss of bosses
Your employees always came first
If we had more public servants with your style
We might not feel so cursed


You made the choice to work here and you make the choice to depart,
I know your new employees will enjoy
The kindness of your heart.

So you find you have the power: depart the building, close the door. But in that mighty gesture you have opened many more.

Mark was later asked to leave the Commission chambers for whispering or mouthing words to Lynn Anderson.  Mayor Waterman thought this was unacceptable behavior and insisted that she heard something at least three times so he was out.  Others heard nothing.  So, when do we start taking political prisoners?

Henry David Thoreau

“It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”

Regular City Commission Meeting 10/4

Click here for link to live audio.  Click here for complete back-up material

Beware if you hear: "I'm from the government and here to help."

Regular readers will remember a previous post about the parking situation along the south side of 16th Avenue North and Dixie Hwy.  You can read about the original details here.  

Well, it turns out that the owner of the MadHatter showed up at the Farmer Girl last Monday for Mayor Waterman's coffee or meet and greet - you can decide which it was, an act to connect to the public by the Mayor or a campaign stop.  This time of year it's hard to know.  Anyway, the owner of the MadHatter told Mayor Waterman of their trouble with the city and the elimination of parking along the north side of their building.  Upon hearing the story, she said something like don't worry, its done, I got you a no parking area 20 feet from the corner.  To which the owner responded that he would have been happy with 25 feet.  She said it was done at 20.  Then, in what probably was the next breath, how many signs do you need?  The owner said three, two for the business and one for their house.  The signs arrived right away. 

The city crew arrived today and painted over the scored area in the street that had been painted white before with black paint.  Then the yellow paint came out and the entire curb from the corner was painted to the point of the sign (above) - and essentially extended three feet beyond where the no parking area was before.  So Mayor Waterman's "it's done at 20" is now "it's done at 60 feet plus."  This large of a no parking area is problematic for deliveries too.

You can see the use to which the owners have put the Waterman signs that were delivered with such dispatch.  And the owners immediately tried to call the cell phone number on the Waterman door hanger and found that it was disconnected.  Huh.

Downtown Parking item on tonight's City Commission agenda 10/4

Click here for back-up on item.  This is another item brought forward by Commissioner Maxwell; the other is the item related to the Office of Inspector General recommendations.  We learned from Mayor Waterman last night that the Commission has met 22 times since she took office.  Most of those meetings were work sessions and most of those were related to the budget.  The thing about work sessions is that public comment is rarely, if ever, allowed.  The City Commission is not supposed to be making decisions or taking action at these meetings.  They are designed, when used well, to delve into issues more deeply than can be done during regular commission meetings.

However, it seems that there are many "consensuses" and "understandings" that result from those meetings.  Aren't those just another name for decisions?  And aren't these done outside the typical "public eye" since most are during the day and do not allow for public comment?  Is this parking decision a result of one of those "consensuses" - as identified in the City Manager's recommendation on the item?

Decisions related to parking, in my opinion, rank high on the priority scale for public involvement and have a high potential to affect, either positively or negatively, economic activity in the downtown.  Anything related to it should be done with advanced notice to those most affected by changes in parking policy, the downtown merchants.  It appears that this change, regardless of its merits, was done in a vacuum and is coming as a surprise to many.  This sends a message that City Hall doesn't care about soliciting input and can act unilaterally, since it knows best...period.

And is PBSO going to actively enforce this reduced maximum time limit?  Signs are one thing but the policy has to be enforced if it is going to be effective.  While we are at it, could we have a report on revenue and expenses associated with the privately owned parking lot between K and L Streets, leased by the city, which seems to be unoccupied most of the time, except for weekend evenings?

The idea to speed up turnover of parking spaces and prevent merchants and employees from parking in prime spaces is a good one.  However, Commissioner Maxwell is right to raise the issue about the surprise nature of this change.  It also pulls back on the veil on what really goes on in these "work sessions."

The City Manager has figured our that democracy is an inefficient way to govern and that dictatorial edicts are much more efficient.

Mayoral Closing Statements 10/3 Candidate Forum

Commissioner Maxwell's Statement 10/3 Candidate Forum

Rachel Waterman's Opening 10/3 Candidate Forum

Lao Tzu

‎"He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."

More on the way...

