Monday, June 30, 2014
Lake Worth M6 gang member gets 15 years in Federal Prison
Gang Member Sentenced As Armed Career Criminal
For Firearm Possession
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2014
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), announce that Edlord Dieujuste, 30, of Lake Worth, a documented member of the criminal street gang “Top 6”, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp to 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, Dieujuste has multiple prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery by sudden snatching, and felon in possession of a firearm. On November 1, 2013, Dieujuste was arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit on local charges after detectives recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol and marijuana from his vehicle following a traffic stop.
A federal grand jury indicted Dieujuste on December 3, 2013, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of marijuana. In February 2014, Dieujuste pled guilty to the indictment as charged.
Dieujuste was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which provides a sentencing range of fifteen years to life for individuals who have been convicted of federal gun crimes and have at least three prior felony convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses.
Mr. Ferrer commended the ATF, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, for their work on this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John McMillan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the anti-gang, anti-gun violence initiative of the United States Department of Justice. This program emphasizes and facilitates cooperative federal, state and local prosecution of firearm crimes, violent criminals, repeat violent offenders and gang related criminal activity.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 27, 2014
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Ric Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO), announce that Edlord Dieujuste, 30, of Lake Worth, a documented member of the criminal street gang “Top 6”, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Kenneth L. Ryskamp to 180 months (15 years) in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release for being an armed career criminal in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
According to court documents, Dieujuste has multiple prior felony convictions for robbery with a deadly weapon, robbery, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, robbery by sudden snatching, and felon in possession of a firearm. On November 1, 2013, Dieujuste was arrested by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Gang Unit on local charges after detectives recovered a loaded semi-automatic pistol and marijuana from his vehicle following a traffic stop.
A federal grand jury indicted Dieujuste on December 3, 2013, charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and possession of marijuana. In February 2014, Dieujuste pled guilty to the indictment as charged.
Dieujuste was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which provides a sentencing range of fifteen years to life for individuals who have been convicted of federal gun crimes and have at least three prior felony convictions for crimes of violence and/or serious drug offenses.
Mr. Ferrer commended the ATF, and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, for their work on this case. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John McMillan.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) which is the anti-gang, anti-gun violence initiative of the United States Department of Justice. This program emphasizes and facilitates cooperative federal, state and local prosecution of firearm crimes, violent criminals, repeat violent offenders and gang related criminal activity.
A copy of this press release may be found on the website of the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/fls. Related court documents and information may be found on the website of the District Court for the Southern District of Florida at http://www.flsd.uscourts.gov or on http://pacer.flsd.uscourts.gov.
The Tie-Up - Lake Worth's General Obligation Bond
Comment Up
What is a lien:
A lien is an encumbrance on one person's property to secure a debt the property owner owes to another person. The statement that someone's property is "tied up" describes the effect of liens on both real and personal property. By voting in a general obligation bond for over three decades until paid off, you have legally tied-up your property during that term. Source: The Free Dictionary
What is a bond:
The contract between the borrower and the lender. By approving this debt on August 26, 2014, you (the property owner), are promising to repay the monies borrowed. This will be done via taxes. The Lake Worth 2020 General Obligation Bond is for $63.5 million along with a humongous debt service with a final payment in year 2049. It is estimated that you will be paying $131 million by the end of the term. Whoever holds the deed on the property that this bond affects will be obligated ("tied-up") for 34 years.
Bond Ratings:
In the purest sense, the credit analysis of a General Obligation bond centers on two issues: (1) the municipality’s willingness to pay and (2) its willingness to pay its debts in a timely manner. The two main ratings companies for municipal bonds are Moody’s and S&P. The basic difference between the ways that the two ratings companies analyze bonds is that, while Moody’s concentrates on debt burdens and debt ratios, S&P focuses on the socioeconomic base of a community (e.g. per capita growth trends, total personal income). We already have been told that we are among the poorest city in Palm Beach County with 2,000 foreclosures and abandoned properties. These properties, owned by banks that have not foreclosed, will generate NO taxes towards this obligation. Source: The Muni Bond Adviser
According to our Finance Director: "The city does not have a current debt rating for we have no outstanding debt for our general government operations." So, look for Lake Worth to pay a higher rate based on Lake Worth being known for its poverty, the number of foreclosures and the number of abandoned properties.
