My husband and I were talking about how negative all things were in our City. We both agreed that there are wonderful attributes to living here, like the weather, the culture, and our incredibly wonderful neighbors and friends.
However, when it came to the City of West Palm Beach, its government, our elected officials, lack of quality services and high taxes, there is little to be positive about.
Our water has serious concerns and issues,
we don’t feel safe in our streets and communities,
taxes are high and don’t equal services rendered,
corruption in government has us doubting every public official,
improvements in areas of need seem to come slow,
yet City Hall went up in the blink of an eye.
The list can go on, but we all know what’s on that list as it pertains to our neighborhoods and different areas of the City.
The question remains then what is there that is left to offer the public?
They don’t trust politicians, or the process.
All things we hear in the news make us cringe.
Many even believe that nothig will ever change.
How do we restore our faith in public servants when the public doesn’t feel served?
This is my hometown.
I remember how as children, we knew each others' family, now we have our own children, hopefully we know their friends' families.
We walked to school,
slept with our windows open
and rarely locked our cars, let alone our homes.
There were roller rinks,
bowling alleys
and children riding bikes in the streets.
Stores rarely had lines
and we were bound to run into at least one person we knew if we went out.
The police where known to us by name
and the fire department was a place where the neighborhood ladies took fresh baked cookies.
There was the neighborhood garage band,
local Girl Scout Troop
and the Boy Scout Christmas tree sales.
Church groups had car washes
and housewives volunteered at schools or hospitals
.
I remember the Circus,
the Baseball arena
and a free Sunfest.
Today, nothing is really free.
There are no sounds of children playing in the yards
and how many of us know the name of our local police officer?
There are no more roller rinks,
bowling alleys,
Baseball arena,
Circus parades,
children climbing trees,
or sleeping with your windows open.
Things have certainly changed.
We can’t stop progress.
Its coming with rapid speed to our City.
I do not hate progress,
I only worry about unbridled progress.
I am concerned about progress that leaves some behind.
I welcome all the new families and residents how want to share our weather and culture.
But can I get a little positive change with all this growth?
Can we get rid of a government run wild?
We should be part of that change, not simply bystanders.
With our involvement we can add the positive attributes that would create a really wonderful place to raise a family.
I believe we can.
I know we can.
It simply requires leadership that understands where we want to be led,
and then the leadership needs to lead us there.
I am asking for the chance to lead us to a time of progress that includes the past, not ignores it.
I am asking for your vote on March 11th.
I promise to lead us back to a time when memories where made in neighborhoods,
not in the local news headlines.
Its time to stop the bullet train of government gone wild,
restore civility to our process,
and bring citizens back to the decision making table.
The voice of the residents is muffled on major decisions that impact us.
Unions, Political Actions Committees and Industries with Special Interest, rule the day.
They supply the dollars to campaign accounts,
which fuel the mailers,
which deliver the sound bites,
which influence our votes.
It used to be that we knew the person running for office personally. They were our neighbors and friends who we knew were active in our communities.
Elections were about knocking on doors and answering the hard questions.
Today, its about who has the most money to get their name out there the most.
Who can pay the most workers to place the most signs even if they don't have permission.
The worst tact is the "opposition research".
That's the strategy which says get as much dirt on the opponent,
ruin their reputation and hurt their family.
I have not run my campaign that way.
I have managed this campaign on volunteer help,
signs located where residents have given me permission,
contributions from family, friends and people who know my heart,
and NO MUDSLING ON ANYONE.
I have asked my volunteers to keep it straight.
I ran on the issues.
I ran on my record.
I am running as a service to our community.
I want to restore respect to politics.
I wish to set an example of good government.
I believe our residents and their families deserve leadership
with morals and values which can always act in the best interest of the public.
Without considering families and children first, we have no future.
Unity in community and all in city hall
...that’s the start to the future.
I am proud of my effort.
I remain proud of our resident leadership who know the truths.
I hope you are proud of me.
PLEASE VOTE MARCH 11th
FOR BALANCED HONEST GOVERNMENT
Friday, March 7, 2008
Monday, March 3, 2008
The rest of the story...
In my last blog I made a brief comment in response to the Post article regarding my late property tax payments.
I am running in this race on a platform of leadership and priorities.
That is why I sent the first blog out.
I wanted you to judge me not on the article, but on my priorities for the City, which you read earlier.
I do believe however the public deserves to hear the rest of the story…
Personally, there have been times when my husband and I have had to make choices as to what bills and expenses we needed to pay and what had to wait.
It was our priority to cover the expenses of our payroll, employee benefits, mortgages and other necessary office expenses, as well as household issues first.
Today, we are blessed to find ourselves in a position where ALL our property taxes are paid and current.
Unlike many, who today may find they must face these same decisions, I feel that the awareness of how taxing taxes can be to a household brings humanity to my understanding and sensitivity of government and its spending habits. Although this is not an excuse, I believe that these decision were made with our money, not another’s money, and it was based on our personal needs at the time.
Regarding the code violation charges;
I have lived in West Palm Beach my entire life. I own several rental properties and have always kept them up to standards I would consider superior. I invite any person to talk to the tenants and neighbors of the properties called into question. We have consistently improved our properties and take pride in their upkeep.
One violations I was charged with was a vacant lot I owned in Belle Glade which abuts the sugar cane fields. Since I do not frequent Belle Glade on a regular basis, it became overgrown with sugar cane. Upon receipt of the code violation notice, I hired a “bushwhack” operator (large tractor mower) to cut down the cane.
The violations which referred to the lot on Tamarind Ave was cited for the following issues. The overgrown weeds came as a surprise to me. Ever since I bought that lot, I have paid for landscape service every month to cut the grass and clean any trash that is thrown on the property. I never imagined that I might receive a code violation, because I believed the lot was being cared for. I immediately advised our landscaper who cut the grass he had allowed to overgrow.
The same inspector later cited me with yet another violation on the same lot for dead branches in our mango tree as well as a violation for a 6” pipe (an old clothes line pole) sticking out of the ground. Again, I hired someone, to cut down the dead branches and my brother removed the pipe from the ground.
There has been the latest code violation on the home my husband and I have owned and lived in for the last 13 years.
The violation: address clarification.
The numbers on our light post were not visible enough.
We now have new numbers on our house.
So there you have it.
I broke no laws, and dealt with all my issues in a timely manner.
Anyone can look into the violations to see for themselves that they have all been addressed.
I know I am still the better candidate for City Commission in the District 1 race.
Why?
Because I want to selflessly serve our City, the City I love.
That’s why I am in this race.
That's the only reason I am in this race.
Why else would I subject myself and my family to the rigors of this campaign or the microscope of politics?
If anyone has any other questions they wish to ask, please feel free to call me on my cell phone: 346-7311.
I am happy to answer any question you may have.
I will continue to run a straight race based on the issues and hope my opponent will do the same.
I am running in this race on a platform of leadership and priorities.
That is why I sent the first blog out.
I wanted you to judge me not on the article, but on my priorities for the City, which you read earlier.
I do believe however the public deserves to hear the rest of the story…
Personally, there have been times when my husband and I have had to make choices as to what bills and expenses we needed to pay and what had to wait.
It was our priority to cover the expenses of our payroll, employee benefits, mortgages and other necessary office expenses, as well as household issues first.
Today, we are blessed to find ourselves in a position where ALL our property taxes are paid and current.
Unlike many, who today may find they must face these same decisions, I feel that the awareness of how taxing taxes can be to a household brings humanity to my understanding and sensitivity of government and its spending habits. Although this is not an excuse, I believe that these decision were made with our money, not another’s money, and it was based on our personal needs at the time.
Regarding the code violation charges;
I have lived in West Palm Beach my entire life. I own several rental properties and have always kept them up to standards I would consider superior. I invite any person to talk to the tenants and neighbors of the properties called into question. We have consistently improved our properties and take pride in their upkeep.
One violations I was charged with was a vacant lot I owned in Belle Glade which abuts the sugar cane fields. Since I do not frequent Belle Glade on a regular basis, it became overgrown with sugar cane. Upon receipt of the code violation notice, I hired a “bushwhack” operator (large tractor mower) to cut down the cane.
The violations which referred to the lot on Tamarind Ave was cited for the following issues. The overgrown weeds came as a surprise to me. Ever since I bought that lot, I have paid for landscape service every month to cut the grass and clean any trash that is thrown on the property. I never imagined that I might receive a code violation, because I believed the lot was being cared for. I immediately advised our landscaper who cut the grass he had allowed to overgrow.
The same inspector later cited me with yet another violation on the same lot for dead branches in our mango tree as well as a violation for a 6” pipe (an old clothes line pole) sticking out of the ground. Again, I hired someone, to cut down the dead branches and my brother removed the pipe from the ground.
There has been the latest code violation on the home my husband and I have owned and lived in for the last 13 years.
The violation: address clarification.
The numbers on our light post were not visible enough.
We now have new numbers on our house.
So there you have it.
I broke no laws, and dealt with all my issues in a timely manner.
Anyone can look into the violations to see for themselves that they have all been addressed.
I know I am still the better candidate for City Commission in the District 1 race.
Why?
Because I want to selflessly serve our City, the City I love.
That’s why I am in this race.
That's the only reason I am in this race.
Why else would I subject myself and my family to the rigors of this campaign or the microscope of politics?
If anyone has any other questions they wish to ask, please feel free to call me on my cell phone: 346-7311.
I am happy to answer any question you may have.
I will continue to run a straight race based on the issues and hope my opponent will do the same.
Friday, February 29, 2008
A PIECE OF MY MIND!
At the City Commission meeting , Monday, Feb. 25th,
I asked the City Commissioner to submit
their priorities to the community in writing.
It is only right that I put mine in writing.
Therefore I submit for the public's pleasure
my (ALEX'S) list of priorities
for the City of West Palm Beach:
(Please note that ALL these are equally important
and should be addressed together as one objective.)
A.) Address and correct the water quality issue immediately.
This would mean that at every meeting the topic of where we stand be clearly brought forward for public awareness.
We must keep it in the forefront of discussion so that the Mayor makes it a priority in the budget process and we establish a 5 year strategic plan, based on sound financial resources, be part of all future budgets and strictly adhered to.
It would be my job as City Commissioner to keep the public informed as to the attention, progress and actions this administration is taking as the guardians of our "liquid life", water.
This is essential so we never face a boiled water order again.
We must be able to guarantee,
that the most basic and primary needs of the residents,
that of clean health water, are met immediately.
It is our responsibility as City Commissioners to make sure that the strong mayor continues to place the highest and most important interest of the citizens first. It is, after all, a matter of public health and safety.
Although she has the ability, as mandated by the charter,
to set the agenda for this city,
it is only with the City Commissioners approval of the budget,
that she can fund it.
With a strong commission mandating where the funds be placed,
we can redirect any project she may want to push forward.
The problem has been, that over the past 5 years,
she has had a City Commission which rubber-stamps her expenditures without a clear future plan.
I have a 4 point plan
that makes sense for this City.
1.) Immediately order a customer survey by an accredited university to determine the threshold of payment the water customers are willing to pay for clean water. Without this, we are acting backwards and spending money based not on the markets ability to pay for it but on a self appointed program of spending.
2.) Immediately cost out and fund the retro-fitting of our existing water plant to the highest standards available. Our water plant is old, but needs to work for us until we establish an alternative source. It can, if updated and properly repaired serve us well as we approach our future plans with caution and foresight.
3.) Identify alternate sources of water for our growing population, as well as explore the abilities to drill into the Floridian aquifer with a reverse osmosis or desalination system that will move us into the future with steady resolve.
4.) Professionally and realistically produce and make a public policy of a 5 year strategic plan, which includes a 20 year capitol improvement outline of needs and funding sources.
I will fight for each one of these points to be discussed and promoted by the City Commission so that the Mayor will administer and make it a priority in this upcoming budget.
B.) Determine, fund, and implement an infrastructure plan that HONESTLY addresses our roads, sidewalks and flooding issues.
Again this has everything to do with setting priorities.
We currently have no priorities, let alone neighborhood improvements plan.
Projects and expenditures made have been done based on political favors, election timing; and if researched, are not fully funded, simply implied and started with no long term completion time-lines.
The intellectual dishonesty that I have witnessed with promises made is unacceptable.
Lip service is all it is.
There is no honest, directed, complete time-line approach to the Broadmoor project nor to the issues with Parker Road, Austrailian Ave or North Flagler. A well thought out plan of action with funding is needed for each of these areas, including improved sidewalks and sewage systems.
ALL of these areas have taken a back seat to downtown and City Center.
I for one, have had enough of residents and neighborhoods playing second fiddle to pet projects, as well as being treated as unimportant to the decision process.
C.) Establish a tough zero-tolerance approach to crime
The political will to direct the police's top brass is lacking.
What I see is a knee-jerk reaction to crime, only when the residents get fed up enough.
A continued mandate from the City Commission which sets community partnerships and programs into play is required.
I know this first hand from my involvement in the Northend Coalition of Neighborhoods.
When we rallied as a group, City Hall sat up and paid attention to our problems. WE marched together as a community to take back our streets. It was working. Then came the apathy from City Hall in which we now find ourselves.
It is my strong belief, that crime on the streets needs to be managed with a true relationship between the residents and the men in blue on patrol. This translates into meaningful and real relationship building, so that citizens who are willing to be part of the process have a direct line to, 1. what is happening, 2. who to call and 3. how to handle all situations as they arise, as a whole team working together.
We may never stamp out crime 100%, but this does not mean that there are not deterrents to it, nor does it mean that we throw our hands up in defeat. More visibility is key, but it's the public who can alert police to the hot spots where they are most needed. One tool that worked for us in our zip code (33407) was working to get a continual stream of information out to the residents with information from the department on a daily basis. The alerts were effective and became a valuable way to watch one another's homes and streets. Please check out my web site ( http://www.alexhearsme.com/ ) to see other ideas and solutions which are proven to work. What we lack is the political will to set the tone for meaningful community partnerships and involvement, as well as a policy to take a zero-tolerance approach on specific law-breaking activities.
D.) Work Towards Sound Fiscal Budget Appropriations
In light of the recent article regarding my own property tax issues, one might argue that I am incapable of this directive; I believe just the opposite. (Let me point out that all my taxes are paid and current, including any interest owed.)
I have learned from my own personal experiences, that when people, families, even governments stretch themselves, we can find ourself in tough situations.
Even when we think we are investing for the future, there are simply times when one has to tighten the purse strings, and wait for another opportunity.
The most responsible thing we can do is face the realities of financial constraints and map a conservative course in order to reach financial security, without sacrificing the main necessities of shelter, nutrition and health.
In the case of a City this means placing infrastructure, water and safety first as areas of primary areas of spending.
All of these experiences can be valuable and segue into how I manage city finances:
---Therefore now is not the time to be committing $20 million dollars to a waterfront "overhaul". As my opponent voted to do for this past Monday. We must first deal with our more immediate needs, before we consider any other debt.
---When city leaders are threatening the public with diminishing emergency services, it is time to stop the irresponsible spending of taxpayer dollars to fight multiple lawsuits, as well as other very egregious expenditures that need to be brought to light.
---The City should have faced the realities of its financial constraints and should have saved for a "rainy day"…that rainy day is here, and we need an "overhaul" of the water system, yet the attitude is we'll just bond more debt. Fiscal responsibility is simple when priorities are recognized. My personal priorities are one thing, the City's quite another.
My ultimate goal for the City of West Palm Beach would be, that someday soon, we would be recognized nationally as one of the top 10 Cities which provide REAL quality of life standards, in which we can raise our future generations of proud citizens.
I believe we are at a critical juncture in this City's future.
Whether we come together and bring out the vote for change or not, will be seen on March 11th.
I have been vocally speaking out and advocating for the resident's voices to be heard for almost ten years.
In this election, I have put out my chin and taken the first punch.
Will the community rise up and stand with me?
We must, for all our sakes, recognize the need to bring balance to the City Commission.
Respectfully I submit my service to our City and its citizens,
Sincerely,
I am,
Alex Vizoso Saylor,
and these are my priorities,
and hopefully yours,
for the City of West Palm Beach.
I asked the City Commissioner to submit
their priorities to the community in writing.
It is only right that I put mine in writing.
Therefore I submit for the public's pleasure
my (ALEX'S) list of priorities
for the City of West Palm Beach:
(Please note that ALL these are equally important
and should be addressed together as one objective.)
A.) Address and correct the water quality issue immediately.
This would mean that at every meeting the topic of where we stand be clearly brought forward for public awareness.
We must keep it in the forefront of discussion so that the Mayor makes it a priority in the budget process and we establish a 5 year strategic plan, based on sound financial resources, be part of all future budgets and strictly adhered to.
It would be my job as City Commissioner to keep the public informed as to the attention, progress and actions this administration is taking as the guardians of our "liquid life", water.
This is essential so we never face a boiled water order again.
We must be able to guarantee,
that the most basic and primary needs of the residents,
that of clean health water, are met immediately.
It is our responsibility as City Commissioners to make sure that the strong mayor continues to place the highest and most important interest of the citizens first. It is, after all, a matter of public health and safety.
Although she has the ability, as mandated by the charter,
to set the agenda for this city,
it is only with the City Commissioners approval of the budget,
that she can fund it.
With a strong commission mandating where the funds be placed,
we can redirect any project she may want to push forward.
The problem has been, that over the past 5 years,
she has had a City Commission which rubber-stamps her expenditures without a clear future plan.
I have a 4 point plan
that makes sense for this City.
1.) Immediately order a customer survey by an accredited university to determine the threshold of payment the water customers are willing to pay for clean water. Without this, we are acting backwards and spending money based not on the markets ability to pay for it but on a self appointed program of spending.
2.) Immediately cost out and fund the retro-fitting of our existing water plant to the highest standards available. Our water plant is old, but needs to work for us until we establish an alternative source. It can, if updated and properly repaired serve us well as we approach our future plans with caution and foresight.
3.) Identify alternate sources of water for our growing population, as well as explore the abilities to drill into the Floridian aquifer with a reverse osmosis or desalination system that will move us into the future with steady resolve.
4.) Professionally and realistically produce and make a public policy of a 5 year strategic plan, which includes a 20 year capitol improvement outline of needs and funding sources.
I will fight for each one of these points to be discussed and promoted by the City Commission so that the Mayor will administer and make it a priority in this upcoming budget.
B.) Determine, fund, and implement an infrastructure plan that HONESTLY addresses our roads, sidewalks and flooding issues.
Again this has everything to do with setting priorities.
We currently have no priorities, let alone neighborhood improvements plan.
Projects and expenditures made have been done based on political favors, election timing; and if researched, are not fully funded, simply implied and started with no long term completion time-lines.
The intellectual dishonesty that I have witnessed with promises made is unacceptable.
Lip service is all it is.
There is no honest, directed, complete time-line approach to the Broadmoor project nor to the issues with Parker Road, Austrailian Ave or North Flagler. A well thought out plan of action with funding is needed for each of these areas, including improved sidewalks and sewage systems.
ALL of these areas have taken a back seat to downtown and City Center.
I for one, have had enough of residents and neighborhoods playing second fiddle to pet projects, as well as being treated as unimportant to the decision process.
C.) Establish a tough zero-tolerance approach to crime
The political will to direct the police's top brass is lacking.
What I see is a knee-jerk reaction to crime, only when the residents get fed up enough.
A continued mandate from the City Commission which sets community partnerships and programs into play is required.
I know this first hand from my involvement in the Northend Coalition of Neighborhoods.
When we rallied as a group, City Hall sat up and paid attention to our problems. WE marched together as a community to take back our streets. It was working. Then came the apathy from City Hall in which we now find ourselves.
It is my strong belief, that crime on the streets needs to be managed with a true relationship between the residents and the men in blue on patrol. This translates into meaningful and real relationship building, so that citizens who are willing to be part of the process have a direct line to, 1. what is happening, 2. who to call and 3. how to handle all situations as they arise, as a whole team working together.
We may never stamp out crime 100%, but this does not mean that there are not deterrents to it, nor does it mean that we throw our hands up in defeat. More visibility is key, but it's the public who can alert police to the hot spots where they are most needed. One tool that worked for us in our zip code (33407) was working to get a continual stream of information out to the residents with information from the department on a daily basis. The alerts were effective and became a valuable way to watch one another's homes and streets. Please check out my web site ( http://www.alexhearsme.com/ ) to see other ideas and solutions which are proven to work. What we lack is the political will to set the tone for meaningful community partnerships and involvement, as well as a policy to take a zero-tolerance approach on specific law-breaking activities.
D.) Work Towards Sound Fiscal Budget Appropriations
In light of the recent article regarding my own property tax issues, one might argue that I am incapable of this directive; I believe just the opposite. (Let me point out that all my taxes are paid and current, including any interest owed.)
I have learned from my own personal experiences, that when people, families, even governments stretch themselves, we can find ourself in tough situations.
Even when we think we are investing for the future, there are simply times when one has to tighten the purse strings, and wait for another opportunity.
The most responsible thing we can do is face the realities of financial constraints and map a conservative course in order to reach financial security, without sacrificing the main necessities of shelter, nutrition and health.
In the case of a City this means placing infrastructure, water and safety first as areas of primary areas of spending.
All of these experiences can be valuable and segue into how I manage city finances:
---Therefore now is not the time to be committing $20 million dollars to a waterfront "overhaul". As my opponent voted to do for this past Monday. We must first deal with our more immediate needs, before we consider any other debt.
---When city leaders are threatening the public with diminishing emergency services, it is time to stop the irresponsible spending of taxpayer dollars to fight multiple lawsuits, as well as other very egregious expenditures that need to be brought to light.
---The City should have faced the realities of its financial constraints and should have saved for a "rainy day"…that rainy day is here, and we need an "overhaul" of the water system, yet the attitude is we'll just bond more debt. Fiscal responsibility is simple when priorities are recognized. My personal priorities are one thing, the City's quite another.
My ultimate goal for the City of West Palm Beach would be, that someday soon, we would be recognized nationally as one of the top 10 Cities which provide REAL quality of life standards, in which we can raise our future generations of proud citizens.
I believe we are at a critical juncture in this City's future.
Whether we come together and bring out the vote for change or not, will be seen on March 11th.
I have been vocally speaking out and advocating for the resident's voices to be heard for almost ten years.
In this election, I have put out my chin and taken the first punch.
Will the community rise up and stand with me?
We must, for all our sakes, recognize the need to bring balance to the City Commission.
Respectfully I submit my service to our City and its citizens,
Sincerely,
I am,
Alex Vizoso Saylor,
and these are my priorities,
and hopefully yours,
for the City of West Palm Beach.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
SITTING OR STANDING UP...THE AIRPORT ROAR GOES ON
Last night I attended the FAA driven "focus group" along with 13 neighborhood association presidents.
I was one of the 7 residents in the audience who had been the subject of a "stand off" about "sitting down".
(Sun-Sentinel Story)
All Citizens in this City should be very proud
of this group of neighborhood leaders.
I know I am.
Not simply because they were willing to protest in the name of decency so that others could watch the meeting, but because they gave of their time and energy to save our City’s integrity and character; as it no doubt will be changed by the runway expansion at the airport.
Not only are they dedicated and intelligent volunteers,
they are passionate about doing the right thing for our community.
They are out there fighting for the rest of us,
trying to stop the intrusion of ill effects a larger airport will,
no doubt, cause to our neighborhoods.
Thank you.
Thank you for your voice.
Thank you for your time.
Mostly importantly, thank you for caring not just about your backyard,
but about the City’s future.
Although this was my first meeting regarding this expansion, this is not a new issue to me.
This fight has been fought since the Hillcrest buyout
(we know how that turnout)
and then again regarding the I-95 interchange.
(Many past leaders were in that fight; they weren’t here tonight though,
they’re wore out and tired)
But we, residents of our neighborhoods, are still fighting.
The leaders present last night, are still fighting for all of us, by trying to get our voice heard.
They’re still standing... for us.
The meeting was my first PBIA EIS (Palm Beach International Airport Environmental Impact Study) focus group meeting. There have been 2 others, (there have been numerous other airport public meetings regarding the airport expansion) and there remain 3 more focus group meetings. Each focus group pertains to a specific issue.
Last night it was about HISTORIC RESOURCES.
There was thorough conversation regarding the following 3 steps of the process:
Where the areas of impact are or (1) "identifying the area of potential effect" which was mapped out.