Pam Triolo's Opening Statement 10/3 Candidate Forum

Andy Amoroso's Closing 10/3 Candidate Forum

Jo Ann Golden's Closing 10/3 Candidate Forum

You can follow Jo Ann on Twitter?

Andy Amoroso's Opening 10/3 Candidate Forum

Jo Ann Golden's Opening 10/3 Candidate Forum

In answering questions, Jo Ann didn't think it was fair asking about her record or what she has done in the past.  This campaign is about the "future."

Dustin Zack's Opening 10/3 Candidate Forum

Sorry about the lack of focus...the others are better.  The audio is the important thing.

TRNA Debate - More on the way...

Lake Worth public services director leaving for private sector job

Why oh why? One of the bright lights from the past few years. Click title for link.

Tonight's Candidates' Forum | TRNA 10/3

Join us TONIGHT at 7pm in the Compass Community Center  at 201 North Dixie Highway for the first Lake Worth Candidates' Debate of the season! 

 

Everybody in the City of Lake Worth is invited to attend this forum. Through this event we hope to educate attendees on candidates and their platforms in an unbaised manner so that all residents may make informed and educated decisions while at the polls on November 8th.

 

Learn more about the NAPC's follow-up Candidates' Debate here.  Also, bring some cash.  We'll be selling 50/50 raffle tickets for $1 each and TRNA T-Shirts, $12 for members, $17 for non-members.

All about Susan, the movie...

Comment on Casino Building issue from well-informed reader...

Wes - I read the two exceptions to the FL Building Code on-line (http://www.floridabuilding.org/c/default.aspx)regarding the need for a pile foundation system under a major habitable building, which is what the Casino building is. The first exception was the one the City used up to now by claiming it was not the rebuilding of the old building - the same as their claim it was not a "substantial improvement". Well, the IG found that to be BS, so the City is now forced to use the remaining exception to the pile foundation system requirement. This exception is the seawall along the dune. They are now claiming this seawall will provide protection of the building from the effects of erosion of a 100 year storm surge. The City can use this exception (and therefore save probably half a million $$ on foundation work) as long as the following is demonstrated:

2. Habitable structures located landward of existing armoring which is capable of protecting buildings from the effects of erosion from a 100-year storm surge. The applicant shall provide scientific and engineering evidence that the armoring has been designed, constructed and maintained to survive the effects of the design storm and provide protection to existing and proposed structures from the erosion associated with that event. Evidence shall include a report with data and supporting analysis, and shall be certified by a professional engineer registered in this state, that the armoring was designed and constructed and is in adequate condition to meet the following criteria:
2.1. The top must be at or above the still water level, including setup, for the design storm plus the breaking wave calculated at its highest achievable level based on the maximum eroded beach profile and highest surge level combination, and must be high enough to preclude runup overtopping.
2.2. The armoring must be stable under the design storm including maximum localized scour, with adequate penetration and toe protection to avoid settlement, toe failure or loss of material from beneath or behind the armoring.
2.3. The armoring must have sufficient continuity or return walls to prevent flanking under the design storm from impacting the proposed construction.
2.4. The armoring must withstand the static and hydrodynamic forces of the design storm.

Do you know if the City has provided the required engineering and scientific data, analysis and reports to demonstrate compliance with the above? I also think this is something the FL DEP would like to know too, as they probably issued their CCCL permit (F.S. 161 & F.A.C. 62 B-33)based upon the City incorrectly listing the project as NOT a substantial improvement and NOT a habitable building, both of which ahve been determined to be UNTRUE.

Much more follow up is required on this. I also find it interesting that the IG is rendering building code interpretations. This is a matter that should be reviewed by the FL Building Commission and DCA. 

Reading between the lines...

On this coming City Commission regular meeting agenda of 10/4, Commissioner Maxwell is requesting that the City Commission follow through the on the Office of the Inspector General's recommendation as contained in the following portion of their report issued to the city:

Click here for the entire item.  Essentially, he is asking for a review of the project to date to make sure that there aren't any issues that might impact the ultimate success of the project.