If Property owners can't or don't pay
If local property owners do not pay their property taxes on time in any given year, a government entity is required to increase its property tax rate by as much as is legally allowable in a following year to make up for any delinquencies. In the interim between the taxpayer delinquency and the higher property tax rate in the following year, the general obligation pledge requires the local government to pay debt service coming due with its available resources. Source: Wikipedia
Security Lien:
If you don't pay, you could be foreclosed upon. Land-based municipal bonds have many of the characteristics of real estate loans. However, the security lien is senior to all real estate loans on the property, because the bonds are secured via the property tax lien. Second, the funds from the bond issue are customarily used to fund public infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, sewer and water lines, etc.) that directly benefits the property responsible to pay off the bonds. Therefore, the bond proceeds directly enhance the value of the property. And that is what Lake Worth wants you to believe. Source: Fidelity
Finally, if some property owner(s) should default on this tax, it is customary and highly likely that a judicial foreclosure process will occur. You don't/can't pay, look to lose your property.
What is a lien:
A lien is an encumbrance on one person's property to secure a debt the property owner owes to another person. The statement that someone's property is "tied up" describes the effect of liens on both real and personal property. By voting in a general obligation bond for over three decades until paid off, you have legally tied-up your property during that term. Source: The Free Dictionary
What is a bond:
The contract between the borrower and the lender. By approving this debt on August 26, 2014, you (the property owner), are promising to repay the monies borrowed. This will be done via taxes. The Lake Worth 2020 General Obligation Bond is for $63.5 million along with a humongous debt service with a final payment in year 2049. It is estimated that you will be paying $131 million by the end of the term. Whoever holds the deed on the property that this bond affects will be obligated ("tied-up") for 34 years.
Bond Ratings:
In the purest sense, the credit analysis of a General Obligation bond centers on two issues: (1) the municipality’s willingness to pay and (2) its willingness to pay its debts in a timely manner. The two main ratings companies for municipal bonds are Moody’s and S&P. The basic difference between the ways that the two ratings companies analyze bonds is that, while Moody’s concentrates on debt burdens and debt ratios, S&P focuses on the socioeconomic base of a community (e.g. per capita growth trends, total personal income). We already have been told that we are among the poorest city in Palm Beach County with 2,000 foreclosures and abandoned properties. These properties, owned by banks that have not foreclosed, will generate NO taxes towards this obligation. Source: The Muni Bond Adviser
According to our Finance Director: "The city does not have a current debt rating for we have no outstanding debt for our general government operations." So, look for Lake Worth to pay a higher rate based on Lake Worth being known for its poverty, the number of foreclosures and the number of abandoned properties.
If Property owners can't or don't pay
If local property owners do not pay their property taxes on time in any given year, a government entity is required to increase its property tax rate by as much as is legally allowable in a following year to make up for any delinquencies. In the interim between the taxpayer delinquency and the higher property tax rate in the following year, the general obligation pledge requires the local government to pay debt service coming due with its available resources. Source: Wikipedia
Security Lien:
If you don't pay, you could be foreclosed upon. Land-based municipal bonds have many of the characteristics of real estate loans. However, the security lien is senior to all real estate loans on the property, because the bonds are secured via the property tax lien. Second, the funds from the bond issue are customarily used to fund public infrastructure (streets, sidewalks, sewer and water lines, etc.) that directly benefits the property responsible to pay off the bonds. Therefore, the bond proceeds directly enhance the value of the property. And that is what Lake Worth wants you to believe. Source: Fidelity
Finally, if some property owner(s) should default on this tax, it is customary and highly likely that a judicial foreclosure process will occur. You don't/can't pay, look to lose your property.
On the Consent Agenda
Comment Up
On Tuesday night, there is a total of 12 items on the Consent Agenda. Not much has to be discussed any more with this administration. This should get them out of the chamber long before The O'Reilly Factor starts. No longer are there interviews for volunteer board members...takes way too much commission time to be bothered with that and besides, why would the public want to know or meet these people--some who make quasi-judicial decisions and one who is also part of the good ole boy network.