Rick, from Grandview Heights, rightly pointed out that not all areas were represented, and
Joanne from Parker Ridge tried to get them to explain what exactly would qualify "eligibility" for areas to be included in the mitigation process.
Neither ever really got their questions fully answered.
The mapped area, they were told, was simply the
Preliminary Area of Potential Effect (APE).
I guess we don’t want to look at too large an area, it may scare the willies out of us!
Joanne’s question was never fully answered, but in the back-up it clearly states that properties eligible are "LISTED historic properties and eligibility is determined by the federal agency" (FAA?).
As pointed out by residents at the meeting, including the named neighborhoods affected, there were several communities, although not currently designated, which should be deemed eligible.
Sunshine Park, Vedado -Hillcrest, Prospect Heights, Poinciana Park and Parker Ridge were a few named neighborhoods who will suffer airport fallout, yet are not officially historically designated.
Their response was that the FAA would consider direct impacts and takings of these areas.
YIKES! Maybe its better to stay off that radar?
Next, the EIS team’s historian (2) "identified all National Registered Properties."
As they showed us the photos of our beautiful homes,
I could help but remember the homes in Hillcrest,
many of which also were lovely examples of our history.
I am glad we have pictures of these neighborhoods.
(I wondered if we had pictures of the Hillcrest homes anywhere?)
But we were showed aerials from 1968, 1999 and 2007, and vacant land imagines of Golfview and Hillcrest.
It was like an APE had come in and gobbled it up.
I couldn’t help but make the association: Preliminary Area of Potential Effect (APE).
How sad.
The last step was to (3) "Assess Effects".
Can I simply say "See the PHOTOS they showed of Golfview".
So I could go on and chronicle the discussion here,
my notes ran 10 pages long,
but I won’t waste your time.
That was done last night.
The leadership sat there and came to recognize that they were,
as stated by Al, from Parker Ridge
"an unwilling dance partner" in this process.
He correctly stated that this was a "Fake Public Participation".
I know this and I agree.
I’ve sat in several of these types of meetings at the City level.
Feels gross doesn’t it?
Rick, from Grandview Heights, couldn’t seem to get his point across either.
The Economic Impact is serious and yet is not being addressed.
There are so many levels of economic impact that to study it might halt the project.
Think about it. Mitigation is about how much money it is going to take to address the effects of the expansion. If they study it, then they might have such a high cost, which would make the price of the project prohibitive.
Keep fighting them Rick. Insist they make it an independent area of study.
Nancy, from El Cid, stated correctly to the FAA representatives, that it is us "who are getting our ox gored here, not yours."
Nancy, its always the taxpayers who get gored...
Boondoggle after boondoggle we pay, not them.
Bailey, from Southland Park , made the remark that
this was a socio-economically motivated project.
I suggest Bailey, it is also a politically motivated project. When you consider the who and why of this expansion; the dots are easy to connect.
Then there was the most sad of all questions:
Tom Convoy,Poinciana Park, asked: "Why are we here?"
The answer by Tom Bennett with the FAA: "You are part of the process. This is a primarily information letting and gathering process. You have no vote."
We have no voice, no power.
So where do we "stand"?
Well thanks to fellow residents who care, we got to sit down for this one.
As an editorial on this experience, I would like to say this:
What I witnessed last night was an example of what I have endured at the City level for the past 5 years.
They don’t hear us.
They don’t care what we say.
They will manipulate and work the process,
to ultimately do what they want,
regardless of the facts and feelings of those most affected...the taxpayers.
To the leadership at the table,
Thank you again for wanting to protect our community.
My heart broke watching your sad and defeated faces.
Your frowns of resignation are very familiar to me.
I hear you!
I was one of the 7 residents in the audience who had been the subject of a "stand off" about "sitting down".
(Sun-Sentinel Story)
All Citizens in this City should be very proud
of this group of neighborhood leaders.
I know I am.
Not simply because they were willing to protest in the name of decency so that others could watch the meeting, but because they gave of their time and energy to save our City’s integrity and character; as it no doubt will be changed by the runway expansion at the airport.
Not only are they dedicated and intelligent volunteers,
they are passionate about doing the right thing for our community.
They are out there fighting for the rest of us,
trying to stop the intrusion of ill effects a larger airport will,
no doubt, cause to our neighborhoods.
Thank you.
Thank you for your voice.
Thank you for your time.
Mostly importantly, thank you for caring not just about your backyard,
but about the City’s future.
Although this was my first meeting regarding this expansion, this is not a new issue to me.
This fight has been fought since the Hillcrest buyout
(we know how that turnout)
and then again regarding the I-95 interchange.
(Many past leaders were in that fight; they weren’t here tonight though,
they’re wore out and tired)
But we, residents of our neighborhoods, are still fighting.
The leaders present last night, are still fighting for all of us, by trying to get our voice heard.
They’re still standing... for us.
The meeting was my first PBIA EIS (Palm Beach International Airport Environmental Impact Study) focus group meeting. There have been 2 others, (there have been numerous other airport public meetings regarding the airport expansion) and there remain 3 more focus group meetings. Each focus group pertains to a specific issue.
Last night it was about HISTORIC RESOURCES.
There was thorough conversation regarding the following 3 steps of the process:
Where the areas of impact are or (1) "identifying the area of potential effect" which was mapped out.
Rick, from Grandview Heights, rightly pointed out that not all areas were represented, and
Joanne from Parker Ridge tried to get them to explain what exactly would qualify "eligibility" for areas to be included in the mitigation process.
Neither ever really got their questions fully answered.
The mapped area, they were told, was simply the
Preliminary Area of Potential Effect (APE).
I guess we don’t want to look at too large an area, it may scare the willies out of us!
Joanne’s question was never fully answered, but in the back-up it clearly states that properties eligible are "LISTED historic properties and eligibility is determined by the federal agency" (FAA?).
As pointed out by residents at the meeting, including the named neighborhoods affected, there were several communities, although not currently designated, which should be deemed eligible.
Sunshine Park, Vedado -Hillcrest, Prospect Heights, Poinciana Park and Parker Ridge were a few named neighborhoods who will suffer airport fallout, yet are not officially historically designated.
Their response was that the FAA would consider direct impacts and takings of these areas.
YIKES! Maybe its better to stay off that radar?
Next, the EIS team’s historian (2) "identified all National Registered Properties."
As they showed us the photos of our beautiful homes,
I could help but remember the homes in Hillcrest,
many of which also were lovely examples of our history.
I am glad we have pictures of these neighborhoods.
(I wondered if we had pictures of the Hillcrest homes anywhere?)
But we were showed aerials from 1968, 1999 and 2007, and vacant land imagines of Golfview and Hillcrest.
It was like an APE had come in and gobbled it up.
I couldn’t help but make the association: Preliminary Area of Potential Effect (APE).
How sad.
The last step was to (3) "Assess Effects".
Can I simply say "See the PHOTOS they showed of Golfview".
So I could go on and chronicle the discussion here,
my notes ran 10 pages long,
but I won’t waste your time.
That was done last night.
The leadership sat there and came to recognize that they were,
as stated by Al, from Parker Ridge
"an unwilling dance partner" in this process.
He correctly stated that this was a "Fake Public Participation".
I know this and I agree.
I’ve sat in several of these types of meetings at the City level.
Feels gross doesn’t it?
Rick, from Grandview Heights, couldn’t seem to get his point across either.
The Economic Impact is serious and yet is not being addressed.
There are so many levels of economic impact that to study it might halt the project.
Think about it. Mitigation is about how much money it is going to take to address the effects of the expansion. If they study it, then they might have such a high cost, which would make the price of the project prohibitive.
Keep fighting them Rick. Insist they make it an independent area of study.
Nancy, from El Cid, stated correctly to the FAA representatives, that it is us "who are getting our ox gored here, not yours."
Nancy, its always the taxpayers who get gored...
Boondoggle after boondoggle we pay, not them.
Bailey, from Southland Park , made the remark that
this was a socio-economically motivated project.
I suggest Bailey, it is also a politically motivated project. When you consider the who and why of this expansion; the dots are easy to connect.
Then there was the most sad of all questions:
Tom Convoy,Poinciana Park, asked: "Why are we here?"
The answer by Tom Bennett with the FAA: "You are part of the process. This is a primarily information letting and gathering process. You have no vote."
We have no voice, no power.
So where do we "stand"?
Well thanks to fellow residents who care, we got to sit down for this one.
As an editorial on this experience, I would like to say this:
What I witnessed last night was an example of what I have endured at the City level for the past 5 years.
They don’t hear us.
They don’t care what we say.
They will manipulate and work the process,
to ultimately do what they want,
regardless of the facts and feelings of those most affected...the taxpayers.
To the leadership at the table,
Thank you again for wanting to protect our community.
My heart broke watching your sad and defeated faces.
Your frowns of resignation are very familiar to me.
I hear you!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Thursday, February 28, CANDIDATE DEBATE FORUM
Dear West Palm Beach Resident, Voter, and Neighbor,
Local elections matter.
We need only turn on your faucets to find out why.
This Thursday, February 28, the South End Neighborhood Association (SENA) will present one of the only debate forums for the upcoming City Commission Election.
All candidates for District races (1, 3 and 5) will be presented.
Held at the South Olive Elementary School Auditorium, and beginning promptly at 7 pm, candidates will be asked their positions regarding vital issues which are impacting our lives and pocketbooks today.
As voters in the City it is imperative that we make an informed choice as to who we want deciding our City’s future.
Please do your best to attend this event and forward this web site to friends and neighbors who are voters in the City of West Palm Beach.
Consider the fact that 6,578 voters out of 107,000 residents in the City of West Palm Beach determined last March the City Government we have today.
The importance of knowing who you choose to represent you cannot be emphasized enough.
Please make an informed decision.
Attend this debate.
Your vote REALLY does matters.
Respectfully,
Alex Vizoso Saylor
Candidate for City Commission
Local elections matter.
We need only turn on your faucets to find out why.
This Thursday, February 28, the South End Neighborhood Association (SENA) will present one of the only debate forums for the upcoming City Commission Election.
All candidates for District races (1, 3 and 5) will be presented.
Held at the South Olive Elementary School Auditorium, and beginning promptly at 7 pm, candidates will be asked their positions regarding vital issues which are impacting our lives and pocketbooks today.
As voters in the City it is imperative that we make an informed choice as to who we want deciding our City’s future.
Please do your best to attend this event and forward this web site to friends and neighbors who are voters in the City of West Palm Beach.
Consider the fact that 6,578 voters out of 107,000 residents in the City of West Palm Beach determined last March the City Government we have today.
The importance of knowing who you choose to represent you cannot be emphasized enough.
Please make an informed decision.
Attend this debate.
Your vote REALLY does matters.
Respectfully,
Alex Vizoso Saylor
Candidate for City Commission
Monday, February 25, 2008
Public Comment to my last blog...
The following email was received and although it was unsigned, I plan on responding to it's author. I wanted to post it here in the event there are other persons who may have opinions to share. I encourage debate from ALL sides ALWAYS.
ALL my blogs can have comments left, they just aren't anonymous...
I hope this person will identify themselves and allow me the time to research their position and statement. I thank them for the commuication and encourage dialogue from all sides.
I am not a laywer, so I would defer any opinion of the Florida Statutes, Part IV:,FLORIDA BUILDING CODE (ss. 553.70-553.898) to legal interreptation before I made a judgement to its application. It is my understanding that the Florida Building Code is a
My blog is simply stating my view, from my perch, as a citizen and resident, who has witness too much politics in her government.
I will reply later, after further study of the information shared by this writer.
Here is the unsigned email:
Dear Alex,
First, let me say I applaud your quest for change, as it is sorely needed in WPB.
Only one side of the Construction Services story matters and that is Florida Statutory law stated above. 2007->Ch0553->Section%2072#0553.72" target=_blank>http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0553/SEC72.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0553->Section%2072#0553.72
Do not understand why you feel it is wrong for people to finally stand up for statutory rights, including use of private providers, and not tolerating undeserved retribution from government employees who use scare tactics, go off on their own, abuse their power and abuse the clearly stated statutory intent of the code "we the people" entrust them to abide by.
The WPB Bldg Dept (Construction Services) nothing more than a political joke that appears you have bought into) is simply a menace to economic development and unreasonably costing consumers. Reasonable and practical minded individuals need to be in positions of power - not little people with Napoleonic complexes. Instead of taking pride in the repeated rejection of design by highly trained, licensed and insured professionals, all in the building department, including its leadership, should have a "lets be flexible and figure out how you can design this building to simply meet the clearly stated statutory intent and minimum standards of the Florida Building Code that the public, businesses and taxpayer is lawfully entitled to." The building dept., particularly certain plans examiners with tenure, take way too much pride is taken in rejection. It is totally counter productive.
I'm sure your position will give Neil and bldg dept. leaders and staff reason to:
-continue ignoring F.S. 553.72 Intent,
-substantiate their existence,
-taking away rights of the people and public,
-disguising and adopting special WPB building code requirements as "administrative",
-claiming their overworked, -collect exhorborant overtime $$,
-access to more meaningless and obscure code provisions that can be interpreted in more than one manner for which they will pick the most aberrant and unconventional interpretation to apply and enforce under the guise of protecting the public, all at unnecessary and extraordinary consumer expense after all.
Again, the practice by WPB is illegal and contrary to the clearly and specifically stated Florida Statutory intent, which is the base for ALL of the Florida Building Code.
Also - FYI
2007->Ch0553->Section%20791#0553.791" target=_blank>http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0553/SEC791.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0553->Section%20791#0553.791
ALL my blogs can have comments left, they just aren't anonymous...
I hope this person will identify themselves and allow me the time to research their position and statement. I thank them for the commuication and encourage dialogue from all sides.
I am not a laywer, so I would defer any opinion of the Florida Statutes, Part IV:,FLORIDA BUILDING CODE (ss. 553.70-553.898) to legal interreptation before I made a judgement to its application. It is my understanding that the Florida Building Code is a
My blog is simply stating my view, from my perch, as a citizen and resident, who has witness too much politics in her government.
I will reply later, after further study of the information shared by this writer.
Here is the unsigned email:
Dear Alex,
First, let me say I applaud your quest for change, as it is sorely needed in WPB.
Only one side of the Construction Services story matters and that is Florida Statutory law stated above. 2007->Ch0553->Section%2072#0553.72" target=_blank>http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0553/SEC72.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0553->Section%2072#0553.72
Do not understand why you feel it is wrong for people to finally stand up for statutory rights, including use of private providers, and not tolerating undeserved retribution from government employees who use scare tactics, go off on their own, abuse their power and abuse the clearly stated statutory intent of the code "we the people" entrust them to abide by.
The WPB Bldg Dept (Construction Services) nothing more than a political joke that appears you have bought into) is simply a menace to economic development and unreasonably costing consumers. Reasonable and practical minded individuals need to be in positions of power - not little people with Napoleonic complexes. Instead of taking pride in the repeated rejection of design by highly trained, licensed and insured professionals, all in the building department, including its leadership, should have a "lets be flexible and figure out how you can design this building to simply meet the clearly stated statutory intent and minimum standards of the Florida Building Code that the public, businesses and taxpayer is lawfully entitled to." The building dept., particularly certain plans examiners with tenure, take way too much pride is taken in rejection. It is totally counter productive.
I'm sure your position will give Neil and bldg dept. leaders and staff reason to:
-continue ignoring F.S. 553.72 Intent,
-substantiate their existence,
-taking away rights of the people and public,
-disguising and adopting special WPB building code requirements as "administrative",
-claiming their overworked, -collect exhorborant overtime $$,
-access to more meaningless and obscure code provisions that can be interpreted in more than one manner for which they will pick the most aberrant and unconventional interpretation to apply and enforce under the guise of protecting the public, all at unnecessary and extraordinary consumer expense after all.
Again, the practice by WPB is illegal and contrary to the clearly and specifically stated Florida Statutory intent, which is the base for ALL of the Florida Building Code.
Also - FYI
2007->Ch0553->Section%20791#0553.791" target=_blank>http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0553/SEC791.HTM&Title=->2007->Ch0553->Section%20791#0553.791
Saturday, February 23, 2008
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES... THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY
We all know that when it comes to government, the saying is "take a number and wait."
(Unless of course you are government and there’s a project that needs to get done pronto!)
I believe we can also agree, in any business or government department, there are constantly ways to improve, update and review how the work is getting done or how the client/customer might perceive the services rendered.
Therefore, I would like to say that every department in City Hall deserves to be regularly checked for performance standards, cost benefit analysis and customer service satisfaction.
Construction Services, specifically Permitting and Plan Review, can be an easy target for these statements and pending criticisms that may exist and easy prey for industry driven politicians.
The fact that a Task Force was convened to address the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department is a good thing.
The fact that the Task force was made of special interest, industry representatives and parties with a vendetta is a bad thing.
The Final Report which addressed obvious gripes is a good thing.
The Final Report which did not encompass ALL of the facts and realities as to why these gripes might have existed is a bad thing.
This week at a neighborhood meeting, Molly Douglas who has now convinced the entire City that what she spearheaded was a healthy approach to departmental reorganization, spoke to the fact that it was her report which will improve the way the City does business in Plan Review.
Here’s the rest of the story...
The task force did not do a thorough investigation as to why certain projects in the City (like City Center) could go on over our objections no less, is still get a building built in record time.
One would have to question what staff resources were diverted from the public so that the administration could get their project done so quickly?
Lest we forget that many a developer also got their projects built in record times.
Sorry Mr. Riverwalk who had to wait for 6 months to get a garage door permit...
Sorry Mr. North End Homeowner, the City has a Government project to complete; you go back to the end of the line...
For anyone interested in knowing whether staff was asked to contribute or respond, the answer depends on who you ask.
I strongly urge you ask staff how much input they were able to have.
And finally, but not last, there were excellent recommendations which never made it to the Final Report, like plan overlay technologies and a Peer Review analysis.
Why?
Because it might seem that the entire intent from the beginning was to bring in
1) Private Providers,
2) establish time-lines without increasing fees or resources,
3) eventually out-sourcing the department (which is still underway), a clear goal of
4) having handpicked consultants give the outcome that a few industry driven persons desire and
5) getting Neil Melick, our department head, fired.
Please, residents and citezens of West Palm Beach, read these articles...
Read what happened in another part of the country:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/17/politics-today-code-enforcers-strung-along-by
As the Chairperson of the Task Force said from the beginning,
their goal was to bring predictability to the process.
I would like to predict that,
we will get what we ultimately don’t want,
developers, contractors and persons of interest,
determining their own accountability to safety standards.
Ultimately, we the consumer will pay for the bag of goods we allowed this City to be sold,
or vote for, as my opponet has done on this issue...
For a better understand of how to approach improving our department please look at this article:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,242869.shtml
(Unless of course you are government and there’s a project that needs to get done pronto!)
I believe we can also agree, in any business or government department, there are constantly ways to improve, update and review how the work is getting done or how the client/customer might perceive the services rendered.
Therefore, I would like to say that every department in City Hall deserves to be regularly checked for performance standards, cost benefit analysis and customer service satisfaction.
Construction Services, specifically Permitting and Plan Review, can be an easy target for these statements and pending criticisms that may exist and easy prey for industry driven politicians.
The fact that a Task Force was convened to address the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department is a good thing.
The fact that the Task force was made of special interest, industry representatives and parties with a vendetta is a bad thing.
The Final Report which addressed obvious gripes is a good thing.
The Final Report which did not encompass ALL of the facts and realities as to why these gripes might have existed is a bad thing.
This week at a neighborhood meeting, Molly Douglas who has now convinced the entire City that what she spearheaded was a healthy approach to departmental reorganization, spoke to the fact that it was her report which will improve the way the City does business in Plan Review.
Here’s the rest of the story...
The task force did not do a thorough investigation as to why certain projects in the City (like City Center) could go on over our objections no less, is still get a building built in record time.
One would have to question what staff resources were diverted from the public so that the administration could get their project done so quickly?
Lest we forget that many a developer also got their projects built in record times.
Sorry Mr. Riverwalk who had to wait for 6 months to get a garage door permit...
Sorry Mr. North End Homeowner, the City has a Government project to complete; you go back to the end of the line...
For anyone interested in knowing whether staff was asked to contribute or respond, the answer depends on who you ask.
I strongly urge you ask staff how much input they were able to have.
And finally, but not last, there were excellent recommendations which never made it to the Final Report, like plan overlay technologies and a Peer Review analysis.
Why?
Because it might seem that the entire intent from the beginning was to bring in
1) Private Providers,
2) establish time-lines without increasing fees or resources,
3) eventually out-sourcing the department (which is still underway), a clear goal of
4) having handpicked consultants give the outcome that a few industry driven persons desire and
5) getting Neil Melick, our department head, fired.
Please, residents and citezens of West Palm Beach, read these articles...
Read what happened in another part of the country:
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2007/dec/17/politics-today-code-enforcers-strung-along-by
As the Chairperson of the Task Force said from the beginning,
their goal was to bring predictability to the process.
I would like to predict that,
we will get what we ultimately don’t want,
developers, contractors and persons of interest,
determining their own accountability to safety standards.
Ultimately, we the consumer will pay for the bag of goods we allowed this City to be sold,
or vote for, as my opponet has done on this issue...
For a better understand of how to approach improving our department please look at this article:
http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/news_press_release,242869.shtml
Friday, February 22, 2008
MPO Meeting regarding ROEBUCK ROAD
We know there is an election coming, not because of the political signs or the newspaper articles or the pasty smiles on some folk's faces.
It is the time when the elected officials, especially those who are up for re-election, hold meting after meeting, to discuss issues which should have this much attention constanly until it gets resolved, and long before this season of politics.
Such is the case of Roebuck Road.
Its been over 11 years that Roebuck Road’s imminent existence became an issue.
... 5 years that this administration has vowed to stop the project.
...1 year since the County funded the construction, which is now in its "design phase".
...1 month since my suggestion in my blog that this needs to be taken to the state level.
...2 weeks since Al Vazquez suggested that environmental agencies be brought into the fight to stop it.
...5 days since the administration arranged another hasty Riverwalk meeting to "talk about solutions"
...24 hours since the Metropolitan Planning Organization met yesterday and rejected the City’s request for an environmental study (NOT AN ASSESSMENT)
To quote the chairperson of the MPO at the end of the meeting :
"We can put this to rest for another month."
Time is a wasting...
We have under 24 months to put the brakes on this road which will fragmentize the ecology, place our water supply in danger, and proceed to get built in much the same fashion as City Center... against the will of the majority for the political expediency of those in office with the money of the taxpayers and the future of our environment hanging in the balance.
Think about the logic:
$43 MILLION DOLLARS is the projected cost for
3 MILES of asphalt,
most of those funds are to address the environmental impact of putting asphalt next to our water supply. No discussion of alternatives, no talk about mass transit options, just more spending and bad decisions.
Are we missing something here?
I don’t think we are.
Its politics as usual with the same politicians getting re-elected so they can continue the cycle of one bad decision (a reliever road) to cover their past bad decisions (lack of managed growth).
So ladies and gentleman, if you like the government you have,
re-elect the incumbants...
If not, there are other choices on your ballot.
It is the time when the elected officials, especially those who are up for re-election, hold meting after meeting, to discuss issues which should have this much attention constanly until it gets resolved, and long before this season of politics.
Such is the case of Roebuck Road.
Its been over 11 years that Roebuck Road’s imminent existence became an issue.
... 5 years that this administration has vowed to stop the project.
...1 year since the County funded the construction, which is now in its "design phase".
...1 month since my suggestion in my blog that this needs to be taken to the state level.
...2 weeks since Al Vazquez suggested that environmental agencies be brought into the fight to stop it.
...5 days since the administration arranged another hasty Riverwalk meeting to "talk about solutions"
...24 hours since the Metropolitan Planning Organization met yesterday and rejected the City’s request for an environmental study (NOT AN ASSESSMENT)
To quote the chairperson of the MPO at the end of the meeting :
"We can put this to rest for another month."
Time is a wasting...
We have under 24 months to put the brakes on this road which will fragmentize the ecology, place our water supply in danger, and proceed to get built in much the same fashion as City Center... against the will of the majority for the political expediency of those in office with the money of the taxpayers and the future of our environment hanging in the balance.
Think about the logic:
$43 MILLION DOLLARS is the projected cost for
3 MILES of asphalt,
most of those funds are to address the environmental impact of putting asphalt next to our water supply. No discussion of alternatives, no talk about mass transit options, just more spending and bad decisions.
Are we missing something here?
