City Buildings

(Note: This was originally posted on June 25, 2006 and outlined my view of the future use of various City buildings. At the October 17, 2006 City Commission meeting, the City Commission will review, and hopefully approve, the phase II portion of the Song and Associates study and authorize Ardaman and Associates to perform a hazardous materials analysis on the Library, City Hall Annex, existing City Hall and the Suffleboard Court building.)

I know that the City enlisted Song and Associates to do a space utilization study of City buildings, but does anyone know the status of it? I think the first phase has been done for a while. I'll check this week to see what the status is.

City Hall Annex - (on the National Register) When are we getting rid of the utilities drive thru payment window? It is unsightly and creates traffic problems in the downtown during peak times.


















Library - If only for symbolic purposes, the City needs to designate this as an individual landmark on the National Register. It is eligible for a myriad of reasons. It is already considered a contributing structure within the local Old Town Historic District - (This is confusing, and part of why we need to re-examine the make-up of our historic districts, but there is a National and local district version of the Old Town Historic District.). The threshold for the number of contributing structures is higher with the National designation, but really doesn't offer additional protection to structures within it. They are still subject to the regulations contained within our Historic District Ordinance. It is more of a symbolic and honorary title that notes the District is of a higher quality than just a local designation. We really need to re-look at the downtown and see if it can now be, because of age, one National district.


City Hall - Let's gut it. (The symbolism is not lost on me and it would not be lost on others).
Return it to a Municipal Auditorium (see area above eastern/western door). Find a new location for City Hall farther to west that can adequately house our City staff, perhaps combining it with other functions such as the future transit stop on the FEC rail road, light retail or other complimentary uses. Returning our present City Hall to its original and intended function would give the City a central place to assemble (especially City Commission meetings) that would be under the City's control (not a school auditorium) and also be available for live musical performances, films, etc. If most of the building's activity took place at night, then parking would open up for other uses around the City Hall "block" during the day. It could be a major destination and really affirm the City's commitment to historic preservation. By providing a larger venue for City meetings, we would be true to a policy of open government and encouraging citizen participation. We would also be encouraging our performing arts community through establishment of a performing arts center.

The building/property is also not individually designated - should be, again likely National Register eligible (might help with securing grant monies for remodeling). It is in both the local and the National Old Town Historic Districts.

Thoughts?

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Economic Conditions and What Can Be Done

As I go around the City, I am getting a lot of input regarding economic activity in the Downtown area and long Dixie Highway. What I am hearing is not good. Almost universally, retail and restaurant business is off significantly compared to last year. Some long standing businesses go so far as to say it is the worst that they have seen since they have been in Lake Worth. It seems that year-to-year comparison of revenues showed that July, August and September were much lower than previous years.

We talked about possible reasons for the apparent down turn. One of the most common reasons cited was the lingering affect of the hurricanes of '04 (Francis and Jeanne) and '05 Wilma. Because of that many people who usually stayed through the summer (retirees, etc.) didn't this year and chose other locations less prone to storms.

Another reason, again related to the storms, is the supposed permanent evacuation of those people that were fed up with living with the chance of hurricanes here and left for locations such as North Carolina and interior states. The impetus was fairly strong for such a relocation as we experienced a significant run-up in property values and it might have been an opportunity for some to use their equity to "buy more house" in their new location. (Much of the increase in value was evidently caused by speculation and that is currently being wrung out of the system and will continue to seek an equilibrium. Remember, additional supply with no increase on the demand side puts downward pressure on property values.) My own anecdotal experience: I bet that at least 20 people that I know personally took advantage of this to start a new life somewhere else. I do not hesitate to think that factor contributed heavily to the correction we are currently experiencing in the residential real estate market. I believe that this is slowing the net migration of people into Florida. We will have to wait for the statistics to be tallied to be sure.

Other local factors seem to be based on what is perceived as a non-reliable and expensive electric utility in the City of Lake Worth - no news here. Acquaintances that I have in the residential real estate sector say that they see the local markets recovering in neighboring communities, but not so in Lake Worth. Attractive properties in the City of Lake Worth that would have been part of a bidding war just two years ago now sit on the market for sale for far too long - to the exasperation of owners attempting to sell.

