Wellington finally has winners for its hotly debated March 13 election: Bob Margolis for mayor, John Greene for seat 1 and Matt Willhite for seat 4.
Read the rest of the story.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Maurici and Milton on television tomorrow
Comment Up
Maurici's Salon and Spa and Milton's Grooming Parlor invite you to join us in viewing a program filmed earlier in the month by WPBF 25 highlighting Maurici's Salon and Spa and Milton's Grooming Parlor in the Plaza del Mar!
The program is titled 'UP CLOSE - Profiles on Unique Individuals in our Community' and it is scheduled to be aired this Sunday, April 1st, at 11:00 p.m. WPBF25 is Channel 10 in most areas but check your local listings. We will be watching with you!
Maurici's Salon and Spa and Milton's Grooming Parlor invite you to join us in viewing a program filmed earlier in the month by WPBF 25 highlighting Maurici's Salon and Spa and Milton's Grooming Parlor in the Plaza del Mar!
The program is titled 'UP CLOSE - Profiles on Unique Individuals in our Community' and it is scheduled to be aired this Sunday, April 1st, at 11:00 p.m. WPBF25 is Channel 10 in most areas but check your local listings. We will be watching with you!
Have A Wonderful Day
Maurici & Milton
Maurici & Milton
Quote of the Day - Allen West
“I personally have deep convictions about my children having a financially stable country that they can live in. I want my daughters to have the opportunities that I had, and that's what concerns me. That's what keeps me up awake at night, not worrying about who's sleeping with who.
~ Congressman Allen West
Allen West being attacked by mysterious group
Allen West Attacked by AstroTurf Leftist Organization
The continued assault on Congressman Allen West by the progressive/Democrat establishment has taken a new twist as a mysterious group is now soliciting prospective protesters online and paying them for their “protesting” services. Must Read and Share at Shark Tank...
Hey, all of you left-wing liberal nuts who are stalking West and don't have a job, get goin...this is absolute creative capitalism and it might free up your time reporting to the unemployment office and get you off of that park bench.
The continued assault on Congressman Allen West by the progressive/Democrat establishment has taken a new twist as a mysterious group is now soliciting prospective protesters online and paying them for their “protesting” services. Must Read and Share at Shark Tank...
Hey, all of you left-wing liberal nuts who are stalking West and don't have a job, get goin...this is absolute creative capitalism and it might free up your time reporting to the unemployment office and get you off of that park bench.
Gov. Rick Scott Talks About Trayvon Case In Orlando - Trayvon Martin Extended Coverage News Story - WESH Orlando
Gov. Rick Scott Talks About Trayvon Case In Orlando - Trayvon Martin Extended Coverage News Story - WESH Orlando
Scott said he cautions the public to rush into a judgment. "I know the public wants answers fast as possible," said Scott. "But we do want to go through the process and all of us expect process and that's what we'll do."
Why is it that only Republicans seem to be showing common sense in this matter?
Scott said he cautions the public to rush into a judgment. "I know the public wants answers fast as possible," said Scott. "But we do want to go through the process and all of us expect process and that's what we'll do."
Why is it that only Republicans seem to be showing common sense in this matter?
Friday, March 30, 2012
Blimp in Lake Worth
Heading south Carrying state-of-the-art camera equipment weighing approximately 250 pounds, the MetLife blimp provides a unique perspective of the action below. The camera has the capability of shooting play-action, as well as the wide angle "beauty shots" traditionally provided by aerial cameras.
The MetLife blimp is equipped with a gyro-stabilized camera mounted on the nose of the gondola. A zoom lens provides up to 80x magnification. This enables the MetLife blimp to capture television shots that can track a golf ball down a fairway or identify the number on the back of a player's jersey.
Lake Worth Tee Shop back in the Game
Comment Up
Now that Fox Surf Shop screwed around with the space at our new casino by accepting a lease at $30 per sq. ft and then changing its mind within days, Lake Worth Tee Shop is back with an offer. In fact there are two offers on the table:
1. $30sq ft and 10%cap on CAM
2. $25sq ft and no cap on CAM
All along, Lake Worth Tee had the right of first refusal but the City jerked them around. On our beach for 25 years, it is still mind boggling that the city did what it did and the commission allowed it to happen.
Now the question is, when will this be presented to the Commission?
Now that Fox Surf Shop screwed around with the space at our new casino by accepting a lease at $30 per sq. ft and then changing its mind within days, Lake Worth Tee Shop is back with an offer. In fact there are two offers on the table:
1. $30sq ft and 10%cap on CAM
2. $25sq ft and no cap on CAM
All along, Lake Worth Tee had the right of first refusal but the City jerked them around. On our beach for 25 years, it is still mind boggling that the city did what it did and the commission allowed it to happen.
Now the question is, when will this be presented to the Commission?
Lake Worth Stars and Heros
Comment Up
Star of the Night
Mayor Pam Triolo--The mayor was surprised by flowers from Commissioner Amoroso and a card signed by those in attendance who all sang Happy Birthday. She was also presented with a strawberry birthday cake that we all got to enjoy after the meeting.
The Most applause
This was a tie between the Mayor for her birthday and Michael Bornstein, our new city manager. Mr. Bornstein's contract was approved last night. He accepted $135,000 (an automatic 10% cut from Susan Stanton's salary), thus beginning his austerity program on executive salaries? Is there anything else left to cut?
The Hero of the Night
Susan Stanton--Without a doubt.
The independent auditors, TCBA Watson Rice LLP, gave a presentation on their report, the Management's Discussion and Analysis, Basic Financials and Budgetary Comparison Schedules for the year ending September 30, 2011. In a nutshell, the city staff worked under stressful conditions due to the falling ad valorem revenue and union contracts from years ago that produced out of whack/higher salaries, incentives and retirement pension costs.
Stanton streamlined the budgets that allowed us to be in the black. She reduced staff that started before her tenure in 2007/08 and continued through her direction. Considering the impossible odds, her budget reductions were phenomenal feats over the last two fiscal years and throughout the 32 months that she was with our city. Through her great strength and ability, and in spite of the constant political torment and harassment of the Vice Mayor, she met the challenge and produced positive results that allowed our city to sustain itself. She literally "gave her all" for Lake Worth and was unjustly rewarded for that effort.
The Good News
The Annual Report is produced in order to give an "overview of the financial position and operations of the City of Lake Worth."
Star of the Night
Mayor Pam Triolo--The mayor was surprised by flowers from Commissioner Amoroso and a card signed by those in attendance who all sang Happy Birthday. She was also presented with a strawberry birthday cake that we all got to enjoy after the meeting.
The Most applause
This was a tie between the Mayor for her birthday and Michael Bornstein, our new city manager. Mr. Bornstein's contract was approved last night. He accepted $135,000 (an automatic 10% cut from Susan Stanton's salary), thus beginning his austerity program on executive salaries? Is there anything else left to cut?
The Hero of the Night
Susan Stanton--Without a doubt.
The independent auditors, TCBA Watson Rice LLP, gave a presentation on their report, the Management's Discussion and Analysis, Basic Financials and Budgetary Comparison Schedules for the year ending September 30, 2011. In a nutshell, the city staff worked under stressful conditions due to the falling ad valorem revenue and union contracts from years ago that produced out of whack/higher salaries, incentives and retirement pension costs.
Stanton streamlined the budgets that allowed us to be in the black. She reduced staff that started before her tenure in 2007/08 and continued through her direction. Considering the impossible odds, her budget reductions were phenomenal feats over the last two fiscal years and throughout the 32 months that she was with our city. Through her great strength and ability, and in spite of the constant political torment and harassment of the Vice Mayor, she met the challenge and produced positive results that allowed our city to sustain itself. She literally "gave her all" for Lake Worth and was unjustly rewarded for that effort.
The Good News
The Annual Report is produced in order to give an "overview of the financial position and operations of the City of Lake Worth."
- In 2011, The City reduced its annual budget by $1.2 million by restructuring and layoffs.
- The City ended the year in the black by $1.5 million. The general fund revenues totaled $30.9 million and the expenditures were $29.5 million with public safety taking 59% of our operating budget even though Susan Stanton had negotiated with the PBSO, reducing its budget by $1.2 million for two years. The PBSO reduced its staff but not the service.
- The Utility plant is operating efficiently and it has increased system reliability and has improved performance.
- We completed our Reverse Osmosis Plant and it opened within Budget.
- The Regional Sewer Utility is still in dispute over prior years' billings and current rates.
- The golf course is under a new business plan to become self-sufficient. There were 42,000 rounds of golf played there last year. We now have a new golf professional and Juan Ruiz, Recreation Director, is on top of it to drive it to success.
- The City owns and maintains 118 acres of parks in addition to the beach and golf course.
- Construction began on the casino and it is scheduled to open in October 2012.
- Public Works replaced nearly 3/4 miles of curb and gutter, 19,000 square feet of sidewalk and renovated the Shuffleboard Court building.
- Leisure services improved our facilities and ball fields
Why I am a Democrat
Comment Up
I sometimes hear the question, "Why are you a Democrat?" and frankly, I have to laugh. Laugh and laugh, because perhaps this person may tire of my laughing, and he will eventually wander off. Sometimes I ponder seriously when I hear this question, because I'll look around and around and there's nobody there asking the question. Why am I a Democrat?
I sometimes hear the question, "Why are you a Democrat?" and frankly, I have to laugh. Laugh and laugh, because perhaps this person may tire of my laughing, and he will eventually wander off. Sometimes I ponder seriously when I hear this question, because I'll look around and around and there's nobody there asking the question. Why am I a Democrat?
I am a Democrat because I believe everyone deserves a chance. And if necessary, a second chance. And if, by the eighth or ninth chance, this guy needs another chance, I mean, come on. This guy is due.
I am a Democrat because I believe in helping those in need. All of us, you and I, have an obligation to those less fortunate. You go first, okay? I'm a little short this week.
I am a Democrat because I believe in the equality of all people, regardless of their race. That is why I think we should give free medical degrees to minorities because, well, duh. Like any of those types are going to make it through medical school.