I don’t think we are.
Its politics as usual with the same politicians getting re-elected so they can continue the cycle of one bad decision (a reliever road) to cover their past bad decisions (lack of managed growth).
So ladies and gentleman, if you like the government you have,
re-elect the incumbants...
If not, there are other choices on your ballot.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
OUR PERSONAL CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
Last night all the candidates attended our first public forum for each District race for City Commission. The Northwest Leadership Council and the Roosevelt Estates Neighborhood Association were the sponsors and host of the event.
I am so appreciative to those organizations who are sponsoring forums and debates.
It is vital that platforms to educate and inform the electorate are had. The time and effort to produce these events could not be held without the volunteers or the involvement of concerned residents and leaders.
I wish to acknowledge all those supporters who attended, wearing our Alex Hears Me shirts.
You looked great!
Your smiling faces fuel my inspiration.
I thank you for being there!
The debate was not as well attended as Ihad hoped it would be, considering that this is a vitally important race, and not may opportunities will be had for the public.
I believe it is each of our own personal civic responsibility
to become educated to who we elect to represent us.
Next week there will be 3 separate debates, (see my calender for details) which will give each person the ability to get better informed. I encourage all of those reading this to attend as many debates as possible. The questions are usually specific to the different areas of concern and represent different voices from around the City.
Please share this information with your neighbors and friends.
Be an informed voter who can feel confident
when you select someone to be your voice
and represent you in roles of leadership.
I am so appreciative to those organizations who are sponsoring forums and debates.
It is vital that platforms to educate and inform the electorate are had. The time and effort to produce these events could not be held without the volunteers or the involvement of concerned residents and leaders.
I wish to acknowledge all those supporters who attended, wearing our Alex Hears Me shirts.
You looked great!
Your smiling faces fuel my inspiration.
I thank you for being there!
The debate was not as well attended as Ihad hoped it would be, considering that this is a vitally important race, and not may opportunities will be had for the public.
I believe it is each of our own personal civic responsibility
to become educated to who we elect to represent us.
Next week there will be 3 separate debates, (see my calender for details) which will give each person the ability to get better informed. I encourage all of those reading this to attend as many debates as possible. The questions are usually specific to the different areas of concern and represent different voices from around the City.
Please share this information with your neighbors and friends.
Be an informed voter who can feel confident
when you select someone to be your voice
and represent you in roles of leadership.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Sign of a scared politician...
I received an email from a neighborhood resident telling me that my campaign sign he had posted in his yard had been stolen...please call me he wrote.
I spoke to him and assured him I had several more, so it would be replaced.
He was critical that my opponents signs seem to be popping up.
I informed him that they were most likely in illegal boundry locations.
Between lot lines so that no one could tell who actually posted them.
Could he pick them up? Sure!
But it would be better if he would knock on the neighbor's door, ask if they got permission and if not, ask if we could put up our "Alex Hears Me" sign.
I assured him that the sign battle was petty and the act a single known political hack.
Our time and energy would not be wasted on him.
We had bigger fights to fight and votes to get out...
WOW! I think we're winning this one!
If they are resorting to foul play, they have got to be worried...
Then I received another email from someone in the south end...
Could I give him the sign ordinance?
He was fed up with the overnight mushrooming of my opponets signs.
This gave me the notion to post it here for anyone interested in what it says...
By the way...
Thanks to all our supporters and friends who are watching out for sign violations, and doing something about it.
I called code and they said that if its on private property they would most likely not address it...
so I guess that leaves it up to us...
ARTICLE XIII. SIGN REGULATIONS
Sec. 94-401. Scope, purpose and intent.
(a) Scope. The regulations set forth shall in this article apply to and govern signs in all districts. No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations governing content, size, location and other sign characteristics for the district in which it is located.
(b) Purpose and intent. It is the intent of this article to:
(1) Create a healthier residential and business environment by improving the visual quality of the city.
(2) To promote traffic safety by protecting motorists from the distracting visual clutter of excessive signage. The regulations contained in this article restrict signage primarily to that which is an accessory use and not a principal use.
It is also the intent of this article to secure and preserve unto the people of the city the right of free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States; hence this article shall be so construed as to effectuate such intent.
(Code 1979, § 33-150)
(10) Temporary political signs pertaining to specific elections.
a. Permitted content: any message urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure.
b. Maximum area: the total aggregate sign area for all such signs on a lot shall be 20 square feet. The maximum freestanding sign area shall be proportioned to its distance to the nearest public right-of-way or other public property as follows:
TABLE INSET:
Maximum Sign Area
Distance to the Nearest Public Right-Of-Way or Other Public Property
6 square feet
5 to 50 feet
12 square feet
50 to 100 feet
20 square feet
Over 100 feet
c. Maximum number:
1. Freestanding signs: one sign per lot.
2. Wall-mounted signs: no limit, but subject to the maximum area limit set forth in subsection (9)b of this section.
d. Location: only on lots where the property owner has given permission. The placing of temporary political signs anywhere on public property is prohibited. Temporary political signs located on public property shall be deemed to be public property and shall be summarily removed by the city.
e. Minimum setbacks:
1. From lot line of another lot: five feet.
2. From public right-of-way line: five feet.
3. From intersections of streets with other streets and with access drives: as required by subsection 94-305(e).
f. Maximum height:
1. Freestanding: six feet.
2. Wall mounted: no higher than the building wall on which it is mounted.
g. Time limit: signs permitted pursuant to this section shall be removed within 48 hours after the day of the election to which they apply.
h. Permit requirements: no sign permit required.
i. Illegally placed temporary signs shall be removed by or at the expense of the owner or individual responsible for the illegal placement.
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10017&sid=9
Hope this helps.
I spoke to him and assured him I had several more, so it would be replaced.
He was critical that my opponents signs seem to be popping up.
I informed him that they were most likely in illegal boundry locations.
Between lot lines so that no one could tell who actually posted them.
Could he pick them up? Sure!
But it would be better if he would knock on the neighbor's door, ask if they got permission and if not, ask if we could put up our "Alex Hears Me" sign.
I assured him that the sign battle was petty and the act a single known political hack.
Our time and energy would not be wasted on him.
We had bigger fights to fight and votes to get out...
WOW! I think we're winning this one!
If they are resorting to foul play, they have got to be worried...
Then I received another email from someone in the south end...
Could I give him the sign ordinance?
He was fed up with the overnight mushrooming of my opponets signs.
This gave me the notion to post it here for anyone interested in what it says...
By the way...
Thanks to all our supporters and friends who are watching out for sign violations, and doing something about it.
I called code and they said that if its on private property they would most likely not address it...
so I guess that leaves it up to us...
ARTICLE XIII. SIGN REGULATIONS
Sec. 94-401. Scope, purpose and intent.
(a) Scope. The regulations set forth shall in this article apply to and govern signs in all districts. No sign shall be erected or maintained unless it is in compliance with the regulations governing content, size, location and other sign characteristics for the district in which it is located.
(b) Purpose and intent. It is the intent of this article to:
(1) Create a healthier residential and business environment by improving the visual quality of the city.
(2) To promote traffic safety by protecting motorists from the distracting visual clutter of excessive signage. The regulations contained in this article restrict signage primarily to that which is an accessory use and not a principal use.
It is also the intent of this article to secure and preserve unto the people of the city the right of free expression guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States; hence this article shall be so construed as to effectuate such intent.
(Code 1979, § 33-150)
(10) Temporary political signs pertaining to specific elections.
a. Permitted content: any message urging the election or defeat of any candidate seeking any political office or urging the passage or defeat of any ballot measure.
b. Maximum area: the total aggregate sign area for all such signs on a lot shall be 20 square feet. The maximum freestanding sign area shall be proportioned to its distance to the nearest public right-of-way or other public property as follows:
TABLE INSET:
Maximum Sign Area
Distance to the Nearest Public Right-Of-Way or Other Public Property
6 square feet
5 to 50 feet
12 square feet
50 to 100 feet
20 square feet
Over 100 feet
c. Maximum number:
1. Freestanding signs: one sign per lot.
2. Wall-mounted signs: no limit, but subject to the maximum area limit set forth in subsection (9)b of this section.
d. Location: only on lots where the property owner has given permission. The placing of temporary political signs anywhere on public property is prohibited. Temporary political signs located on public property shall be deemed to be public property and shall be summarily removed by the city.
e. Minimum setbacks:
1. From lot line of another lot: five feet.
2. From public right-of-way line: five feet.
3. From intersections of streets with other streets and with access drives: as required by subsection 94-305(e).
f. Maximum height:
1. Freestanding: six feet.
2. Wall mounted: no higher than the building wall on which it is mounted.
g. Time limit: signs permitted pursuant to this section shall be removed within 48 hours after the day of the election to which they apply.
h. Permit requirements: no sign permit required.
i. Illegally placed temporary signs shall be removed by or at the expense of the owner or individual responsible for the illegal placement.
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=10017&sid=9
Hope this helps.
FINALLY! A WATER REPORT
Earlier this week at the Monday City Commission meeting, sometime between 3:30 and 4:00pm (before the public arrived for public comment) the Mayor headed over to the far corner of the room and made a phone call on her cell. This took place while the commission was discussing agenda city business.
I would not have bothered to note this, except shortly after those calls, Ken Reardon appeared at the dais and handed the Mayor a few documents. Again, no notice was taken by anyone, except me.
It wasn’t until after the business of the city was done that the Mayor went on to say there would be a presentation to the City Commission from US Water Supply's owner, Mr. Dermer. This is the company which was hired under the recommendation of the Palm Beach County Health Department to find the contamination issues which resulted in our first boiled water order.
It is now almost 6 months later and they are now fulfilling the role of active operational managers for our water plant. Is it unusual for a consultant to give a report and then stay on to fix the problem… maybe not, but it seems odd to me that the report repairs are being addresses by the reporting entity?
Anyway, it was Mr. Dermer’s opening statement that triggered an “AH HA” moment for me, when he asked that they excuse his appearance, but he had just been called half an hour ago to make to presentation. (minute marker 71:40)
THE IMAGE OF THE MAYOR IN THE CORNER ON HER CELL PHONE COMES TO MIND!
Let me say I was pleased to hear from US Water.
It’s the first time the public has had any presentation regarding our plant’s status from the folks hired to tell us what the problems are.
However, I say this not to nitpick, but to illuminate what I see as one of our problems;
I would have expected that a matter of this importance should have been noticed on the agenda (it was nowhere to be found on the printed agenda) and prepared ahead of time by the presenter. More importantly, I believe it should have been done at a time when the chambers might have had an audience; like after 5:00pm?
The information was both illuminating and educational.
It highlighted not only how we got here, but also what the current actions being taken are. If you are interested in hearing the whole presentation go to the Commission meeting (Monday, February 11) and start at minute marker 49:40
First witness the history lesson that the Mayor shared (obviously from the notes Reardon delivered). The dates seemed to be confusing, even to the Mayor, as she kept referring to the notes and reading from the documents. (I am sorry Mayor, seems that at this point you shouldn’t need Cliff Notes on our most pressing issue.)
I won’t go through the details of this presentation, but I strongly urge the public to witness the dialogue for themselves. Not only was the water plant discussed, there was also discussion regarding the surplus revenues which we have now learned were moved over to general fund. Listen closely as the Mayor blames the past administrations for putting this “finance tool” in place. The Mayor wanted to make this clear!
I do not agree that simply because it has been in place that this administration had to continue this activity, knowing that we had repair and maintenance issues with our water plant.
Anyway, listen to Mr. Dermer as he states in his statement that he is glad to finally glad to be before the City Commission to give them an update.
Mr. Dermer, I’m glad you are finally here to speak to us as well.
Do we know when we will hear back from you?
Hopefully, you’ll be given more then half an hour to prepare.
I would not have bothered to note this, except shortly after those calls, Ken Reardon appeared at the dais and handed the Mayor a few documents. Again, no notice was taken by anyone, except me.
It wasn’t until after the business of the city was done that the Mayor went on to say there would be a presentation to the City Commission from US Water Supply's owner, Mr. Dermer. This is the company which was hired under the recommendation of the Palm Beach County Health Department to find the contamination issues which resulted in our first boiled water order.
It is now almost 6 months later and they are now fulfilling the role of active operational managers for our water plant. Is it unusual for a consultant to give a report and then stay on to fix the problem… maybe not, but it seems odd to me that the report repairs are being addresses by the reporting entity?
Anyway, it was Mr. Dermer’s opening statement that triggered an “AH HA” moment for me, when he asked that they excuse his appearance, but he had just been called half an hour ago to make to presentation. (minute marker 71:40)
THE IMAGE OF THE MAYOR IN THE CORNER ON HER CELL PHONE COMES TO MIND!
Let me say I was pleased to hear from US Water.
It’s the first time the public has had any presentation regarding our plant’s status from the folks hired to tell us what the problems are.
However, I say this not to nitpick, but to illuminate what I see as one of our problems;
I would have expected that a matter of this importance should have been noticed on the agenda (it was nowhere to be found on the printed agenda) and prepared ahead of time by the presenter. More importantly, I believe it should have been done at a time when the chambers might have had an audience; like after 5:00pm?
The information was both illuminating and educational.
It highlighted not only how we got here, but also what the current actions being taken are. If you are interested in hearing the whole presentation go to the Commission meeting (Monday, February 11) and start at minute marker 49:40
First witness the history lesson that the Mayor shared (obviously from the notes Reardon delivered). The dates seemed to be confusing, even to the Mayor, as she kept referring to the notes and reading from the documents. (I am sorry Mayor, seems that at this point you shouldn’t need Cliff Notes on our most pressing issue.)
I won’t go through the details of this presentation, but I strongly urge the public to witness the dialogue for themselves. Not only was the water plant discussed, there was also discussion regarding the surplus revenues which we have now learned were moved over to general fund. Listen closely as the Mayor blames the past administrations for putting this “finance tool” in place. The Mayor wanted to make this clear!
I do not agree that simply because it has been in place that this administration had to continue this activity, knowing that we had repair and maintenance issues with our water plant.
Anyway, listen to Mr. Dermer as he states in his statement that he is glad to finally glad to be before the City Commission to give them an update.
Mr. Dermer, I’m glad you are finally here to speak to us as well.
Do we know when we will hear back from you?
Hopefully, you’ll be given more then half an hour to prepare.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Interviewed by the Police Union
Yesterday I was interviewed by the Police Union for the City of West Palm Beach (or Police Benevolent Association PBA). This is the union which bargains the contracts for our police officers who work in our City. (It is not the actual West Palm Beach Police Department itself.) What is important to them are the pay scales, pensions and benefits that are awarded through contracts negotiated with the City's administration, then approved by the City Commission.
In the past, they have not endorsed Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and she continues to get the support of the people. So I am not concern should they choose to not endorse me. Besides, I didn’t go to the interview for the endorsement, I went for the introduction.
Most of those seated around the table were new faces to me.
My name might have been familiar to them, and the three minute public comments may have given them a small insight as to what I stand for, but they did not know me, private citizen Alex. So this was an opportunity to have them see me in a more personal light. I was grateful for the 30 minutes I had to answer questions and share my impressions with them. When I win, I would like to continue the dialogue we started so I can better understand the realities of the officers and how they see certain issues and positions.
Who knows who they will endorse?
(I do believe they understand I will be fair when making budgetary decisions which will impact their lives.)
We are really lucky to have dedicated police officers and a police department that has the capacity to serve us well. I was happy to learn that the department has maintained its technology to standards competative with todays tools. Their important issues were primarily their pension multipliers (which they want to be at equal levels as with the WPB Fire Department) and that their salaries be competative with similar municipalities. They also had concerns regarding the take home car policy now being imposed on employees. I was given a 28 page cost-benfit analysis of the vehicle policy in Tacoma as evidence of an economic evaluation. I promised them I would read it after I am elected. (As most know, I am all for cost -benefit determinators, when addressing the budget.)
However, more important to me and my neighbors, is the relationships we must create in order to serve our residents. The relationships that must exist between the Department and the residents is essential to ensuring an environment of safety and security. I believe with the proper leadership this can reach higher heights then now exist. I know they are willing. I know the community is willing. Now we simply need the political will to make it happen on a multitude of levels.
The Police Department, as well as other city employees, are as vested in the wellbeing of our community as we the residents are. They are ALL stakeholders as well. To not look at those who serve us as partners is wrong. To approach all their concerns as simply a dollar amount is limiting.
However, the message I left with them was this: In hard times, all under one roof must participate in the cuts and sacrifices that must be made to the good of all, so that in times of prosperity we can all benefit. This is an opportunity for them to demonstrate a willingness to act as partners in making our City healthy.
We face hard times.
We must face them together as partners, for a shared vision.
We must enter these times with open minds and an equal understanding that there will be certain areas to share the load of fiscal repair.
I believe they understand this. I also know we can arrive at a mutual understanding when it comes from a place of reason and justice.
I look forward to working with them to approach the future with mature sound reason, for the good of West Palm Beach and ALL its stakeholders.
Whether or not they endorse me…
Because the endorsement that ultimately matters is that of the voting residents of West Palm Beach.
Please endorse me to work for you,
as your City Commissioner,
on March 11th.
I know we can ALL work together
for the best interst of our City.
In the past, they have not endorsed Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and she continues to get the support of the people. So I am not concern should they choose to not endorse me. Besides, I didn’t go to the interview for the endorsement, I went for the introduction.
Most of those seated around the table were new faces to me.
My name might have been familiar to them, and the three minute public comments may have given them a small insight as to what I stand for, but they did not know me, private citizen Alex. So this was an opportunity to have them see me in a more personal light. I was grateful for the 30 minutes I had to answer questions and share my impressions with them. When I win, I would like to continue the dialogue we started so I can better understand the realities of the officers and how they see certain issues and positions.
Who knows who they will endorse?
(I do believe they understand I will be fair when making budgetary decisions which will impact their lives.)
We are really lucky to have dedicated police officers and a police department that has the capacity to serve us well. I was happy to learn that the department has maintained its technology to standards competative with todays tools. Their important issues were primarily their pension multipliers (which they want to be at equal levels as with the WPB Fire Department) and that their salaries be competative with similar municipalities. They also had concerns regarding the take home car policy now being imposed on employees. I was given a 28 page cost-benfit analysis of the vehicle policy in Tacoma as evidence of an economic evaluation. I promised them I would read it after I am elected. (As most know, I am all for cost -benefit determinators, when addressing the budget.)
However, more important to me and my neighbors, is the relationships we must create in order to serve our residents. The relationships that must exist between the Department and the residents is essential to ensuring an environment of safety and security. I believe with the proper leadership this can reach higher heights then now exist. I know they are willing. I know the community is willing. Now we simply need the political will to make it happen on a multitude of levels.
The Police Department, as well as other city employees, are as vested in the wellbeing of our community as we the residents are. They are ALL stakeholders as well. To not look at those who serve us as partners is wrong. To approach all their concerns as simply a dollar amount is limiting.
However, the message I left with them was this: In hard times, all under one roof must participate in the cuts and sacrifices that must be made to the good of all, so that in times of prosperity we can all benefit. This is an opportunity for them to demonstrate a willingness to act as partners in making our City healthy.
We face hard times.
We must face them together as partners, for a shared vision.
We must enter these times with open minds and an equal understanding that there will be certain areas to share the load of fiscal repair.
I believe they understand this. I also know we can arrive at a mutual understanding when it comes from a place of reason and justice.
I look forward to working with them to approach the future with mature sound reason, for the good of West Palm Beach and ALL its stakeholders.
Whether or not they endorse me…
Because the endorsement that ultimately matters is that of the voting residents of West Palm Beach.
Please endorse me to work for you,
as your City Commissioner,
on March 11th.
I know we can ALL work together
for the best interst of our City.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
I HEAR YOU!
Today I received a phone call from a resident I have never met before.
Her name is Teresa and she lives in the north end of the city.
She called me to ask me the following question:
"What is going on here? What is wrong with those people in City Hall?"
My answer was, they don’t hear us...
they don't seem to want to hear us.
Today is exactly one month since I filed to run for City Commission.
It has been two months since I started attending coffee gatherings in people’s homes all around the City.
It is 26 days to election day MARCH 11th (but who’s counting?).
I want to share today what I hear...
then I want to ask you,
the readers who have been reading this blog,
a question I was asked by a woman in the western communities...
"How did we get here?"
I answered her with one word: "POLITICS."
I want to hear your answer TO BOTH OF THEIR QUESTIONS...
How did we get here? and What is wrong with City Hall?
But first listen to what I have heard...
Faye B.
"I enjoy living downtown, but wish I was better informed about what happens in the City."
Louise D.
"I love the City. I wish politicians would listen more to the people."
Bill W.
"I am a single issue voter. I am concerned about Northwest community area, it is in disrepair and neglect...money has been available but not spent there"
Mr. M.
"Why do I only see the police arresting folk and children, rather then helping them? I don’t understand. We need to help each other with role models and relationships."
George D.
"There’s too much construction."
Ken H.
"Corruption- we got to clean it up, so we can move on, so the right things can happen"
Cecilia P.
"The City is sick – I’ve lived here 3 years full time. The weather is awesome but the City has been dealt an injustice; its outgrown itself. The City should have projected and anticipated all the problems associated with growth. Most of this seems to have been done for selfish reasons. I am afraid downtown will be a dead city in 5 years if nothing is done now. My daughter is not likely to stay here after college, there’s no draw for young professionals."
Jean H.
"I’m just tired of the excuses."
Eric H.
"I like the diversity of my neighborhood. But the City seems to tolerate crime, both white & blue collar."
Denise M.
"City needs a plan for individuals and investors. It feel like government doesn’t care. WPB is growing and becoming more vibrant, but there is a lack of management & urban planning in our City. So many residents are making their own investments in their home and contributing to the infrastructure soundness of their neighborhoods, but the City needs to do more on their part when it comes to our underground infrastructures. We’re not going to stop growth, but we need a plan or we’re not making progress."
Elsa B.
"I wish the City had not allowed the demolition of the Helen Wilkes Hotel along with other historical buildings. We don’t have much historical architecture left. We have a wonderful cultural mix, the Norton Museum, Palm Beach Opera, Kravis Center; it is a wonderful opportunity for us. Unfortunately it now it feels as if the city is not worrying about residents but about tourists. They are not using our tax dollars for us the residents. Decisions must be based on knowledge & reasoning ."
Bette Anne S.
"I have been a student of all plans that have gone before. We must learn from history. City Commissioner must pay attention to working together to fix problems and listen to accomplish something. A District Commissioner is suppose to communicate with the neighborhoods."
Marilyn
"It’s not even safe to be a cop."
Chris P.
"Green space should be meaningful. Development that passes off as a border of grass with some trees as green space isn’t my idea of genuine green space for the public."
Carl P.
"The dishonesty of public officials is cheating us the residents. The City is led by the influence of redevelopment. We have to find a way to bring an end to that."
Barry B.
"Its all about our infrastructure. The water crisis has seemed to disappeared from the diailogue. Why aren’t we talking about a desalination plant? Or a way to get rid of our waste? There are ways to convert waste to energy, why aren’t they talking about the important things? There doesn’t appear to be any structure, commitment, plan or honesty of purpose."
Steve
"Its frustrating dealing with city rules and regulations."
Barry B.
"Permitting issues seem to be illogical. If the State sets the standard for hurricane approved garage doors, and a licenced contractor is installing it, why the big runaround at City Hall to get a permit? There needs to a sensible approach to the each individual process, especially if it is a simple one like installing a new garage door; and why the $150.00 permit fee? Seems excessive for a non-complicated issue."
Rita F.
"I won’t go to the Palm Beach Mall anymore without my husband. Crime is really a scary thing."
Pat
"Culture in the city is excellent, but I won’t go to downtown after 9pm. Driving Okeechobee Blvd feels edgy, people going too fast, and its dirty. Once I leave my community, its ugly out there. So I only go downtown during the day."
Norman L.
"If I was running the City, I would run it just like a business man. I would ask my managers who isn’t doing their job?"
Ann
"I just want honesty in my government."
Bert
"If someone called me to ask about moving to the City I would tell them to move to a gated community. I had the opportunity to do a drive-along in the Northern district with a policeman in his patrol car- it was not a pleasant environment. I am proud of our officers-. I never saw him reach for gun, rather he very professionally would talk himself out of situations."
Betty R.
"I was the victim of crime. They broken into my home. I have been unable to get a police report for 2 months. I wish I knew the status."
Seymore F.