NEW TROLLEY
The City intends to submit an application requesting up to $1,650,000 in the 2014 Application Cycle of the Categorical Funding Program for funding that will become available during Fiscal Years 2016 - 2020 for implementation of a new trolley service over a three-year period in an area bounded by the Lake Worth Beach to the east, 10th Avenue North to the north, Palm Beach State College to the west and 6th Avenue South to the south. This proposed project is eligible under the “Transit Improvements” category. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 11, 2014, and the actual amount of funding to be requested has not yet been determined. No cash or in/kind services match is required of the City for this funding. Perhaps if we get it we can call it, once again, Lolly the Trolley.
VOLUNTEER BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
City Recreation Advisory Board: Mayor’s reappointment of Jamas Ward for a term ending on July 31, 2017
City Tree Board: Mayor’s appointment of Deborah Crawford to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2016
Historic Resources Preservation Advisory Board: Commissioner Amoroso’s reappointment of Wes Blackman for a term ending on July 31, 2017
plus
Commissioner Szerdi’s appointment of Darrin Engel to fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2017
Planning and Zoning Board: Commissioner Amoroso’s appointment of Cynthia Brown to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2015
Firefighters’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees: Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Valerie Hurley for a term ending in July 31, 2016
On Tuesday night, there is a total of 12 items on the Consent Agenda. Not much has to be discussed any more with this administration. This should get them out of the chamber long before The O'Reilly Factor starts. No longer are there interviews for volunteer board members...takes way too much commission time to be bothered with that and besides, why would the public want to know or meet these people--some who make quasi-judicial decisions and one who is also part of the good ole boy network.
NEW TROLLEY
The City intends to submit an application requesting up to $1,650,000 in the 2014 Application Cycle of the Categorical Funding Program for funding that will become available during Fiscal Years 2016 - 2020 for implementation of a new trolley service over a three-year period in an area bounded by the Lake Worth Beach to the east, 10th Avenue North to the north, Palm Beach State College to the west and 6th Avenue South to the south. This proposed project is eligible under the “Transit Improvements” category. The deadline to submit a proposal is July 11, 2014, and the actual amount of funding to be requested has not yet been determined. No cash or in/kind services match is required of the City for this funding. Perhaps if we get it we can call it, once again, Lolly the Trolley.
VOLUNTEER BOARD APPOINTMENTS:
City Recreation Advisory Board: Mayor’s reappointment of Jamas Ward for a term ending on July 31, 2017
City Tree Board: Mayor’s appointment of Deborah Crawford to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2016
Historic Resources Preservation Advisory Board: Commissioner Amoroso’s reappointment of Wes Blackman for a term ending on July 31, 2017
plus
Commissioner Szerdi’s appointment of Darrin Engel to fill an unexpired term ending in July 31, 2017
Planning and Zoning Board: Commissioner Amoroso’s appointment of Cynthia Brown to fill an unexpired term ending on July 31, 2015
Firefighters’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees: Vice Mayor’s reappointment of Valerie Hurley for a term ending in July 31, 2016
Sunday, June 29, 2014
What a Storm in Lake Worth
Comment Up
The weather prediction was winds of around 5 to 10 miles per hour. Don't know what they were but the wind gusts seemed to be upwards to 40mph. It was awesome! Thunder so loud and lightning bolts that lit up the sky...Lake Worth power flickered and went off for 1/2 a second.
Could not see out the window.
One of our last big trees went down
Haven't seen this since Wilma of 2005.
Road basically blocked across from where I live
on Lake Osborne Drive
Haven't seen this since Wilma of 2005.
Road basically blocked across from where I live
on Lake Osborne Drive
County arrived around 3:15 with chain saw
Sheriff vehicles are blocking both directions on road
Letter to the Editor - Lake Worth Forgot to ask the Residents
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Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
June 29, 2014
Oops, forgot to ask the Residents
Lake Worth Needs Inclusive Planning
Just like “Six Plans to Make Lake Worth a Better Place,” targeting developers and investors to show how Lake Worth should look in the future; the baseball stadium in John Prince Park, a boondoggle for special interests that was determined not feasible; and now Lake Worth 2020 is yet another public relations effort promising a fix for all that ails us.
The visionaries who serve us have lost sight of Lake Worth. Our location, our people, our natural resources are assets worthy of praise. And yes, ours is a poor city with an old infrastructure. We do need a plan. We need a plan that considers future climate instability, sea-level rise, and temperature increases, and the effects of building, paving, and increased water and sewer use. And especially, we need a plan that includes the needs of our residents and welcomes their input.