I also do not think that we can discount the importance of the political polarization and in-fighting that is reported, generally accurate, in the local press and media. Having the dramas played out over and over again sends a message that the City really doesn't know what it wants to do and would rather fight with itself (wasting resources along the way), than undertake the continual improvement and reinvestment in City facilities. We need to understand that we are in a competitive real estate and commercial/retail marketplace. There are many communities that are all striving for the same investment and retail dollars for which Lake Worth is striving. We need to be more cognizant of that and realize that the instability of the political landscape is a consideration (how much of one can be debated) in those key decisions - from where am I going to live, where am I going to by property, where do I want to raise my family, where I am going out to eat tonight, etc.

So, what can we do to combat the factors working against prosperity in Lake Worth? Here is my list and I encourage you to add your own ideas:

• If you have a choice where to shop and the goods and services are available within the City of Lake Worth, choose to spend your dollars here over other communities. Supporting local businesses can go a long way to keep dollars within the City.
• We realize that we only weaken ourselves if we fight from within. There are many forces outside of our City, beyond the economic ones, that impact our quality of life within the City of Lake Worth. We should be actively anticipating these and addressing them to the extent possible. This needs to be done collectively and together as a community.
• We need to support the re-investment in City facilities - particularly the beach - as a way to prove to the world that we do care about our infrastructure and the quality/affordability of City services. By re-investing in the beach, we improve our flagship property and create the quality destination that it can be - importing wealth from outside the City and having it be chanelled throughout the City's economy. I think we were all surprised by the initial sucess of the Green Market at the beach - look for me there next Saturday, I'll have my camera with me!
  

Add your own - together we can turn it around.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Importance of the Internet

Look at growth, look at how much time people spend on the Net and look at the variety of things that they are doing. It's all really good, so I am actually encouraged by the fundamentals that underlie usage growth on the Net.
Meg Whitman (founder of eBay)

What's sort of interesting about the whole public relations disaster that is the Net, in some ways, is that the fundamentals are really good.
Meg Whitman

A friend called me up the other day and talked about investing in a dot-com that sells lobsters. Internet lobsters. Where will this end? The next day he sent me a huge package of lobsters on ice. How low can you stoop?
Donald Trump

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

City Commission Meeting - 10/3

I thought it would be good to get a quick post in about the City Commission meeting last night. This is where the Commission voted 3-2, with Commissioner Jennings and Mayor Drautz dissenting, to approve draft interlocal agreement with Palm Beach County that will allow the City access to the $5 million from the 1992 cultural bond issue. The money had been reserved for this purpose for sometime. The discussion centered on whether or not to include the private money offered by Greater Bay for the recreation and infrastructure improvements.

Commissioner Jennings and Mayor Drautz wanted to delete reference to Greater Bay in the agreement. Both also had issue with the agreement including a reference that the City enter into a development agreement regarding the private money in the project and were uncomfortable approving the interlocal agreement without that document in place.

Commissioners Lowe, Vespo and Burns voted for the interlocal for a number of reasons - referencing the need for the money for the improvements, the need to move on with the project and the benefits that would accrue to the City by investment of money from other organizations.

From one account, there were 13 people that spoke against and 34 that spoke in favor. I was one that spoke in favor of approving the interlocal agreement. This is what I said:

"We need to move on as a community in a positive and unified way. Your action is another step down a long path, working through other details, site plan review, permitting and the construction process.

There is plenty of opportunity for public input as we move on.

$5 million represents a significant investment in the City of Lake Worth – one that will have a substantial return on investment in the form of increased economic activity in our downtown.

This project, more than anything else, will boost the morale of the City – let’s put this in the win column.

We really could use a unanimous vote and send a positive message to the County Commission."

I also want to share an e-mail exchange that I had with City Attorney Larry Karns after the meeting. It relates to the Planning and Zoning Board and our review/recommendation regarding the future land use and zoning changes necessary to proceed. It appears below:

Question?