"This is a great city to live in, great climate, in all aspects we are blessed with a great social life. But I am concerned about our school system. There is a disintegration of certain areas that needs to be addressed."
Bert
"We have gorgeous recreation centers, but they appear uninhabited."
Shirley F.
"What’s wrong with our youth? They seem to want to destroy everything. I plant a tree and they knock it down. I don’t understand."
Suzy D.
"People are just fed up."
There are so many more quotes.
Lately they all have to do with water, and you can imagine what they are because we all are saying the same thing about that situation!
So what should we do?
What good is there to complaining?
What can we do?
"Vote to change it", I say.
Change requires courage...
I hope I am demonstrating that courage by running,
and I trust you will too will demonstrate courage on March 11th
when you vote to change the balance of power on the City Commission.
I have not outright endorsed anyone in the other races,
but I believe now is the time to do so.
Change will require
electing Al Vazquez,
re-electing Kimberly Mitchell,
and electing me Alex Vizoso Saylor.
Change will require all of us going to the polls
and taking a neighbor, friend or new resident to the polls.
Tell them that A.K.A.
stands for
AL,
KIMBERLY,
ALEX
a.k.a. stands for CHANGE in City Hall!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Her name is Teresa and she lives in the north end of the city.
She called me to ask me the following question:
"What is going on here? What is wrong with those people in City Hall?"
My answer was, they don’t hear us...
they don't seem to want to hear us.
Today is exactly one month since I filed to run for City Commission.
It has been two months since I started attending coffee gatherings in people’s homes all around the City.
It is 26 days to election day MARCH 11th (but who’s counting?).
I want to share today what I hear...
then I want to ask you,
the readers who have been reading this blog,
a question I was asked by a woman in the western communities...
"How did we get here?"
I answered her with one word: "POLITICS."
I want to hear your answer TO BOTH OF THEIR QUESTIONS...
How did we get here? and What is wrong with City Hall?
But first listen to what I have heard...
Faye B.
"I enjoy living downtown, but wish I was better informed about what happens in the City."
Louise D.
"I love the City. I wish politicians would listen more to the people."
Bill W.
"I am a single issue voter. I am concerned about Northwest community area, it is in disrepair and neglect...money has been available but not spent there"
Mr. M.
"Why do I only see the police arresting folk and children, rather then helping them? I don’t understand. We need to help each other with role models and relationships."
George D.
"There’s too much construction."
Ken H.
"Corruption- we got to clean it up, so we can move on, so the right things can happen"
Cecilia P.
"The City is sick – I’ve lived here 3 years full time. The weather is awesome but the City has been dealt an injustice; its outgrown itself. The City should have projected and anticipated all the problems associated with growth. Most of this seems to have been done for selfish reasons. I am afraid downtown will be a dead city in 5 years if nothing is done now. My daughter is not likely to stay here after college, there’s no draw for young professionals."
Jean H.
"I’m just tired of the excuses."
Eric H.
"I like the diversity of my neighborhood. But the City seems to tolerate crime, both white & blue collar."
Denise M.
"City needs a plan for individuals and investors. It feel like government doesn’t care. WPB is growing and becoming more vibrant, but there is a lack of management & urban planning in our City. So many residents are making their own investments in their home and contributing to the infrastructure soundness of their neighborhoods, but the City needs to do more on their part when it comes to our underground infrastructures. We’re not going to stop growth, but we need a plan or we’re not making progress."
Elsa B.
"I wish the City had not allowed the demolition of the Helen Wilkes Hotel along with other historical buildings. We don’t have much historical architecture left. We have a wonderful cultural mix, the Norton Museum, Palm Beach Opera, Kravis Center; it is a wonderful opportunity for us. Unfortunately it now it feels as if the city is not worrying about residents but about tourists. They are not using our tax dollars for us the residents. Decisions must be based on knowledge & reasoning ."
Bette Anne S.
"I have been a student of all plans that have gone before. We must learn from history. City Commissioner must pay attention to working together to fix problems and listen to accomplish something. A District Commissioner is suppose to communicate with the neighborhoods."
Marilyn
"It’s not even safe to be a cop."
Chris P.
"Green space should be meaningful. Development that passes off as a border of grass with some trees as green space isn’t my idea of genuine green space for the public."
Carl P.
"The dishonesty of public officials is cheating us the residents. The City is led by the influence of redevelopment. We have to find a way to bring an end to that."
Barry B.
"Its all about our infrastructure. The water crisis has seemed to disappeared from the diailogue. Why aren’t we talking about a desalination plant? Or a way to get rid of our waste? There are ways to convert waste to energy, why aren’t they talking about the important things? There doesn’t appear to be any structure, commitment, plan or honesty of purpose."
Steve
"Its frustrating dealing with city rules and regulations."
Barry B.
"Permitting issues seem to be illogical. If the State sets the standard for hurricane approved garage doors, and a licenced contractor is installing it, why the big runaround at City Hall to get a permit? There needs to a sensible approach to the each individual process, especially if it is a simple one like installing a new garage door; and why the $150.00 permit fee? Seems excessive for a non-complicated issue."
Rita F.
"I won’t go to the Palm Beach Mall anymore without my husband. Crime is really a scary thing."
Pat
"Culture in the city is excellent, but I won’t go to downtown after 9pm. Driving Okeechobee Blvd feels edgy, people going too fast, and its dirty. Once I leave my community, its ugly out there. So I only go downtown during the day."
Norman L.
"If I was running the City, I would run it just like a business man. I would ask my managers who isn’t doing their job?"
Ann
"I just want honesty in my government."
Bert
"If someone called me to ask about moving to the City I would tell them to move to a gated community. I had the opportunity to do a drive-along in the Northern district with a policeman in his patrol car- it was not a pleasant environment. I am proud of our officers-. I never saw him reach for gun, rather he very professionally would talk himself out of situations."
Betty R.
"I was the victim of crime. They broken into my home. I have been unable to get a police report for 2 months. I wish I knew the status."
Seymore F.
"This is a great city to live in, great climate, in all aspects we are blessed with a great social life. But I am concerned about our school system. There is a disintegration of certain areas that needs to be addressed."
Bert
"We have gorgeous recreation centers, but they appear uninhabited."
Shirley F.
"What’s wrong with our youth? They seem to want to destroy everything. I plant a tree and they knock it down. I don’t understand."
Suzy D.
"People are just fed up."
There are so many more quotes.
Lately they all have to do with water, and you can imagine what they are because we all are saying the same thing about that situation!
So what should we do?
What good is there to complaining?
What can we do?
"Vote to change it", I say.
Change requires courage...
I hope I am demonstrating that courage by running,
and I trust you will too will demonstrate courage on March 11th
when you vote to change the balance of power on the City Commission.
I have not outright endorsed anyone in the other races,
but I believe now is the time to do so.
Change will require
electing Al Vazquez,
re-electing Kimberly Mitchell,
and electing me Alex Vizoso Saylor.
Change will require all of us going to the polls
and taking a neighbor, friend or new resident to the polls.
Tell them that A.K.A.
stands for
AL,
KIMBERLY,
ALEX
a.k.a. stands for CHANGE in City Hall!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
SPEAK YOUR MIND!
Last night, those who watched the City Commission Meeting, actually got to witness what a proper commission acts like. (See Minute Marker 157:20)
The issue: Whether or not to allow someone from the public the opportunity to speak to a presentation made to the City Commission regarding our water, was debated between the Mayor and the City Commission.
The problem stemmed from the fact that personalities were being placed above principles and the Mayor was attempting to control or censor a public statement.
The action taken: The City Commission over-ruled the Mayor, lead by Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Ike Robinson, and voted to allow the single public comment being made regarding the water presentation, to continue.
The request to know parliamentary procedures produced the fact that by a commission majority, the time limit could be exceeded.
The result: The resident speaker was allowed to continue, thankfully to the City Commission vote, with the final comments she wished to express, regarding the healthy and safety of infants, the elderly and those with health issues.
The time it took (7 minutes) for the Mayor to debate this was longer then the actual comment (2minutes).
The comment was so harmless and caring, that one should wonder what the purpose or reason was for the Mayor to obstruct it.
The importance: Please watch this portion of the meeting.
It clearly demonstrates why I am running for City Commission.
We must restore unhampered public participation to our process.
Public opinion matters, but honest representation is vital to a healthy government.
The entire segment of EVERYONE'S Public Comment is worth ever minute of your time.
You be the judge, since you are the voter.
If you do not want the government you currently have then do something about it and vote March 11th.
The issue: Whether or not to allow someone from the public the opportunity to speak to a presentation made to the City Commission regarding our water, was debated between the Mayor and the City Commission.
The problem stemmed from the fact that personalities were being placed above principles and the Mayor was attempting to control or censor a public statement.
The action taken: The City Commission over-ruled the Mayor, lead by Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and seconded by Commissioner Ike Robinson, and voted to allow the single public comment being made regarding the water presentation, to continue.
The request to know parliamentary procedures produced the fact that by a commission majority, the time limit could be exceeded.
The result: The resident speaker was allowed to continue, thankfully to the City Commission vote, with the final comments she wished to express, regarding the healthy and safety of infants, the elderly and those with health issues.
The time it took (7 minutes) for the Mayor to debate this was longer then the actual comment (2minutes).
The comment was so harmless and caring, that one should wonder what the purpose or reason was for the Mayor to obstruct it.
The importance: Please watch this portion of the meeting.
It clearly demonstrates why I am running for City Commission.
We must restore unhampered public participation to our process.
Public opinion matters, but honest representation is vital to a healthy government.
The entire segment of EVERYONE'S Public Comment is worth ever minute of your time.
You be the judge, since you are the voter.
If you do not want the government you currently have then do something about it and vote March 11th.
Monday, February 11, 2008
WHAT I HEAR...
The voices of all the people I have talked to ring in my ears long after we have spoken.
Each have their own voice.
Their own unhappiness with our government.
Their own displeasure with the way the City is being run.
Their own issue.
But they all had one thing in common.
They all have minds which can process information, realize logic and appreciate sound thinking when they hear it.
Who are they?
They are our neighbors.
They are from our communities; the north, the south, central downtown and the west.
But within those boundaries and labels there are:
neighborhood associations,
volunteer organizations,
non-profit entities,
City employees,
retirees,
housewives,
policemen,
teachers,
advocates,
security guards,
artist,
accountants,
students,
out of town visitors,
government employees for the County, DEP, SFWM
and many others.
I have talk to
residents,
business owners,
and elders who have lived here over 85 years, some more!
All voters in this City.
All stakeholders who are directly impacted by this City's government.
People have said they are tired of the bad news.
Tired of the lawsuits.
Tired of the crime.
Tired of the bad water.
Tired of the panhandlers.
Tired of the over development,
Tired of the politics.
Mostly just fed-up with government gone wild.
I hear them talking about the corruption,
as one woman in Baywinds recently asked me:
"How did we get here?"
That question can apply to just about any of the issues I hear citizens talk about.
Sadly, I think I know how we got here.
I also believe I know how to get us moving out of the current direction we are headed.
The Charter is our guide us.
The duties and responsibilities of the City Commission and the Mayor are clear.
The current system of checks and balances has been corrupted by politics.
One easy answer;
good honest independent legal advise for the Commissioners.
The best interest of the public would be served
if the Commissioners had their own legal counsel.
Currently all City Staff is employed at the will of the Mayor.
Why is this important to know?
Consider this: if the City Attorney is asked by the Mayor to prepare a case or position regarding a particular issue, how then, can the same attorney give an unbiased counter-opinion without disclosing the deficiencies of the initial opinion or position? (And still save his/her job?)
In other words: How does one state both sides
and still deliver the full truth or facts
without compromising a directive?
This is simply one area which ties the City Commissions hands when making well informed decision with which to vote.
There are other areas of currently disproportionate power which is hindering the ability of any City Commissioner to do a good job.
I keep going back to the last staement in the Grand Jury’s report:
STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Under the strong mayor format of government, there are virtually no checks and balances to the mayor’s power. There is no independent recourse to address grievances under this form of government. This Grand jury recognizes that the City commissioners have a responsibility to speak in a strong voice when representing their views. Commissioners simply agreeing with the strong mayor, rather than standing up for their constituents best interest, do a disservice to the City and its residents. The issue of a strong mayor is for the resident voters to address. The residents must evaluate if this form of government to determine if it still supports the best interest of the citizens of the City of West Palm Beach and the City itself. This Grand Jury understands that such a change would be accomplished through referendum.
Each have their own voice.
Their own unhappiness with our government.
Their own displeasure with the way the City is being run.
Their own issue.
But they all had one thing in common.
They all have minds which can process information, realize logic and appreciate sound thinking when they hear it.
Who are they?
They are our neighbors.
They are from our communities; the north, the south, central downtown and the west.
But within those boundaries and labels there are:
neighborhood associations,
volunteer organizations,
non-profit entities,
City employees,
retirees,
housewives,
policemen,
teachers,
advocates,
security guards,
artist,
accountants,
students,
out of town visitors,
government employees for the County, DEP, SFWM
and many others.
I have talk to
residents,
business owners,
and elders who have lived here over 85 years, some more!
All voters in this City.
All stakeholders who are directly impacted by this City's government.
People have said they are tired of the bad news.
Tired of the lawsuits.
Tired of the crime.
Tired of the bad water.
Tired of the panhandlers.
Tired of the over development,
Tired of the politics.
Mostly just fed-up with government gone wild.
I hear them talking about the corruption,
as one woman in Baywinds recently asked me:
"How did we get here?"
That question can apply to just about any of the issues I hear citizens talk about.
Sadly, I think I know how we got here.
I also believe I know how to get us moving out of the current direction we are headed.
The Charter is our guide us.
The duties and responsibilities of the City Commission and the Mayor are clear.
The current system of checks and balances has been corrupted by politics.
One easy answer;
good honest independent legal advise for the Commissioners.
The best interest of the public would be served
if the Commissioners had their own legal counsel.
Currently all City Staff is employed at the will of the Mayor.
Why is this important to know?
Consider this: if the City Attorney is asked by the Mayor to prepare a case or position regarding a particular issue, how then, can the same attorney give an unbiased counter-opinion without disclosing the deficiencies of the initial opinion or position? (And still save his/her job?)
In other words: How does one state both sides
and still deliver the full truth or facts
without compromising a directive?
This is simply one area which ties the City Commissions hands when making well informed decision with which to vote.
There are other areas of currently disproportionate power which is hindering the ability of any City Commissioner to do a good job.
I keep going back to the last staement in the Grand Jury’s report:
STRONG MAYOR FORM OF GOVERNMENT
"Absolute power corrupts absolutely." Under the strong mayor format of government, there are virtually no checks and balances to the mayor’s power. There is no independent recourse to address grievances under this form of government. This Grand jury recognizes that the City commissioners have a responsibility to speak in a strong voice when representing their views. Commissioners simply agreeing with the strong mayor, rather than standing up for their constituents best interest, do a disservice to the City and its residents. The issue of a strong mayor is for the resident voters to address. The residents must evaluate if this form of government to determine if it still supports the best interest of the citizens of the City of West Palm Beach and the City itself. This Grand Jury understands that such a change would be accomplished through referendum.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
LET'S STAY IN THE SOLUTIONS
City Hall isn't listening to us.
They
...did not pay attention to the warnings of contamination from our Public Utilities Department,
...did do not pay close enough attention to our budget or how our taxes are being spent,
...have not kept our house, our City, in order,
...disenfranchised the residence from the process and spent our money haphazardly
...their priorities have been misguided at best, negligent at worse and by some criminal as demonstrated by the incarceration of two former City Commissioners.
I have spoken publicly to all these problems over the last few years.
I am on the record with my voice, thoughts and opinions.
In case you missed any of the 3 minute public comments,
here are my positions:
WATER
My solution: Let's investigate alternative water plant concepts, such as desalinization, or revese osmosis as alternative water sources, and not simply continue to pour money into an antiquated systems without any future plan. A thorough examination based on current status and repairs versus a forward thinking approach is necessary. We must have an open and honest discussion in the public realm in order to move in the best possible direction toward solving this crisis.
BUDGETING
My solution: In my in-depth analysis of the budget I have found areas of obvious bloat and unwarranted spending. We need to start with a thorough line item slash and cut workshop. STOP the "spend it because we have it" mentality. I will drill them with the questions and request a needs versus wants assessment. Until we can justify the spending of the tax dollars which are entrusted to the City, or, return to the residents the taxes that they all work so hard to pay, I will not approve any budget presented by this administration.
INFRASTRUCTURE
My solution: Why haven't they fixed our neighborhood roads or sidewalks? I will support a well defined infrastructure bond approved by the residents to address the needs of every community. District approved referendum bonds to cover the cost of roads, sidewalks and other needed repairs to our infrastructure should be put before the residents of the City. This is not administration by referendum, this is taxation with the citizen approval, for the needs of the neighborhoods and residents.
CRIME
My solutions: I will champion well developed programs that have been proven in other cities throughout the country for implementation here in our neighborhood. Approaching the crime problems in our City requires more then just a well manned and equipt Police Department. Code Enforcement is vital to healthy neighborhoods. The Milwaukee Code Enforcement Chronic Nuisance abatement Ordinance presented by Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell would be a start. Passing that ordinance will be a priority for me. Other ideas can be expounded upon to empower the residents to take back ownership of their streets with the assistance of the Police Department. Court Watch programs and better legislative tools for gangs and juvenile issues are necessary. I will champion neighborhood programs and incentives which promote safety and crime watch activities, as well as partnerships with existing organizations who want to make a difference. We must return our streets to the residents now by providing tools that have a proven history of working. There is no simply answer or approach. The City must institute a multi-faceted attitude which will address crime effectively.
CITY CENTER
My solution: Why did they build a City Hall without our permission? The law says they had a responsibility to ask us. I will continue to insist the Mayor look at the alternatives regarding City Center and the final fiscal options available to the tax payers of the City. At this time, when we are faced with a water plant crisis and hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs or replacement, I think it is time we ask for and examine an RFP (request for proposal) or a ITB(Invitation to Bid)to sell the library and photographic center buildings (the south half of the City Center project) to private entities which will then place it back on the tax rolls. This will allowing us to place our tax dollars where we most need them right now, in our water system.
If you agree with my thoughts and I voice your opinions,
allow me to represent you,
by electing me on March 11th to the City Commission as your representative.
They
...did not pay attention to the warnings of contamination from our Public Utilities Department,
...did do not pay close enough attention to our budget or how our taxes are being spent,
...have not kept our house, our City, in order,
...disenfranchised the residence from the process and spent our money haphazardly
...their priorities have been misguided at best, negligent at worse and by some criminal as demonstrated by the incarceration of two former City Commissioners.
I have spoken publicly to all these problems over the last few years.
I am on the record with my voice, thoughts and opinions.
In case you missed any of the 3 minute public comments,
here are my positions:
WATER
My solution: Let's investigate alternative water plant concepts, such as desalinization, or revese osmosis as alternative water sources, and not simply continue to pour money into an antiquated systems without any future plan. A thorough examination based on current status and repairs versus a forward thinking approach is necessary. We must have an open and honest discussion in the public realm in order to move in the best possible direction toward solving this crisis.
BUDGETING
My solution: In my in-depth analysis of the budget I have found areas of obvious bloat and unwarranted spending. We need to start with a thorough line item slash and cut workshop. STOP the "spend it because we have it" mentality. I will drill them with the questions and request a needs versus wants assessment. Until we can justify the spending of the tax dollars which are entrusted to the City, or, return to the residents the taxes that they all work so hard to pay, I will not approve any budget presented by this administration.
INFRASTRUCTURE
My solution: Why haven't they fixed our neighborhood roads or sidewalks? I will support a well defined infrastructure bond approved by the residents to address the needs of every community. District approved referendum bonds to cover the cost of roads, sidewalks and other needed repairs to our infrastructure should be put before the residents of the City. This is not administration by referendum, this is taxation with the citizen approval, for the needs of the neighborhoods and residents.
CRIME
My solutions: I will champion well developed programs that have been proven in other cities throughout the country for implementation here in our neighborhood. Approaching the crime problems in our City requires more then just a well manned and equipt Police Department. Code Enforcement is vital to healthy neighborhoods. The Milwaukee Code Enforcement Chronic Nuisance abatement Ordinance presented by Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell would be a start. Passing that ordinance will be a priority for me. Other ideas can be expounded upon to empower the residents to take back ownership of their streets with the assistance of the Police Department. Court Watch programs and better legislative tools for gangs and juvenile issues are necessary. I will champion neighborhood programs and incentives which promote safety and crime watch activities, as well as partnerships with existing organizations who want to make a difference. We must return our streets to the residents now by providing tools that have a proven history of working. There is no simply answer or approach. The City must institute a multi-faceted attitude which will address crime effectively.
CITY CENTER
My solution: Why did they build a City Hall without our permission? The law says they had a responsibility to ask us. I will continue to insist the Mayor look at the alternatives regarding City Center and the final fiscal options available to the tax payers of the City. At this time, when we are faced with a water plant crisis and hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs or replacement, I think it is time we ask for and examine an RFP (request for proposal) or a ITB(Invitation to Bid)to sell the library and photographic center buildings (the south half of the City Center project) to private entities which will then place it back on the tax rolls. This will allowing us to place our tax dollars where we most need them right now, in our water system.
If you agree with my thoughts and I voice your opinions,
allow me to represent you,
by electing me on March 11th to the City Commission as your representative.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
LET'S TALK ABOUT THE WATER...
The Town of Palm Beach Medical Commission met yesterday as noted in today's Palm Beach Post. Their subject - what else? - drinking water and their 19-year contract with the City of West Palm Beach. It's a sad day for West Palm Beach, that one must travel to a neighboring town to participate in a discussion as important as drinking water.
Back in West Palm, the public has not heard one word since November regarding the status of repairs, future options or alternatives. Not one word.
At the last WPB City Commission meeting, south end resident Alan Levine requested a historical perspective of the plant’s operation to learn how we got where we are. He also suggested a full financial audit be done to inform the public of the facts regarding cost and future needs.
I will document on this blog how long it takes for his request to be granted. So keep checking back.
What can give us hope is that the City transferred over $3 million dollars back into the Utilities pool for emergency phone services and replacement,repairs and upgrades to the water plant. But the process used to accomplish this is questionable. I am on the record (see page 4) asking that significant budget issues and expenses NOT be moved forward on the Consent Agenda. Money should not be touched without discussion. This kind of maneuvering keeps the public in the dark, not a good place to be considering all of the corruption on the dais. Corruption so deep, a grand jury was seated and two Commissioners went to jail.
Trust must be restored, but not the kind of blind trust this maneuvering requires.
I, for one, want to know where the money's going and why.
And I bet you do, too.
Back to the Palm Beach meeting, the attendees did not include a single seated member from the West Palm Beach dais. Not one commissioner, not the mayor. But two of your candidates were there - myself and Al Vazquez.
The mayor had been invited but she failed to attend.
Why?
What other issue could be more pressing than the safe drinking water of a major metropolitan area like West Palm Beach and it's neighbor Palm Beach?
Again, the Consent Agenda, with no public discussion, is not a safe place to hide what's going to happen next. The public needs this openly discussed, so they can be informed.
The public needs and deserve the power that comes with knowledge.
And there, right there, might be the real purpose the Consent Agenda serves.
Back in West Palm, the public has not heard one word since November regarding the status of repairs, future options or alternatives. Not one word.
At the last WPB City Commission meeting, south end resident Alan Levine requested a historical perspective of the plant’s operation to learn how we got where we are. He also suggested a full financial audit be done to inform the public of the facts regarding cost and future needs.
I will document on this blog how long it takes for his request to be granted. So keep checking back.
What can give us hope is that the City transferred over $3 million dollars back into the Utilities pool for emergency phone services and replacement,repairs and upgrades to the water plant. But the process used to accomplish this is questionable. I am on the record (see page 4) asking that significant budget issues and expenses NOT be moved forward on the Consent Agenda. Money should not be touched without discussion. This kind of maneuvering keeps the public in the dark, not a good place to be considering all of the corruption on the dais. Corruption so deep, a grand jury was seated and two Commissioners went to jail.
Trust must be restored, but not the kind of blind trust this maneuvering requires.
I, for one, want to know where the money's going and why.
And I bet you do, too.
Back to the Palm Beach meeting, the attendees did not include a single seated member from the West Palm Beach dais. Not one commissioner, not the mayor. But two of your candidates were there - myself and Al Vazquez.