Any plan to borrow $60 million from taxpayers deserves great deliberation. There has been little citizen outreach, no charettes, no workshops, and only the four quickly contrived “town hall meetings” rushed to fulfill the requirements of ballot inclusion for the August primary.
The leaders of Lake Worth seem to have all the answers; unfortunately, they haven’t asked the right questions. And they forgot to ask the people.
JO-ANN GOLDEN, LAKE WORTH
Letters to the EditorPalm Beach Post
June 29, 2014
Oops, forgot to ask the Residents
Lake Worth Needs Inclusive Planning
Just like “Six Plans to Make Lake Worth a Better Place,” targeting developers and investors to show how Lake Worth should look in the future; the baseball stadium in John Prince Park, a boondoggle for special interests that was determined not feasible; and now Lake Worth 2020 is yet another public relations effort promising a fix for all that ails us.
The visionaries who serve us have lost sight of Lake Worth. Our location, our people, our natural resources are assets worthy of praise. And yes, ours is a poor city with an old infrastructure. We do need a plan. We need a plan that considers future climate instability, sea-level rise, and temperature increases, and the effects of building, paving, and increased water and sewer use. And especially, we need a plan that includes the needs of our residents and welcomes their input.
Any plan to borrow $60 million from taxpayers deserves great deliberation. There has been little citizen outreach, no charettes, no workshops, and only the four quickly contrived “town hall meetings” rushed to fulfill the requirements of ballot inclusion for the August primary.
The leaders of Lake Worth seem to have all the answers; unfortunately, they haven’t asked the right questions. And they forgot to ask the people.
JO-ANN GOLDEN, LAKE WORTH
Citizens Survey Report for Lake Worth
Comment Up
On Tuesday's July 1 commission meeting, we will have the presentation of the Citizen Survey Report with the results. As previously suggested, the top three concerns are 1) Slum & Blight, 2) Potholes, 3) Crime. An excerpt from that report is as follows:
On Tuesday's July 1 commission meeting, we will have the presentation of the Citizen Survey Report with the results. As previously suggested, the top three concerns are 1) Slum & Blight, 2) Potholes, 3) Crime. An excerpt from that report is as follows:
- 1. Code Enforcement: over 50 comments related to Code Enforcement. All negative.
- 2. Infrastructure: lighting, paved roads, potholes. Approximately 35 comments. All negative.
- 3. Public safety: 32 comments. No positive comments but many suggestions. a. Attitude of officers.
b. Deputies being mean to the homeless.
c. Need more patrols. Need more patrols for Bryant Park and Cultural Plaza.
d. City needs to install cameras on the streets.
e. Use neighborhood watch teams.
f. Need more traffic control.
g. Problems with drunkenness, prostitution, drugs and loitering.
h. Concerns about the number of homeless.
- 4. City administration: Some positive, some negative, many suggestions (51 various comments). a. Need more transparency.
b. Need more tolerance of other viewpoints.
c. Signage, letters, etc, should be in English and Spanish.
d. Need more ethnic diversity in those hired.
e. Need a map of businesses, etc, of Lake Worth (posted on the website).
f. Need better and more attractive signage for the entrances to Lake Worth.
g. Need signs, for example signs about littering, posted.
h. Encourage more help from residents to resolve the city’s problems.
Quote of the Day - Michael Bornstein
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"We'll be the first to admit we have problems. But we are getting better."
~ Michael Bornstein, City Manager Lake Worth
Statement made to the Palm Beach Post (today's paper) after the Internal Auditor discovered cellphone abuse with one cellphone even used by a dead person, city vehicle abuse, handling of cash abuse and some area restaurant caterers to the Casino given preferential treatment and put on a bartering system. The "free lunch" mentality is alive and well and even sanctioned in Lake Worth by this commission--but they're "getting better." Aarg!
"We'll be the first to admit we have problems. But we are getting better."~ Michael Bornstein, City Manager Lake Worth
Statement made to the Palm Beach Post (today's paper) after the Internal Auditor discovered cellphone abuse with one cellphone even used by a dead person, city vehicle abuse, handling of cash abuse and some area restaurant caterers to the Casino given preferential treatment and put on a bartering system. The "free lunch" mentality is alive and well and even sanctioned in Lake Worth by this commission--but they're "getting better." Aarg!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Cochran and McDaniel - Stealing an Election
If you want to know exactly what happened in Mississippi, Click here.
