Palm Beach County's tourism blitz already set for our friends up North

Click title for TV commercial to air later this year. Here is the site that is promoting Palm Beach County tourism.

Jennifer Sorentrue at the Palm Beach Post has a story about the tourism effort already ready to unleash on our Northern comrades seeking relief from the cold next Winter. From the article:

     Discover The Palm Beaches, the county’s tourism marketing arm, has unveiled a 60-second commercial set to hit airwaves early next year in Boston, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Those markets are among the county’s most important tourism generators because of the large number of flights to Palm Beach International Airport.
     Although the television spot is designed to appeal to a wide variety of travelers, county tourism leaders hope mothers and families will find it especially captivating. Women typically control a family’s travel decisions, tourism leaders said. 

Welcome to Palm Beach County!

Important Distinction—What an Advisory Opinion is:

Get this: The City of Lake Worth asked for an ADVISORY opinion from the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics when the City and Commissioner Szerdi knew that a CLIENT of his in ANOTHER CITY was going to have ownership of the Gulfstream Hotel. Commissioner Szerdi and the City were PROACTIVE, and he was told that he could not work for them in Lake Worth and that he would have to recuse/abstain from voting if something came before the Commission that concerned his client. THIS WAS DONE TO AVOID A CONFLICT OF INTEREST. That's a big distinction. THIS IS NOT A VIOLATION OF ANYTHING, MERELY A GUIDE TO PROPER CONDUCT.

If you received one of these letters you are being lied to; Commissioner Szerdi has no Conflict of Interest with the owners of the Gulfstream Hotel:

To date, nothing has come before the City Commission regarding his client. He is NOT working for them on their Lake Worth projects.

The Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) could have been answered by anyone and is governed by its own State Law about a "cone of silence" during the review process. The whole ITN will be publicly vetted when it is time to be presented to the City Commission and the public.

Below is the letter in response to the request by the City—almost one year ago—from the Palm Beach County Commission on Ethics explaining how Commissioner Szerdi should conduct himself as a Commissioner should a client of his, from another city, come before him at the City Commission.

He has followed this opinion to the letter.

And, here is the actual letter:

Political Advertisement paid for and approved by John Szerdi, non-partisan for City Commission

[UPDATE 4] [UPDATE3] [UPDATE2] [UPDATE1] Ryan Maier's lie too big for Lake Worth, spreads wings and goes county-wide

[New New Update:] This post about Ryan Maier, proving conclusively he is lying about his experience, combined with the story on the silly endorsement in the Palm Beach Post has lit up my blog like you cannot believe. Just thought you might like to know that. Forward this post to your family and neighbors. 

[New Update:] Up to now the lie by Ryan Maier about his experience in city government has been reserved for us here in the City of Lake Worth. Maier's lie has now gone county-wide; his lie was published as a material true fact on Wednesday, March 4, in a story written by Eliot Kleinberg (note: if Mr. Kleinberg knew the truth he wouldn't have published Maier's claim).

The fact is this, Ryan Maier is claiming he has experience in city government: this is an outright lie. Here is a letter from former Lake Worth Commissioner Retha Lowe:

See image below published in the Palm Beach Post. Note: "Member, Lake Worth Sister City Board".

[See end of this post for previous updates; original post starts here:]

Here is a link to a video from January 27th where Ryan Maier touts his City board experience. He also lists this 'experience' on his website and on his door hangers. As recently as Monday, 2/9, at the South Palm Park candidate forum, Maier repeated his 'experience' on a City board as a qualification to be a City of Lake Worth commissioner.

All of this information and statements are untrue.

This is Ryan Maier in one of his few appearances at the city commission. Note how much different he looks than in the video above and on his campaign literature. Which is the real Ryan Maier?

On July 28, 2011, Ryan Maier signed this form which affirmed, "I understand the responsibilities with being a board/committee member, and I have adequate time to serve if appointed." 

