Inquisitor General confronts Rachel Waterman

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Wes Blackman asked candidate Rachel Waterman a series of questions that he and his friends wanted answered. Following are the questions and answers that have been posted fairly and accurately to the best of my ability. Some of the questions, however, were not what I would call fair, i.e., #1.

1. Question: In Today's post she says she better represents the "diversity of Lake Worth." Since in Lake Worth diversity means those that want businesses and growth and those that don't, how does she plan to bridge that gap? (totally ridiculous and false assumption) What are her plans for growth? What types of business will she hope to attract, and how?
ANSWER: I am eager to work with both existing businesses and current residents to determine the right mix of businesses. I am interested in commercial inventories, a reanalysis of labor and demographic data now that we have 2010 census info, marketing strategies to attract businesses utilizing that data and looking specifically at industries for the park of commerce particularly those that lend themselves to job creation, commercial redevelopment along Dixie, and finding ways to incentivize revitalization of the South Federal motel/hotel corridor as a key component of our tourism infrastructure. We need to involve our Latino-owned businesses and Haitian-owned business more. We need to serve as a conduit for our businesses about resources available to them for job creation bonuses, infrastructure and capital development, and more. I would like to work with the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Association to address their concerns and provide them with support.

2. QUESTION: What are her plans, if any, for the Gulfstream Hotel?
ANSWER:I don’t have any plans for the Gulfstream. It is a beautiful property. I would be thrilled for it to be re-opened and once again be an asset to our community.

3. QUESTION: Why did she do a 180 on her response re running in November and the chicken issue between the Playhouse and the Eden Place/College Park forums?
ANSWER: I was nervous, it was my first question and I did not answer it clearly. I am honored to have won 41% of the vote in the special election and hope to serve as Mayor now and into the regular two year term. My opponents twisted my words regarding the chickens issue. I think the chicken issue is divisive and not appropriate to bring forward as we have critical financial and public safety issues to address.

4. QUESTION: What, honestly, is her commitment re November?
ANSWER: will be running in November.

5. QUESTION: What, honestly, is her position on chickens?
ANSWER: I eat chicken. I eat eggs. I think having chickens in the city is divisive and distracting from more important work that needs to be done.

6. QUESTION: What is her relationship with Cara Jennings? I am sure that she knows that 802 North A is where Cara used to live since she said the owner is an "old friend"?
ANSWER: My friend has owned it since 1995, according to PAPA. According to Ray, Cara has never been a resident in his home as long as he has owned the property. I think your reader has inaccurate information. Cara and I have mutual friends, but we are not directly friends.

7. QUESTION: What is the story behind all her foreclosures and liens?
ANSWER: I worked for an organization affected severely by the economic downturn and ultimately was closed. I was unable to sustain my financial obligations without an income and eventually lost my home and rental property. I am one of the 250,000 families in Florida that have dealt with a foreclosure since 2007.

8. QUESTION: When, honestly, did she move to Lake Worth (this time) (she was homesteaded in Brevard County in 2010 and on the Pleasant City (WPB) board in 2010) and what can she do to make us believe that she is here for the long run?
ANSWER: I moved back to Lake Worth on September 1, 2009. My husband stayed behind in Brevard County at our home as his studio was there. I never served on the Pleasant City Board. Again,you have incorrect information. I love Lake Worth and plan to raise my family here. I moved back because I am committed to Lake Worth.

9. QUESTION: I would ask Waterman to prove she has actually lived here 6 months, explain her multiple foreclosures and other financial woes and how she can any investment in lake worth if she I'd not even paying rent
ANSWER: My residency was established in order for me to run for office. I am financially and personally invested in the city – from my children taking dance classes downtown, to my husband running his art studio/foundry, we are invested. I am willing to adjust my lifestyle to accommodate the small salary provided as mayor supplemented by my contracts with clients.

