City Board appointments ARE a big deal. They have always been political. The reason that they are a big deal is that they are chosen by elected officials to make decisions that reflect the politics of those in power. These men and women affect us all--such as how our city looks, how high buildings can go, how many bars are in the downtown, ooops, bars with restaurants, and the commission uses their recommendations as references of authority and often times to justify their decisions. The Planning & Zoning board as well as the Historical Board can make sole decisions without even going in front of the commission for approval. And of course, we must have "qualified" people to serve.
The commission made an Ordinance on February 5, 2013 amending the board appointment process-- that they no longer have to conduct public interviews for those wanting to get on city boards. The appointments are all made behind closed doors out of the Sunshine. The appointee, after chosen by a particular commissioner, then goes before the entire commission to ratify and agree with their comrade who made the recommendation. I would wager to say not one commissioner ever reads the bios on these appointees.
The Mayor has now appointed three people to the following boards with no information in the back-up on these individuals. The appointments are on the Consent Agenda. You want to know who is making decisions for the city, then you have to pay for the information. The only reason that any discussion from the public is allowed on a Consent Agenda item now is because they have to allow it by law. In the past, if the item was not pulled for discussion, no input from the public was allowed. So, basically, by providing no back-up information on these appointees, we are still in the dark, sanctioned by the least transparent city government in my memory.
Condensed information that I could conjure up:
Finance Advisory Board: William Shinedling to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2016
Credentials: Graduate of Lake Worth High and long time resident. Retired from the U.S.A.F and U.S.P.O. He has an interest in government budgets and was the squadron wing budget manager when in the Air Force.
Recreation Board: Jason Vazquez to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2016
Credentials: Mr. Vasquez lives on S. D Street and has been here for 1.5 years. With a college degree, he is a captain on the Neighborhood Enhancement team in his neighborhood for the CRA. Volunteered in clean-ups and the recent triathlon. He has an interest in developing a curriculum for children and adults.
Planning & Zoning Board: Anthony Marotta to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2016
Credentials: He is a college graduate with a degree in marketing/business/finance. Presently a business owner in property management in WPB who lives on N. Lakeside Drive. At the time of his application in November 2013, he had been a resident here for one month. He served on an HOA board for 10 years. Mr. Marotta says, "I have an interest in strategic urban planning and believe it is the cornerstone of a vibrant and economically sound community which benefits all stakeholders.
They're lucky to find anyone to be on a board. Marotta has the right political message for this commission and probably in favor of growing tall in our downtown. He hasn't lived here long enough to know that 56% of the voters said they wanted to keep it low-rise.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that people are applying and volunteering. The guy from Murry Hills sounds like another Ron Exline.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a residency requirement - minimum of 6 months at least to be on a board.
ReplyDeleteWhy would any honest citizen volunteer in this city? So they could get kicked in the ass by the Commission, like our Planning and Zoning board did?
ReplyDeleteWith such negativity by some of the commenters here I'm surprised anyone wants to give their time and talents to try to better the City. It seems all to often anyone with good intentions to help is just attacked. Especially without finding out all the details. Shame.
ReplyDeleteIt's up to the city to enforce the laws on the books. It's up to the commissioners to let us know what is going on in this city. Neither one happen. So, if there are negative comments, it is because of the condition of this city and the lack of code enforcement and transparency.
ReplyDelete