Eight months later Ryan Maier was removed from his position. Ryan Maier was removed for non-attendance and refusing to take the required Ethics Training. Ethics Training is required by any member of a city board in order to participate.

Question: Ryan Maier knew on his application that Ethics Training was required when he submitted his application. This is stated on the application. Why then did he refuse this mandatory requirement? 

Ryan Maier applied for three City boards: the Planning and Zoning Board, the Tree Board, and the Sister City Board. The City board he was deemed qualified to serve on was the Sister City Board. Here is page 4 of his application:

Ryan Maier wanted to bring "a different approach" to the Sister City Board. He might have been able to do that if he attended meetings. 

Ryan Maier door hanger: he is demanding "transparency" and claims he "Served on City Advisory Board".

UPDATE 1: On Monday 2/16, at the South Palm Park Neighborhood Association Candidate Forum, Mr. Maier once again cited his "city board" experience. This coming Monday, 2/23, the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association will host their Candidate Forum. Yet another chance for Mr. Maier to set the record straight. I have all of these statements on video; it will make a nice video loop.

UPDATE #2: Ryan Maier lied again at the Lake Worth Playhouse on 3/2/15. More on this later.

[UPDATE 3] The next candidate forum is tomorrow at 7:00, sponsored by the Parrot Cove Neighborhood Association at the Lake Worth Municipal Golf Course. Will Ryan Maier once again tout his City board 'experience' to be a City of Lake Worth commissioner? Stay tuned as they say. 

The Residences of Lake Osborne (ROLO) Neighborhood Association: Working with PBSO to improve our city

Note: The ROLO Neighborhood has changed their meeting from Tuesday, March 10th to Monday, March 9th. It would be wonderful if someone could videotape the meeting to share with the entire city; I've a prior commitment that evening. If not a videotape could someone send me pictures along with whatever literature is distributed? Thank you.

Here is the updated meeting information:
Time: Monday, March 9, 2015 at 7:00 PM
Location: 2101 6th Ave South (Lake Osborne Presbyterian Church)

[Below is information from a previous post about ROLO and the terrific job PBSO has done in our precious western communities:]

Good news from ROLO! When you see lists of crimes that is only part of the story. The subtle message is there is crime but that PBSO is unable to stop it. That is not the case at all. Here we have a crime in ROLO and the whole story: arrests were made. Below is from the ROLO Neighborhood Association:

Great job, PBSO and Captain Silva from District 14!

Note: the meeting date is no longer on March 10th. It will occur on Monday, March 9th at 7:00.

If you see suspicious activity look here for what to do.

That is how crime is managed: PBSO and the community working together. Thank you, ROLO!

The one thing silly Marge Menge doesn't mention in her silly little paper about the Beach/Casino

Marge's paper has a lot of words but the most important material fact is not even mentioned. Commissioner McVoy is opposed to the secrecy needed in the "Invitation to Negotiate Process" (ITN) concerning the Lake Worth Beach/Casino. This is the beginning where ideas are discussed: there is no planning. There isn't anything to submit to the City yet.

McVoy was fine with process. He voted for it; the vote was unanimous.

McVoy was "for it before he was against it". I'll translate for you, Marge: "McVoy was for the ITN process before he was against it".

From the Palm Beach Post:

     The secrecy bothers McVoy —even though he voted for it
     Last week, McVoy says he didn’t know the ITN would be so hush-hush: At the time he voted, McVoy said its description was “fuzzy…I would not say it was very adequately explained.”

McVoy has a PhD and claims he was "fuzzy". Marge, how could your silly little paper not mention the most material fact in this entire debate?

This following letters by James Tebbe and Connie Stahl do more to explain what is happening than anything Marge has written on this subject:

The Palm Beach Post editorial board says a Lake Worth race is about "Trust"

Here is the first paragraph from the Palm Beach Post editorial board about the choices in the City of Lake Worth:

The key issue in Lake Worth’s municipal election seems to be trust, or the lack thereof. The question is, which candidates are best positioned to improve that trust?