The mayor had been invited but she failed to attend.
Why?
What other issue could be more pressing than the safe drinking water of a major metropolitan area like West Palm Beach and it's neighbor Palm Beach?
Again, the Consent Agenda, with no public discussion, is not a safe place to hide what's going to happen next. The public needs this openly discussed, so they can be informed.
The public needs and deserve the power that comes with knowledge.
And there, right there, might be the real purpose the Consent Agenda serves.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
BIKING AROUND TOWN...
What a beautiful day we had yesterday.
This is one reason we all love living here.
I set out on my bike from the north end of the city to the south end to distribute the yard signs I am so proud of. For those of you who didn’t get the chance to see me on my bike, posting signs in yards, I share this photo which a supporter took and shared with me.
The bike trailer was my idea, hope I am not breaking any law or rules like "Jitney Joe". (Okay, so the helmet looks a little silly: it’s a safety issue.)
I am running a grassroots campaign with limited funds and volunteer help.
Any sign that is posted is placed my myself or a volunteer who has agreed to help the campaign.
Thank you Mary Margaret for keeping me company.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN JOINING ME, EMAIL ME FOR OUR NEXT CITYWIDE BIKE RIDE DATE.
In my travels yesterday, I noticed (who could have missed them!) campaign signs in the median and public right-away of another candidate in the City Commission race.
Here are pictures of that law breaking activity.
Let me say that the candidate named in the sign knows better.
Not only is he a sitting City Commissioner, he has participated in enough campaigns to clearly understand the code and rules governing political signs.
Shame on him for not directing his staff to place them in permitted legal locations.
I can't help but think that this breaking of the law was strategically done.
He is, after all, a marketing professional.
Consider this as a marketing strategy: if one places enough signs on highly trafficked areas on Friday, Code Enforcement won’t remove them until Monday, so that’s a full weekend of marketing one’s name.
The cost to the effort is minimal, since the code violation probably will not produce a fine, although they should, (after all he is a sitting City Commissioner) and what’s a few trashed signs when one considers the exposure and the size of the campaign war chest...
SHAME ON YOU... you know better.
So now the City’s code officers need to take the time out of their day to deal with the removal of illegally placed political signs.
THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE AWARE, ANY OF US CAN LEGALLY REMOVE SIGNS WHICH ARE POSTED ON ILLEGAL LOCATIONS.
Personally, I can think of better ways to spend taxpayer dollars then having our employees deal with political signs. How about, the issues we face with boarded houses in the north end?
Now I understand that there may be persons volunteering for me who are not familiar with the sign regulations governing our City.
So I here is the link to the Sign Ordinance: ARTICLE XIII. SIGN REGULATIONS
If campaigns choose to employ persons to place signs anywhere in the City, I suggest as leaders, candidates should also inform them of the do’s and don’ts.
Ultimately it is the LEADER who should be held accountable for the actions of their members. (Seems though that in this City, the Leaders seems to pass the blame onto innocent stakeholders...)
For TEAM ALEX, here are some simply rules we must follow:
1. Do not place signs in any public right-of-way, median, or public greenspace.
2. Ask for permission before placing a sign on any private property.
3. Place the sign at least 5 feet from the closest public right-of-way.
4. Place only one sign per lot.
Let's set an example of LEADERSHIP.
To all my volunteers,
I appreciate your efforts to follow the rules,
whether others candidates do or not...
Friday, February 1, 2008
SIGN... SIGN... EVERYWHERE A SIGN...
They're popping up and making a statement.
Yesterday I spent most of my morning delivering signs to supporters.
Personally I walked Alhambra in the south end.
Knocked on doors, talked to residents and hammered my sign into the dirt!
Want to share the news that we have a choice this March?
Call my Sign Team (697-4122) if you want to color your world with hope and show support!
Yesterday I spent most of my morning delivering signs to supporters.
Personally I walked Alhambra in the south end.
Knocked on doors, talked to residents and hammered my sign into the dirt!
Want to share the news that we have a choice this March?
Call my Sign Team (697-4122) if you want to color your world with hope and show support!
SHOW SUPPORT.
Send us an email and we will bring one over.
Thanks to my many tireless volunteers
Thanks to my many tireless volunteers
who spent countless hours
cutting wood and assembling signs.
(LET'S HAVE SOME FUN AND CLICK BELOW)
It does take a village!
It does take a village!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
PUBLIC COMMENT Part 2...
Candidate AL VAZQUEZ (former president of Parker Ridge): (195:29) Announced his candidacy for City Commission District 4, and shared his background and qualifications. Mr. Vazquez has been an amazing leader in his community delivering honesty and purpose to all their issues. My best wishes to Mr. Vazquez as he steps up to serve his hometown.
Mary Margaret Mahon, Northwood Harbor resident WATCHDOG :(198:27) Requested a video regarding the Milwaukee project. (This would be a great video to show on Channel 18.)
Alan Levine, south end resident WATCHDOG: (199:50) Addressed the water plant and monies removed from the water plant revenues and placed into general revenues. He asked for a time line beginning and comprehensive report regarding how we got here. Also requested by Mr. Levine was a comprehensive financial report clearly educating the public about the funds which are being funneled out of our utilities budget and what are they actually paying for. He doesn’t seem to believe they will respond to his request because he wrapped up with the comment that none of his suggestions have ever been addressed. (I know that feeling!)
Patty High south end resident WATCHDOG: (203:01) Shared her research regarding the contributions to the sitting commissioners and how they have voted accordingly. Ms. High has done extensive in-depth research and her findings are very telling. Please watch her 3 minutes of exposure to who is giving and how the elected officials are voting. She has offered her work for anyone to read for themselves. Ms. High has been researching campaign contributions for many years.
David London, downtown resident and community ADVOCATE for social issues:(207:10) Mr. London is a researcher who has continually brought good ideas and information before the commission for their consideration. At this meeting he shared information on the relationship between chlorine and cancer. Mr. London relies heavily on science and facts, two concepts the commission should pay attention to.
Michael Cleveland, Pleasant City resident and WATCHDOG: (211:00) Spoke to the lack of ethics on the City Commission, the new Mural being designed on the old school building in Pleasant City and Merry Place construction problems affecting the neighborhood.
MEETING TIMES ISSUE WAS BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION
Myrna Sossner, Old Northwood WATCHDOG: (215:45) Spoke to the City Commission starting times. She witnessed to the fact that more of the public have asked to change it back to 5:00pm then have asked to start at 3:00pm. She wants to be able to know what her City is doing.
Mary Margaret Mahon, Northwood Harbor resident WATCHDOG: (218:30) She has been a staunch speaker to this issue for months. In her 3 minutes she gave a very clear history to how the meetings have gotten to this point. She rightly identified the double talk and inaction of the dais to address this matter, as well as the fact that the agenda is not always followed.
(The Mayor in excellent lawyer fashion argued the case against changing the meeting from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. She claims that the public is overstating the case...)
Candidate AL VAZQUEZ (former president of Parker Ridge): (229:00) Shared that he knows for a fact that persons in his neighborhood have shared with him, that they would attend meetings if they were held in the evening.
Nancy Sloane Old Northwood Resident WATCHDOG: (229:55) Addressed the way the agenda is compiled. She does not think this
Alan Levine, South end resident WATCHDOG:(230:45) Have effectively taken the interest out of the meeting and Removed the involvement of citizen participation. Feels personally robbed of his right to participate. He believes the public doesn’t bother expressing themselves because the Mayor won’t listen.
Shawn Jackson, north end resident : (233:48 ) Got a headache just listening to the public. He thinks the watchdogs are out of their mind. He thinks this panel (City Commission) has done some of the best things for this City. He thinks they are the best Commissioner.
The meeting then reverted to the Commission for discussion.
Ultimately the meeting time was changed back.
They HEARD US!
(It is still unclear when public comment will be called for; sounds like the public will be able to speak at the end of the meeting... sigh....)
Mary Margaret Mahon, Northwood Harbor resident WATCHDOG :(198:27) Requested a video regarding the Milwaukee project. (This would be a great video to show on Channel 18.)
Alan Levine, south end resident WATCHDOG: (199:50) Addressed the water plant and monies removed from the water plant revenues and placed into general revenues. He asked for a time line beginning and comprehensive report regarding how we got here. Also requested by Mr. Levine was a comprehensive financial report clearly educating the public about the funds which are being funneled out of our utilities budget and what are they actually paying for. He doesn’t seem to believe they will respond to his request because he wrapped up with the comment that none of his suggestions have ever been addressed. (I know that feeling!)
Patty High south end resident WATCHDOG: (203:01) Shared her research regarding the contributions to the sitting commissioners and how they have voted accordingly. Ms. High has done extensive in-depth research and her findings are very telling. Please watch her 3 minutes of exposure to who is giving and how the elected officials are voting. She has offered her work for anyone to read for themselves. Ms. High has been researching campaign contributions for many years.
David London, downtown resident and community ADVOCATE for social issues:(207:10) Mr. London is a researcher who has continually brought good ideas and information before the commission for their consideration. At this meeting he shared information on the relationship between chlorine and cancer. Mr. London relies heavily on science and facts, two concepts the commission should pay attention to.
Michael Cleveland, Pleasant City resident and WATCHDOG: (211:00) Spoke to the lack of ethics on the City Commission, the new Mural being designed on the old school building in Pleasant City and Merry Place construction problems affecting the neighborhood.
MEETING TIMES ISSUE WAS BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION
Myrna Sossner, Old Northwood WATCHDOG: (215:45) Spoke to the City Commission starting times. She witnessed to the fact that more of the public have asked to change it back to 5:00pm then have asked to start at 3:00pm. She wants to be able to know what her City is doing.
Mary Margaret Mahon, Northwood Harbor resident WATCHDOG: (218:30) She has been a staunch speaker to this issue for months. In her 3 minutes she gave a very clear history to how the meetings have gotten to this point. She rightly identified the double talk and inaction of the dais to address this matter, as well as the fact that the agenda is not always followed.
(The Mayor in excellent lawyer fashion argued the case against changing the meeting from 3:00pm to 5:00pm. She claims that the public is overstating the case...)
Candidate AL VAZQUEZ (former president of Parker Ridge): (229:00) Shared that he knows for a fact that persons in his neighborhood have shared with him, that they would attend meetings if they were held in the evening.
Nancy Sloane Old Northwood Resident WATCHDOG: (229:55) Addressed the way the agenda is compiled. She does not think this
Alan Levine, South end resident WATCHDOG:(230:45) Have effectively taken the interest out of the meeting and Removed the involvement of citizen participation. Feels personally robbed of his right to participate. He believes the public doesn’t bother expressing themselves because the Mayor won’t listen.
Shawn Jackson, north end resident : (233:48 ) Got a headache just listening to the public. He thinks the watchdogs are out of their mind. He thinks this panel (City Commission) has done some of the best things for this City. He thinks they are the best Commissioner.
The meeting then reverted to the Commission for discussion.
Ultimately the meeting time was changed back.
They HEARD US!
(It is still unclear when public comment will be called for; sounds like the public will be able to speak at the end of the meeting... sigh....)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
PUBLIC COMMENT Part 1...
There were so many GREAT Public comments, that I want to cover them ALL, so I will do it in two parts.
PART ONE:
Lord’s Place plugged a fund raiser (see my calendar and join our campaign team who will share the sky in the spirt of community.)
Resident gentleman who lives on 36th Street: (Minute Marker: 161:36) Spoke to the Immigration Resource Center being considered for Broadway and 36th St. Please watch this one if you live in the north end. He also identified Comm. Douglas as not being available to attend the neighborhood meeting to speak to this proposal. The Commission was trying to decide on a date for a public hearing
Denise Smith-Barnes /Pinewood Park community advocate and citizen of the north end: (Minute Marker: 164:55) Asked that meeting times be put back to 5:00pm. Spoke to ways we can have neighborhood collaboration and address today’s issues. Issues included code enforcement, crime, youth empowerment and the resource center. Thank you Denise for your steady presence at City Hall watching out and speaking out for our residents.
Downtown Business Owner: (168:38) Spoke to the problems they incur due to mobile vendors, such as lunch trucks. Definitely an issue for the commission to address with a mind to how it impacts local business owners.
Former City Employee with Accounting Dept. in Finance: (172:32) A smart man with wisdom to share...asked that the City consider reverse osmosis as a water plant solution. (I wish they were listening to this message.) Also spoke to a plan for switchblade grass as an environmentally consciences direction the City could go in.
Small business owner struggling with bureaucracy: (175:35) This poor guy was on the verge of tears. Please listen to his frustration. This was suppose to be a three minute comment and turned into a complete side show. The Mayor lost control of the meeting as the dialogue escalated and the audience became aggravated that the public comment time limit was being exceeded. The Commission got antsy, and the Mayor had trouble getting back to order. The "JITNEY JIVE" (my title to this story) was a sad statement of how we do business in the City; ending with the Mayor totally losing her cool.
Want a show?
Tune in to this one.
Landowner wanting to quit claim land to local church: (189:03) Thought our meeting was very entertaining. He lives in Boca. His comment: Ask the City to waive liens on property so he can gift the land to a local church. Sorry, no deal.
ME, CANDIDATE ALEX VIZOSO SAYLOR: (192:06)
Please, if you watch nothing else, watch this.
I announced my candidacy.
In a spirit of civil disclose and example setting, I tried to set the stage for a clean and healthy race.
I couldn’t believe my ears as Commissioner Douglas announced that she did not ...
Well, hear it for yourself!
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE 3 MINUTES.
I also requested a Channel 18 forum for ALL candidates.
We'll see on this one, I have little hope, but I had to ask...
ITS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.
Public comment Part Two will follow (to be continued...)
PART ONE:
Lord’s Place plugged a fund raiser (see my calendar and join our campaign team who will share the sky in the spirt of community.)
Resident gentleman who lives on 36th Street: (Minute Marker: 161:36) Spoke to the Immigration Resource Center being considered for Broadway and 36th St. Please watch this one if you live in the north end. He also identified Comm. Douglas as not being available to attend the neighborhood meeting to speak to this proposal. The Commission was trying to decide on a date for a public hearing
Denise Smith-Barnes /Pinewood Park community advocate and citizen of the north end: (Minute Marker: 164:55) Asked that meeting times be put back to 5:00pm. Spoke to ways we can have neighborhood collaboration and address today’s issues. Issues included code enforcement, crime, youth empowerment and the resource center. Thank you Denise for your steady presence at City Hall watching out and speaking out for our residents.
Downtown Business Owner: (168:38) Spoke to the problems they incur due to mobile vendors, such as lunch trucks. Definitely an issue for the commission to address with a mind to how it impacts local business owners.
Former City Employee with Accounting Dept. in Finance: (172:32) A smart man with wisdom to share...asked that the City consider reverse osmosis as a water plant solution. (I wish they were listening to this message.) Also spoke to a plan for switchblade grass as an environmentally consciences direction the City could go in.
Small business owner struggling with bureaucracy: (175:35) This poor guy was on the verge of tears. Please listen to his frustration. This was suppose to be a three minute comment and turned into a complete side show. The Mayor lost control of the meeting as the dialogue escalated and the audience became aggravated that the public comment time limit was being exceeded. The Commission got antsy, and the Mayor had trouble getting back to order. The "JITNEY JIVE" (my title to this story) was a sad statement of how we do business in the City; ending with the Mayor totally losing her cool.
Want a show?
Tune in to this one.
Landowner wanting to quit claim land to local church: (189:03) Thought our meeting was very entertaining. He lives in Boca. His comment: Ask the City to waive liens on property so he can gift the land to a local church. Sorry, no deal.
ME, CANDIDATE ALEX VIZOSO SAYLOR: (192:06)
Please, if you watch nothing else, watch this.
I announced my candidacy.
In a spirit of civil disclose and example setting, I tried to set the stage for a clean and healthy race.
I couldn’t believe my ears as Commissioner Douglas announced that she did not ...
Well, hear it for yourself!
PLEASE LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE 3 MINUTES.
I also requested a Channel 18 forum for ALL candidates.
We'll see on this one, I have little hope, but I had to ask...
ITS IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.
Public comment Part Two will follow (to be continued...)
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
City Commission Meeting , January 28, 2008
Last night’s City Commission Meeting is worthy of a viewing.
For those that missed it live, please watch it on the City’s web site, the link is highlighted above. View: January 28, 2008.
It was 5 hours long, so I am going give a "reader’s digest’ version, with highlights, and attention given later to public comment, (which most agreed was the best part).
Before I begin, I wish to clarify something that happened to me when I spoke to the issue of the REVISED construction services resolution.
I opened my statement (minute marker 48:00) with the acknowledgment that at Agenda Review (held on the Thursday before City Commission), I noticed this particular item was NOT on the agenda.. Upon stating my observation, most on the dais quickly stated that it had been on the agenda and discussed.
(Okay, I arrived a tiny bit late, so maybe they did talk about it:
but I distinctly remember not seeing it on the DRAFT agenda being reviewed on Thursday.)
So I was surprised when the City’s Attorney and Assistant Administratoras as well as some Commissioners, were so quick to make me wrong.
In my defense I present the public with these facts:
The DRAFT agenda is posted on the City’s web site, please look at it yourselves and tell me if there is something I missed.
(I have the original DRAFT so if it changed I have the original for others to see.)
When compared to the ACTUAL agenda present at this meeting, there seems to have been a few changes.
I consider myself very observant and hate when I am told I didn’t see or hear something I am sure I heard or saw.
There was a lot of that going on last night!
Alas, we have the recorded playback for honest verification!
So, here is the condensed version of last night’s meeting:
Construction Services (Item 20): revised the resolution with a time line which had been determined by a "task force" of three. Its important to know that these are NOT the recommendations of staff. I got the distinct impression that staff did not support these changes. Mayor Frankel rightly warned that there is a consultant who will be coming in to advise us as to whether these time lines are attainable, so perhaps they (the Commission) should wait. Commissioner Douglas though is on a mission!
Get this through NOW!
Let’s remember, she has an election coming up and as she stated at a previous meeting she "wrote" this report.
Changes to the Type III overlay of the original Northwood Mixed Used District (N-MUD): Requested by the CRA,, this yet again alters the predictability which the N-MUD (originally crafted by residents who live in the area) was intended to provide.
Moved by Comm. Douglas for approval.
So much for predictability...
So now for the most interesting portions of the meeting...Public Comment...
(Minute Marker 156)
For those that missed it live, please watch it on the City’s web site, the link is highlighted above. View: January 28, 2008.
It was 5 hours long, so I am going give a "reader’s digest’ version, with highlights, and attention given later to public comment, (which most agreed was the best part).
Before I begin, I wish to clarify something that happened to me when I spoke to the issue of the REVISED construction services resolution.
I opened my statement (minute marker 48:00) with the acknowledgment that at Agenda Review (held on the Thursday before City Commission), I noticed this particular item was NOT on the agenda.. Upon stating my observation, most on the dais quickly stated that it had been on the agenda and discussed.
(Okay, I arrived a tiny bit late, so maybe they did talk about it:
but I distinctly remember not seeing it on the DRAFT agenda being reviewed on Thursday.)
So I was surprised when the City’s Attorney and Assistant Administratoras as well as some Commissioners, were so quick to make me wrong.
In my defense I present the public with these facts:
The DRAFT agenda is posted on the City’s web site, please look at it yourselves and tell me if there is something I missed.
(I have the original DRAFT so if it changed I have the original for others to see.)
When compared to the ACTUAL agenda present at this meeting, there seems to have been a few changes.
I consider myself very observant and hate when I am told I didn’t see or hear something I am sure I heard or saw.
There was a lot of that going on last night!
Alas, we have the recorded playback for honest verification!
So, here is the condensed version of last night’s meeting:
Construction Services (Item 20): revised the resolution with a time line which had been determined by a "task force" of three. Its important to know that these are NOT the recommendations of staff. I got the distinct impression that staff did not support these changes. Mayor Frankel rightly warned that there is a consultant who will be coming in to advise us as to whether these time lines are attainable, so perhaps they (the Commission) should wait. Commissioner Douglas though is on a mission!
Get this through NOW!
Let’s remember, she has an election coming up and as she stated at a previous meeting she "wrote" this report.
Changes to the Type III overlay of the original Northwood Mixed Used District (N-MUD): Requested by the CRA,, this yet again alters the predictability which the N-MUD (originally crafted by residents who live in the area) was intended to provide.
Moved by Comm. Douglas for approval.
So much for predictability...
So now for the most interesting portions of the meeting...Public Comment...
(Minute Marker 156)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
POWER AND ETHICS
The allure of "power" has a corrupting influence.
Power in and of itself is not corruptive.
It is when power has no balance that it can take missteps.
We strive for balance in our daily routines.
In our diet, our finances, our time,we always carefully work towards balance.
In our personal lives we strive to acheive healthy balances.
On our City Commission, the checks and balances have been compromised for some in their quest for power. Therefore, let us be careful, when we vote for elected officials who are willing to find "consensus", that they do not compromise their principles in the ultimate search for agreement. The inner motives or "inner voice" should always be free from personal gain or directive.
It is the public who matters.
Both the neighborhoods and the business community should be seated at all tables of dialogue. I believe that government should play the role of a bridge between the two.
A symbiotic relationship must exist if we are to prosper together.
Today that bridge feels like its been blown apart and the influence lies with those who can pay for it.
My suggestion is that we, the voters, find the fair and balanced person we wish to represent us.
Balance in our life is essential to our health.
Balance in our government is required for a prosperous and growing City.
We love this City, so let’s treat ALL who live or work here with respect.
Let’s put civility back into our hearts and demonstrate balance in our decisions.
I implore our politicians, and candidates, to heal the broken trust that currently exist in the hearts and minds of the stakeholders of West Palm Beach.
This election is a chance to show we are civil and can speak to issues not personalities.
We can be examples of leadership, by demonstrating ethics in how we run in this race.
Many have heard the quote:
"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Lord Acton
There is another quote which can replace this one today:
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision."
Maya Angelou
Power in and of itself is not corruptive.
It is when power has no balance that it can take missteps.
We strive for balance in our daily routines.
In our diet, our finances, our time,we always carefully work towards balance.
In our personal lives we strive to acheive healthy balances.
On our City Commission, the checks and balances have been compromised for some in their quest for power. Therefore, let us be careful, when we vote for elected officials who are willing to find "consensus", that they do not compromise their principles in the ultimate search for agreement. The inner motives or "inner voice" should always be free from personal gain or directive.
It is the public who matters.
Both the neighborhoods and the business community should be seated at all tables of dialogue. I believe that government should play the role of a bridge between the two.
A symbiotic relationship must exist if we are to prosper together.
Today that bridge feels like its been blown apart and the influence lies with those who can pay for it.
My suggestion is that we, the voters, find the fair and balanced person we wish to represent us.
Balance in our life is essential to our health.
Balance in our government is required for a prosperous and growing City.
We love this City, so let’s treat ALL who live or work here with respect.
Let’s put civility back into our hearts and demonstrate balance in our decisions.
I implore our politicians, and candidates, to heal the broken trust that currently exist in the hearts and minds of the stakeholders of West Palm Beach.
This election is a chance to show we are civil and can speak to issues not personalities.
We can be examples of leadership, by demonstrating ethics in how we run in this race.
Many have heard the quote:
"Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely."
Lord Acton
There is another quote which can replace this one today:
"I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart,
I usually make the right decision."
Maya Angelou
MONEY AND ETHICS...
Try as we might, we cannot legislate ethics.
Those who lack the moral fiber to “respect right and wrong actions” or “goodness and badness of motives” will face the same choices regardless of what law is created.
My suggestion is this:
Campaign reform and aid could be a tool for limiting the influence peddling that is so intrenched in politics.
Channel 18 is a publicly paid television station that the City currently spends close to half a million dollars on.
Why not use it to educate the residents on an equal basis of ALL candidates and their positions.
I can think of no higher purpose then to share this outlet for the betterment of the electorate at the polls.
It could be one resource for fair exposure, therefore eliminating the need to raise vast amounts of money (hence minimizing the “taking money from lobbyist or developers”).
It would allow for a clean and fair venue for candidates to “get their message out”.
If we recognize that there does not need to be such a gluttony of media or glossy fliers in the mailbox to reach the voters, then we can alter the amount of money needed to run a campaign.
This at least begins to address ina small way, one area of the “money” portion of corruption.
Those who lack the moral fiber to “respect right and wrong actions” or “goodness and badness of motives” will face the same choices regardless of what law is created.