10. QUESTION: I'd like to know Are the 3 foreclosures (one with 7 WPB liens filed against it) filed in Palm Beach County under the name Rachel B. Waterman as a defendant, her? If so how can she make sound fiscal decisions regarding the management of Lake Worth? Explain, explain, explain. Please verify your information. 7 liens have never been filed. There is one that was reprocessed
ANSWER: Being one of the 250.000 families in Florida that have dealt with a foreclosure since 2007 is a reality many are facing due to the economy. I have run a successful business as does my husband. I have been the Director of two non-profits – all qualities that show I am able to make sound fiscal decisions.

11. QUESTION: What action does she think City needs to take toward resolving outstanding unpaid liens, stepping up code enforcement, the present foreclosure crisis and an on going and growing reduction in property tax income to LW? How will the city provide services without revenue?
ANSWER: I think we need to utilize all tools within our power to address unpaid liens; have fair and uniformly applied code enforcement; and address absentee landlord issues. We need to support the CRA and other organizations in their efforts to transform foreclosed properties into affordable homes for new home buyers. We need to be firm with bank-owned properties to ensure they are well maintained and do not present public safety or public heath risks. We need to increase revenue streams. This is why I am the best candidate for mayor. I know how to utilize existing tools and programs to attract multiple revenue streams for projects; how to leverage funding through matching grants and community loan fund initiatives; and I am creative and innovation in program design, budgeting, and implementing processes that streamline service provision enabling staff to increase results with less staff. I have worked in increasingly restrictive budgetary environments most of my professional career and have the skills to address the current fiscal situation in Lake Worth. Anyone can make things work in times of surplus with a blank check. But, I have the skills to accomplish results in an environment with less resources and less staff.

12. QUESTION: Her address listed on the PBC cases is in Mims, FL, when did she move to Lake Worth and for what reason?
ANSWER: I have answered these questions. Please see above.

13. QUESTION: There is a Brevard county case Discover Bank vs. Rachel B. Waterman for indebtedness - is this her?
ANSWER: I am unaware of this case.

14. QUESTION: There is a Brevard county mortgage against property in the amount of $375,000 listing Rachel B.Waterman as the mortgagor. Is this her?
ANSWER: Yes, this was my home.

15. QUESTION: I have a couple of things that I’m wanting some clarification on, in the PBP article in February she said; "Lake Worth has a personality. It has a vibe. We live in a town where the right-wings are Democrats. There is money in social progressivism." How does Lake Worth make money on “social progressivism”?
ANSWER: By marketing our community to other socially progressive communities and niche markets. By marketing LW in GLBT media outlets, for example. We have to recognize that the socially progressive nature of Lake Worth is relatively unique and we should be capitalizing on it for tourism development purposes, to attract new businesses that either cater to this population or owned by people who would want to live in our type of community, as well as new homeowners looking for what we uniquely have to offer.

16. QUESTION: Could you ask her if Cara decided to run for mayor in November would she dropout of the race in November. Or, maybe you might ask her this; earlier this year Cara asked on her FB page, "I am taking a poll...do you think I should run for Lake Worth Mayor in the special election on June 28?" Waterman's response: Yippee! I'll campaign for you!!!!!!
ANSWER: I will not drop out of the race. My family and I have invested much time and effort in my Mayoral bid and I take seriously the path I have chosen. My fb response was before I ever considered running

17. QUESTION: Did she talk with Cara and asked her for her support before she decided to run for Mayor?
ANSWER: No – I spoke with my husband.

18. QUESTION: Ask her about the census job and her Cara connection
ANSWER: I was hired by the Census to lead the Group Quarters Enumeration Process. The team I led finished with the highest quality rating in the district in the least amount of time (second only to one other office in GA). As such I was offered the position to lead the enumeration of the entire city of Lake Worth and beyond, supervising 178 local employees and accomplishing the entire door to door canvassing operation in less than 6 weeks. There was no connection with Cara.

19. QUESTION: There seems to be a general concern about your personal financial condition, the need for you to do private work related to your profession in order to earn money and how that will be balanced between your commitment as Mayor of Lake Worth and being a mother of two.
ANSWER: For decades women have proven that they can work and raise a family. Like other elected officials who work outside of their city workload, so will I. I wonder if Dave Vespo was asked this question when he ran for office with a young child and a job at the bank.