Is there a problem with me expressing support for the beach project in light of the zoning changes that we will be considering. I see it as a legislative function and not quasi-judicial. Is that an appropriate distinction? Wes

Response from Larry:

Wes, I don’t see a problem with your expressing support for the beach project. Your consideration of the zoning changes in the future does not prevent you from commenting on the project.

Larry Karns

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Free Hugs - Juan Mann Interview- You Tube sensation

Check out this link to You Tube (you should have a high speed internet connection for best results)

Free Hugs

How about this as a new Lake Worth petition drive?

Here is another link to the Personal Democracy Forum - Technology is Changing Politics. The link is to an article regarding the "Free Hug" movement.

Let's remember that when all is said and done, we are all still neighbors with feelings, wishes and aspirations worthy of expression.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Found while "Googling"...

Just for kicks and giggles, I "Googled" Wes Blackman. I encourage you to do the same. Apparently there is another Wes Blackman who is a very accomplished musician - don't confuse me with him - my singing is part of my own self expression, but in no way should be considered professional. But, in the "hits" that I got on my name, there was an award that I received in 2001 while employed by the Trump Organization. I haven't included it in my resume, but thought that you might be interested as it relates to the process we used to construct the clubhouse at Trump International Golf Club and the renovation and restoration of the Mar-a-Lago property.

Anyway, here is the text of the press release:

Prestigious Awards to be Presented to Donald Trump for Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Course

PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2001

The Florida Society of the American Institute of Building Design will present awards to Donald Trump for the Mar-a-Lago Club restoration and the innovative special construction techniques applied to the Clubhouse at Trump International Golf Course at an awards ceremony and presentation February 24, 2001.

The Florida Society of the American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) will present the Honor Award of Excellence, the highest commendation presented by the Florida Society, to Donald Trump for the restoration of Mar-a-Lago, formerly the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, and now an exclusive private club in Palm Beach. "Mar-a-Lago is unique in all the world," commented Mr. Trump. "As a collector of great buildings, I thank the American Institute for Building Design for recognizing my efforts in restoring this architectural masterpiece and in making Mar-a-Lago the successful private club that it is today." In reference to the future, an Award of Merit will also be presented to congratulate Mr. Trump on the implementation of a special construction technique called "phased" or "Fast Track" construction for the Clubhouse at Trump International Golf Course located a few miles west of the Mar-a-Lago Club. "The phased construction method is an idea whose time has come. The AIBD feels this new technique will have an important impact on the future of the building design industry," stated Steven Mickley, Vice President of the Florida AIBD.

Members of the media are invited to attend the ceremony that will take place on Saturday, February 24, 2001 at 12:15 p.m. in the Special Events tent located at the Trump International Golf Course, 3505 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33406. The awards will be accepted by Mr. C. Wesley Blackman, Director of Projects for the Trump Organization, and Mr. Pat Capalbo, Construction Supervisor for the Trump Organization who will also speak on the restoration process and the development of the "phased construction" technique. Ms. Barbara Knick, President of the Florida Society AIBD, and Mr. Steven A. Mickley, Vice-President Florida AIBD, will present the awards. Following the awards presentation, there will be a tour of the clubhouse construction site and an overview presentation of the golf course.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Current Lake Worth Beach Site Plan

I hope that most of you know that the Interlocal Agreement between the City of Lake Worth and Palm Beach County regarding $5 million for our Lake Worth Beach redevelopment will be on the next City Commission meeting agenda. The meeting will take place at the Lake Worth City Hall at 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 3rd. Click here to go to the City's website to see the back up material. Below is a pertinent excerpt from the transmittal letter to the City Commission explaining the implications and the structure of the interlocal agreement:

On another Internet discussion board - LakeWorthTalk.com - , I offered my opinion on the beach project as currently structured with Greater Bay. This is what I said:

We have the opportunity to improve our flagship beach property with someone else's money. We retain ownership. The beach property remains open to the public. The improvements are turned over to the City in 20 years. We receive lease payments over 20 years. We create a quality destination in Lake Worth - attracting tourist dollars. Our downtown economic condition improves due to increased interest in the beach. The world sees that Lake Worth is able to undertake an ambitious project and pull it off. This increases trust in City government and attracts other quality redevelopment projects. Morale of the residents improves and other long-standing problems are addressed.