Carl Domino to appear on WPTV on Sunday
Carl Domino, running for Congress District 18, will be the featured guest on To the Point on WPTV (Channel 5) Sunday morning at 10am.
He wants you to tune in and let him know what your thoughts are by sending him an email or Click here to speak your mind.
He wants you to tune in and let him know what your thoughts are by sending him an email or Click here to speak your mind.
Public Right-of-Way case in Lake Worth
One way to get rid of a law suit--you just don't respond.
This is a case that has been on-going since November 2009 when suit was filed by Nancy Shepherd vs. the City of Lake Worth, Nancy Shepherd demanded that the City of Lake Worth give her (for $10) the right-of-way next to her house, property referred to as a "pocket park." See Suit
Nothing has been done in this case since October 2013...8 months ago. If you look at the case, the City of Lake Worth has never filed the names of any new attorneys on the case. Elaine Humphreys and Jean Middleton are still the attorneys of record and they have been gone for years.
The City has no right to deed over rights-of-way to any city property for any amount of money, IMO. So, what has happened in this case? Is it over? Does the city still own the right-of-way? Is the case still being dragged out? Does the City still maintain this right-of-way? As we have heard nothing from the city regarding this, can we assume that the case is dead?
| Filing Date: | 21-OCT-2013 | ||
| Filing Party: | |||
| Disposition Amount: | |||
| Docket Text: | NOTICE OF SERVING DEFENDANT'S RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S SECOND REOUEST FOR ADMISSIONS | ||
Phil Donovan Retirement Party
Comment Up
Phil Donovan, a former Lake Worth High School graduate, has been with Lake Worth's water department for 29 years with his last assignment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator A-Class. Phil's last day is July 17. After that he can do what he wants: lie on our beautiful Lake Worth beach every day, play golf at our wonderful golf club or just relax and enjoy. One thing that won't change--he will still be drinking the world's best RO water. He loves his job; he loves working for Lake Worth and he loves our Reverse Osmosis plant devoting long hours to its success. Enjoy your retirement, Phil.
A few former elected Lake Worth officials were there one of whom was commissioner Jo-Ann Golden who spoke to the crowd reminding them that the RO plant was a political struggle and the city nearly burned $14 million dollars that we had already spent towards wells by going with Palm Beach County. The County finally backed off on the contract and we ended up building our RO and saving millions to boot. At that time in 2009, the only dissenter to not pay the County under the Water Contract was Jeff Clemens, then mayor. Mary Lindsey now president of the Neighborhood Association council, sided with Clemens. Former city manager, Susan Stanton, negotiated the settlement price with the County, again saving millions. And now, we have the best water around.
Phil Donovan, a former Lake Worth High School graduate, has been with Lake Worth's water department for 29 years with his last assignment as a Water Treatment Plant Operator A-Class. Phil's last day is July 17. After that he can do what he wants: lie on our beautiful Lake Worth beach every day, play golf at our wonderful golf club or just relax and enjoy. One thing that won't change--he will still be drinking the world's best RO water. He loves his job; he loves working for Lake Worth and he loves our Reverse Osmosis plant devoting long hours to its success. Enjoy your retirement, Phil.
Phil's Retirement Party, June 26, 2014
A few former elected Lake Worth officials were there one of whom was commissioner Jo-Ann Golden who spoke to the crowd reminding them that the RO plant was a political struggle and the city nearly burned $14 million dollars that we had already spent towards wells by going with Palm Beach County. The County finally backed off on the contract and we ended up building our RO and saving millions to boot. At that time in 2009, the only dissenter to not pay the County under the Water Contract was Jeff Clemens, then mayor. Mary Lindsey now president of the Neighborhood Association council, sided with Clemens. Former city manager, Susan Stanton, negotiated the settlement price with the County, again saving millions. And now, we have the best water around.
Obama the Supreme
I would suppose it is the citizens of this country who believe in democracy who care, Mr. President. We don't like dictators.
Read about "Obama Mocks Congress"...
Friday, June 27, 2014
Mark Farrington to become Human Resource Director in Lakeland
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The City of Lake Worth's human resources director will become Lakeland's next human resources and civil service director, city officials announced Thursday.
Read about it...