I am a Democrat because I fervently believe in tolerance. Tolerance is critical in our diverse society, and if you have a problem with that, mister, then I will inform the authorities and I bet that after a few hours in their "special room" you too will agree that tolerance is critical.
I am a Democrat because I believe that we should take our noses out of other people's bedrooms. I say we move the noses to their banks and storage sheds and scout troops, and so forth.
I am a Democrat because I hold sacred freedom of the press, as well as freedom of the TV and freedom of the movie. Where I draw the line is freedom of the talk radio, and don't even get me started about that damn Internet business.
I am a Democrat because I recognize that education is important. Very, very, extremely very important. We must increase spending on education and enact important education reforms, such as eliminating standardized tests. Because we can never hope to measure this beautiful, elusive, important thing we call education.
I am a Democrat because I believe in the separation of church and state. We must stop the religious extremists who want school-sanctioned prayers. Now, you tell me - with all that chanting and praying and incense-burning going on, how can our kids concentrate on the big condom-and-banana midterm?
I am a Democrat because I believe in the rights of women, be they lawyers or housewives or skanky interns. For too long women have been the victims of discrimination, and we must target programs to help these women, and also the various people who have descended from women.
I am a Democrat because I believe in women's right to choose. I mean, not a church school or a tax shelter, or something like that, obviously. Let's be reasonable.
I am a Democrat because I believe in the rule of law. Or, at least, lawyers. Because hey, according to my attorney, I could have been on the Number 7 bus when it crashed yesterday. As far as you know.
I am a Democrat because I believe a healthy economy depends on good jobs at good wages. So fork 'em over, you fat bastard boss man.
I am a Democrat because I believe the government should step in to create good jobs when that fat bastard boss man moves my good job to Mexico. Hey, I know! Maybe we can take all the money that boss man spends on non-job-creating stuff, like solid gold yachts and mink spats, and use that money to create jobs.
I am a Democrat because I fear the power of giant unrestrained monopolies, such as Microsoft, Nike, Parker Brothers, Univac and the Erie Canal Company. The government must wage an unrelenting, all-out war to crush these scary monopolies to a pulp before they get too powerful.
I am a Democrat because I believe in a strong military. Strong, yes, but caring and thoughtful too, and ready to face new challenges. A military that enjoys long strolls on the beach, cuddling in front of a warm fire, unafraid to show its vulnerable side. Must be NS/DDF.
I am a Democrat because I believe there is too much violence in society, especially in our schools. To avoid another Columbine tragedy, we should have mellow "rap" sessions with at-risk teens, such as the Goths. The violence will only end after the teen Goths see that we adults really care, and are "hip" to their groovy teen Goth scene.
I am a Democrat because I believe in campaign finance reform. Sadly, our politics are dominated by advertisements, paid for by the contributions of giant corporations. All too often, these drown out legitimate grassroots opinions, like the kind heard on TimeWarner-AOL-CNN, TimesCorp, or Disney-ABC.
I am a Democrat because I believe in public support of the arts. By "the arts," I of course mean those things made by, or excreted by, an artist of some sort. It is especially important that art be provocative and take controversial stances, like opposing Jesse Helms, and so on.
I am a Democrat because I believe in the environment and conservation. For instance, we must raise the price of gasoline, like they do in Europe, to increase conservation. If we don't, there will soon be a big gas shortage, and this will mean higher gasoline prices for you and me.
I am a Democrat because I detest greed. Especially the sickening greed of those who struck it rich in the 1980s, and greedily refuse to give me any of their stuff.
I am a Democrat because I... hey look! A new episode of Survivor! Geez, I hope they don't vote off Jenna, she's my favorite.
Author Unknown
Thursday, March 29, 2012
The Socialistic State of California
It could be worse--we could live in California!
Has Obama been following their business model?
Has Obama been following their business model?
An Aggressive, Progressive
Comment Up
This one is for all you die-hard Obama supporters--you know, the ones with NO sense of humor--but then, why would they chuckle over Obama spending $17,414,482,614.98 just in February for interest on our national debt? No laughing matter.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for yesterday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13. Of course, we admit that this is a national trend and does not reflect Lake Worth where we have an abundance of social progressives.
Animals that formerly were self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democratic Party. They have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance.
This photo is of a bear in Montana turned Democrat. He's nicknamed Bearack Obearma. It is believed that he has become a campground organizer.
This one is for all you die-hard Obama supporters--you know, the ones with NO sense of humor--but then, why would they chuckle over Obama spending $17,414,482,614.98 just in February for interest on our national debt? No laughing matter.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for yesterday shows that 28% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-one percent (41%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -13. Of course, we admit that this is a national trend and does not reflect Lake Worth where we have an abundance of social progressives.
Bearack Obearma
Animals that formerly were self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democratic Party. They have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance.
This photo is of a bear in Montana turned Democrat. He's nicknamed Bearack Obearma. It is believed that he has become a campground organizer.
Quote of the Day - Allen West on the New Black Panther Party
Comment Up
"I vehemently condemn the bounty poster emanating from the New Black Panther Party putting a $10,000 ransom up for the capture of George Zimmerman and call upon the US Department of Justice to prosecute their actions, clearly a hate crime. We have seen this type of abhorrent behavior from this group previously in 2008 as part of a voter intimidation action, it is reprehensible. To openly solicit for the death of an American citizen, with reward, is not in keeping with the laws of due process which governs this Constitutional Republic. However, this is to be expected when irrational voices dominate our public dialogue and are fueled by an ideological driven media. I am concerned that that the tragic death of Trayvon Martin is being hijacked by malcontents."
~Congressman Allen West
"I vehemently condemn the bounty poster emanating from the New Black Panther Party putting a $10,000 ransom up for the capture of George Zimmerman and call upon the US Department of Justice to prosecute their actions, clearly a hate crime. We have seen this type of abhorrent behavior from this group previously in 2008 as part of a voter intimidation action, it is reprehensible. To openly solicit for the death of an American citizen, with reward, is not in keeping with the laws of due process which governs this Constitutional Republic. However, this is to be expected when irrational voices dominate our public dialogue and are fueled by an ideological driven media. I am concerned that that the tragic death of Trayvon Martin is being hijacked by malcontents."~Congressman Allen West
Break the Glass Wall
The message rang loud and clear: Women broke the glass ceiling, now break the glass walls.
Priscilla Taylor, PB County Commissioner, was the keynote speaker at the first summit for women entrepreneurs on the Boca Raton campus of Palm Beach State College. Boca City Councilwoman Constance Scott and Lake Worth Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill signed on as Growth Acceleration consultants.
The March 23 event was the kickoff of the new monthly Women Entrepreneurs Networking with speakers at 8:30 to 10 a.m. every last Tuesday of the month starting in April at the college's Center for Business and Entrepreneurship.
"Once the workplace opened up to American women, things have never been the same," said Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, the keynote speaker. "We are the engine for growth and we're catching up. Women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate. More than 40 percent of micro loans are going to women."
Read the rest of the story at The Sun Sentinel.
Jeff Clemens needs Money to run for Florida Senate
Comment Up
From: Jeff Clemens <jeff@jeffclemens.net>
To:
Sent: Wed, March 28, 2012 6:30:42 AM
Subject: Clemens for Senate up and running
From: Jeff Clemens <jeff@jeffclemens.net>
To:
Sent: Wed, March 28, 2012 6:30:42 AM
Subject: Clemens for Senate up and running
Hey folks, as you may have read in the newspaper, I am running for State Senate for the open seat that covers Lake Worth, West Palm Beach and Riviera Beach, amongst others. Right now, I'm the only candidate filed in the race.
I need your help. Saturday is the end of the quarter, and I need to try to convince others not to run in this race. Simply put, I need money.
If you have any ability to write a check, or put together a series of checks, I would be greatly appreciative. Even if it's small, anything would help.
The per person, per business contribution limit is $500. But anything is great. Ask your good Democratic friends too!
Even though he does not know it yet, Herman Robinson has volunteered to be a central collection point for these checks at his home on Ocean Breeze (thanks Herman!), or you can get them directly to me, my contact info is below. We need them by Saturday morning, folks.
Thanks, every one of you.
Jeff
Jeff@JeffClemens.net
561.779.7997
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Obama Approval Indexes
Overall, 48% of voters say they at least somewhat approve of the president's job performance. Fifty-one percent (51%) at least somewhat disapprove.
Marco Rubio Working on Amnesty Alternative
Sen. Marco Rubio (Fla.), the only Senate Republican of Hispanic heritage and a possible vice presidential pick, is working on an alternative version of the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, which would grant legal status to illegal immigrants who came to the country at a young age and serve in the military or attend college.
The efforts have unnerved Democratic leaders, who are watching warily — Democrats see their advantage over Republicans among Hispanic voters as one of the party’s greatest strengths in November.
Danny Diaz, a Republican strategist who worked on Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) 2008 presidential campaign, said Republicans recognize they need to improve their image among Hispanic voters. “Hispanics are concerned with the economy first and foremost, but if they perceive a party and its candidates to be hostile to an issue like immigration reform, it disallows the conversation to move forward in any meaningful way,” he added. “Republicans have been hurt by the tone and tenor of the conversation. There’s no disputing that.”
Rubio entered the immigration debate earlier this month during an interview with Geraldo Rivera when he hinted at possible common ground for moving forward.
Rubio said the DREAM Act has “a series of problems” as now drafted.
“I do think there is another way to deal with this,” he said. “And I think that one of the debates that we need to begin to have is a difference between citizenship and legalization.
“You can legalize someone’s status in this country with a significant amount of certainty about their future without placing them on a path toward citizenship, and I think that is something that we can find consensus on,” he said.
The efforts have unnerved Democratic leaders, who are watching warily — Democrats see their advantage over Republicans among Hispanic voters as one of the party’s greatest strengths in November.