What is not to like about the beach project?

Wes Blackman

Now, a few words about the site plan and process from here on out. The site plan is part of the exhibit related to the interlocal agreement in order for the County to be able to identify the parts that are eligible for County funding - the $5 million can only be used for non-revenue producing areas of the site. There are details related to the land use and zoning code that will be processed through the Planning and Zoning Board and the City Commission. There will be a thorough review of the site plan at the Planning and Zoning Board and public comment will be fielded and integrated into the plan.

There have been concerns expressed regarding the placement of parking for City of Lake Worth decal holders and the balance of parking being located on the west portion of the 18+ acre site. I am sure that there will be discussion on Tuesday night regarding both topics. I have talked to Peter Willard of Greater Bay, the private developer of the project. I am convinced that we can reach a solution that meets the needs and expectations of users of beach and particularly Lake Worth residents. The point that needs to be made is that Tuesday's meeting is not the end of the process. There will be plenty of opportunity for further refinement of the plan as we go forward as a community.

A couple words about the parking placement that we have at the beach today. It's current placement is really a vestige of the former placement of Ocean Boulevard (aka A1A). When the road was relocated from the more eastern location - which was essentially right in front of the current casino building (see picture with trolley), the parking pattern for beach-goers had already been established. We really have an opportunity now to be kinder the near beach area and reserve most of the car parking so that access is encouraged off of A1A and in so doing leave more un-programmed open space near the real beach.

Please - I would love to hear your thoughts on this now and as we go on into the future. You can use this site or e-mail me at wesblackman@gmail.com.

It really is our flagship public park property and should represent the best that Lake Worth can be. Redevelopment of the beach can really help raise the water for all boats.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

September - a hectic month...

But now the pace is leveling off a little and time to catch up on some things.

First of all, I want to thank everyone for their warm responses and reaction to the announcement of my candidacy for Commissioner - District #3. Since September 5th, people continually express their enthusiasm for the prospect of new leadership in the City of Lake Worth. I am humbled by your faith in me and look forward to your continued support through the election and during my term in office. One must think positively here! And that really is what is about. Positive thinking, creative energy and shaking off the shackles that have held the City back in the past. Remember, it will not be the energy of one person that will do this - it will be the harnessing of all our positive energies as we move forward as a community to create the better, stronger, nicer City we know that Lake Worth can become.

Financial support for the campaign has been strong! Thank you all for your contributions. If you are interested in contributing, you can send checks to the Wes Blackman for Commissioner - District #3 Campaign at 241 Columbia Drive, Lake Worth, Florida 33460. If you would like me to speak at your local group or neighborhood association, e-mail me at this address: wesblackman@gmail.com

Thanks again and remember - "Fix the Mess, Vote for Wes"

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

In Honor of my Birthday...

Here are some pictures from the now distant past - this is just for fun - part of my personal history.





These two are of me at about 6 months.



















This is one with my Mother and my grandparents in front of our old farmhouse in East Lansing, Michigan. I bet I am about 3 or so in this one.


The one in the upper right is me in the sandbox at pre-school, probably around 4 years old. The color one is of me and my Dad walking down a path on Charleston Mountain in Las Vegas - we took a long vacation out west in 1964.

The one in the lower right hand corner is me after building something on the living room rug - might be about 6 or 7 here.



And here I am in second grade - I had braces three times! One of my childhood traumas.

That's all.

Procedure, Procedure, Procedure

Much like its kin "location, location, location" as an answer to what are the three most important factors in real estate, the City of Lake Worth needs to abide by the mantra "procedure, procedure, procedure", lest it create future opportunities for legal actions, legal fees and resulting delays in progress.