The City of Lake Worth's human resources director will become Lakeland's next human resources and civil service director, city officials announced Thursday.
Mark Farrington
Mark Farrington, 59, was
chosen from a group of 60 applicants to fill the job left vacant since
the city's former human resources director, Tommy Hamrick, resigned in
August after employees complained he mistreated workers and retaliated
against those who complained.
Farrington starts Aug. 4Read about it...
Creep in Lake Worth arrested
| Read about it... Arrested on 12 counts of child porn PHILLIPS, MICHAEL MARKANTHONY |
||
Address:
500 block of S E ST,
LAKE WORTH,
FL 33460
| ||
The Illegal Alien and the Government's Big Lie
Comment Up
I have to laugh every time I hear someone spout a figure regarding the number of illegal aliens in this country. They always tell you 8 to 12 million. This is a figure that originated by the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 (11 freaking years ago) and it never changes. The Obama government purposely underestimates the number of illegal aliens. God, what some people won't do for a vote to keep their Party in power.
Any sane person knows, just simply by living and working in their communities across the United States, that the country is loaded with illegals and the government figures are totally out of whack. Yesterday the Palm Beach Post had an article that said Hispanics have become a larger part of our population (like we don't know that) and released figures from the United States Census Bureau. In Palm Beach County, they tell us it is now 20.3%. It not only seems larger than the reported figure, it is larger, because we know that the government lies and illegal aliens lied during the Census.
Everywhere you go these days, people are speaking in Spanish and it's an affront to the sensibilities of law abiding American citizens. They come here illegally and refuse to learn our language. One of our immigration laws is the one requiring immigrants to learn and speak English before they can attain citizenship. So, these people could care less about that...they just want the rewards of being a citizen without actually being one.
“We’re the greatest country in the universe.. You’re trying to tell me that we can’t control the illegal immigration coming into our country,” said Sheriff Joe Arpaio in a Washington Times interview
Using the latest conservative Census Bureau data from 2010 and 2011, the Center for Immigration Studies reports that more than 50 million immigrants (legal and illegal) live in the United States, and that "Absent a change in policy, between 12 and 15 million new immigrants (legal and illegal) will likely settle in the United States in the next decade. And perhaps 30 million new immigrants will arrive in the next 20 years."
The magnitude of the numbers of illegal aliens in the United States represents a serious crisis and urgent need for a return to the rule of law and secured borders that the United States Constitution demands. Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform
I have to laugh every time I hear someone spout a figure regarding the number of illegal aliens in this country. They always tell you 8 to 12 million. This is a figure that originated by the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 (11 freaking years ago) and it never changes. The Obama government purposely underestimates the number of illegal aliens. God, what some people won't do for a vote to keep their Party in power.
Any sane person knows, just simply by living and working in their communities across the United States, that the country is loaded with illegals and the government figures are totally out of whack. Yesterday the Palm Beach Post had an article that said Hispanics have become a larger part of our population (like we don't know that) and released figures from the United States Census Bureau. In Palm Beach County, they tell us it is now 20.3%. It not only seems larger than the reported figure, it is larger, because we know that the government lies and illegal aliens lied during the Census.
Everywhere you go these days, people are speaking in Spanish and it's an affront to the sensibilities of law abiding American citizens. They come here illegally and refuse to learn our language. One of our immigration laws is the one requiring immigrants to learn and speak English before they can attain citizenship. So, these people could care less about that...they just want the rewards of being a citizen without actually being one.
“We’re the greatest country in the universe.. You’re trying to tell me that we can’t control the illegal immigration coming into our country,” said Sheriff Joe Arpaio in a Washington Times interview
Using the latest conservative Census Bureau data from 2010 and 2011, the Center for Immigration Studies reports that more than 50 million immigrants (legal and illegal) live in the United States, and that "Absent a change in policy, between 12 and 15 million new immigrants (legal and illegal) will likely settle in the United States in the next decade. And perhaps 30 million new immigrants will arrive in the next 20 years."
The magnitude of the numbers of illegal aliens in the United States represents a serious crisis and urgent need for a return to the rule of law and secured borders that the United States Constitution demands. Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform
Olivia featured in Palm Beach Illustrated
Sometimes you just have to brag--My cousin, Olivia, is a beautiful and talented young woman. Please visit her Facebook page.