Danny Diaz, a Republican strategist who worked on Sen. John McCain’s (R-Ariz.) 2008 presidential campaign, said Republicans recognize they need to improve their image among Hispanic voters. “Hispanics are concerned with the economy first and foremost, but if they perceive a party and its candidates to be hostile to an issue like immigration reform, it disallows the conversation to move forward in any meaningful way,” he added. “Republicans have been hurt by the tone and tenor of the conversation. There’s no disputing that.”
Rubio entered the immigration debate earlier this month during an interview with Geraldo Rivera when he hinted at possible common ground for moving forward.
Rubio said the DREAM Act has “a series of problems” as now drafted.
“I do think there is another way to deal with this,” he said. “And I think that one of the debates that we need to begin to have is a difference between citizenship and legalization.
“You can legalize someone’s status in this country with a significant amount of certainty about their future without placing them on a path toward citizenship, and I think that is something that we can find consensus on,” he said.
Send a fax to Sen. Rubio and express concern with the article in the Hill. Tell him that any amnesty for illegal aliens is just plain wrong when 20 million Americans cannot find a full-time job.
Fax #: (202) 228-0285
Bill Moss Dead
Comment Up
Commissioner Bill Moss found dead.
Current Community Service
2000 - Present
City Commission West Palm Beach
2007 - Present
Board Member Florida League of Cities
2000 - Present
Vice Chair Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. (TDC)
2000 - Present
Board Member Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization. (MPO)
2002 - Present
Board Member and Past President Palm Beach County League of Cities
1997 - Present
Member and Vice-Chair of Palm Beach County's Education & Government Board (TV20)
Commissioner Bill Moss found dead.
Current Community Service
2000 - Present
City Commission West Palm Beach
2007 - Present
Board Member Florida League of Cities
2000 - Present
Vice Chair Palm Beach County Tourist Development Council. (TDC)
2000 - Present
Board Member Palm Beach County Metropolitan Planning Organization. (MPO)
2002 - Present
Board Member and Past President Palm Beach County League of Cities
1997 - Present
Member and Vice-Chair of Palm Beach County's Education & Government Board (TV20)
Setting Sun Lake Worth
Comment Up
With every sunset unique, there is beauty in them all.
I did not expect to get a good photo last night as there were
no clouds but this is what the sky looked like
as the sun was just about to leave the horizon.
The Sun is setting around 7:30 pm.
With every sunset unique, there is beauty in them all.I did not expect to get a good photo last night as there were
no clouds but this is what the sky looked like
as the sun was just about to leave the horizon.
The Sun is setting around 7:30 pm.
Florida House Bill 1381
Local Bill by Clemens
(CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Bernard; Kiar; Rooney West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Palm Beach County
Revises West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority's boundaries.
Effective Date: upon becoming a law
Last Event: Ordered enrolled on Friday, March 09, 2012 4:56 PM
Do you want to get a change in your community? Well, make sure you cozy up to Jeff Clemens and live in his district. It seems that Kimberly Mitchell asked Jeff Clemens to sponsor a bill to change the boundaries of the Downtown Development Authority because she wanted One Watermark Place removed from the DDA boundary.
Residents are being charged $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value and those 1 per-centers feel they are not getting anything for their money. Mitchel set out to please and so did Clemens. Mitchell's reasons to change the boundary was that she thought the DDA redundant because of all the efforts of West Palm Beach as well as their CRA. Clemens reason for going along with Mitchell's request was "Kim Mitchell asked me to do it."
After an MLS search, you can certainly understand why residents have been squawking as One Watermark Place real estate ranges in price from $3,495,000 to $13,900,000.
(CO-SPONSORS) Abruzzo; Bernard; Kiar; Rooney West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, Palm Beach County
Revises West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority's boundaries.
Effective Date: upon becoming a law
Last Event: Ordered enrolled on Friday, March 09, 2012 4:56 PM
Do you want to get a change in your community? Well, make sure you cozy up to Jeff Clemens and live in his district. It seems that Kimberly Mitchell asked Jeff Clemens to sponsor a bill to change the boundaries of the Downtown Development Authority because she wanted One Watermark Place removed from the DDA boundary.
Residents are being charged $1 for every $1,000 of assessed value and those 1 per-centers feel they are not getting anything for their money. Mitchel set out to please and so did Clemens. Mitchell's reasons to change the boundary was that she thought the DDA redundant because of all the efforts of West Palm Beach as well as their CRA. Clemens reason for going along with Mitchell's request was "Kim Mitchell asked me to do it."
After an MLS search, you can certainly understand why residents have been squawking as One Watermark Place real estate ranges in price from $3,495,000 to $13,900,000.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Michael Bornstein Employment Contract
Comment Up
As far as I can tell, this is a standard three year contract negotiated by Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell. Maxwell has a thing against open ended contracts even though you can fire a city manager any time you want. We do that in Lake Worth.
1. Term: 3 years with a 2 year extension
2. 20 weeks severance (the law) for termination without cause plus all accrued vacation, sick or personal pay, all paid within 15 days of termination.
3. Salary: $135,000 a year with yearly review
4. Health insurance, dental and vision coverage
5. sick days: 12 a year
6. Vacation: 15 days a year
7. 10% of salary will be paid into a 401(k) on employee's behalf. Employee not entitled to participate in Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. Option to participate in the ICMA Retirement Corporation under certain conditions.
8. Life insurance premium of $1,000 paid by City. It does not mention the amount of coverage.
9. Professional dues and subscriptions
10. Travel and subsistence expenses to attend ICMA Annual conference, National League of Cities conference, Florida League of Cities conference and other reasonable professional travel and meetings.
11. Pay for bonding
12. If city manager is sued, the City will pay for all the necessary expenses even after is employ if suit is still pending.
13. Provide cell phone and service
14. $500 a month for automobile and reimbursed for mileage for any out of PB County travel on city business
Did the Vice Mayor pull the salary figure out of a hat considering Mr. Bornstein was making just under $100,000 a year in Lantana? Or are we to assume that Maxwell did some heavy negotiating especially as our former city manager (who he could not stand) made $150,000 a year? Or are we to assume that Stanton was more qualified and therefore deserved more salary? I am sure that we will hear it was the former and that this commission saved us $15,000 in salary and saved us the same amount by not hiring a head-hunter.
As far as I can tell, this is a standard three year contract negotiated by Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell. Maxwell has a thing against open ended contracts even though you can fire a city manager any time you want. We do that in Lake Worth.
1. Term: 3 years with a 2 year extension
2. 20 weeks severance (the law) for termination without cause plus all accrued vacation, sick or personal pay, all paid within 15 days of termination.
3. Salary: $135,000 a year with yearly review
4. Health insurance, dental and vision coverage
5. sick days: 12 a year
6. Vacation: 15 days a year
7. 10% of salary will be paid into a 401(k) on employee's behalf. Employee not entitled to participate in Defined Benefit Retirement Plan. Option to participate in the ICMA Retirement Corporation under certain conditions.
8. Life insurance premium of $1,000 paid by City. It does not mention the amount of coverage.
9. Professional dues and subscriptions
10. Travel and subsistence expenses to attend ICMA Annual conference, National League of Cities conference, Florida League of Cities conference and other reasonable professional travel and meetings.
11. Pay for bonding
12. If city manager is sued, the City will pay for all the necessary expenses even after is employ if suit is still pending.
13. Provide cell phone and service
14. $500 a month for automobile and reimbursed for mileage for any out of PB County travel on city business
Did the Vice Mayor pull the salary figure out of a hat considering Mr. Bornstein was making just under $100,000 a year in Lantana? Or are we to assume that Maxwell did some heavy negotiating especially as our former city manager (who he could not stand) made $150,000 a year? Or are we to assume that Stanton was more qualified and therefore deserved more salary? I am sure that we will hear it was the former and that this commission saved us $15,000 in salary and saved us the same amount by not hiring a head-hunter.
Supreme Court & Obamacare
Comment Up
Hard Questions From Supreme Court Justices Over Insurance Mandate
With the fate of President Obama’s health care law hanging in the balance at the Supreme Court today, a lawyer for the administration faced a barrage of skeptical questions from the four of the court’s more conservative justices.
Go to CSPAN3 and listen to live audio on oral arguments.
Read More:
New York Times
Hard Questions From Supreme Court Justices Over Insurance Mandate
With the fate of President Obama’s health care law hanging in the balance at the Supreme Court today, a lawyer for the administration faced a barrage of skeptical questions from the four of the court’s more conservative justices.
Go to CSPAN3 and listen to live audio on oral arguments.
Read More:
New York Times
Mary Areson leaves Lake Worth
Comment Up
One of the nicest people the city had in its employ was Mary Areson-Gardner.
She was the executive secretary to the city manager and we all got to know her over the past several years. She was so much more than a secretary, as most executive secretaries generally are. She was always friendly, cordial, helpful and loyal to Lake Worth and her boss.
I was told that Mary's last day was Friday. She is going back to Australia to be close to an ailing mother. We wish her well. She will be missed.
One of the nicest people the city had in its employ was Mary Areson-Gardner.She was the executive secretary to the city manager and we all got to know her over the past several years. She was so much more than a secretary, as most executive secretaries generally are. She was always friendly, cordial, helpful and loyal to Lake Worth and her boss.
I was told that Mary's last day was Friday. She is going back to Australia to be close to an ailing mother. We wish her well. She will be missed.
You Got It
"Lack of leadership, the first-ever federal credit downgrade, a failed debt deal, unbelievable bail-outs, unemployment nearing record levels, fresh warnings of a double-dip recession, and the most toxic political climate in Washington history" . . . who does this refer to?
You got it. President Obama.
What can we do about it?
You got it. Vote Republican in November.