Case in point: The Ron Exline lawsuit. For those who are not aware of the claims here, the City is being sued for potential Sunshine Law violations in turing over negotiation authority to staff and an elected official in a series of meetings relating to the purchase price and ultimate density for a project known as Las Palmas - fomerly the First Union Bank buidling. The suit also alleges that the City Manager polled commissioners out of the "sunshine". Furthermore, it alleges that the City did not go through the proper channels (read: "procedure") in that the determination whether certain property should be considered surplus was not forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Board for its recommendation as required by Section 2.1 of the City's Code of Ordinances. The applicable section reads as follows:

(b) Declaration of surplus property. (1) When the city commission finds that any real property owned by the city is unuseable or not needed for city purposes, after receipt and review of an advisory recommendation of the planning and zoning board, the commission may declare the real property to be surplus property by a simple majority vote. A list of surplus property shall be reviewed at least once a year for public sale. A property may be withdrawn from the list at any time upon the concurrence of the majority of all the members of the city commission. The inclusion of a property on such list shall not constitute an offer to sell the property.

Now, what is so difficult about that? I am not going to weigh in on the merits of the case and do not know the details regarding its status, other than it is an going lawsuit against the City. But, one must ask that if we had followed the established procedures, would we be facing this lawsuit at all?

As of August 28, 2006, the City has accumulated a total expense of $79,525.76 in legal fees in defense of this legal action. What else have we lost? Here is a brief list: Another blow to level of trust the citizenry has of its municipal government, a delayed project which results in vacant land immediately adjacent to our downtown; continued questions regarding the legitimacy of City actions, etc.

I can assure you that as commissioner I will insist that we go "by the book" in all matters - especially as it relates to the disposition of real estate. Note to the administration - the City's Code of Ordinances is not a "pick and choose" set of guidelines - it is the law.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Digging through the City's Files - Current Lawsuits

Mayoral candidate Mary Lindsey and I spent much of the day Friday doing our own archaeological dig through the City's records related to current lawsuits against the City. The following is what we discovered:

On August 13^th, during an interview on The Live Show on lakeworthtalk.com, “Reader” asked this question:

"Mary are you aware how many lawsuits the City has pending

and what the monetary exposure the City facing in these"

On August 14^th, I sent a request for that information, via email, to the city information officer, Queenester Nieves.

On August 15^th, I received a call from Ms. Nieves asking for clarification and following our discussion she promised to forward the request to the City Atty’s office.

On August 22^nd, I stopped in the City Atty. office to inquire on the status of my request. I was told that the city does not keep a running list of pending lawsuits and to find out I would have to go through all the office files myself under supervision of a staff member. I agreed and was promised an appointment would be arranged in the next few days to view the files the following week.

By August 25^th, I had still not been contacted so I sent another request for this information. In addition, I requested information on two other related questions.

On September 13^th, I had still not heard anything, so I submitted the requests again, via email and asked Mr. Boyer to intervene in the matter. He did and an appointment was arranged for 10am on Friday September 15^th.

On September 15^th, as arranged, I met with the City Atty. staff to review the files in an attempt to answer certain questions. I was joined by Wes Blackman, chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board and candidate for district 3, who offered to help me comb through the files. I am grateful to Wes for his valuable assistance. His notes regarding today’s events follows. These are the questions we were trying to find the answers to:

1. How many lawsuits are currently pending against the city and what is the monetary exposure?
2. How much has been paid to outside legal firms for their services on behalf of the city since 2000?
3. How many city employees (general employees, utility, fire and police) terminated in the last five years received settlement payments and in what amounts?
   

This is what we were able to determine:

1. We were shown the files of eight different cases; one regarding Sunshine Law, three regarding code enforcement, one regarding eminent domain, one regarding asbestos, one regarding a vendor dispute over uniform rentals and one regarding the Sunset Drive property. There is also an ethics violation charge but it was unclear if that is open or closed. Total – 8

Monetary exposure is impossible to figure pending the outcome or resolution of the different cases.

2. Information regarding outside legal firms is incomplete at this time. We were only able to get data on those firms we were aware of. As more firms came to light from reviewing the pending files, we requested information about them also. We did not see cases that have already been resolved and unless I ask specifically for the info by the name of the firm, there is no way to get the information.
3. This last request regarding employee termination settlements may take some time. We were told that the city does not have a list of employees termination settlement cases and the only way to get the information is to go through the employee file. The files are not arranged by year, only by employee last name. If we knew the names of the employees we wanted to know about, that information (those files) could be made available. If we knew the names, we would also know how many there were, so that wasn’t much help.