This is the City Manager's rejection of the idea and her stated reasons for it:

This is what I imagine was the internal monologue that went on in our City Manager's mind as she composed her recommendation on the item:

Oh sheezus, Maxwell won't let this die.  What to do, what to do?  Hmmmm.  Well, hmmmm, first of all I will highlight that this request comes from Commissioner Maxwell.  That is sure to raise the hackles of the other members of the Commission - he is such a wet blanket to PROGRESS.  Too bad he is un-opposed in this election - we have to put up with him another two years, at least.  MUST KEEP MARGINALIZING HIM AT ALL COSTS.  It's so difficult to deal with dissent.  Apparently he hasn't bought into the fact that I am always right, never wrong and that I always win. 

Well, I guess it's a good idea to put this OIG thing in context.  Gotta remind everyone how busy I am.  They are probably tired of me saying that I work 110 hour weeks - I guess they have done the math and realize how much of a stretch that is.  No, it's time to mention the Greater Bay lawsuit.  We have managed to keep that quiet for the two and a half years I've been here.  Unfortunately, I initially bought into how the lawsuit would just go away and that Greater Bay wouldn't follow through on anything.  Oh gosh, now it seems like the court thinks they have a case.  We didn't count on that, did we?  So, now we have to start bringing it up  and make it seem like they are beating up on the city.  Let's put down some unreal number of documents that the city had to produce as part of the lawsuit - yeah, that's kinda like saying I work 110 or more hours a week.  I bet the people will think that the copiers were working overtime in city hall - we will look soooo important.  Which is good.  We have to make them look like the bad guys, even though the city is in such a poor position and spent all that money to defend breaking the contract.  Where will those millions come to settle the judgement....?  Oh, well, tomorrow is another day....

Now that is out, part of preparing the public for the big shock when the city loses the case, I gotta make Maxwell look like the bad guy.  Yeah, gotta mention that he hasn't been for the project ever (even though he voted for it many times - oops, can't think about the facts here).  I just have to make him out to be unrealistic in his demands and make it seem like he is just a trouble maker.  Yeah, that's it.

No, what I have to do now is talk about how the city keeps moving forward regardless of anything that lies in its way.  WE HAVE TO GET THAT BUILDING UP.  That way people will stop asking all these uncomfortable questions that we don't have answers for.  Oh, why do people pay attention to local government anyway?  Sometimes I wish the public would just go away and realize that I know best.  Yes, time to talk about all those bad people that are taking my precious time - let's pull out those Greater Bay bullies again just to wave fresh meat for my supporters on the dais.  Can't really say it, but the ends do justify the means here - GOT TO GET THAT BUILDING UP.  It was so difficult to hide the fact that an entire building disappeared!  WOW, if they gave Academy Awards for such things, I surely wouldn't have gotten one.  Geeez, that was close.  La, la, la...got to make those that noticed irrelevant.

Gotta make it seem like anyone against the project is against jobs and economic development.  Yes. People have to forget that so many changes have happened since we put together the business plan that it is hard to prove that the project will not rely on other monies than what is generated by the leases and the parking.  Oh, what was I thinking...can't go back and look at that now.  Better we go forward with it and GET THAT BUILDING UP.  Then, the questions will go away and we can use that "cash portfolio" line again - wow, wasn't that a classic!  Ha, and that the city will pay itself back.  Wow, that's why I'm where I'm at.  Geez I'm good.

Gotta mention my brilliant career and then talk about ACTS OF GOD - We are so much the same anyway.  Let's just brush by the builder's risk insurance issue by mentioning hurricanes.  Gotta leave room for 25 cent ice cream cones by mentioning some tenants may not be successful in satisfying the financial requirements of the project.  Here I can say that, once I am long gone and outta here, the city can do all kinds of forensic audits on the project.  Yeah, what would I care then?  I am so busy trying to justify the unjustifiable to do anything else.  Gosh, we need better attorneys..."we just are too busy right now" - yes, way to busy too look at anything that could be laid at our feet.  MUST GET THAT BUILDING UP!!

I guess I have to mention the Inspector General...wish I didn't have to but they are a reality, but nothing says that we need to make their job easy.  Or do we have to agree with anything that they say or recommend.  Time to make it seem like I care and offer the opportunity for anyone to submit their own complaint if they think we are doing something wrong.  GOT TO GET THAT SMOKE  MACHINE WORKING...where is that warranty?  When I am adamant about something, they need to know that I MEAN IT.  Yes, we will cooperate but only on OUR terms.  Now, how about that building...GOT TO GET IT FINISHED!!!!