Below is a short video of one of the candidates the Palm Beach Post endorsed (Stacey Singer wrote the endorsement): Ryan Maier. He lies over and over about being a member of a City Board:

Below is a letter from former Lake Worth Commissioner Retha Lowe confirming Ryan Maier is lying to the community:

Read the list below and you decide: do you think Ryan Maier has proven a high degree of trust (click link after each item for the reference)?

– Ryan Maier has the endorsement of the Florida NOW PAC? False.
– Maier falsely accused Commissioner John Szerdi of an ethical violation from the Inspector General of Palm Beach County. True.
– Maier later claimed he didn't make the accusation above. True.
– Maier has falsely claimed, repeatedly, having experience in city government. True.
– Maier has falsely accused Commissioner John Szerdi of "hiding" information from the public. True.

The Palm Beach Post editorial board (Stacey Singer) has made a huge mistake. Endorsements such as this contribute to the cynicism and apathy when it comes to politics in Palm Beach County. 

The Post acknowledges incumbent Commissioner John Szerdi's "talent and technical skills"; however, since he is in the majority, that simple matter alone makes him unqualified and untrustworthy. 

This endorsement is shameful.

Political advertisement paid for and approved by John Szerdi, non-partisan for City Commissioner

Lake Worth story slipped under radar—"Want to watch movies on the green in Lake Worth? Donate!"

Saw this Lake Worth story the other day and forgot to put it on the blog. Anyhow, here it is, a story by Eliot Kleinberg on the Screen on the Green summer film program in our City. From the article:

     The film event, similar to those in West Palm Beach and other cities in Palm Beach County, brings in arts and culture during the “off-season” and encourages residents and visitors to spend an evening downtown.
     This year the foundation, which was created by the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency, decided not to seek the grant.
Instead, LULA — its nickname is a combination of Lake and Lucerne, downtown Lake Worth’s two main east-west roads — has submitted to “Power2Give,” an online site that helps raise money for community art and culture projects.
     The goal: $5,600. The budget: $4,000 for movie rights and screen rentals, $1,000 for promotion and advertising, and $682 in fees to Power2Give.
     As of Feb. 27, Lake Worth had raised $995, or 18 percent.
     “If we don’t make the goal, I know we’re going to come pretty close,” Joan Oliva, executive director of the Lake Worth Community Redevelopment Agency, said that day.

UPDATE: Since yesterday the effort is now up to 20% of the total needed.

Here is a video promoting the Screen on the Green in our little City of Lake Worth.

Please contact me if you received a letter from Annie Bussinger or Ed Grimm (and others?)

In the right hand column of this blog you'll find my email address. If you received the following letter, or one similar, please send it to me, asap:

Politics in our little City of Lake Worth has taken a malicious turn for the worse. Incumbent Commissioner John Szerdi is being accused of a conflict of interest. The letter indicates that some of the information in the letter came from candidate Ryan Maier, Commissioner Szerdi's opponent.

This letter is a personal attack on Commissioner Szerdi. Remember, Commissioner Szerdi also has a career outside his public service to the City. A long career in which he's gained much credibility and respect.

This letter is, without a doubt, one of the lowest dirty tricks this City has seen in many years.

Most of us have grown up with Community newspapers—what's wrong with Margaret Menge's paper?

Most "Community Newspapers" follow a standard format: they'll have a front page story, maybe an editorial, lots of ads for local businesses, and many pictures (pictures of first responders, local students excelling, and local war veterans, for example).

That describes The Lake Worth Herald exactly. This weeks Lake Worth Herald had 35 ads. Thirty-five. Everything from Judith Just advertising "Wills, Trust & Probate" to the "18th Annual Schützenfest Pig Roast".

In contrast, how many community ads appeared in Margaret Menges Tribune, not including political ads (which were likely free of charge)? 5.