Lake Worth Golf Course & Lagoon Restaurant
Comment Up
Lake Worth has its own golf pro--Dustin McCabe is a PGA Professional at our very own golfcourse in Lake Worth, FL. The PGA of America comprises 27,000 men and women professionals with one singular goal in mind - to make the game of golf more enjoyable for you. Stop by and visit Dustin at the Golf Shop that has recently been revamped for a fun day of 18 holes of golf at a course located adjacent to a beautiful waterfront setting, visit the Lake Worth Golf Course, 1 7th Ave N., Lake Worth, FL 33460-2717. (561) 582-9713
Last year under our former Lake Worth Commission, it voted unanimously to outsource the maintenance function of the golf course to Valleycrest, which in turn saved the golf course approximately $200,000 in the first year and an estimated half a million dollars over a five year period in maintenance payroll and operating expenses. Since October, the City says that Valleycrest has dramatically turned the golf course around, and now players and members are once again enjoying one of the most unique golf courses in all of Florida.
On March 6 of this year, the City voted unanimously to outsource the bar and grill to DH2 on a five year contract. By awarding the Golf Course Concession agreement, the twenty percent (20%) that the Golf Course will receive from this agreement will cover the operating expenses which entail all utilities used to operate the Lagoon Bar & Grill. We hope that the restaurant improves soon so that not only the golfers can grab a bite to eat but the general public can enjoy breakfast and lunch at our beautiful golf course setting.
Lake Worth has its own golf pro--Dustin McCabe is a PGA Professional at our very own golfcourse in Lake Worth, FL. The PGA of America comprises 27,000 men and women professionals with one singular goal in mind - to make the game of golf more enjoyable for you. Stop by and visit Dustin at the Golf Shop that has recently been revamped for a fun day of 18 holes of golf at a course located adjacent to a beautiful waterfront setting, visit the Lake Worth Golf Course, 1 7th Ave N., Lake Worth, FL 33460-2717. (561) 582-9713
Last year under our former Lake Worth Commission, it voted unanimously to outsource the maintenance function of the golf course to Valleycrest, which in turn saved the golf course approximately $200,000 in the first year and an estimated half a million dollars over a five year period in maintenance payroll and operating expenses. Since October, the City says that Valleycrest has dramatically turned the golf course around, and now players and members are once again enjoying one of the most unique golf courses in all of Florida.
On March 6 of this year, the City voted unanimously to outsource the bar and grill to DH2 on a five year contract. By awarding the Golf Course Concession agreement, the twenty percent (20%) that the Golf Course will receive from this agreement will cover the operating expenses which entail all utilities used to operate the Lagoon Bar & Grill. We hope that the restaurant improves soon so that not only the golfers can grab a bite to eat but the general public can enjoy breakfast and lunch at our beautiful golf course setting.
Criminal caught in Lake Worth
They arrested the bum who was involved in a carjacking with a firearm, aggravated battery and aggravated assault at 18th Avenue North in Lake Worth.
In Jail without Bond. Let's keep these people OFF the streets permanently.
In Jail without Bond. Let's keep these people OFF the streets permanently.
Monday, March 26, 2012
You ever had Jock Itch, asks Rush Limbaugh?
Comment Up
Rush Limbaugh says, “It’s a chafing little rash in there. That’s all they are. That’s as serious as it is. Yeah, just a bunch of little twerps sittin’ around with nothing better to do, trying to occupy themselves.”
Rush calls someone "jock itch." Read why.
Rush Limbaugh says, “It’s a chafing little rash in there. That’s all they are. That’s as serious as it is. Yeah, just a bunch of little twerps sittin’ around with nothing better to do, trying to occupy themselves.”
Rush calls someone "jock itch." Read why.
Don't worry about the Blood, Sweat and Tears, the other guy pays
Comment Up
Actually the American dream has changed. There has been an about face. It used to be you worked hard and reaped the rewards for your blood, sweat and tears.
Whoever said that this isn't the greatest country on Earth? Is it the dozen of losers demonstrating against Congressmen Allen West, a man who believes in fiscal responsibility and wants to keep our country free from harm? Is it all those occupying here and there moaning about everything under the sun? Is it all those freeloaders with their hands out? What about all of those who want a FREE down-payment and a house they can buy for pennies on the real dollar?
Our CRA got $23 million from the government and they must spend it. They are building townhouses on Lucerne when all they have to do is look around at all the empty ones all across town. They want you to come in and see if you qualify for one of their brand new or wholly renovated homes with high efficiency windows to boot. They have to rehab or build 130 houses and are only on their 4th house. That dedication will be on Friday, March 30 at 9:30 am at 511 S. D. Street. Don't miss it.
Actually the American dream has changed. There has been an about face. It used to be you worked hard and reaped the rewards for your blood, sweat and tears.
Whoever said that this isn't the greatest country on Earth? Is it the dozen of losers demonstrating against Congressmen Allen West, a man who believes in fiscal responsibility and wants to keep our country free from harm? Is it all those occupying here and there moaning about everything under the sun? Is it all those freeloaders with their hands out? What about all of those who want a FREE down-payment and a house they can buy for pennies on the real dollar?
Our CRA got $23 million from the government and they must spend it. They are building townhouses on Lucerne when all they have to do is look around at all the empty ones all across town. They want you to come in and see if you qualify for one of their brand new or wholly renovated homes with high efficiency windows to boot. They have to rehab or build 130 houses and are only on their 4th house. That dedication will be on Friday, March 30 at 9:30 am at 511 S. D. Street. Don't miss it.
Lois doing Lake Worth
Comment Up
It wasn't that long ago when Lois Frankel told the citizens in West Palm Beach to go blow smoke. Lois went ahead on a City Center that cost three times the original price. Originally it was to be $50 million but ended up at $154 million without certain components that were promised by Lois.
Citizens formed a political action committee and went out on a petition to stop the madness. Carolyn Wright, Michael Bornstein, Anita Mitchell, Gladys VanOtteren and Patricia High sued Lois and the West Palm Beach Commission. It got to the Appellate Court and the 4th District Court of Appeal rejected a referendum by the opponents of the project who collected more than 6,000 signatures calling for a special vote to decide whether the city hall and library should be moved from their current sites to the old D&D block, which the city purchased. The appeals court affirmed the trial court ruling in that the petitioners came forward too late to force the vote.
Even though there was this legal technicality, Lois didn't listen to the people and now has them all in debt on a project that never should have happened without the vote of the people.
A couple of politicians in Lake Worth were so enamored with Lois' waterfront project that cost another small fortune designed by Michael Singer that Lake Worth hired him on our beach redevelopment. Costs went up 34%. We will be $2 million over budget.
Now Lois is here in Lake Worth looking for the GLBT vote. At election time she panders to groups for votes. Once elected we are all invisible. Tell Lois to stop "doing" us. Tell Lois "no."
It wasn't that long ago when Lois Frankel told the citizens in West Palm Beach to go blow smoke. Lois went ahead on a City Center that cost three times the original price. Originally it was to be $50 million but ended up at $154 million without certain components that were promised by Lois.
Citizens formed a political action committee and went out on a petition to stop the madness. Carolyn Wright, Michael Bornstein, Anita Mitchell, Gladys VanOtteren and Patricia High sued Lois and the West Palm Beach Commission. It got to the Appellate Court and the 4th District Court of Appeal rejected a referendum by the opponents of the project who collected more than 6,000 signatures calling for a special vote to decide whether the city hall and library should be moved from their current sites to the old D&D block, which the city purchased. The appeals court affirmed the trial court ruling in that the petitioners came forward too late to force the vote.
Even though there was this legal technicality, Lois didn't listen to the people and now has them all in debt on a project that never should have happened without the vote of the people.
A couple of politicians in Lake Worth were so enamored with Lois' waterfront project that cost another small fortune designed by Michael Singer that Lake Worth hired him on our beach redevelopment. Costs went up 34%. We will be $2 million over budget.
Now Lois is here in Lake Worth looking for the GLBT vote. At election time she panders to groups for votes. Once elected we are all invisible. Tell Lois to stop "doing" us. Tell Lois "no."
North Dakota has an Idea to stimulate its economy
Comment Up
"The essence of freedom is property rights. It always has been. Yet, if you don't pay the government the tithe that they request, you lose your property, says Robert Hale Co-Author of Property Tax Revolution who says It's Our Home Not Theirs!"
As more and more people across the country are talking and complaining about the high cost of taxes and just trying to survive, voters in North Dakota will have the opportunity to abolish property taxes. In June they will be voting to pass a state constitutional amendment that will abolish taxes on real property and force the state government to stop spending.
A Massachusetts Think Tank says, "Eliminating property taxes would put more than $800 million back in the pockets of property owners, stimulate the economy and create thousands of jobs referencing the study. [Eliminating Property Taxes in North Dakota]
"The essence of freedom is property rights. It always has been. Yet, if you don't pay the government the tithe that they request, you lose your property, says Robert Hale Co-Author of Property Tax Revolution who says It's Our Home Not Theirs!"
As more and more people across the country are talking and complaining about the high cost of taxes and just trying to survive, voters in North Dakota will have the opportunity to abolish property taxes. In June they will be voting to pass a state constitutional amendment that will abolish taxes on real property and force the state government to stop spending.
A Massachusetts Think Tank says, "Eliminating property taxes would put more than $800 million back in the pockets of property owners, stimulate the economy and create thousands of jobs referencing the study. [Eliminating Property Taxes in North Dakota]
Texting while Driving is Deadly
Comment Up
U.S. Rep. Allen West, R-FL, visited Jupiter High School on March 13 to make an announcement on driving and to be part of a safe-driving program that included a dramatic demonstration of the hazards of combining texting and driving.
At least Allen West knows what's deadly and what is not. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that texting while driving can kill even if the Florida Legislature once again adjourned without producing a single distracted driving law.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Quote of the Day - Allen West
Comment Up
Allen West ran 13.1 miles in a footrace for Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies yesterday morning. The Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, also commonly referred to as TPIMS, is a non-profit biomedical research institute "dedicated to the discovery of causes, treatments and cures for a wide variety of diseases and afflictions including heart disease, cancer, AIDS, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, aging-relating conditions, and pain management.
As Allen West said, these people protesting in their blue jeans holding signs probably "should've run with me for 13.1 miles."
"It's a great community, it's a great race, great cause and even the chuckleheads that are out here with these signs, I love them too."