My suggestion is this:
Campaign reform and aid could be a tool for limiting the influence peddling that is so intrenched in politics.
Channel 18 is a publicly paid television station that the City currently spends close to half a million dollars on.
Why not use it to educate the residents on an equal basis of ALL candidates and their positions.
I can think of no higher purpose then to share this outlet for the betterment of the electorate at the polls.
It could be one resource for fair exposure, therefore eliminating the need to raise vast amounts of money (hence minimizing the “taking money from lobbyist or developers”).
It would allow for a clean and fair venue for candidates to “get their message out”.
If we recognize that there does not need to be such a gluttony of media or glossy fliers in the mailbox to reach the voters, then we can alter the amount of money needed to run a campaign.
This at least begins to address ina small way, one area of the “money” portion of corruption.
The Definition of ETHICS:
As I knocked on doors and spoke to many of our area residents, I was touched by the love we all share for this City. Many have families and want to grow those hearts and minds of our future here. Others, have lived here for generations. The underlying commonality was their desire to live in a safe and healthy environment. They don’t want to worry that government is making the wrong choice, setting the wrong example or spending their taxes foolishly.
Corruption in our local government has undermined those desires.
I listened to a long-time resident in Northwood Harbor, who has lived here for over 60 years. She recently shared with me that her father (a former local politician) only served one term because he could not bear the nastiness of government.
In Flamingo Park, a single mother, who referred to politics as the "cesspool of society."
Yesterday, once again, a gentleman in the South End of the City, shared these thoughts with me: "When my father was in the House of Representatives, taking money from lobbyist or developers was not considered a bribe or a bad thing. It was a necessity to running a campaign, but it didn’t get you preferential treatment."
All these statements came from residents who have lived here for many years.
Each one expressed their views and dissatisfaction for the current wave of ugliness we have witnessed these last 2 years.
Two County commissioners and two City commissioners, plus a prominent attorney, have breached the public trust.
Two Grand Jury reports highlight perceptions, which we can all agree, are not healthy for any city.
If we try to understand the why and how’s of corruption, it ultimately will lead us back to two words: Money and Power.
Look up the definition of Ethics and we will find this:
"A set of principles of right conduct."
American Heritage Dictionary
Or this definition (clearly identifies the human ability of choice in ethics):
"that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions."
So how do we try to inject ethics into government when ethics are defined as a system of moral principles? What are your thoughts regarding this question?
I have some ideas...
Corruption in our local government has undermined those desires.
I listened to a long-time resident in Northwood Harbor, who has lived here for over 60 years. She recently shared with me that her father (a former local politician) only served one term because he could not bear the nastiness of government.
In Flamingo Park, a single mother, who referred to politics as the "cesspool of society."
Yesterday, once again, a gentleman in the South End of the City, shared these thoughts with me: "When my father was in the House of Representatives, taking money from lobbyist or developers was not considered a bribe or a bad thing. It was a necessity to running a campaign, but it didn’t get you preferential treatment."
All these statements came from residents who have lived here for many years.
Each one expressed their views and dissatisfaction for the current wave of ugliness we have witnessed these last 2 years.
Two County commissioners and two City commissioners, plus a prominent attorney, have breached the public trust.
Two Grand Jury reports highlight perceptions, which we can all agree, are not healthy for any city.
If we try to understand the why and how’s of corruption, it ultimately will lead us back to two words: Money and Power.
Look up the definition of Ethics and we will find this:
"A set of principles of right conduct."
American Heritage Dictionary
Or this definition (clearly identifies the human ability of choice in ethics):
"that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions."
So how do we try to inject ethics into government when ethics are defined as a system of moral principles? What are your thoughts regarding this question?
I have some ideas...
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Leaky Copper Pipe Problems Contact...
As I walk the neighborhoods, I am told of other homes which are experiencing copper pipe water leaks.
I see the lines dredged up, sometimes under driveways, sometimes through gardens. I do not ask to enter their homes to see the interior damages, but believe them when I am told of the thousands of dollars in repairs they must make.
It is in an effort to provide a clearinghouse for sharing information that I have asked a north end resident to champion this cause. As someone who has personally been battling the problems (which appear to have a common cause) Mr. John Sewell has agreed to be a collector of names and addresses for a database of leaky pipe households.
Residents in the City thank him for his willingness to step up, to give of his time and energy, and being a clearinghouse for information and solutions.
If you, or someone you know has had a similar problem as those that have been reported in the Palm Beach Daily Newspaper , (2nd article in Shiny Sheet),Palm Beach Post or News Channel 5 WPTV, please email him with your story, name and address. Click on his name above to send Mr. Sewell an email. Any information that is sent to my email will be forwarded to Mr. Sewell.
Thank you Mr. Sewell for serving our community as a clearhouse for others who are experiencing the same issues you have been dealing with for months.
I see the lines dredged up, sometimes under driveways, sometimes through gardens. I do not ask to enter their homes to see the interior damages, but believe them when I am told of the thousands of dollars in repairs they must make.
It is in an effort to provide a clearinghouse for sharing information that I have asked a north end resident to champion this cause. As someone who has personally been battling the problems (which appear to have a common cause) Mr. John Sewell has agreed to be a collector of names and addresses for a database of leaky pipe households.
Residents in the City thank him for his willingness to step up, to give of his time and energy, and being a clearinghouse for information and solutions.
If you, or someone you know has had a similar problem as those that have been reported in the Palm Beach Daily Newspaper , (2nd article in Shiny Sheet),Palm Beach Post or News Channel 5 WPTV, please email him with your story, name and address. Click on his name above to send Mr. Sewell an email. Any information that is sent to my email will be forwarded to Mr. Sewell.
Thank you Mr. Sewell for serving our community as a clearhouse for others who are experiencing the same issues you have been dealing with for months.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Knowledge Factor...
The knowledge factor often holds a challenger at a disadvantage.
Not in this election.
My knowledge base reaches back 44 years in this City, (longer when I talk to our elders).
I remember when the children of West Palm Beach had bowling alleys, skating rinks, and sidewalks to play on.
I remember a time when we could sleep with our windows open.
I remember parks as a safe place to go, they were our extended backyards . . .
Having grown up in West Palm Beach provides me with a strong sense of history, as well as ties to our community.
Over the years, I have seen how our government has changed course each time we have changed Mayors.
With you, I have lived through the good, the bad and the ugly.
Over the last nine years I have attended as many or more public meetings as our elected officials have. (Even the Mayor has admitted to this fact.)
Often I have felt that I know more then they do about certain issues.
I know how City Hall operates.
I know the problems we face and how we got here.
I understand the heart and soul of the residents of West Palm Beach; the newcomers and the old-timers.
Let's ask our elected leaders to provide us with the platform to debate, or simply discuss our difference on Channel 18.
It is the public information channel for the residents of the City of West Palm Beach.
Lately it has become a venue of propaganda and slanted information.
Of course I expect they will not...power can determine many things, including the exclusion of information.
Join me in my request that the dais provide essential education to our electorate.
Rather then the exercise classes and cooking demonstrations, let’s use our tax dollars to truly inform and educate the residents on matters of great importance.
Making an informed decision on March 11th is essential to the process.
Email or call the Commissioners and the Mayor to let them know how you feel.
Let the public decide who has the knowledge to lead us to prosperity.
We must know where we have been,
to understand where we must go.
Not in this election.
My knowledge base reaches back 44 years in this City, (longer when I talk to our elders).
I remember when the children of West Palm Beach had bowling alleys, skating rinks, and sidewalks to play on.
I remember a time when we could sleep with our windows open.
I remember parks as a safe place to go, they were our extended backyards . . .
Having grown up in West Palm Beach provides me with a strong sense of history, as well as ties to our community.
Over the years, I have seen how our government has changed course each time we have changed Mayors.
With you, I have lived through the good, the bad and the ugly.
Over the last nine years I have attended as many or more public meetings as our elected officials have. (Even the Mayor has admitted to this fact.)
Often I have felt that I know more then they do about certain issues.
I know how City Hall operates.
I know the problems we face and how we got here.
I understand the heart and soul of the residents of West Palm Beach; the newcomers and the old-timers.
Let's ask our elected leaders to provide us with the platform to debate, or simply discuss our difference on Channel 18.
It is the public information channel for the residents of the City of West Palm Beach.
Lately it has become a venue of propaganda and slanted information.
Of course I expect they will not...power can determine many things, including the exclusion of information.
Join me in my request that the dais provide essential education to our electorate.
Rather then the exercise classes and cooking demonstrations, let’s use our tax dollars to truly inform and educate the residents on matters of great importance.
Making an informed decision on March 11th is essential to the process.
Email or call the Commissioners and the Mayor to let them know how you feel.
Let the public decide who has the knowledge to lead us to prosperity.
We must know where we have been,
to understand where we must go.
People are afraid of change...
It’s the safety factor...
people are afraid of change...
like the "abused housewife" who won’t leave her husband...
a sick syndrome of self destruction.
Not today!
Today in government, I believe this is being challenged, not only locally, but nationally as well.
I hear everyone say, "We need change, and we need it now."
I agree we need change in many areas.
We need to change many things.
On March 11th your vote can change everything.
Let’s change the way we do business as a government body.
Let’s restore civility to government.
Let’s put back the checks and balances which have been absent from the dais
Let’s put a stop to the manipulation and intellectual dishonesty of how and why they arrive at their voting decisions.
Let’s stop the "get along to go along" mentality currently on the Commission.
Let’s stop the "horse-trading" of votes. This is a form of corrupt government.
Let’s put principle back in the vote and replace the "scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours" relationships.
It can start with electing me for City Commission on March 11th.
Share the spirit of change with your family and friends.
We can CHANGE the face of our local government if we vote for a change.
people are afraid of change...
like the "abused housewife" who won’t leave her husband...
a sick syndrome of self destruction.
Not today!
Today in government, I believe this is being challenged, not only locally, but nationally as well.
I hear everyone say, "We need change, and we need it now."
I agree we need change in many areas.
We need to change many things.
On March 11th your vote can change everything.
Let’s change the way we do business as a government body.
Let’s restore civility to government.
Let’s put back the checks and balances which have been absent from the dais
Let’s put a stop to the manipulation and intellectual dishonesty of how and why they arrive at their voting decisions.
Let’s stop the "get along to go along" mentality currently on the Commission.
Let’s stop the "horse-trading" of votes. This is a form of corrupt government.
Let’s put principle back in the vote and replace the "scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours" relationships.
It can start with electing me for City Commission on March 11th.
Share the spirit of change with your family and friends.
We can CHANGE the face of our local government if we vote for a change.
Its the NAME RECOGNITION thing...
Name recognition is vital in any election.
Incumbents are in the public realm with their names and faces before us, whether for good reasons or bad. The imprint it leaves follows them to the poll.
Whether the voter knows the facts about the incumbents voting record or not, they will recognize the familiar tone and sound of the name. This administration has used public dollars to promote their name and face recognition. Just recently there was a flyer for a northend event and my opponent was featured on the front cover. I believe this is wrong. (But no worries here.)
Why am I not worried?
This is my hometown.
My name and face has also been in the public realm of our City's government for 9 years at public meetings and 44 years in this City as an active volunteer and business woman in the community.
I am counting on the ‘word of mouth factor' to win this election and represent you on the dais.
It is your recommendation to other neighbors and voters that will speak louder then any glossy flier delivered to your mailbox.
I am asking that you... please be my voice.
Please share the need for change within our City Hall walls with your neighbors.
We must start to dialogue amongst ourselves for change to occur.
Incumbents are in the public realm with their names and faces before us, whether for good reasons or bad. The imprint it leaves follows them to the poll.
Whether the voter knows the facts about the incumbents voting record or not, they will recognize the familiar tone and sound of the name. This administration has used public dollars to promote their name and face recognition. Just recently there was a flyer for a northend event and my opponent was featured on the front cover. I believe this is wrong. (But no worries here.)
Why am I not worried?
This is my hometown.
My name and face has also been in the public realm of our City's government for 9 years at public meetings and 44 years in this City as an active volunteer and business woman in the community.
I am counting on the ‘word of mouth factor' to win this election and represent you on the dais.
It is your recommendation to other neighbors and voters that will speak louder then any glossy flier delivered to your mailbox.
I am asking that you... please be my voice.
Please share the need for change within our City Hall walls with your neighbors.
We must start to dialogue amongst ourselves for change to occur.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Mayor/Commission Workshop January 22
Can I hear a hallelujah?
We finally got to witness a really good meeting between Commissioners.
The dialogue covered important matters, as well as other subjects which had been brought up by the communities as important matters to them.
Must be an election year...
Commissioner Geri Muoio who is NOT up for re-election gets the biggest Gold Star for bringing up the City Commission meeting times. Seems she really does want to discuss changing this back. The Commission however thought they should wait for Mayor Frankel’s return. (Seems the Mayor, was in Washington "dialing for dollars" according to Commissioner Douglas.)
I find it disturbing that it took them less time to change it to an inconvenient time for residents, then it has for them to change it back. How much work-shopping and talking does it take to realize THIS POLICY IS NOT GOOD GOVERNMENT?
Commissioner Bill Moss brought up a subject which was heard at the SENA (South End Neighborhood Association) meeting, pertaining to 24 hour pharmacies and the undesirable element that gathers there late at night. The neighborhood leaders asked that an ordinance be considered. Incidents of residents being accosted in the parking lot have occurred. So let’s all say thank you Commissioner Moss, you’re listening. Commissioner Moss is being challenged by community advocate and Parker Ridge President Al Vazquez. (Congratulations Al Vazquez for stepping up to serve our City.)
Commissioner Ike Robinson gets an honorable mention, for correctly insisting that public participation regarding a zoning issue pertinent to a Temporary Labor Resource Center on 37th Street, should be taken to the residents who live in the adjacent areas. The Labor Resource Center is a much needed facility, which will house the current population that now gathers on Broadway to wait for employers to offer them work. The problem seems to be one of zoning, although Commissioner Moss seemed to think it was one of semantics. Take out the word labor or hiring and it’s a go!
Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell discussed geo-plasma waste to energy sites as a subject that deserves serious attention. I fully concurr! I am not surprised that it came from our most forward thinking commissioner. She always brings good ideas to the Commission. ...Commissioner Mitchell is also up for re-election. She deserves to keep her seat. Let's hope the public is listening.
There were other interesting items discussed which can be viewed as a rerun on Channel 18.
This meeting is a good example of how commissioner’s should be talking to each other.
Nothing like an election to get them to do their job!
We finally got to witness a really good meeting between Commissioners.
The dialogue covered important matters, as well as other subjects which had been brought up by the communities as important matters to them.
Must be an election year...
Commissioner Geri Muoio who is NOT up for re-election gets the biggest Gold Star for bringing up the City Commission meeting times. Seems she really does want to discuss changing this back. The Commission however thought they should wait for Mayor Frankel’s return. (Seems the Mayor, was in Washington "dialing for dollars" according to Commissioner Douglas.)
I find it disturbing that it took them less time to change it to an inconvenient time for residents, then it has for them to change it back. How much work-shopping and talking does it take to realize THIS POLICY IS NOT GOOD GOVERNMENT?
Commissioner Bill Moss brought up a subject which was heard at the SENA (South End Neighborhood Association) meeting, pertaining to 24 hour pharmacies and the undesirable element that gathers there late at night. The neighborhood leaders asked that an ordinance be considered. Incidents of residents being accosted in the parking lot have occurred. So let’s all say thank you Commissioner Moss, you’re listening. Commissioner Moss is being challenged by community advocate and Parker Ridge President Al Vazquez. (Congratulations Al Vazquez for stepping up to serve our City.)
Commissioner Ike Robinson gets an honorable mention, for correctly insisting that public participation regarding a zoning issue pertinent to a Temporary Labor Resource Center on 37th Street, should be taken to the residents who live in the adjacent areas. The Labor Resource Center is a much needed facility, which will house the current population that now gathers on Broadway to wait for employers to offer them work. The problem seems to be one of zoning, although Commissioner Moss seemed to think it was one of semantics. Take out the word labor or hiring and it’s a go!
Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell discussed geo-plasma waste to energy sites as a subject that deserves serious attention. I fully concurr! I am not surprised that it came from our most forward thinking commissioner. She always brings good ideas to the Commission. ...Commissioner Mitchell is also up for re-election. She deserves to keep her seat. Let's hope the public is listening.
There were other interesting items discussed which can be viewed as a rerun on Channel 18.
This meeting is a good example of how commissioner’s should be talking to each other.
Nothing like an election to get them to do their job!
SO WHERE IS THE BUDGET LEADING US?
Hopefully you have taken the time to read the Budget Narrative and gleamed interesting bits of information from it.
Its nice to know that its "THE CITIZENS OF WEST PALM BEACH" top the Organizational Chart .At least here, we have clear identifying chains of command,... we have it in writing.
So as the BOSS we should have an awareness of how our taxes are being spent and what other monies are used to operate the City of West Palm Beach. I suggest, for those interested in the nitty gritty of numbers, to go directly to page 67. The finance department has done a good job of explaining the various departments and funds.
I wanted to see for myself how the past department budgets compared with this one.
So I have done my own comparison.
In a department by department comparison over the last 5 years, I have charted the steady increase of the Department Expenditures: Total Reports.
It is very telling. To give just a few examples:
Mayor’s Department in 2002 was $595,110.00.
This budget is $1,304,245.00
Channel 18 in 2002 wasn’t actually budgeted, but spent $81,531. 00.
Today they are budgeted for $477,952.
General Government was $17,273,197.00 in 2002.
Today’s budget, $41,240,533.00
City Attorney in 2002 was $1,732,799.00.
This budget shows $2,874,787.00
There’s more. But I won’t bore you.
I will encourage each of you to do your own research.
All the budgets are online.
Check it out.
There are gross increases in line items which I have identified as bloat.
We must get educated as to how they are allocating our taxes, as well as, how they are compromising our future with the debt of bonds.
Anyone who is interested in seeing my entire chart can reach me by email and we can arrange a visit for you to see how the numbers have grown.
Its nice to know that its "THE CITIZENS OF WEST PALM BEACH" top the Organizational Chart .At least here, we have clear identifying chains of command,... we have it in writing.
So as the BOSS we should have an awareness of how our taxes are being spent and what other monies are used to operate the City of West Palm Beach. I suggest, for those interested in the nitty gritty of numbers, to go directly to page 67. The finance department has done a good job of explaining the various departments and funds.
I wanted to see for myself how the past department budgets compared with this one.
So I have done my own comparison.
In a department by department comparison over the last 5 years, I have charted the steady increase of the Department Expenditures: Total Reports.
It is very telling. To give just a few examples:
Mayor’s Department in 2002 was $595,110.00.
This budget is $1,304,245.00
Channel 18 in 2002 wasn’t actually budgeted, but spent $81,531. 00.
Today they are budgeted for $477,952.
General Government was $17,273,197.00 in 2002.
Today’s budget, $41,240,533.00
City Attorney in 2002 was $1,732,799.00.
This budget shows $2,874,787.00
There’s more. But I won’t bore you.
I will encourage each of you to do your own research.
All the budgets are online.
Check it out.
There are gross increases in line items which I have identified as bloat.
We must get educated as to how they are allocating our taxes, as well as, how they are compromising our future with the debt of bonds.
Anyone who is interested in seeing my entire chart can reach me by email and we can arrange a visit for you to see how the numbers have grown.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
A Windy Rainy Day...but I still knocked on doors.
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Several celebrations and events were held; at which I am sure many politicians made their appearances to glad hand and promote their interest in the civil rights movement.
Me?
I decided to used my civil liberties and walk door to door with my campaign material as an expression of our freedom of speech and right to vote.
I am indebted to Dr. King’s advocacy.
I am inspired by the power of people when we recognize we do have the ability to move mountains.
I am awed by great leadership.
In this City I am proud of all the local advocates we have in our community.
If it were not for their examples of leadership, we would all be simply herded into one train of thought.
As I have been heard to say, anyone can lead, but we must be sure we agree with the direction or path we are being led on.
Leadership has very clear mandates.
It finds its voice within the membership.
Good leaders recognize the needs and desires of those they serve.
They LEAD them to resolve those needs and desires.
Good leaders are just.
They recognize that they serve not only those that agree, but those that disagree as well.
To find the talents in ALL people and employ them for the betterment of community is essential to good leadership.
Recognizing the highest and best purpose of their power, in the simple act of voting, is critical to being a good city commissioner.
Several celebrations and events were held; at which I am sure many politicians made their appearances to glad hand and promote their interest in the civil rights movement.
Me?
I decided to used my civil liberties and walk door to door with my campaign material as an expression of our freedom of speech and right to vote.
I am indebted to Dr. King’s advocacy.
I am inspired by the power of people when we recognize we do have the ability to move mountains.
I am awed by great leadership.
In this City I am proud of all the local advocates we have in our community.
If it were not for their examples of leadership, we would all be simply herded into one train of thought.
As I have been heard to say, anyone can lead, but we must be sure we agree with the direction or path we are being led on.
Leadership has very clear mandates.
It finds its voice within the membership.
Good leaders recognize the needs and desires of those they serve.
They LEAD them to resolve those needs and desires.
Good leaders are just.
They recognize that they serve not only those that agree, but those that disagree as well.
To find the talents in ALL people and employ them for the betterment of community is essential to good leadership.
Recognizing the highest and best purpose of their power, in the simple act of voting, is critical to being a good city commissioner.
I have a history on the record as to where I have stood, time and time again, before the City Commission with my perspective and suggestions.
They listen, but they do not hear.
They may feign agreement, but they vote in the other direction.
The talk just doesn’t match the vote.
Recently an issue regarding adding 2 extra stories to an apartment building came up for a vote.
The dialogue from the developer was simple... we can’t afford to build this project without the extra floors. (Well, didn’t you do your homework before you bought the property? Doesn’t sound like good business to me if you didn’t.)
Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell asked a series of very good questions.
What’s the trade off here?
What does the community get in return for allowing MORE density?
What is the greater good or purpose served to the residents if we allow the extra profit margin to the developer?
I encourage all of you to watch the meeting and the discussion had by the commissioners. Then you decide if they exhibited good leadership.
View: January 14, 2008 The issue I am referring to began at minute marker 55.00
(My comments are on minute marker 105.02.)
Commissioner Mitchell moved to NOT APPROVE the added height. There was NO second from her four other commissioners.
It is very telling who they were serving and where they are leading us.We are warned by history if we value prosperity over justice, we’ll end up losing both.
In the City today we have great needs.
We need clean water.
We need less crime.
We need lower taxes.
We desire GREAT LEADERS.
The question will be asked March 11th.
Who do you want to lead you?
I respectfully ask for your endorsement of my candidacy, and hope I’ve earned your trust that...
I can lead us in the right direction.
"Great necessities call forth great leaders." Abigail Adams, wife of President John Adams 1764
Monday, January 21, 2008
"ALEX'S"BUDGET NARRATIVE REVIEW
I ended up reading the Budget Narrative indoors because the brisk cool weather I was enjoying on the St. John’s River turned bitter cold. We returned home to find West Palm Beach had suffered from a cold wind blowing through as well...
Here’s the Budget Narrative as recently posted online.
If you want to read along with me, maybe we can compare notes?
Please send me an email with your thoughts.
There’s a lot of great information here (ALL 315 pages are must read) and I encourage you all to take a peek.
For those of you who prefer cliff notes, I will try to provide the highlights.
For most of this week I will be speaking to the budget, because that’s where the story should always begin.
The Finance Department has done a superb job with clearly stating the facts.
I appreciate their professionalism, courtesy and accuracy.
Anytime I have had a question, they have responded quickly and clearly.
So where should we begin?
First a few "DID YOU KNOW" facts directly from the Budget Narrative Message
(my comments will be in red and if you read the budget as we go through this, the first excepts begin on page 3):
"The FY 2008 budget reflects the recent changes in legislative actions which required the City to roll-back taxes. Property tax revenues within the City’s General Fund decreased $2.4 million, along with expenditure increases; the City faced a $6 million shortfall."
"Property Values within the City did not increase in the double-digit range of recent years – an indication of the City’s economic condition, as well as throughout the state. ... The Property Appraiser is projecting a decline in value of 4% in existing values, which may constrain future budgets."
"The operating millage rate for FY 2008 decreased .6584 mills to 7.1916 mills. The debt service millage rate for FY 2008 is .2967 mills and funds the debt service associated with the City’s general obligation bonds. The total City millage rate for FY 2008 is 7.4883 mills, which is the lowest in almost two decades.."