Only 5 ads (paid?) appeared in Margaret Menges 'community newspaper'. Five. And three of those ads were tiny little ads at the bottom of the very last page.

How many pictures does Ms. Menge have of first responders, local students excelling, and local war veterans, etc., from Lake Worth?

Zero. None. Zilch.

The Lake Worth Herald is a true "Community" newspaper in the classic American genre. Ms. Menge's 'newspaper' is a political tool designed more to tear our community apart than bring us together.

Don't forget that.

Misinformation and Disinformation in the City of Lake Worth: Manipulating the Public

Read the truth about crime in Lake Worth—what the critics of PBSO don't want you to know. 

T R A N S P A R E N C Y Song

Short Notice. . .Critical Mass Bike Ride, TODAY (Friday 3/6): Downtown Lake Worth

Join other bike riders and let's BREAK 100 bike riders.
Meet in front of the City of Lake Worth Gulfstream Hotel at Bryant Park. Socialize from 6:00 to 7:00. Ride leaves at 7:00 SHARP. Check your bike lights. Click here for more details.

Quote by Serge Jerome, Jr. and comments left on Palm Beach Post story about the Lake Worth Beach/Casino

Yesterday I posted this about the Lake Worth Beach/Casino story in the Palm Beach Post. The story didn't make today's printed paper; maybe tomorrow it will be in the print edition (it is available online).

There was an update in the story by Alexandra Clough (with Eliot Kleinberg contributing); in the original article candidate Serge Jerome, Jr. couldn't be reached for comment but he later was, and here is what Serge Jerome, Jr. is quoted as saying:

     The issue has become a major point in the Lake Worth city elections, to be held Tuesday, March 10.
      McVoy is running against Serge Jerome Jr, who said the idea is only a proposal. “McVoy is trying to use it for his political gain by claiming the city is selling the beach to rile up the voters,” Jerome said. “The city is not looking to privatize our beaches. But it is looking for ways to make the beach more profitable.” [emphasis added]
     City officials say they’re just trying to find a way to make the complex generate money to pay down its debt.

At the end of the story are some comments. Here are two:

Greg Rice wrote:

Commissioner McVoy, a Cornell University PhD graduate said "I didn't know that the Invitation To Negotiate would be so hush-hush: At the time he voted, McVoy said its description was “fuzzy…I would not say it was very adequately explained.” Then here's the question that should have been a follow up question to that statement; 1. Then why did he make a motion to the commission to be appointed to the ITN committee as the city commission member reprehensive [sic]? That motion died for a lack of a second. 2. Then, if the explanation of what and how an ITN works and why proposals are not immediately made public was still "fuzzy" to him, why did he vote to approve the city requesting ideas from interested parties using the ITN method?

Then this comment from "ThatDowntownGuy":

BOTTOM LINE: No one knows how the final project would look because it hasn't been formally presented. Everything else is just a scare tactic or utter ignorance. 

The City of Lake Worth will keep the beach public, that's what everyone want's anyway, but a public-private partnership is necessary for the Casino to become soluble. KEEP CALM AND FOLLOW ALONG... something good will come out of it all.

Thank you for your efforts Mr. Greg Rice and ThatDowntownGuy. The message is getting through.

[Re-Post for those who missed this:] Palm Beach County Human Right Council (PBHRC) has endorsed Lake Worth Commissioner John Szerdi

Here are some recent endorsements (2014/2015) from the PBHRC:

• U.S. Congressman (Dist. 18) - Patrick Murphy
• U.S. Congresswoman (Dist. 22) - Lois Frankel
• State Representative (Dist. 86) - Mark Pafford
• School Board (Dist. 4) - Erica Whitfield
• Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioner (Dist. 2) - Paulette Burdick
• Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (Dist.4) - Steven Abrams
• Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (Dist. 6) - Melissa McKinlay

Here is the PBHRC endorsement letter for Lake Worth Commissioner John Szerdi:

An 'Affinity Group'—The Good Ole Days