~Rep. Allen West
Allen West ran 13.1 miles in a footrace for Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies yesterday morning. The Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies, also commonly referred to as TPIMS, is a non-profit biomedical research institute "dedicated to the discovery of causes, treatments and cures for a wide variety of diseases and afflictions including heart disease, cancer, AIDS, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, aging-relating conditions, and pain management.
As Allen West said, these people protesting in their blue jeans holding signs probably "should've run with me for 13.1 miles."
Obama on Oil and Gas
A solid majority of Americans think the U.S. government should approve of building the Keystone XL pipeline, while 29% think it should not. Republicans are almost twice as likely as Democrats to want the government to approve the oil pipeline. About half of independents also approve. Read the Gallup Poll.
Increase in oil production touted by Obama occurred almost entirely on non-federal land beyond his control, nonpartisan study finds. Read the Washington Beacon. Now he says we are producing too much oil and gas.
The evidence is mounting that not only do we have more than a century's worth of recoverable oil in the United States alone (even if there is a limit to the earth's oil supply), but that we also actually have a limitless supply of Texas tea because oil is in fact a renewable resource that is being constantly created deep under the earth's surface and which rises upward, where microscopic organisms that thrive in the intense pressure and heat miles below us interact with and alter it. Read article at American Thinker.
The evidence is mounting that not only do we have more than a century's worth of recoverable oil in the United States alone (even if there is a limit to the earth's oil supply), but that we also actually have a limitless supply of Texas tea because oil is in fact a renewable resource that is being constantly created deep under the earth's surface and which rises upward, where microscopic organisms that thrive in the intense pressure and heat miles below us interact with and alter it. Read article at American Thinker.
PrideFest Parade today in Lake Worth
Pride flag at City Hall
Starting at 11:30 in downtown Lake Worth, the 20th annual PrideFest parade will be held followed by the festivities at Bryant Park until 6pm. Downtown streets were closed to traffic at 8am.
Jeff Clemens shows no vanity
Comment Up
In 1983, the Legislature passed a bill allowing lawmakers to purchase special vanity license plates to use while they're in office.
In the Florida Legislature there are 86 legislators (63 in the House and 23 in the Senate) driving with the specialty plates. Four former lawmakers are driving with their specialty plate, a second-degree misdemeanor, according to the state.
Rep. Jeff Clemens briefly regretted his decision to not buy the tag when an officer pulled him over on Interstate 10 en route to Tallahassee last April. He was going 79 in a 70.
"It did cross my mind, would it have been different if I had the plate?" the Lake Worth Democrat said. "It also crossed my mind for a second that I'd spent the entire last legislative session defending the pensions of state workers. But I just kept my mouth shut."
Read the rest of the story.
In 1983, the Legislature passed a bill allowing lawmakers to purchase special vanity license plates to use while they're in office.In the Florida Legislature there are 86 legislators (63 in the House and 23 in the Senate) driving with the specialty plates. Four former lawmakers are driving with their specialty plate, a second-degree misdemeanor, according to the state.
Rep. Jeff Clemens briefly regretted his decision to not buy the tag when an officer pulled him over on Interstate 10 en route to Tallahassee last April. He was going 79 in a 70.
"It did cross my mind, would it have been different if I had the plate?" the Lake Worth Democrat said. "It also crossed my mind for a second that I'd spent the entire last legislative session defending the pensions of state workers. But I just kept my mouth shut."
Read the rest of the story.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
The Democrat who took on the Unions
Comment Up
She wasn't afraid to "walk into the belly of the beast" and tell the unions point-blank that "you were lied to [by former politicians] and the system is broken.
She drove perhaps the boldest pension reform of the last decade through the state's Democratic-controlled General Assembly. The new law shifts all workers from defined-benefit pensions into hybrid plans, which include a modest annuity and a defined-contribution component. It also increases the retirement age to 67 from 62 for all workers and suspends cost-of-living adjustments for retirees until the pension system, which is only about 50% funded, reaches a more healthy state.
Read about The Democrat who took on the Unions and won.
What will Lake Worth do? So far, elected politicians have sucked up to the Unions. We have never had a city administrator with the guts to try and do anything about our unfunded liabilities and union benefits until we hired our former city manager.
She wasn't afraid to "walk into the belly of the beast" and tell the unions point-blank that "you were lied to [by former politicians] and the system is broken.
She drove perhaps the boldest pension reform of the last decade through the state's Democratic-controlled General Assembly. The new law shifts all workers from defined-benefit pensions into hybrid plans, which include a modest annuity and a defined-contribution component. It also increases the retirement age to 67 from 62 for all workers and suspends cost-of-living adjustments for retirees until the pension system, which is only about 50% funded, reaches a more healthy state.
Read about The Democrat who took on the Unions and won.
What will Lake Worth do? So far, elected politicians have sucked up to the Unions. We have never had a city administrator with the guts to try and do anything about our unfunded liabilities and union benefits until we hired our former city manager.
Obama and His Costly "Green" initiatives
"Typical Obama blaming others for things that happen because of his policies and which rewarded his millionaire/billionaire campaign bundlers. Obama's DOE approved the loan. Obama's bundlers lobbied for the loan. Obama's bundlers received $535 million and went bankrupt. Obama continues to prove he is the most well documented liar in US history."
Read more: Obama Now Blames Congress For His Solyndra Fiasco That His Bundlers Fought For and DOE Approved.
A company awarded $126.2 million in stimulus taxpayer funds from the U. S. Department of Energy is under investigation for insider trading according to a federal subpoena obtained by CBS News. Read about more corruption in a company given Obama stimulus.
Falling off a cliff
Comment Up
Surprisingly, this political cartoon was featured in today's Palm Beach Post, a liberal pro Obama newspaper, by Lisa Benson of the Washington Post Writers Group.
This is for all the 371,500 registered Democrats in Palm Beach County. The 242,141 registered Republicans already understand the message.
Surprisingly, this political cartoon was featured in today's Palm Beach Post, a liberal pro Obama newspaper, by Lisa Benson of the Washington Post Writers Group.
This is for all the 371,500 registered Democrats in Palm Beach County. The 242,141 registered Republicans already understand the message.
Somber message from Allen West
Comment Up
on Obamacare--
Two years ago, President Obama said this plan would lead to lower healthcare premiums for families and small businesses. He said it would reduce the deficit. He said it would protect patient choice and let Americans keep their doctors. And he said it would improve access to healthcare.
The fact is, healthcare premiums have increased by $2,200 for the average family.
The latest CBO estimates show the Obamacare will increase the deficit over the next decade.
It is now clear the Americans will not be able to keep their doctors. Medicare was slashed by $575 billion to fund Obamacare, meaning many doctors will no longer be able to afford to treat Medicare patients.
Worst of all, the unelected bureaucrats of the Independent Payment Advisory Board still have the power of life and death.
on Obamacare--
Two years ago, President Obama said this plan would lead to lower healthcare premiums for families and small businesses. He said it would reduce the deficit. He said it would protect patient choice and let Americans keep their doctors. And he said it would improve access to healthcare.
The fact is, healthcare premiums have increased by $2,200 for the average family.
The latest CBO estimates show the Obamacare will increase the deficit over the next decade.
It is now clear the Americans will not be able to keep their doctors. Medicare was slashed by $575 billion to fund Obamacare, meaning many doctors will no longer be able to afford to treat Medicare patients.
Worst of all, the unelected bureaucrats of the Independent Payment Advisory Board still have the power of life and death.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Susan Stanton Finalist in Hallandale
Comment Up
Susan Stanton is on the short list in Hallandale. Perhaps they will have more sense than did Lake Worth and hire her for all her experience and credentials.
Susan Stanton is on the short list in Hallandale. Perhaps they will have more sense than did Lake Worth and hire her for all her experience and credentials.
Obama Speaking Out
Comment Up
Obama Speaks Out About Trayvon Martin. Read Scotty Starnes blog.
He didn’t Speak Out About Black Teens Setting White Teen on Fire or the 10 Killed in Chicago
I knew Obama would get involved in another race issue. Of course, the Trayvon Martin killing is tragic, but we don't know all the details about the case. Obama wanted to speak about it because it involved the killing of a 17-year-old African Americans at the hands of someone not African-American, says Scotty.
Obama didn't speak out about the 10 killed and 49 wounded over the weekend in his hometown of Chicago. This involved African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites. Also, the president never spoke out about the black teens who ran down and set a white teen on fire due to his race...
Obama Speaks Out About Trayvon Martin. Read Scotty Starnes blog.
He didn’t Speak Out About Black Teens Setting White Teen on Fire or the 10 Killed in Chicago
I knew Obama would get involved in another race issue. Of course, the Trayvon Martin killing is tragic, but we don't know all the details about the case. Obama wanted to speak about it because it involved the killing of a 17-year-old African Americans at the hands of someone not African-American, says Scotty.
Obama didn't speak out about the 10 killed and 49 wounded over the weekend in his hometown of Chicago. This involved African-Americans, Hispanics and Whites. Also, the president never spoke out about the black teens who ran down and set a white teen on fire due to his race...
Joe the Plumber needs our help
Comment Up
A message from Joe:
Dear Fellow American,
Remember how the leftwing media crucified Sarah Palin in the 2008 election? Well, now they've made "Joe the Plumber" their new target.
Since winning my primary earlier this month, the media has made it their number one mission to discredit my candidacy and annihilate my character. I've been painted as a bigot, told I'm not qualified to serve in Congress, and lectured on live TV as if I'm a schoolboy in the principal's office.
No, I didn't earn a degree at Harvard, I haven't worked on Wall Street, and I don't make a six-figure salary. I'm a normal American, just like you. I served my country in the military and I've worked day and night to provide for my family. If that doesn't qualify a man to run for Congress, I don't know what does.
Washington insiders are sucking the lifeblood out of America by spending our money with no consequences—what qualifies them to continue to serve? Absolutely nothing that I don't have. So stand with me and send a hard working, commonsense conservative just like you to Congress by following this link right now to make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign.
America was founded on the idea—and our Constitution sets it in law—that people would come out of their communities, represent their constituents—their fellow Americans—and then go back to home. Instead, right now we've got 537 career politicians who have lost touch with the reality of what is happening in America.