Outlook :if you don’t read any other part of this report, you owe it to yourself to read the OUTLOOK (Pg. 5 & 6)
The total FY 2008 Budget for all funds is $359,506,336 with the breakdown by fund type as follows:
General Fund: $187,139,761
Special Revenue Funds: 18,538,074
Debt Service Funds: 14,802,107
Capital Project Funds: 3,204,125 (1)
(1) Amounts contained herein for the Capital Project
Funds represent new appropriations for FY 2008. Unexpended FY 2007
appropriations for prior year capital projects such as park improvements,
fire stations, etc. will roll-over via Commission action (i.e. as provided
through budget resolution) into FY 2008 for the same designated projects.
Enterprise Funds: 92,733,819
Internal Service Funds: 43,071,080
Miscellaneous Trust Fund: 17,370
Total $359,506,336
As discussed above, the General Fund faced a $6 million shortfall due largely to the following factors:
Decrease in Property Tax Revenues - $2.4 million
Increase in Police & Fire Overtime - $1 million
Increase in Police & Fire Pensions - $0.84 million
Funding of Fire Salaries per Union Contract - $0.85 million
Increase in Property Insurance - $0.74 million
$2.7 million of the shortfall was due to increases mostly within the police and fire department pensions and overtime. These are union contract agreements that where adopted many years ago and are now maturing.
We knew this was coming. Tom Harris (our former City Finance Director who resigned last March, 2007) told us WE WOULD HAVE THIS ISSUE IN OUR FUTURE OUTLOOK when it was adopted back in 2004.
"Several changes to the budget were required to close the $6 million gap and balance the budget. Changes included:
Eliminated 40 positions, : Somewhere it stated that 36.6 were unfilled positions: Did we budget money for positions which were never filled or did we lose 36.6 employees over the year and not replaced them? Could this mean we didn’t really need that staff? I don’t know, I’m just asking. (Also note that the personnel expenses went up even though our number of full-time employees went down. This was due to pay increases and pensions.) For a more detailed look at what positon were cut look on pages 40 & 41.
Suspended funding of the General Employee’s Voluntary Employee Benefit Accounts (VEBA) This issue was approved before the budget had even come to the City commission. In other words, they added it as a funded issue in the budget, before they even knew what the budget projections were going to be. Thank goodness they removed it as soon as they saw they over-spent. My opponent voted "YES" to this before having a full understanding of the pending financial shortfall we knew was coming at us. Is that good decision making?
Limit Health Insurance Increases This increase is out of our hands, plus it was anticipated. I did get the impression they did not think it would be so high.
Reduced the annual Capital Funding; Look on page 189 to see if your neighborhood project is funded this year.)
Reduced Travel & Training funds ; This was an easy one to identify I believe this one came from the Budget Task Force? I 'm not sure, because those meetings were closed to the public. (Some legal hogwash about if they are only doing research they can meet in private. My question was why meet in private to begin with.)
What ALL they had they reported?
Where is their report?
Who was on that committee?
I asked to be on it as did Al Vasquez.
I would have suggested they look into other line items as well...stay tuned for more on this.
Reduced Fleet replacement funds : This cut needs to be better thought out. I must agree that the employee should not be able to take home the car, except in certain situations where an emergency vehicle used by a sworn officer may be beneficial to the residents.
However, because this privilege was abused (although they say it was part of their employment agreement) and due to a lack of a clear take-home vehicle policy, the City Commission approved a budget reduction which cuts take home vehicles. What I would have suggested is a comprehensive policy to address those times when the car is a mandatory tool for the employee and that there are provisions for privileges when earned, not just awarded.
The next 4 pages give you an excellent highlights of the larger funds.
One question kept coming up for me.
If a commissioner votes to approve a budget which is based on additional rate increases, does this mean that they voted to raise taxes? (I think so.)
I read the following statements under the subheading on page 8 & 9.
(Building Permitting Fund, Water & Sewer Fund, and Storm Water Fund)
Each area stated that the revenue projections approved in the 2007-2008 budget included "an additional rate increase to be presented to the City Commission during FY 2008." it also states that "The budget (referring to the Water and Sewer Fund) may need to be adjusted depending on City Commission action regarding rates."
This statement was made under the Outlook heading and referring to our water department revenues: "The City is considering increasing rates to cover operating deficits caused by the above items. A rate study is expected in mid year and will be presented to the City Commission for approval."
Seems to me, my opponent has already voted to increase taxes when she approved this budget.
Am I wrong here?
Read it for yourself.
Share your thoughts or perspectives with me.
I want to hear from you.
What do you think of this information?
Do you want me to continue to share these rather dry topics?
(Or should we talk about a bar’s grand opening on Clematis?)
Congratulations to all who have gotten this far...
We have just completed the Budget Message from the Finance Director Randy Sherman.
Great job Mr. Sherman...
That leaves only 305 pages to go!
Stay tuned for more on where I would cut taxes...
my suggestion will come at the end of my "Alex’s" Budget Narrative Review...
Here’s the Budget Narrative as recently posted online.
If you want to read along with me, maybe we can compare notes?
Please send me an email with your thoughts.
There’s a lot of great information here (ALL 315 pages are must read) and I encourage you all to take a peek.
For those of you who prefer cliff notes, I will try to provide the highlights.
For most of this week I will be speaking to the budget, because that’s where the story should always begin.
The Finance Department has done a superb job with clearly stating the facts.
I appreciate their professionalism, courtesy and accuracy.
Anytime I have had a question, they have responded quickly and clearly.
So where should we begin?
First a few "DID YOU KNOW" facts directly from the Budget Narrative Message
(my comments will be in red and if you read the budget as we go through this, the first excepts begin on page 3):
"The FY 2008 budget reflects the recent changes in legislative actions which required the City to roll-back taxes. Property tax revenues within the City’s General Fund decreased $2.4 million, along with expenditure increases; the City faced a $6 million shortfall."
"Property Values within the City did not increase in the double-digit range of recent years – an indication of the City’s economic condition, as well as throughout the state. ... The Property Appraiser is projecting a decline in value of 4% in existing values, which may constrain future budgets."
"The operating millage rate for FY 2008 decreased .6584 mills to 7.1916 mills. The debt service millage rate for FY 2008 is .2967 mills and funds the debt service associated with the City’s general obligation bonds. The total City millage rate for FY 2008 is 7.4883 mills, which is the lowest in almost two decades.."
Outlook :if you don’t read any other part of this report, you owe it to yourself to read the OUTLOOK (Pg. 5 & 6)
The total FY 2008 Budget for all funds is $359,506,336 with the breakdown by fund type as follows:
General Fund: $187,139,761
Special Revenue Funds: 18,538,074
Debt Service Funds: 14,802,107
Capital Project Funds: 3,204,125 (1)
(1) Amounts contained herein for the Capital Project
Funds represent new appropriations for FY 2008. Unexpended FY 2007
appropriations for prior year capital projects such as park improvements,
fire stations, etc. will roll-over via Commission action (i.e. as provided
through budget resolution) into FY 2008 for the same designated projects.
Enterprise Funds: 92,733,819
Internal Service Funds: 43,071,080
Miscellaneous Trust Fund: 17,370
Total $359,506,336
As discussed above, the General Fund faced a $6 million shortfall due largely to the following factors:
Decrease in Property Tax Revenues - $2.4 million
Increase in Police & Fire Overtime - $1 million
Increase in Police & Fire Pensions - $0.84 million
Funding of Fire Salaries per Union Contract - $0.85 million
Increase in Property Insurance - $0.74 million
$2.7 million of the shortfall was due to increases mostly within the police and fire department pensions and overtime. These are union contract agreements that where adopted many years ago and are now maturing.
We knew this was coming. Tom Harris (our former City Finance Director who resigned last March, 2007) told us WE WOULD HAVE THIS ISSUE IN OUR FUTURE OUTLOOK when it was adopted back in 2004.
"Several changes to the budget were required to close the $6 million gap and balance the budget. Changes included:
Eliminated 40 positions, : Somewhere it stated that 36.6 were unfilled positions: Did we budget money for positions which were never filled or did we lose 36.6 employees over the year and not replaced them? Could this mean we didn’t really need that staff? I don’t know, I’m just asking. (Also note that the personnel expenses went up even though our number of full-time employees went down. This was due to pay increases and pensions.) For a more detailed look at what positon were cut look on pages 40 & 41.
Suspended funding of the General Employee’s Voluntary Employee Benefit Accounts (VEBA) This issue was approved before the budget had even come to the City commission. In other words, they added it as a funded issue in the budget, before they even knew what the budget projections were going to be. Thank goodness they removed it as soon as they saw they over-spent. My opponent voted "YES" to this before having a full understanding of the pending financial shortfall we knew was coming at us. Is that good decision making?
Limit Health Insurance Increases This increase is out of our hands, plus it was anticipated. I did get the impression they did not think it would be so high.
Reduced the annual Capital Funding; Look on page 189 to see if your neighborhood project is funded this year.)
Reduced Travel & Training funds ; This was an easy one to identify I believe this one came from the Budget Task Force? I 'm not sure, because those meetings were closed to the public. (Some legal hogwash about if they are only doing research they can meet in private. My question was why meet in private to begin with.)
What ALL they had they reported?
Where is their report?
Who was on that committee?
I asked to be on it as did Al Vasquez.
I would have suggested they look into other line items as well...stay tuned for more on this.
Reduced Fleet replacement funds : This cut needs to be better thought out. I must agree that the employee should not be able to take home the car, except in certain situations where an emergency vehicle used by a sworn officer may be beneficial to the residents.
However, because this privilege was abused (although they say it was part of their employment agreement) and due to a lack of a clear take-home vehicle policy, the City Commission approved a budget reduction which cuts take home vehicles. What I would have suggested is a comprehensive policy to address those times when the car is a mandatory tool for the employee and that there are provisions for privileges when earned, not just awarded.
The next 4 pages give you an excellent highlights of the larger funds.
One question kept coming up for me.
If a commissioner votes to approve a budget which is based on additional rate increases, does this mean that they voted to raise taxes? (I think so.)
I read the following statements under the subheading on page 8 & 9.
(Building Permitting Fund, Water & Sewer Fund, and Storm Water Fund)
Each area stated that the revenue projections approved in the 2007-2008 budget included "an additional rate increase to be presented to the City Commission during FY 2008." it also states that "The budget (referring to the Water and Sewer Fund) may need to be adjusted depending on City Commission action regarding rates."
This statement was made under the Outlook heading and referring to our water department revenues: "The City is considering increasing rates to cover operating deficits caused by the above items. A rate study is expected in mid year and will be presented to the City Commission for approval."
Seems to me, my opponent has already voted to increase taxes when she approved this budget.
Am I wrong here?
Read it for yourself.
Share your thoughts or perspectives with me.
I want to hear from you.
What do you think of this information?
Do you want me to continue to share these rather dry topics?
(Or should we talk about a bar’s grand opening on Clematis?)
Congratulations to all who have gotten this far...
We have just completed the Budget Message from the Finance Director Randy Sherman.
Great job Mr. Sherman...
That leaves only 305 pages to go!
Stay tuned for more on where I would cut taxes...
my suggestion will come at the end of my "Alex’s" Budget Narrative Review...
Sunday, January 20, 2008
A DAY OF REST...
Have a glorious Sunday.
Jump on a bike, go for a walk, or simply sit in your backyard and read a good book.
We are blessed to live in this wonderful weather.
Let’s cherish the good!
Me? I have a race to win... consider me in high alert! I will be reading the City's Fiscal Year 2007/08 Budget Narrative recently posted online.
How did I find myself here?
...reading dry financials on a glorious Sunday morning?
Well it started in 1999, when I entered the arena of city government by running for City Commission District 3. At that time our block was the furthest north boundary to what is now Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell’s district. While I was considering a second jab at the seat,(then held by Mary Brandenburg) redistricting was in progress. The census had just been released and it was the “elected officials” who determined the new boundary lines. Before I could say “I’m in this race” I was forced out of the race when the boundary was shifted one street south, removing me from challenging Commissioner Brandenburg. I don't have to tell you who moved the line do I?
It was a taste of politics which spoke volumes to the “political process”. In hindsight, it was a twofold blessing. First, Kimberly Mitchell entered that race and eventually won against all odds, unseating the incumbent. (Political pundits will always claim that it is near impossible to unseat incumbent, I’ll explain later why.) The second reason, I have now come to believe, was a fortunate turn for me. It strengthened my resolve to represent the community. My desire to serve became more imbedded in my heart as I saw a need for full engagement in our City.
Since then I have remained actively engaged in issues regarding all parts of the City. My regular appearance at almost all public meetings earned me the respect of our current Mayor, when she announced at a large gathering in the Cuillo Theater, that she "didn’t know anyone who attended as many meetings as Alex Vizoso Saylor." That’s me. A regular meeting going watchdog… yes, I am part of what Mayor Frankel refers to as the peanut gallery. Is that a compliment?
So I am loaded with all this information to share, on things I have heard, actions I have witnessed and behaviors inappropriate to leaders; which I have had to personally bear, along with others.
So here on this blog, I share my experiences with you the stakeholders of our City.
What you decide to do with these words and information is up to you.
So have a glorious Sunday.
Jump on a bike, go for a walk, or simply sit in your backyard and read a good book.
We are blessed to live in this wonderful weather.
Let’s cherish the good!
I have a Budget Narrative to read...I think I will read it outside.
Jump on a bike, go for a walk, or simply sit in your backyard and read a good book.
We are blessed to live in this wonderful weather.
Let’s cherish the good!
Me? I have a race to win... consider me in high alert! I will be reading the City's Fiscal Year 2007/08 Budget Narrative recently posted online.
How did I find myself here?
...reading dry financials on a glorious Sunday morning?
Well it started in 1999, when I entered the arena of city government by running for City Commission District 3. At that time our block was the furthest north boundary to what is now Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell’s district. While I was considering a second jab at the seat,(then held by Mary Brandenburg) redistricting was in progress. The census had just been released and it was the “elected officials” who determined the new boundary lines. Before I could say “I’m in this race” I was forced out of the race when the boundary was shifted one street south, removing me from challenging Commissioner Brandenburg. I don't have to tell you who moved the line do I?
It was a taste of politics which spoke volumes to the “political process”. In hindsight, it was a twofold blessing. First, Kimberly Mitchell entered that race and eventually won against all odds, unseating the incumbent. (Political pundits will always claim that it is near impossible to unseat incumbent, I’ll explain later why.) The second reason, I have now come to believe, was a fortunate turn for me. It strengthened my resolve to represent the community. My desire to serve became more imbedded in my heart as I saw a need for full engagement in our City.
Since then I have remained actively engaged in issues regarding all parts of the City. My regular appearance at almost all public meetings earned me the respect of our current Mayor, when she announced at a large gathering in the Cuillo Theater, that she "didn’t know anyone who attended as many meetings as Alex Vizoso Saylor." That’s me. A regular meeting going watchdog… yes, I am part of what Mayor Frankel refers to as the peanut gallery. Is that a compliment?
So I am loaded with all this information to share, on things I have heard, actions I have witnessed and behaviors inappropriate to leaders; which I have had to personally bear, along with others.
So here on this blog, I share my experiences with you the stakeholders of our City.
What you decide to do with these words and information is up to you.
So have a glorious Sunday.
Jump on a bike, go for a walk, or simply sit in your backyard and read a good book.
We are blessed to live in this wonderful weather.
Let’s cherish the good!
I have a Budget Narrative to read...I think I will read it outside.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
NEW BIKE PATH! Clear Lake Community Meeting
This meeting has been called by the City, except I only received it today through a forward email from someone in the Downtown.
Thank you for sharing!
JANUARY 31st, 5:30pm
(nice to see they are thinking about the public on this meeting time.)
at City Commission Chambers.
RSVP to 822-1435 or astelly@wpb.org
I believe this is important to us ALL,
not just the downtown residents.
JANUARY 31st, 5:30pm
(nice to see they are thinking about the public on this meeting time.)
at City Commission Chambers.
RSVP to 822-1435 or astelly@wpb.org
I believe this is important to us ALL,
not just the downtown residents.
This issue regards a bike path, which has already come before the City Commission, to connect Okeechobee to Banyan. I was at that meeting when it was addressed. The idea is based on providing a good alternative transportation source for bicycling. The only problem is, I feel it ignores a few common sense issues.
Here are a few thoughts to ponder:
- There is a neighborhood on the north side of Banyan, Progressive Northwest Neighborhood, who definately would be best served by a connecting bike path to Downtown. To begin this project on the south end (which I think least needs it) seems a bit silly.
- The intersection they want to connect to (Okeechobee and Australian) is scary, even in a car. How is the City going to provide the needed safety elements required for cyclist at such a dangerous intersection?
- This bike path would wonderfully serve the new condos on Australian, except the residents will have to cross Australian to use it. I fail to see the benefit.
I love to ride my bicycle.
As a matter of fact many of you have seen me on my bike. I intend on riding my bicycle around to deliver some of my campaign signs. (Any one who wants to join me can sign up on my volunteer page.) I have also been known to ride my bike to coffee gatherings being hosted around town as well.
Recently, at the Northend Mayor's meeting held last Wednesday, I asked questions regarding bicycles. I was wondering if they were considering bike riders in their redevelopment efforts. (I was told yes, that they had plans for bike racks and a proposed designated bike lane.) I asked this question because I want to encourage a proactive attitude and direction about making our City fully accessible (and safe) to ALL cyclist.
The Downtown Development Authority has a very knowledgeable cyclist on staff named Raphael Clemente. I would hope they ask him for opinions regarding all cycling issues.
Please attend this meeting if you ride your bike in the City and let them know your thoughts and desires about travel paths through our City.Oh, by the way... can anyone tell me what the significance is of the flag on the tree?
I always related skull and crossbones to pirates.
Am I wrong?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Residents of West Palm Beach Do Care for the Homeless...
On February 8th a very special kind of fundraiser will take place in our Meyer Amphitheater on Flagler Drive.
The Lord’s Place, which has been servicing the Palm Beaches for many years will be sponsoring a ----
SleepOut -- SleepIn -- Pig Out!
The idea is: To increase awareness of what it’s like to be homeless and to raise money for the programs of The Lord’s Place whose mission is: to break the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate and effective services to men, women and children in our community.
I personally think it’s a creative way to bring awareness and involvement.
The fee/donation is $40.00 unless it’s a group of 8 or more, then its $20.00.
If any of you reading this want to form a group, we can do so through my web site.
I am happy to organize a group if I receive 8 or more interested emails from the community. I have 2 right now, my husband and myself. Join us in demonstrating that we do care about even the lesser of us. Coantact me if you are interested in participating: alex@alexhearsme.com
Here is the informational flyer with the entire event described in detail.
TLP Sleep-out fact sheet 08.doc
Let’s sit under the stars of West Palm Beach and share fellowship for a good cause.
The Lord’s Place, which has been servicing the Palm Beaches for many years will be sponsoring a ----
SleepOut -- SleepIn -- Pig Out!
The idea is: To increase awareness of what it’s like to be homeless and to raise money for the programs of The Lord’s Place whose mission is: to break the cycle of homelessness by providing innovative, compassionate and effective services to men, women and children in our community.
I personally think it’s a creative way to bring awareness and involvement.
The fee/donation is $40.00 unless it’s a group of 8 or more, then its $20.00.
If any of you reading this want to form a group, we can do so through my web site.
I am happy to organize a group if I receive 8 or more interested emails from the community. I have 2 right now, my husband and myself. Join us in demonstrating that we do care about even the lesser of us. Coantact me if you are interested in participating: alex@alexhearsme.com
Here is the informational flyer with the entire event described in detail.
TLP Sleep-out fact sheet 08.doc
Let’s sit under the stars of West Palm Beach and share fellowship for a good cause.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Suggestions for residents experiencing problems...
The Mayor recently announced a HOTLINE for non-emergancy issues.
Let’s use it: 822-2222
Please let me know what kind of response you get.
Also, it may be in your best interest, if you are one of the homes repairing pipes, to keep your corroded pipes. (Besides, you never know when a piece of pipe might come in handy...)
My email is alex@alexhearsme.com.
I want to HEAR from you...
Let’s use it: 822-2222
Please let me know what kind of response you get.
Also, it may be in your best interest, if you are one of the homes repairing pipes, to keep your corroded pipes. (Besides, you never know when a piece of pipe might come in handy...)
My email is alex@alexhearsme.com.
I want to HEAR from you...
MORE ABOUT PINHOLE LEAKS...
I received this email and feel compelled to share it...
South end Homeowner:
Thursday, January 17, 2008 3:04:02 PM
I went by my house at noon to see how the $1800 plumbing re-do was going. I had a nice surprise in my mailbox. My $627 water bill arrived. The last few months my bill has been between $200 and $300. I understand the city forgives one water bill every five years if there is a leak or some other problem. However, the leakage of water at my house will actually be reflected in two water bills — the bill I just received and the next one. I became aware of the first leak two weeks ago. By allowing forgiveness of more than one bill (since it’s the city’s fault,) they could help out the average middle-income person who is struggling to pay for plumbing repairs plus the large water bill.I don’t know how much it is going to cost to fix my driveway where it was cut open in order to reach the pipes. It’s unsightly and unsafe and will have to be repaired by a paving contractor.Thanks for caring about this. What a nightmare.
READ FOR YOURSELF WHAT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED:
The following are links to information pertaining to pinhole leaks in copper pipes:
ToolBase Services is the housing industry's resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems.
http://www.toolbase.org/about.aspx
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
http://www.wssc.dst.md.us/copperpipe/pinhole_charts.cfm
Senate Bill 54 mandated "Task force study report on pinhole leaks" completed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Click here to view the report
South end Homeowner:
Thursday, January 17, 2008 3:04:02 PM
I went by my house at noon to see how the $1800 plumbing re-do was going. I had a nice surprise in my mailbox. My $627 water bill arrived. The last few months my bill has been between $200 and $300. I understand the city forgives one water bill every five years if there is a leak or some other problem. However, the leakage of water at my house will actually be reflected in two water bills — the bill I just received and the next one. I became aware of the first leak two weeks ago. By allowing forgiveness of more than one bill (since it’s the city’s fault,) they could help out the average middle-income person who is struggling to pay for plumbing repairs plus the large water bill.I don’t know how much it is going to cost to fix my driveway where it was cut open in order to reach the pipes. It’s unsightly and unsafe and will have to be repaired by a paving contractor.Thanks for caring about this. What a nightmare.
READ FOR YOURSELF WHAT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED:
The following are links to information pertaining to pinhole leaks in copper pipes:
ToolBase Services is the housing industry's resource for technical information on building products, materials, new technologies, business management, and housing systems.
http://www.toolbase.org/about.aspx
The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC)
http://www.wssc.dst.md.us/copperpipe/pinhole_charts.cfm
Senate Bill 54 mandated "Task force study report on pinhole leaks" completed by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development.
Click here to view the report
WATER PIPE ALERT!!!
The problem is bigger then we are being told...
The south end historic neighborhoods' pipes are bursting.
Plumbers who service West Palm Beach are all very busy addressing calls.
Some say that what they think will be a simple call for service, is actually taking days to address.
Families are paying in the thousands of dollars for repairs to stop the leaks.
Be proactive now and check your systems.
Here is one suggestion to check if you have leaks:
Turn off all the water sources in your home,
then go outside and see if your meter’s dial is still turning.
If it is, you have a leak.
Another suggestion is to go online and check the history of your water bills.
https://onestopshop.wpbgov.com/utilities/default.asp
If you see an unreasonable increase without any change in your usage, you might have a problem.
You may be able to avert a serious rupture if you catch it early.
You will still need to locate the leak and make the repairs, but it will stop external damage to walls or ceilings if it were to burst.
Good luck West Palm Beach residents.
Share this with your neighbor.
(and if you see a plumbing truck on your block, go find out if that's the problem.)
The water crisis is now in our walls as well as our drinking glass.
And they (City Hall) want us to stay optimistic?
The south end historic neighborhoods' pipes are bursting.
Plumbers who service West Palm Beach are all very busy addressing calls.
Some say that what they think will be a simple call for service, is actually taking days to address.
Families are paying in the thousands of dollars for repairs to stop the leaks.
Be proactive now and check your systems.
Here is one suggestion to check if you have leaks:
Turn off all the water sources in your home,
then go outside and see if your meter’s dial is still turning.