Dave Kerner - Re-Elect for District 87
If I have to look at LED billboard blight, it might as well be Dave Kerner's re-election sign.
Lake Worth's next priority and it "ain't" Pot Holes
Comment Up
Ever since Kenneth Oakes, Internal Auditor, brought up rampant cell phone abuse by Lake Worth city employees, there has been discussion behind the scenes as to what to do about it. Remember his report on the Code Enforcement department? Upper management took this all to heart and got rid of most of the staff and revamped the entire department. Now it's cell phones.
Instead of re-writing their policy and setting a criteria, they are thinking about a cell phone stipend with employees using their personal phones; it's the easy option. Really. Just think of the massive amount of man hours developing a policy that just says "No personal use of city owned cell phones or you've got some explaining to do." Presently, there are 160 employees with city cell phones, about 40% of the staff.
This is how they are going to manage cell phone abuse? At the moment, cell phones are being used for personal calls during and after business hours. "We will pay for your personal cell phone and give you $X amount of taxpayer dollars and X amount of hours and you can continue to make personal calls during business hours." Are they serious?
Read about it... and this wild idea that will even make it less transparent or even impossible for the public to obtain public information under the Freedom of Information Act. And just when they are trying to get all of the law suits off their table.
Ever since Kenneth Oakes, Internal Auditor, brought up rampant cell phone abuse by Lake Worth city employees, there has been discussion behind the scenes as to what to do about it. Remember his report on the Code Enforcement department? Upper management took this all to heart and got rid of most of the staff and revamped the entire department. Now it's cell phones.
Instead of re-writing their policy and setting a criteria, they are thinking about a cell phone stipend with employees using their personal phones; it's the easy option. Really. Just think of the massive amount of man hours developing a policy that just says "No personal use of city owned cell phones or you've got some explaining to do." Presently, there are 160 employees with city cell phones, about 40% of the staff.
This is how they are going to manage cell phone abuse? At the moment, cell phones are being used for personal calls during and after business hours. "We will pay for your personal cell phone and give you $X amount of taxpayer dollars and X amount of hours and you can continue to make personal calls during business hours." Are they serious?
Read about it... and this wild idea that will even make it less transparent or even impossible for the public to obtain public information under the Freedom of Information Act. And just when they are trying to get all of the law suits off their table.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Curt Clawson sworn in as FL Congressman
Comment Up
Trivia:
Florida : The Republican House caucus is back up to its full strength of 234 members after businessman and now-Rep. Curt Clawson (R, FL-19) easily won a special election. He replaces former Rep. Trey Radel (R), who resigned the seat after he was caught buying cocaine from an undercover federal agent.
U.S. Representative Curt Clawson was sworn in yesterday as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner..
Trivia:
Florida : The Republican House caucus is back up to its full strength of 234 members after businessman and now-Rep. Curt Clawson (R, FL-19) easily won a special election. He replaces former Rep. Trey Radel (R), who resigned the seat after he was caught buying cocaine from an undercover federal agent.
U.S. Representative Curt Clawson was sworn in yesterday as a Member of the United States House of Representatives by House Speaker John Boehner..
Food Truck Invasion
Comment Up
Food Trucks
COMING SOON
What they say:
What they say:
That’s right. We’re heading back to Lake Worth.
Come out on 2nd Monday nights of the month and hang with us at South
Shores Tavern. We’ll be rallying up at the PNC Bank parking lot. While
you are there be sure to stroll the Downtown Lake Worth shops and bars.
Get some great drinks over at South Shores Tavern.
Do they have a city license?
Do they have a city license?
Lake Worth's Ballot Referendum - The Facts
Comment Up
Below are the particulars on the 30 year General Obligation Bond(s):
As previously mentioned, the city has thrown in another $300,000 for good measure. Please note the 30 years starts when the city finances the project amount, i.e. in 2019 the pay-out will be 30 years from that date or 2049.
The largest percentage of property owners have property valued between $10,000 up to $50,000. Based on last year's values, 08.66% of the city has a property assessed at (after deducting homestead), between $40,000 and $50,000. If your assessed value is $50,000 and your property NEVER APPRECIATES, you will be paying an additional $159.00 a year starting in the 5th year for 30 years not to mention what you have already paid for the first 4 years.