That reality is Americans need jobs.
I'm sick of the gossip, the tabloid journalism, and the "gotcha" questions the leftwing media has designed to trap us in trivial dialogues about issues that have absolutely no relevance with the matter at hand: putting Americans back to work. Go ahead and disagree with me all you want on the social issues. But when it comes to creating jobs, lowering taxes and getting rid of the regulations that are strangling our economy—let's have an honest conversation.
If you're ready to start that dialogue and put the seventh grade shenanigans on the backburner, I need to know that you stand with me. Please follow this link to make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign right away.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher
P.S. The leftwing media has me in their crosshairs and they're determined to force me out of this race. But guess what—I'm not going anywhere. As a hardworking American and Air Force veteran, I'm just as qualified to serve in Congress as any of the 537 people there right now. So please stand with me to send a normal, hardworking American like yourself to Congress by making a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign today. Thanks—Joe
A message from Joe:
Dear Fellow American,
Remember how the leftwing media crucified Sarah Palin in the 2008 election? Well, now they've made "Joe the Plumber" their new target.
Since winning my primary earlier this month, the media has made it their number one mission to discredit my candidacy and annihilate my character. I've been painted as a bigot, told I'm not qualified to serve in Congress, and lectured on live TV as if I'm a schoolboy in the principal's office.
No, I didn't earn a degree at Harvard, I haven't worked on Wall Street, and I don't make a six-figure salary. I'm a normal American, just like you. I served my country in the military and I've worked day and night to provide for my family. If that doesn't qualify a man to run for Congress, I don't know what does.
Washington insiders are sucking the lifeblood out of America by spending our money with no consequences—what qualifies them to continue to serve? Absolutely nothing that I don't have. So stand with me and send a hard working, commonsense conservative just like you to Congress by following this link right now to make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign.
America was founded on the idea—and our Constitution sets it in law—that people would come out of their communities, represent their constituents—their fellow Americans—and then go back to home. Instead, right now we've got 537 career politicians who have lost touch with the reality of what is happening in America.
That reality is Americans need jobs.
I'm sick of the gossip, the tabloid journalism, and the "gotcha" questions the leftwing media has designed to trap us in trivial dialogues about issues that have absolutely no relevance with the matter at hand: putting Americans back to work. Go ahead and disagree with me all you want on the social issues. But when it comes to creating jobs, lowering taxes and getting rid of the regulations that are strangling our economy—let's have an honest conversation.
If you're ready to start that dialogue and put the seventh grade shenanigans on the backburner, I need to know that you stand with me. Please follow this link to make a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign right away.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Samuel "Joe the Plumber" Wurzelbacher
P.S. The leftwing media has me in their crosshairs and they're determined to force me out of this race. But guess what—I'm not going anywhere. As a hardworking American and Air Force veteran, I'm just as qualified to serve in Congress as any of the 537 people there right now. So please stand with me to send a normal, hardworking American like yourself to Congress by making a donation of $25, $50, $100, $250 or more to my campaign today. Thanks—Joe
Wind Farm in the Glades - Another "train to nowhere"
Comment Up
Another Scam in Palm Beach County.
With the promise of 300 temporary jobs over nearly 13,000 acres in the heartland of the Everglades as well as the threat of killing off our wildlife by twirling blades, Burt Aaronson, a Palm Beach County Commissioner who never lets us down said, "All these people out of work are endangered species too." The Unions used their clout and lobbied its passing because of jobs. More jobs, more members. More members, more dues. Everyone should know by now that the Unions just cost government billions in wasted money usually to themselves.
Literal beacons of the "green" energy movement, giant wind turbines have been one of the renewable energy sources of choice for the US government, which has spent billions of taxpayer dollars subsidizing their construction and use across the country. But high maintenance costs, high rates of failure, and fluctuating weather conditions that affect energy production render wind turbines expensive and inefficient, which is why more than 14,000 of them have since been abandoned. It is just a matter of time that the wind farm in the Glades will go the same route.
Another Scam in Palm Beach County.
With the promise of 300 temporary jobs over nearly 13,000 acres in the heartland of the Everglades as well as the threat of killing off our wildlife by twirling blades, Burt Aaronson, a Palm Beach County Commissioner who never lets us down said, "All these people out of work are endangered species too." The Unions used their clout and lobbied its passing because of jobs. More jobs, more members. More members, more dues. Everyone should know by now that the Unions just cost government billions in wasted money usually to themselves.
Literal beacons of the "green" energy movement, giant wind turbines have been one of the renewable energy sources of choice for the US government, which has spent billions of taxpayer dollars subsidizing their construction and use across the country. But high maintenance costs, high rates of failure, and fluctuating weather conditions that affect energy production render wind turbines expensive and inefficient, which is why more than 14,000 of them have since been abandoned. It is just a matter of time that the wind farm in the Glades will go the same route.
Before government subsidies for the giant metals were cut or eliminated in many areas, wind farms were an energy boom business. But in the post-tax subsidy era, the costs of maintaining and operating wind turbines far outweighs the minimal power they generate in many areas, which has left a patchwork of wind turbine graveyards in many of the most popular wind farming areas of the US.
Read the rest of the story.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has gathered data on a region-by-region basis to identify the nation’s wind-energy resource.The results of this effort are contained in the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of the United States. The Southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina.
“There is little wind energy potential in the Southeast region for existing wind turbine applications (Zabransky et al. 1981). Even along coastal areas, existing data from exposed sites indicate at best only class 2 at 50 m (164 ft) above ground. The only places in the Southeast region estimated to have class 3 or higher annual average wind resource are the exposed ridge crests and mountain summits confined to northeastern Georgia and extreme northwestern South Carolina.”
Did we eliminate that one wind tower on our beach redevelopment? We waste more money in this country on "trains to nowhere."
New Counterterrorism Guidelines
Comment Up
The Obama administration has approved guidelines that allow counter-terrorism officials to lengthen the period of time they retain information about U.S. residents, even if they have no known connection to terrorism. Read more at The Washington Post.
The Obama administration has approved guidelines that allow counter-terrorism officials to lengthen the period of time they retain information about U.S. residents, even if they have no known connection to terrorism. Read more at The Washington Post.How come you bloody liberals aren't screaming bloody murder?
Happy Birthday - Obama Care is 2 Years old today
Comment Up
"Now administration officials are looking ahead to 2014, when the bulk of the law takes effect, particularly the health care exchanges and subsidies aimed at covering the uninsured. 'We accept the fact that until the full benefits of the bill are implemented, it will be hard to move the opinion of some people,' the senior administration official said.
"Now administration officials are looking ahead to 2014, when the bulk of the law takes effect, particularly the health care exchanges and subsidies aimed at covering the uninsured. 'We accept the fact that until the full benefits of the bill are implemented, it will be hard to move the opinion of some people,' the senior administration official said.
At the same time, White House officials are wary of doing anything ahead of next week’s Supreme Court hearings that could be read as trying to influence the justices. The White House fears that even if events were tied to the second anniversary, they would be framed by the media as related to the court hearings, where the individual mandate to buy insurance—the heart of the law—is being challenged."
Read the rest of the article at The Wall Street Journal. The most pathetic part of this entire thing is that between the Republican and Democratic Parties, they have spent over $264 million dollars on positive and negative campaigns.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Susan Bucher to have a Challenger
Three days after an audit revealed that the Palm Beach County elections office declared the wrong winners in two Wellington council races, Delray Beach Mayor Woodie McDuffie filed papers today to challenge Elections Supervisor Susan Bucher.
Read more.
Read more.
E-Verify Stuck in Committee
House Majority leader Eric Cantor suggests that he can control legislation in the House... but he tells our activists a mandatory E-Verify bill is stuck in committee.
Watch the LIVE webcast today (3/22) at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time to learn more about what Cantor is saying. . .
http://www.NumbersUSA.tv
Watch the LIVE webcast today (3/22) at 3:30 p.m. Eastern time to learn more about what Cantor is saying. . .
http://www.NumbersUSA.tv
A Week in the Life of Rep. Allen West
Highlights of the Week:
- Monday, 12 March, met with Florida State Representatives Snyder and Harrell and Florida State Senator Negron, addressed the Board members of Oculina Bank of St. Lucie County to discuss adverse effects of Dodd-Frank law, conducted our monthly town hall meeting in Jupiter.
- Tuesday, 13 March, visited with ATK Missile products development facility in Palm Beach Gardens to receive an update on latest rocket and missile technology development, conducted a press conference at Jupiter High School in support of HR 1515, the “STANDUP” Act which promotes grants for States which adopt a graduated drivers license program to reduce the effects of teenage driving fatalities, taped a segment for WPTV-5 “To the Point” program with Anchor Michael Williams to discuss pressing issues facing our community and our country, addressed the ASIS Law Enforcement monthly dinner for Security professionals in Palm Beach Gardens on the topic of fiscal, energy, and national security.
- Wednesday, 14 March, conducted our monthly town hall meeting in Broward County at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lighthouse Point, addressed the Fort Lauderdale downtown Rotary Club monthly luncheon on the topic of what the military taught me to prepare me for Congress.
- Thursday, 15 March, flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota to participate in events supporting my freshman colleague Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN), addressed the Minnesota Republican Jewish Coalition on security concerns and the situation in the Middle East, addressed the Minnesota GOP Lincoln-Reagan dinner as the keynote speaker.
- Friday, 16 March, flew to Omaha, Nebraska to participate in several events to support my Congressional colleague Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) to include a very nice rally, also conducted a Defense contractor roundtable and visited USSTRATCOM at Offut AFB for a strategic update and mission brief.
- Saturday, 17 March, started the day with a nice 8.5 mile run along the Keystone trail in Omaha-reminded me of my days being assigned in Kansas running in those wide open spaces, then went over to the home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lincoln, to be the Keynote Speaker for the Lancaster County Republican Party Lincoln-Reagan dinner at the request of my Congressional colleague Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and met Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns.