If it is, you have a leak.
Another suggestion is to go online and check the history of your water bills.
https://onestopshop.wpbgov.com/utilities/default.asp
If you see an unreasonable increase without any change in your usage, you might have a problem.
You may be able to avert a serious rupture if you catch it early.
You will still need to locate the leak and make the repairs, but it will stop external damage to walls or ceilings if it were to burst.
Good luck West Palm Beach residents.
Share this with your neighbor.
(and if you see a plumbing truck on your block, go find out if that's the problem.)
The water crisis is now in our walls as well as our drinking glass.
And they (City Hall) want us to stay optimistic?
Still MORE about the water...
The situation is getting worse for homeowners with copper pipes.
That would generally be older homes in the eastern communities.
I started hearing about "Swiss cheese" pipes due to excessive chlorine levels back in November.
Many of the homes in the north end began experiencing leaks, then bursting from breaks.
The rash of plumbing issues were always due to corroding copper pipes.
A retired plumber who lives in the north end spoke to me about his daughter’s water pipes and stated that in his 30 years as a plumber, he knew chlorine corrosion when he saw it.
He coined the phrase "Swiss Cheese" corrosion because he explained that it starts as leaks in small pin holes which then get bigger and bigger. Eventually the holes meet and the pipes burst.
Well, it seems that across the "pond", the Town of Palm Beach residents are experiencing the same issues. Remember... they buy water from the City.
Click here: Leaks in copper water pipes reported by more Palm Beach and West Palm residents, businesses
Personally, I prefer Jarlsberg...and no chlorine in my water please...
That would generally be older homes in the eastern communities.
I started hearing about "Swiss cheese" pipes due to excessive chlorine levels back in November.
Many of the homes in the north end began experiencing leaks, then bursting from breaks.
The rash of plumbing issues were always due to corroding copper pipes.
A retired plumber who lives in the north end spoke to me about his daughter’s water pipes and stated that in his 30 years as a plumber, he knew chlorine corrosion when he saw it.
He coined the phrase "Swiss Cheese" corrosion because he explained that it starts as leaks in small pin holes which then get bigger and bigger. Eventually the holes meet and the pipes burst.
Well, it seems that across the "pond", the Town of Palm Beach residents are experiencing the same issues. Remember... they buy water from the City.
Click here: Leaks in copper water pipes reported by more Palm Beach and West Palm residents, businesses
Personally, I prefer Jarlsberg...and no chlorine in my water please...
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Glad I didn't miss the Riverwalk Board Meeting regarding Roebuck Road!
It was a last minute call which alerted me to a meeting called for the Riverwalk Board regarding Roebuck Road Extension. I dropped all other engagements to attend.
Why is it important for an east coast resident of West Palm Beach?
Why would I travel 25 minutes out to the west for an issue about a road in their backyard?
Because, the road will be at the very edge of our water catchment area which affects ALL OF US!
THAT"S RIGHT! It's our drinking water they are playing with!
If you haven’t been informed yet, we have a "situation" with our water supply, and since the "quality" of water hasn’t been, shall we say pleasant , we should all chime in on this "project".
What situation am I referring to?
Well, the issue is a long standing one, which has receive the cursory political attention, but no real resolution, except, as County Commissioner Jeff Koons stated last night, "We pushed the road back as per the agreement of the surrounding communities".
There are current, funded, in the works planning and design, to build a road extention for the residents who live in the acreage, abutting our water catchment area.
Thank you Mr. Koons for pushing the road further into our water basin area. Now we can really rest assured that a possiblity of a potential traffic accidentof a truck carrying gasoline or chemicals will surely give us our own "Valdez" experience.
In today’s environmentally sensitive times, it would seem that leadership should dictate logic, not politics. But as Commissioner Koons shared his wisdom with the group of 50+ residents: "This is a political process and a POLITICAL APPROACH is needed."
Really?
Okay, then what should we poor voters do?
I have a suggestion...vote out the politicians who are not taking this situation to the next level.
County Commissioner Koons admits that "Water is like gold and access is very valuable".
Okay.
That’s a start.
City Commissioner Geri Muoio said: "The City is meeting with 5 environmental agencies and needs the community to get involved."
Okay.
That’s at least an effort.
George Webb (Palm Beach County Engineer) stated: "This (building roads over environmentally sensitive lands) is not unusual for us. We know its environmentally sensitive."
Really?
Okay then...
Why are we still moving forward at the speed of a fast moving train?
This was the reason given:
During a workshop to fund the project (which wasn’t even on the list) Royal Palm Beach residents lobbied the county Commission so that they (RPB) could have a reliever road out of the acreage.
All the elected officials present agreed:
"There’s a lesson here for all of you in Riverwalk, get active."
Funny... I have always seen Riverwalk as a very ACTIVE and ENGAGED community.
Haven’t they been bringing attention to this issue for years?
One resident even shared last night that they have been vocal for 11 years.
But credit goes to City Commissioner Muoio who made the statement:
"Community WATCHDOGS are very important to the process."
(Thank you for that acknowledgment. I should know because that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 9 years. I appreciate the acknowledged valued of my service.)
(Oh by the way, and here’s a news alert.
A bit of information shared, which drew gasp from the audience:
There are an additional 2,000 new homes now approved for development that we need to accommodate.)
So why are we asking the same elected officials who approved development plans (probably with variances and waivers) to help us now with the problems they created?
Back to (as stated by our elected officials) why we MUST move forward with the Roebuck Road extension:
County Commissioner Koons: "It’s a policy decision made by the board..." ... the board you sit on Mr. Koons? Aren’t you a voting member of that body?
City Commissioner Muoio: "Its not Commissioner Koons fault or Mr. Webb’s. They (I think she was referring to the County Commissioners) were lobbied by Royal Palm Beach."
George Webb (County Road Engineer): "There’s a proposed connection to Persimmon Road. "
Okay then...we understand the history,
we know the "stated" positions of our elected representatives,
and we see what the realities are before us...
so tell us now...
what are you going to do about it?
City Commissioner Muoio: Meetings with environmental agencies and requests for an environmental study, not an assessment...
County Commissioner Koons: Meetings, meetings and more meetings have occured, he said. But don’t fear residents...he is going to facilitate an air boat ride for his fellow county commissioners through the water catchment area... (no comment...although I could have a lot of fun with that statement!)
(Please help yourself to fun reading or scroll down past the italics to the rest of my reporting of last night's show...the following is from a document which was sent by County Commissioner Koons in a Newsletter to a constituent.)
Why is it important for an east coast resident of West Palm Beach?
Why would I travel 25 minutes out to the west for an issue about a road in their backyard?
Because, the road will be at the very edge of our water catchment area which affects ALL OF US!
THAT"S RIGHT! It's our drinking water they are playing with!
If you haven’t been informed yet, we have a "situation" with our water supply, and since the "quality" of water hasn’t been, shall we say pleasant , we should all chime in on this "project".
What situation am I referring to?
Well, the issue is a long standing one, which has receive the cursory political attention, but no real resolution, except, as County Commissioner Jeff Koons stated last night, "We pushed the road back as per the agreement of the surrounding communities".
There are current, funded, in the works planning and design, to build a road extention for the residents who live in the acreage, abutting our water catchment area.
Thank you Mr. Koons for pushing the road further into our water basin area. Now we can really rest assured that a possiblity of a potential traffic accidentof a truck carrying gasoline or chemicals will surely give us our own "Valdez" experience.
In today’s environmentally sensitive times, it would seem that leadership should dictate logic, not politics. But as Commissioner Koons shared his wisdom with the group of 50+ residents: "This is a political process and a POLITICAL APPROACH is needed."
Really?
Okay, then what should we poor voters do?
I have a suggestion...vote out the politicians who are not taking this situation to the next level.
County Commissioner Koons admits that "Water is like gold and access is very valuable".
Okay.
That’s a start.
City Commissioner Geri Muoio said: "The City is meeting with 5 environmental agencies and needs the community to get involved."
Okay.
That’s at least an effort.
George Webb (Palm Beach County Engineer) stated: "This (building roads over environmentally sensitive lands) is not unusual for us. We know its environmentally sensitive."
Really?
Okay then...
Why are we still moving forward at the speed of a fast moving train?
This was the reason given:
During a workshop to fund the project (which wasn’t even on the list) Royal Palm Beach residents lobbied the county Commission so that they (RPB) could have a reliever road out of the acreage.
All the elected officials present agreed:
"There’s a lesson here for all of you in Riverwalk, get active."
Funny... I have always seen Riverwalk as a very ACTIVE and ENGAGED community.
Haven’t they been bringing attention to this issue for years?
One resident even shared last night that they have been vocal for 11 years.
But credit goes to City Commissioner Muoio who made the statement:
"Community WATCHDOGS are very important to the process."
(Thank you for that acknowledgment. I should know because that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 9 years. I appreciate the acknowledged valued of my service.)
(Oh by the way, and here’s a news alert.
A bit of information shared, which drew gasp from the audience:
There are an additional 2,000 new homes now approved for development that we need to accommodate.)
So why are we asking the same elected officials who approved development plans (probably with variances and waivers) to help us now with the problems they created?
Back to (as stated by our elected officials) why we MUST move forward with the Roebuck Road extension:
County Commissioner Koons: "It’s a policy decision made by the board..." ... the board you sit on Mr. Koons? Aren’t you a voting member of that body?
City Commissioner Muoio: "Its not Commissioner Koons fault or Mr. Webb’s. They (I think she was referring to the County Commissioners) were lobbied by Royal Palm Beach."
George Webb (County Road Engineer): "There’s a proposed connection to Persimmon Road. "
Okay then...we understand the history,
we know the "stated" positions of our elected representatives,
and we see what the realities are before us...
so tell us now...
what are you going to do about it?
City Commissioner Muoio: Meetings with environmental agencies and requests for an environmental study, not an assessment...
County Commissioner Koons: Meetings, meetings and more meetings have occured, he said. But don’t fear residents...he is going to facilitate an air boat ride for his fellow county commissioners through the water catchment area... (no comment...although I could have a lot of fun with that statement!)
(Please help yourself to fun reading or scroll down past the italics to the rest of my reporting of last night's show...the following is from a document which was sent by County Commissioner Koons in a Newsletter to a constituent.)
Our Tallahassee Top Ten
By Commissioner Jeff Koons
The 2008
Florida Legislative Session gets underway the first week in March, and with more
state-mandated cuts in property tax revenue looming this year, our lobbying
efforts in Tallahassee will be more important than ever. County staff has
identified 44 legislative priorities, appropriation requests and support issues
that I hope state lawmakers will support.
Our number one priority is a
funding request of $3.5 million for the Lake Region Water Treatment Plant. It is
absolutely crucial that we get this state-of-the-art reverse-osmosis facility up
and running to replace obsolete municipal water treatment plants in the Glades.
The County facility will draw from the Floridan Aquifer rather than Lake
Okeechobee, freeing up surface water supply for restoration of the Everglades
and producing up to 10 million gallons per day of high quality drinking water
for thousands of residents.
Number two will be the elimination of unfunded
state mandates and cost shifts. With local tax revenues being reduced, it is
unreasonable to force local governments to operate some state programs without
any state funding. In recent years, we’ve had to shell out $4.2 million to
create and operate the Regional Transportation Authority and $4.8 million for
Juvenile Justice pretrial disposition. These are state programs that the state
should be paying for.
The number three priority is elimination of a
particularly sneaky cost shift that siphons locally raised communications tax
revenue and gives it to fiscally-constrained counties elsewhere. It may seem
altruistic for wealthier counties to assist poorer ones. But this measure also
takes money from municipalities such as Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay that
are in worse financial shape than the counties they subsidize. The Legislature
must find a less crippling alternative revenue source for needy counties.
We will be seeking environmental
funding for the Lake Worth Lagoon Partnership Grant Program ($5.25 million),
beach and inlet management projects ($7.29 million), and the Chain of Lakes
restoration ($1.5 million).
Transportation will get a lot of attention this
session, as well. We’re requesting a total of $20 million to widen Beeline
Highway and Congress Avenue and extend State Road 7 north into The Acreage --
three state road projects that Palm Beach County has agreed to do in order to
expedite the process.
Rounding out our top 10 list are
requests of $1.9 million for a new DMV building, $400,000 for the Juvenile
Assessment Center and $350,000 for the Glades Region Agricultural Program.
One new issue this year is a legislative request to require private
insurance companies to cover essential autism treatment for children. Such
treatments are covered by Medicaid and the Department of Children and Families,
but only for those who are indigent or have filed bankruptcy.
As always, I
welcome your comments and questions. Please feel free to contact me or my staff
at 355-2202.So where did it all end last night?
The saddest statement (which was meant as a joke, but is no laughing matter) was when the suggestion was made that perhaps someday the road might be named "Koons Blvd."Now let me speak seriously to those who have made it through to the end of this post:
I hope I speak for you...I know I speak for myself, so here is my voice...
I am dead serious when I say that it's not only about the noise or the "in my backyard" issues that affect Riverwalk residents.Its about what’s in our drinking glass.
Its about our water supply.
Its about our health.
More importantly, it about our future generations and how we protect them today with logical decisions.
Enough meetings!
Enough pandering!
We demand action!
I appreciate that the Mayor has taken a pro-active stance (As my opponent stated last night to the audience: "On my way out here, the Mayor called me to tell me... she’s with you guys.").I believe that her intention is to see this extension stopped. However, she is a political force and Commissioner Koons told us last night "it’s a political process". So I need to ask the question: Is there something going on here we don't know, regarding the process? Some of you may think this is a low blow, but when Commissioner Koons closed the meeting last night, he closed it with an endorsement of the Commissioner who I am challenging...I ask that you be the judge.
As for the environmental study, I believe it may be moot or too late, but let's do it anyway.It just may be a political action to say they are doing something or it just may be their best idea...
I SAY, NOT GOOD ENOUGH.
So what would be my best idea?
We all have bosses.
For elected officials it’s the VOTING public.
For governmental entities there is a chain of command.
So I say, take it to the next level.
Take it to the Governor's office.
This is a vital health and safety issue for hundreds and thousands of residents in Palm Beach County. (Remember, they already know it's an environmentally sensitive area, but maybe an air boat ride will reaffirm that.)
The higher powers of government can and must intervene.
We need to take this to someone who can stop this plan.
It’s a bad plan. Logic shows us that.
And in government, nothing is done until its done...like a new city hall.If the political leaders believe, as commissioner Koons stated, that this is a "political process", then they must take the "political process" to the next level.
So should we.
Vote for new ideas and leadership, March 11th.If they haven’t gotten us there yet, then when...the clock is ticking and our water is in danger.
So that’s my idea.
Change the law, and the plan, from Tallahassee... because I don’t think they hear us here.(please refer to these links for more information which relates indirectly to Roebuck Road concerning the State Road 7 extention.)
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
FINALLY! ...PUBLIC COMMENT...
Sorry, its 11:00pm.
The public went home!
No public comment this week...except for a fire union member who spoke to a fire department legal issue.
My public comment on the meeting is on at the 349:00 minute mark...check it out if you want to know my position.
The public went home!
No public comment this week...except for a fire union member who spoke to a fire department legal issue.
My public comment on the meeting is on at the 349:00 minute mark...check it out if you want to know my position.
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES DEPARTMENT PRESENTATION
WOW!
This meeting should be witnessed from start to finish by every resident in West Palm Beach.
I know I'm dreaming when I hope for such an interest in something as dry as plan review processing, but let me say this:
The presentation was well presented (thank you staff),
clearly explained (thank you staff)
and very (shall I say) enlightening...
Check it out!
(Warning: Its over 4 hours long!)
http://tv.cityofwpb.com/mediasite/viewer/FrontEnd/Front.aspx?&shouldResize=False
Please watch at least the last hour and a half (start it at the 256:00 minute marker)... that's the most interesting part!
I am sad for our City!
Do they even know in the end what they voted on?
I'm still not sure.
I have requested a copy of the changed and altered resolution... or was it changed?
I'm not sure...
But wait!
We still have City Commission Public Comment coming up...
This meeting should be witnessed from start to finish by every resident in West Palm Beach.
I know I'm dreaming when I hope for such an interest in something as dry as plan review processing, but let me say this:
The presentation was well presented (thank you staff),
clearly explained (thank you staff)
and very (shall I say) enlightening...
Check it out!
(Warning: Its over 4 hours long!)
http://tv.cityofwpb.com/mediasite/viewer/FrontEnd/Front.aspx?&shouldResize=False
Please watch at least the last hour and a half (start it at the 256:00 minute marker)... that's the most interesting part!
I am sad for our City!
Do they even know in the end what they voted on?
I'm still not sure.
I have requested a copy of the changed and altered resolution... or was it changed?
I'm not sure...
But wait!
We still have City Commission Public Comment coming up...
Still waiting for Public Comment?
Guess what?
You'll have to wait.
There's a CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TIME CERTAIN PRESENTATION AT 5:30PM.
Sorry Public, you can't comment yet.
You'll have to wait until this presentation is done.
Have a seat, it will prove to be very enlightening...
You'll have to wait.
There's a CONSTRUCTION SERVICES TIME CERTAIN PRESENTATION AT 5:30PM.
Sorry Public, you can't comment yet.
You'll have to wait until this presentation is done.
Have a seat, it will prove to be very enlightening...
City Commission Meeting , January 14, 2008
FYI: Pass/Fail Agenda link below:
http://www.cityofwpb.com/meetings/agenda/cc-08-01-14-Commission_Meeting_PassslashFail_Agenda_January_14comma_2008.pdf
This would have otherwise been a short meeting if it had not been for 2 members of the public who facilitated the need for dialogue on the dais. Thank goodness for City Watchdogs!
Two issues of importance came forward:
one south end related,
one north end related.
The south end issue: (Item 26) Pertained to a dock approval near Summa Beach.
It was thankfully tabled until photographs could be provided to clearly indicate where exactly it was going to be built. South end should pay close attention to this one. Thank you Gail Levine for raising the flag on this one and Commissioner Mitchell for insisting on more information.
The north end issue: (Item 27) Barcelona Square is now an apartment building with 265 units, with portions reaching eight stories.
If you want to know more, email me.
The vote was 4-1 for approval.
A special note to my neighbors and friends in the north end:
Remember Neil Kosokoff?
He is no longer the owner of this project and the development has been significantly altered.
The new developers are Lane Development out of Tampa.
The name of the development is Barcelona Square Limited Partnership.
Just thought you might want to know...
So now for Public comment...
NO, not yet...we have a presentation scheduled for 5:00pm...Kaleidoscope 2008.
Okay, after that, we will here from the public...maybe!
http://www.cityofwpb.com/meetings/agenda/cc-08-01-14-Commission_Meeting_PassslashFail_Agenda_January_14comma_2008.pdf
This would have otherwise been a short meeting if it had not been for 2 members of the public who facilitated the need for dialogue on the dais. Thank goodness for City Watchdogs!
Two issues of importance came forward:
one south end related,
one north end related.
The south end issue: (Item 26) Pertained to a dock approval near Summa Beach.
It was thankfully tabled until photographs could be provided to clearly indicate where exactly it was going to be built. South end should pay close attention to this one. Thank you Gail Levine for raising the flag on this one and Commissioner Mitchell for insisting on more information.
The north end issue: (Item 27) Barcelona Square is now an apartment building with 265 units, with portions reaching eight stories.
If you want to know more, email me.
The vote was 4-1 for approval.
A special note to my neighbors and friends in the north end:
Remember Neil Kosokoff?
He is no longer the owner of this project and the development has been significantly altered.
The new developers are Lane Development out of Tampa.
The name of the development is Barcelona Square Limited Partnership.
Just thought you might want to know...
So now for Public comment...
NO, not yet...we have a presentation scheduled for 5:00pm...Kaleidoscope 2008.
Okay, after that, we will here from the public...maybe!
CRA Meeting... January 14, 2008 City Commission Chambers
The CRA meeting primarily consisted of a report made by both the Downtown Development Authority "DDA" ( http://www.westpalmbeachdda.com/) and the both the Downtown Community Redeveolpement Agency "CRA" (now referred to as the City Center CRA, and Northwood/Pleasant City CRA Districts.)
Here is the link to the agenda including the PASS/ FAIL notes.
http://www.cityofwpb.com/meetings/agenda/cr-08-01-14-CRA_Meeting_PassslashFail_Agenda_January_14comma_2008.pdf
The presentation primarily addressed the efforts being made by each agency to attract retail and attractions to the CRA district. The tools being used consist mostly of grants and loans to new and existing business. The dollar amounts, both of City dollars invested and private investment dollars was interesting, as well as, a valuable tool for measuring the return on our tax dollar investment. The DDA and CRA are primarily funded by tax dollars. Equally interesting were the numerous programs available for businesses seeking assistance.
Here is the link to the agenda including the PASS/ FAIL notes.
http://www.cityofwpb.com/meetings/agenda/cr-08-01-14-CRA_Meeting_PassslashFail_Agenda_January_14comma_2008.pdf
The presentation primarily addressed the efforts being made by each agency to attract retail and attractions to the CRA district. The tools being used consist mostly of grants and loans to new and existing business. The dollar amounts, both of City dollars invested and private investment dollars was interesting, as well as, a valuable tool for measuring the return on our tax dollar investment. The DDA and CRA are primarily funded by tax dollars. Equally interesting were the numerous programs available for businesses seeking assistance.
I kept asking myself the following 2 questions:
- How are they sharing the information with the public regarding these available dollars (grants & loans) ? The comment was made that it was mostly word of mouth. Have any of you been told that there are funds available as start-up capital or that there exist a 6 month rent subsidy for new businesses downtown? I think it’s a valuable piece of information that should be share throughout the City. Don’t you?
- If the same partnerships were created within neighborhood associations, that exist downtown, wouldn’t we the residents (who ultimately are the consumers for these business, be able to create synergies of improvements in our communities?) Aside from the neighborhood grants of $5,000.00 which are available for qualified associations, wouldn’t an effort to improve our residential streets with well co-ordinated programs also assist us? Hmmm...
- Where’s the larger financial report on the bonds, taxing funds and City revenues? As a Board, the CRA members should be looking this over regularly. There are many dollars changing hands and a clear picture is essential to establishing its highest and best use. I would be asking for a financial report at every meeting. We do it on every other board I have sat on. Why not this one? Just a thought...
This meeting rolled right into the City Commission Meeting which started at 3:00pm...
Remember, public comment?
Public Comment isn't until 5:00pm when the business portion of the meeting is over...stay tuned...
So much to share... and pass on!
Yesterday was a long day if you were a City Commissioner (or Mayor) of the City of West Palm Beach. The meeting calendar began at 1:30pm with a presentation from the CRA, then moved right into the City Commission Meeting (which continues to begin at 3:00pm over objections of the public), which then entered the 5:00 o’clock hour, at which point it has typically been stated that Public Comment (remarks from the general public) are heard. Except for yesterday, when a presentation of Kaleidoscope Event (http://www.wpb.org/kaleidoscope/) filling the room with children and proud parents.
It really was a beautiful site to see so many organizations represented in the City’s effort to celebrate diversity. I was a member on the committee which developed the Kaleidoscope Event in 1999 and 2000. It won accolades at the International Festivals & Events Association, Gold Pinnacle Award in the category of "Best Educational Program" for the years 1998, 1999 and 2000. I have watched it grow and am very proud of the participation and empowerment it provides our youth through partnerships with clubs, organizations and schools. I strongly urge the community to attend this event January 27th from 10:00am - 5:00pm, on Flagler behind the Library. Come out and see your tax dollars at work helping children find creative ways to contribute to society.But I digress...back to public comment...
well, not yet ... first let me share about the CRA meeting...
Monday, January 14, 2008
I am stepping up...please stand up with me.
On January 7th, 2008, at 2:00pm, I signed an Oath of Candidacy to place myself on the ballot as a choice for our community come March 11th , 2008. I am taking my advocacy to the next level of service.
I do this as a service to the City I have called home for 44 years.
This is my hometown.
I love this City.
The reason I love the City isn’t because of the weather, I could get the same climate in other towns surrounding us; its because of the people. The residents, specifically my neighbors, both close by and far away, are amazing citizens. We have fought together, celebrated together, cried together and lived together, all the time realizing that unless we remain together in our desire for good governance and leadership, we will fall apart.
I have enjoyed being a watchdog for our City.
I hope now I can be a service dog as your commissioner.
I can promise you this... I will not be a lap dog, ever.
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