The only way to get the information is to go through all the employee files (past and present) There could be thousands. To make those files available, the staff has to redact all the personal information in those files, social security numbers, addresses, phone numbers etc. That represents a huge undertaking by staff and one that I’m not sure I’m willing to inflict on them. I will contact Mr. Boyer on Monday and ask if there is any other way to get the information.

I arrived on time at 10am as arranged by the city Atty office. Wes arrived shortly after. We worked on the files until we had reviewed everything they gave us. We must have looked at thousands and thousands of documents. The information officer, Queenester Nieves and Joni (Sorry, I don’t recall her last name) from the City Atty. office were nothing but helpful and professional. They followed their protocol precisely. They carried files a foot thick at a time from the City Atty. office on the first floor to the City Clerk’s office, downstairs in the back for us to review and then carried them back when we were finished. They must have made ten trips or more. We were not allowed to help them even though we offered. We worked until 3:30pm. All this to find out there are 8 pending cases.

Summary: That’s the timeline and outcome of the events. But what does it mean? I won’t comment on whether any of the lawsuits are frivolous, unnecessary or valid. I have an opinion about some of them, but I’ve learned that legal matters are based as much on procedure as they are on content; perhaps more so, and I am not qualified to evaluate the legal process. I will comment that in my opinion, it shouldn’t have to take this long, or be this burdensome on the support staff or the public to get a simple answer to a simple question. How many lawsuits are currently pending against the city (not including foreclosures)? If Wes and I were shown all the files related to this question and the answer is eight, not eighty, why is our City Attorney unable or unwilling to simple recite which cases they are? Half of these cases are being handled by Mr. Karns and the other half are being defended by outside counsel. I would have expected an answer something like this:

Dear Ms. Lindsey, Thank you for your interest and your inquiry. The City Atty office is currently defending four active cases and I believe there are several others being handled by outside firms. I will get back to you by _______ with the exact number. If you require more in depth information, please contact my office to arrange an appointment. As for your other inquires, we do not have that information readily available and it will take considerable time for staff to prepare the files in accordance with the Public Records Act to redact personal personnel information. Please call my office to discuss this matter further so that we can accommodate your request in a timely manner. If I may suggest an option, contact one of your Commissioners who receive monthly updates from this office on the status of all activities in the City Atty. office as was suggested when my contract was renewed last Spring.

That would have been a responsive, accountable and polite answer to a reasonable question posed by the public. Such a reply would demonstrate respect and professionalism. The Attorney General has written numerous opinions on the Sunshine Law and the Public Records Act. Overwhelmingly, he has supported compliance by public agencies not only to the letter of the law, but also to the spirit of the law. I look forward to a new spirit of accountability to and cooperation with the public under the direction of the City Atty.

Mary Lindsey

September 15, 2006

“Political advertisement paid for and approved by Mary Lindsey for Mayor”

Thanks Mary. I volunteered to help since I am no stranger to pouring over and poking through municipal files – it’s part of what I do for a living. The thing that struck me is that the information that we were looking for was very basic. I kept thinking, as we watched the hard working staff people from the Clerk’s office retrieve files, wouldn’t it make sense to have a simple spreadsheet available that would identify the current status of lawsuits against the City? Just a brief summary of the matter and who the City selected to represent them is the most basic information and something that the citizens should have ready access to. If that was kept current, it wouldn’t take precious time away from other staff tasks. By the City not having the information readily available and making it cumbersome, it comes across as if the City has something it is trying to hide.

What we found is that the City has nothing to hide (especially in light of the open records laws). The eight current lawsuits are really reflective of a moderate amount of lawsuits – part of doing business as a municipality. But the perception generated through the difficulty retrieving the information leads the public to believe and think the worst – that we have hundreds of lawsuits, or more.

Can we please come to a time when we anticipate the public’s need for information and prepare it in a digestible form? That would be the difference between an inwardly looking bureaucracy (the bunker mentality that currently exists) or one that is outward looking (one that understands the needs of its citizens for timely and accurate information). It also begs for, at a minimum, a twice a year report about all the current legal actions against the City at a City Commission meeting.