- Sunday, 18 March, flew back to South Florida, and during layover in Memphis met a young Army Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Riley Kansas in the same Infantry Battalion in which I served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Small world.
- Monday, 12 March, met with Florida State Representatives Snyder and Harrell and Florida State Senator Negron, addressed the Board members of Oculina Bank of St. Lucie County to discuss adverse effects of Dodd-Frank law, conducted our monthly town hall meeting in Jupiter.
- Tuesday, 13 March, visited with ATK Missile products development facility in Palm Beach Gardens to receive an update on latest rocket and missile technology development, conducted a press conference at Jupiter High School in support of HR 1515, the “STANDUP” Act which promotes grants for States which adopt a graduated drivers license program to reduce the effects of teenage driving fatalities, taped a segment for WPTV-5 “To the Point” program with Anchor Michael Williams to discuss pressing issues facing our community and our country, addressed the ASIS Law Enforcement monthly dinner for Security professionals in Palm Beach Gardens on the topic of fiscal, energy, and national security.
- Wednesday, 14 March, conducted our monthly town hall meeting in Broward County at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lighthouse Point, addressed the Fort Lauderdale downtown Rotary Club monthly luncheon on the topic of what the military taught me to prepare me for Congress.
- Thursday, 15 March, flew to Minneapolis, Minnesota to participate in events supporting my freshman colleague Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-MN), addressed the Minnesota Republican Jewish Coalition on security concerns and the situation in the Middle East, addressed the Minnesota GOP Lincoln-Reagan dinner as the keynote speaker.
- Friday, 16 March, flew to Omaha, Nebraska to participate in several events to support my Congressional colleague Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE) to include a very nice rally, also conducted a Defense contractor roundtable and visited USSTRATCOM at Offut AFB for a strategic update and mission brief.
- Saturday, 17 March, started the day with a nice 8.5 mile run along the Keystone trail in Omaha-reminded me of my days being assigned in Kansas running in those wide open spaces, then went over to the home of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Lincoln, to be the Keynote Speaker for the Lancaster County Republican Party Lincoln-Reagan dinner at the request of my Congressional colleague Rep. Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) and met Nebraska Senator Mike Johanns.
- Sunday, 18 March, flew back to South Florida, and during layover in Memphis met a young Army Staff Sergeant assigned to Fort Riley Kansas in the same Infantry Battalion in which I served in Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Small world.
The Gulfstream Hotel For Sale
Comment Up
As so many people have been wondering about The Gulfstream Hotel, here is the latest, unless something has happened since February. As far as I can gather, it is being marketed for sale. Angel Investment Network put out the following. Rumor has it that there is an interested party--
The Gulfstream Hotel entertainment Hotel Complex on the market:
Gulfstream Hotel-- A Boutique Hotel in Lake Worth, FL, relating to 1940's era Jazz club theme would bring high tourism, revenue and employment to this community. There is no competitive competition locally. Community needs a place for socializing.
Required Amount: $10,000,000
Minimum Investment: $10,000,000
Region: Out-of-State
Industry 1: Real Estate
Industry 1: Leisure, Tourism & Hotels
Company/product Stage: Pre-Startup/R&D
Investor Role: Silent
Amount Invested: $40,000
Investment Reason: Finance Acquisition
Package Selected: Investor Referral
Posted: February 3, 2012
Back in July 2005, Schlesinger bought the historic hotel for $12,910,000 paying over double what it sold for only two years before. The hotel is 13,500 sq. ft. situated on 0.399 acres directly across from the Intracoastal Waterway and Bryant Park. It has 106 rooms in 65,456 square-feet and most rooms have a water view.
This is a hotel that survived the Great Depression but did not survive the financial depression we had just a few years ago. Asset Holding Company 5 LLC filed a foreclosure lawsuit against CSC Lake Worth Limited Partnership (Schlesinger) on August 11, 2010 in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. The lawsuit seeks repayment of a $12 million loan, plus the foreclosure of the hotel property." Read more about it HERE.
The Gulfstream Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983--
(added 1983 - - #83001435)
1 Lake Ave. , Lake Worth
This property and its owners have been given favors through waivers and approvals over the years in order to make their investment more valuable. Of course, if you speak with a former P&Z member, it was all done in order to "move the project forward."
Here is a blast from the past where a city manager was willing to sell our public sidewalk to the owners of the Gulfstream Hotel in spite of the fact the city attorney told him he couldn't and that it was illegal. He was going to go forward with it anyway because the commission wanted to do it. Even back in 2007, when the owner wanted to construct a modern looking hotel and spa, a former Chair of our P&Z was retained by him to do background research on his application. These same people are still influential in Lake Worth politics. There are many who still want to build to 100 feet and change the entire appearance of our city.
The Gulfstream Hotel was built around the same time as our original casino. Hopefully, the hotel will be sold soon and the new owner will restore it to a full-fledged hotel that is sorely needed in Lake Worth to get the city prepared for the international tourism we will generate once our Casino is rebuilt to its historical look and feel of the 1920's.
As so many people have been wondering about The Gulfstream Hotel, here is the latest, unless something has happened since February. As far as I can gather, it is being marketed for sale. Angel Investment Network put out the following. Rumor has it that there is an interested party--The Gulfstream Hotel entertainment Hotel Complex on the market:
Gulfstream Hotel-- A Boutique Hotel in Lake Worth, FL, relating to 1940's era Jazz club theme would bring high tourism, revenue and employment to this community. There is no competitive competition locally. Community needs a place for socializing.
Required Amount: $10,000,000
Minimum Investment: $10,000,000
Region: Out-of-State
Industry 1: Real Estate
Industry 1: Leisure, Tourism & Hotels
Company/product Stage: Pre-Startup/R&D
Investor Role: Silent
Amount Invested: $40,000
Investment Reason: Finance Acquisition
Package Selected: Investor Referral
Posted: February 3, 2012
Back in July 2005, Schlesinger bought the historic hotel for $12,910,000 paying over double what it sold for only two years before. The hotel is 13,500 sq. ft. situated on 0.399 acres directly across from the Intracoastal Waterway and Bryant Park. It has 106 rooms in 65,456 square-feet and most rooms have a water view.
This is a hotel that survived the Great Depression but did not survive the financial depression we had just a few years ago. Asset Holding Company 5 LLC filed a foreclosure lawsuit against CSC Lake Worth Limited Partnership (Schlesinger) on August 11, 2010 in Palm Beach County Circuit Court. The lawsuit seeks repayment of a $12 million loan, plus the foreclosure of the hotel property." Read more about it HERE.
The Gulfstream Hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983--
(added 1983 - - #83001435)
1 Lake Ave. , Lake Worth
This property and its owners have been given favors through waivers and approvals over the years in order to make their investment more valuable. Of course, if you speak with a former P&Z member, it was all done in order to "move the project forward."
Here is a blast from the past where a city manager was willing to sell our public sidewalk to the owners of the Gulfstream Hotel in spite of the fact the city attorney told him he couldn't and that it was illegal. He was going to go forward with it anyway because the commission wanted to do it. Even back in 2007, when the owner wanted to construct a modern looking hotel and spa, a former Chair of our P&Z was retained by him to do background research on his application. These same people are still influential in Lake Worth politics. There are many who still want to build to 100 feet and change the entire appearance of our city.
The Gulfstream Hotel was built around the same time as our original casino. Hopefully, the hotel will be sold soon and the new owner will restore it to a full-fledged hotel that is sorely needed in Lake Worth to get the city prepared for the international tourism we will generate once our Casino is rebuilt to its historical look and feel of the 1920's.
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Senate still debating redistricting
Jeff Clemens was going to give us a presentation last night at City Hall on all the Legislative Updates. He postponed his appearance as the Florida Senate was debating the redistricting. This is the Senate's last attempt to draw a map and get it fair for all concerned.
If you recall, The Supreme Court rejected the Senate map but the House map was approved.
The Florida Constitution requires staggered terms and elections in years with numbers that are multiples of four -- such as 2012 – for legislators in odd-numbered districts. In a reapportionment year, however, every district must have an election, so half the districts get a two-year term while the other half get a four-year term. Some will be winners, others losers. Also, there is a residency requirement. Clemens is considering running for the Florida Senate.
Read more at Senate continues redistricting debate.
If you recall, The Supreme Court rejected the Senate map but the House map was approved.
The Florida Constitution requires staggered terms and elections in years with numbers that are multiples of four -- such as 2012 – for legislators in odd-numbered districts. In a reapportionment year, however, every district must have an election, so half the districts get a two-year term while the other half get a four-year term. Some will be winners, others losers. Also, there is a residency requirement. Clemens is considering running for the Florida Senate.
Read more at Senate continues redistricting debate.
The Campaign Game
Comment Up
We have seen it time and time again in national politics as well as in Lake Worth--candidates with their smut, their lies, their exaggerations, their smears. We had a long time commissioner, Retha Lowe, who was fined for violating election law. She eventually did not seek re-election. There has been little to no reaction to these sorts of tactics and it is about time that it all changes. Candidates all need to clean up their acts.
Today the Post featured Commissioner Marlene Ross (my former cousin-in-law) of Boynton Beach who agreed to pay $1,500 to the Florida Elections Commission for sending out mailers against her opponent, Donald Scantlan, in the last election that were proven to be untrue. She won her election by 7 votes. This just shows you how important it is to get out and vote. This also shows that a candidate can do or say just about anything and nothing will happen to him but being fined a couple of bucks. You're not thrown out of office. You don't have to be accountable. You don't have to be honest. You don't have to have any integrity. It is an endless game and a dishonest one with only one goal in mind--winning.
Winning is the name of the game. Most candidates just want to do what Marlene did--win-- the hell with their own personal record. Attack mailers full of lies and pretending that what they do is just part of the game with no consequences is much more fun. We in the public must demand better. We in the public should never look aside but express our opinion at the polls.
