Yes, it is true...I have been talking against the "free lunch" for years. All that spending for commissioners to go to conferences or luncheons and wonderful trips with absolutely NO benefit to Lake Worth, has been more than a pet peeve of mine. If there is NO benefit to our city and only about rubbing shoulders (politicking) with others in the "biz," it is not a good enough reason to waste tax payer money, not in my book. This budget is not about personal benefits to an elected official but the benefit of Lake Worth and its citizens.Last night there was an exception to the conference spending when Suzanne Mulvehill was invited to present a program to the Global Forum on Urban Resilience and Adaptation Conference in Bonn, Germany. Just think...little Lake Worth being recognized amongst the giants in the global community, advertising for our city for $2,500, the entire cost of her expense.
It is our goal to build the Park of Commerce one of these days. It is our goal on the beach redevelopment to attract international tourist dollars. Suzanne Mulvehill had everything to do with Southend-On-Sea, England becoming a sister city that now has its own street painting festival crafted after our very own here in Lake Worth. The advertising we get from this event, as well as the tourism across the globe, is priceless.
The Commission made a good decision last night by approving Commissioner Mulvehill's travel to Bonn, Germany thus allowing our city to be recognized in a way that it has never been recognized before. This travel expense does promote as well as enhances Lake Worth, not only now but well into the future.
11 comments:
Maybe Suzanne can attrack a German company to open a Deli on the second floor of the Casino.
Wow, a free lunch that you approve. I hope all the Commissioners take advantage of the opportunity to travel and market our city.
Lynn, Commissioner Mulvehill must be happy to have you on her side for everything.
And how much is this going to cost the taxpayers?
It's not a matter of taking sides. The entire commission also agreed. There was so much negativity from the politicos about this a few weeks ago that I honestly did not think the new commission would go for it. They did and it was the right call. Not all the trips are justified, however. She is within her budget for travel.
The best part was listening as the visionaries went their separate ways. Scott tried to rope in the troops. But, the Mayor was strong. Can't pick and choose, it's in the budget so it's allowed. We can change it, but it stands now, she opined. Plus, I got the feeling they'd like to go somewhere too. Scott was left dangling in the wind and caved.
This was a forward thinking decision and I was delighted to hear the Mayor (‘I want to go too’) and each of the other commissioners excited about what they can do going forward to enhance and promote the city! Personally, I am very proud of every one on the dais, each in different ways. No, I do not agree with every decision made, but I truly believe we have a sitting commission that is willing to work together for the benefit of this city – not their next campaign. Regardless who occupies the chairs in the front of the chamber, it is high time the individual skills and efforts they bring to the table are appreciated - by the residents and each other. Future candidates leave your self-serving ideas at home - the bar is being raised!
Scott actually ended up apologizing, a rarity.
I'm so glad that Suzanne Mulvehill will be able to go on her trip to Germany. She desires the right to a keynote speaker at this forum especially since she was invited to speak. It's too bad the organizers of the event are not paying her way. Most conferences cover these expenses for their featured spekers.
WE REALLY NEED TO WORK ON GETTING A HOTEL HERE IN LAKE WORTH FOR VISITORS TO STAY IN!!!
Schlesinger paid too much for The Gulfstream. Now the asking price is $2.5 million less and it is still too high. Any owner would have to put double the amount into the investment. The is the free enterprise system. We don't have too much control about who buys what. This property is listed for sale. Real Estate brokers need to market the property. Where would you put one in Lake Worth? Where is there any land? Dixie Hwy? Once our beach is redeveloped, I hope that new found interest will be generated to do something with The Gulfstream. Even at that, it will take years.
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