Is that too much to ask for? It is something that I would demand as a Commissioner. This is all part of the need for transparency in all City of Lake Worth matters. It’s the only way we can begin to build trust in our City government.

Wes Blackman

September 15, 2006

“Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner, District 3”

Johnny and June Carter Cash

After about three lessons the voice teacher said, "Don't take voice lessons. Do it your way."
Johnny Cash

How well I have learned that there is no fence to sit on between heaven and hell. There is a deep, wide gulf, a chasm, and in that chasm is no place for any man.
Johnny Cash

I grew up in the '40s and I heard all these great speeches, like Winston Churchill. His most famous, or infamous commencement exercise speech was one that consisted of seven words. He stood before this graduating class and said: "Never, never, never, never give up."
Johnny Cash

If you can hold your listener, hold their attention, and you're sure you know what you're doing, and know that you're communicating - You know, performance is communicating. You've got to communicate. You've got a song you're singing from your gut, you want that audience to feel it in their gut.
Johnny Cash

The beast in me is caged by frail and fragile bars.
Johnny Cash

You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes, but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.
Johnny Cash

After you've listened to it, you'll feel like you know us a little bit better.
June Carter Cash

He's just like my father that way-my father just adored my mother and let her do whatever she wanted. John's like that. He's a very rare man, a very good man, and I've had a good life with him. I'm proud to be walking in the wake of Johnny's fame.
June Carter Cash

I was never looking back in regret. I never thought, Oh, why didn't I become an actress? or Why did I just go paddling along after John? I've always walked along right by his side, and he's always supported everything I do.
June Carter Cash

We always had Packards, until the war, when they stopped making them; then we had a Cadillac.
June Carter Cash

We never actually slept in the Packard, but we'd stay at these places called tourist homes. Then they got these wonderful things called motels.
June Carter Cash

Check Out Last Night's Interview...

With Jim Stafford on the Live Show (click here for the direct link). As always, there were some great questions asked by the posters on LakeWorthTalk.com (including all the "guests'). I just want to thank Jim for his time and efforts in providing a worthwhile service to citizens interested in the goings-on of our City of Lake Worth.

Check out the interview - if you have any follow-up questions, feel free to post them here!

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Signs of Change

Hi everybody! Welcome to this new (sort of) website/blog. As many of you know, I announced my candidacy last Tuesday, September 5th for the District #3 Commission seat. This is early, according to tradition, and there is much work to be done in the meantime - without the distractions of people actively running for office. But, here we are and here we go! Let us hope that March brings the City vigorous new leadership that can move the City forward in a positive and enlightened way.

I plan on having a separate campaign website/blog. That will come eventually and you will be the first to know when it becomes active. For now, I will continue with this site as there has been a tremendous demand for it as I go around our City. I had shut it down for a while in order to put the: "Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3" - liberally sprinkled throughout the site. I might add that up until the very last minute (ask those friends that were around me at the time) I wasn't sure if and what I was going to run for and when. That's all figured out now and I look forward to your support in March as we go forward through the campaign season.

I started this blog in order to get my observations and experiences out there so that others would have a way to find what is going on with the Board on which I serve and other City issues. One of the great challenges that we face in the City of Lake Worth is quality communication with accurate depictions of reality - read "facts". For some reason, we seem to have trouble sticking to the facts and therefore end up dealing with a reality that doesn't exist. Reality is where it is at if we want to progress as a community - together. One of the main thrusts of my campaign will be the establishment of new ways of facilitating communication amongst all of us in the City of Lake Worth. Your ideas on how to make this happen are greatly appreciated.

So, enjoy reviewing this site from time to time and I will keep throwing out ideas and observations. I hope through this you are able to get to know me better, what I am about and how I will serve the City of Lake Worth as Commissioner - District #3.

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"

Special Announcement

Tuesday, September 5, 2006, 1 p.m. east side of City Hall, 7 N. Dixie Hwy., L.W., Florida

Don't forget to vote!

"Political advertisement paid for and approved by Wes Blackman for Commissioner – District #3"