We have seen it time and time again in national politics as well as in Lake Worth--candidates with their smut, their lies, their exaggerations, their smears. We had a long time commissioner, Retha Lowe, who was fined for violating election law. She eventually did not seek re-election. There has been little to no reaction to these sorts of tactics and it is about time that it all changes. Candidates all need to clean up their acts.Today the Post featured Commissioner Marlene Ross (my former cousin-in-law) of Boynton Beach who agreed to pay $1,500 to the Florida Elections Commission for sending out mailers against her opponent, Donald Scantlan, in the last election that were proven to be untrue. She won her election by 7 votes. This just shows you how important it is to get out and vote. This also shows that a candidate can do or say just about anything and nothing will happen to him but being fined a couple of bucks. You're not thrown out of office. You don't have to be accountable. You don't have to be honest. You don't have to have any integrity. It is an endless game and a dishonest one with only one goal in mind--winning.
Winning is the name of the game. Most candidates just want to do what Marlene did--win-- the hell with their own personal record. Attack mailers full of lies and pretending that what they do is just part of the game with no consequences is much more fun. We in the public must demand better. We in the public should never look aside but express our opinion at the polls.
In Lake Worth
Comment Up
Last night started out with the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall and a proclamation read by the Mayor. The flag is raised annually in anticipation of PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered pride event that takes place in March at Bryant Park in Lake Worth. Pridefest benefits Compass, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Palm Beaches. This year it is on March 24 & 25. The parade is on Sunday and it is "something" to witness.
Although the GLBT community says that the organization's mission is to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the GLBT community, they put on a parade that is in many instances less than dignified. While gays demand respect, they then try to reason with everyone's senses for fairness and tolerance by acting outlandishly during a parade. They just don't see how this might diminish their cause.
Lake Worth's commission meeting was cordial. No wise guy statements from the dais, Even the back row refrained from heckling. Perhaps the calming effect was our newly appointed city manager who was sitting in the back row for the meeting. The entire commission was in agreement with everything other than sunsetting the Community Relations Board. Personally, I never have thought we needed that Board. It brought three times the problems than it ever solved. And the problems did not start with Panagioti Tsolkos.
Stan Szczygiel, Manager of Rates & Planning for Aqua America Utilities flew in from Pennsylvania for the occasion as Aqua was seeking a bulk rate from Lake Worth and a thirty year contract. They should have a bulk rate as the infrastructure belongs to them, something we do not have to service. They have been buying water at a residential rate since inception but why are they treated differently than another bulk rate customer such as Lake Clark Shores? A bulk rate would cost us $150,000 a year with very little rate reduction to the residents of Lake Osborne Estates who pay Aqua Utilities for water as the rate when passed through would be divided between 10,000 Aqua customers, not the 457 in the Osborne neighborhood. It doesn't hurt them to ask but there is no benefit to Lake Worth to comply. They need our water and Lake Worth has spent a small fortune to produce the best water in south Florida. Ain't it a bitch to be in the driver's seat? This item will be coming back in a workshop.
The Commission arrived at 5 top candidates for Internal Auditor, something the new commission promised and something they will deliver. This is a positive. I still would rather see this position as an independent contractor in order to eliminate the benefit package. The final candidates are: Glenn Holloway, Robert Marksmeier, Kathleen Matthews, Christina Seymour and Steve Wolkomir. Interviews will be scheduled similar to the city manager process. The internal auditor reports to the Commission, not to the city manager.
Last night started out with the raising of the Pride Flag at City Hall and a proclamation read by the Mayor. The flag is raised annually in anticipation of PrideFest of the Palm Beaches, a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered pride event that takes place in March at Bryant Park in Lake Worth. Pridefest benefits Compass, the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of the Palm Beaches. This year it is on March 24 & 25. The parade is on Sunday and it is "something" to witness.
Although the GLBT community says that the organization's mission is to diminish stereotypes by challenging long-standing misconceptions about the character of the GLBT community, they put on a parade that is in many instances less than dignified. While gays demand respect, they then try to reason with everyone's senses for fairness and tolerance by acting outlandishly during a parade. They just don't see how this might diminish their cause.
Lake Worth's commission meeting was cordial. No wise guy statements from the dais, Even the back row refrained from heckling. Perhaps the calming effect was our newly appointed city manager who was sitting in the back row for the meeting. The entire commission was in agreement with everything other than sunsetting the Community Relations Board. Personally, I never have thought we needed that Board. It brought three times the problems than it ever solved. And the problems did not start with Panagioti Tsolkos.
Stan Szczygiel, Manager of Rates & Planning for Aqua America Utilities flew in from Pennsylvania for the occasion as Aqua was seeking a bulk rate from Lake Worth and a thirty year contract. They should have a bulk rate as the infrastructure belongs to them, something we do not have to service. They have been buying water at a residential rate since inception but why are they treated differently than another bulk rate customer such as Lake Clark Shores? A bulk rate would cost us $150,000 a year with very little rate reduction to the residents of Lake Osborne Estates who pay Aqua Utilities for water as the rate when passed through would be divided between 10,000 Aqua customers, not the 457 in the Osborne neighborhood. It doesn't hurt them to ask but there is no benefit to Lake Worth to comply. They need our water and Lake Worth has spent a small fortune to produce the best water in south Florida. Ain't it a bitch to be in the driver's seat? This item will be coming back in a workshop.
The Commission arrived at 5 top candidates for Internal Auditor, something the new commission promised and something they will deliver. This is a positive. I still would rather see this position as an independent contractor in order to eliminate the benefit package. The final candidates are: Glenn Holloway, Robert Marksmeier, Kathleen Matthews, Christina Seymour and Steve Wolkomir. Interviews will be scheduled similar to the city manager process. The internal auditor reports to the Commission, not to the city manager.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Man Shot in Lake Worth
Comment Up
Man shot at 18th Avenue North in Lake Worth.
I know; I know--everyone feels safer.
Week ending March 18, 2012
Theft 11
Proactive Policing 9
Pedestrian Stop 9
Vehicle Recovery 1
Robbery 1
Quality of Life 21
Drugs 13
Disorder 6
Liquor 2
Property Crime 4
Property Crime 4
Other 42
Death 1
Family Offense 10
Alarm 7
Other 23
Missing Person 1
Assault 7
Assault 7
Traffic 25
Man shot at 18th Avenue North in Lake Worth.
I know; I know--everyone feels safer.
Week ending March 18, 2012
Theft 11
Proactive Policing 9
Pedestrian Stop 9
Vehicle Recovery 1
Robbery 1
Quality of Life 21
Drugs 13
Disorder 6
Liquor 2
Property Crime 4
Property Crime 4
Other 42
Death 1
Family Offense 10
Alarm 7
Other 23
Missing Person 1
Assault 7
Assault 7
Traffic 25
Aqua Utilities asking for bulk rate price for Lake Worth water AFTER they sock it to their customers
Comment Up
Tonight the contract with Aqua Utilities in on the agenda under New Business. Aqua wants us to decrease the amount we charge to them for potable water to a rate consistent with that of other bulk water customers. The proposed revenues generated by water sales to Aqua Utilities Florida for FY 2012 based on the current rates are estimated to be 260,000.00. This contract will reduce the estimated revenues to $110,000.00.
The rates charged by Aqua Utilities to their customers are governed by the Public Service Commission and as such this agreement does not include a guarantee that the savings realized by Aqua Utilities will be passed along to or directly benefit the residents in the Lake Osborne Estates community. As a result of these changes, AUF has agreed to provide a reserve capacity payment for the additional connections within the service area. This equates to a one-time payment of one hundred twenty six thousand three hundred ninety two dollars ($126,392.00).
Under the new agreement, the initial bulk service rate shall be 0.317 cents per hundred gallons. Future rate changes will be allowed at the time of the City of Lake Worth water system rate increases and the new rate to be charged will be equal to the current rate plus the difference between the new rate of the lowest tier residential water rate minus the previous rate of the lowest tier residential water rate.
As you recall, Aqua just got a rate increase approved in February by $2.6 million. If we give them a bulk rate (encouraged to pursue by William Coakley) in order to reduce the charge to Lake Osborne Estates, it is only fair that Aqua give their customers a decrease of the same percentage. AUF strictly “passes on” the water they receive from LWU and doubles the rate forcing Lake Osborne Estates' residents to pay the highest rates in the area.
Someone is making a bunch of money and it isn't Lake Worth. Why did Aqua buy it retail to begin with? The Public Service Commission should now consider Aqua to give rebates to Lake Osborne Estates if this deal goes through tonight.
Tonight the contract with Aqua Utilities in on the agenda under New Business. Aqua wants us to decrease the amount we charge to them for potable water to a rate consistent with that of other bulk water customers. The proposed revenues generated by water sales to Aqua Utilities Florida for FY 2012 based on the current rates are estimated to be 260,000.00. This contract will reduce the estimated revenues to $110,000.00.
The rates charged by Aqua Utilities to their customers are governed by the Public Service Commission and as such this agreement does not include a guarantee that the savings realized by Aqua Utilities will be passed along to or directly benefit the residents in the Lake Osborne Estates community. As a result of these changes, AUF has agreed to provide a reserve capacity payment for the additional connections within the service area. This equates to a one-time payment of one hundred twenty six thousand three hundred ninety two dollars ($126,392.00).
Under the new agreement, the initial bulk service rate shall be 0.317 cents per hundred gallons. Future rate changes will be allowed at the time of the City of Lake Worth water system rate increases and the new rate to be charged will be equal to the current rate plus the difference between the new rate of the lowest tier residential water rate minus the previous rate of the lowest tier residential water rate.
As you recall, Aqua just got a rate increase approved in February by $2.6 million. If we give them a bulk rate (encouraged to pursue by William Coakley) in order to reduce the charge to Lake Osborne Estates, it is only fair that Aqua give their customers a decrease of the same percentage. AUF strictly “passes on” the water they receive from LWU and doubles the rate forcing Lake Osborne Estates' residents to pay the highest rates in the area.
Someone is making a bunch of money and it isn't Lake Worth. Why did Aqua buy it retail to begin with? The Public Service Commission should now consider Aqua to give rebates to Lake Osborne Estates if this deal goes through tonight.