Don't forget--the city is only doing 30% of the roads. What happens a few years from now and they have that "ooops" moment and they tell us that they really must re-do another 30% of the roads. Infrastructure is collapsing all across the country. What are other cities doing? Last evening, the History channel had a movie on America's infrastructure and mentioned that it usually only lasts 50 years. Are we going to build up reserves to save for this day that will surely come or will commissioners still keep their travel budget a priority?
Below are the particulars on the 30 year General Obligation Bond(s):
Assumes
30 Year Financings:
|
|||||||
Year
|
AV Growth
|
Project Amount
|
Issuance Date
|
Annual Debt Service
|
Millage
|
Par Amount
|
|
2015
|
8.00%
|
28,000,000
|
6/1/2015
|
1,945,000
|
1.66
|
28,300,000
|
|
2016
|
4.00%
|
||||||
2017
|
4.00%
|
14,300,000
|
6/1/2017
|
1,005,000
|
2.33
|
14,600,000
|
|
2018
|
4.00%
|
||||||
2019
|
4.00%
|
20,000,000
|
6/1/2019
|
1,400,000
|
3.18
|
20,300,000
|
|
62,300,000
|
63,200,000
|
||||||
The largest percentage of property owners have property valued between $10,000 up to $50,000. Based on last year's values, 08.66% of the city has a property assessed at (after deducting homestead), between $40,000 and $50,000. If your assessed value is $50,000 and your property NEVER APPRECIATES, you will be paying an additional $159.00 a year starting in the 5th year for 30 years not to mention what you have already paid for the first 4 years.
Don't forget--the city is only doing 30% of the roads. What happens a few years from now and they have that "ooops" moment and they tell us that they really must re-do another 30% of the roads. Infrastructure is collapsing all across the country. What are other cities doing? Last evening, the History channel had a movie on America's infrastructure and mentioned that it usually only lasts 50 years. Are we going to build up reserves to save for this day that will surely come or will commissioners still keep their travel budget a priority?
Quote of the Day - Rush Limbaugh - Corruption
Comment Up
“The Republican establishment sought
victory via Democrat voters in the runoff, and they got them. Without the African-American vote from Democrat-leaning counties,
Thad Cochrane would have lost by eight or nine percent last night.”
~ Rush Limbaugh
Referring to the vote in Mississippi between Thad Cochran and Chris McDaniel with Cochran operatives securing a vote of black Democrats in a Republican primary by playing the race card. They sent out a flyer saying that the Tea Party wanted to prevent blacks from voting. This is outrageous; everyone should condemn this dirty political trick/action/lie. I agree with Rush.
“The Republican establishment sought
victory via Democrat voters in the runoff, and they got them. Without the African-American vote from Democrat-leaning counties,
Thad Cochrane would have lost by eight or nine percent last night.”~ Rush Limbaugh
Referring to the vote in Mississippi between Thad Cochran and Chris McDaniel with Cochran operatives securing a vote of black Democrats in a Republican primary by playing the race card. They sent out a flyer saying that the Tea Party wanted to prevent blacks from voting. This is outrageous; everyone should condemn this dirty political trick/action/lie. I agree with Rush.
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Ooops - Oreo Cookie Truck takes wrong road
Comment Up
It's very rare to ever see an 18 wheeler on Lake Osborne and when you do, it's a trucker who made a big mistake. He had to turn around as he never would have cleared the 6th Avenue overpass.
It's very rare to ever see an 18 wheeler on Lake Osborne and when you do, it's a trucker who made a big mistake. He had to turn around as he never would have cleared the 6th Avenue overpass.
These guys sure can drive!
His wheels never touched my lawn.
Oreo cookie truck and nothing fell off the truck...darn!
Our fabulous Lake Worth Pool
Comment Up
A little over a year ago, the Recreation Department promised to raise money by finding revenue sources for our pool. We were told that the City's Recreation Staff would be looking into yearly memberships, water exercise classes, (we have that with wonderful Sally Welsh) US Navy Seals rentals, summer camp rentals, and Party package rentals where there "would be plenty of money to be made."
Last night we got the doom and gloom report which was no surprise. After all, this is Michael Bronstein's "white elephant." Juan Ruiz's report said that our pool is opened 5 days a week, part time. Cost to operate is $1,043 a day but we are only averaging $48 a day for those 5 days. The yearly operating costs are going up by $33,038 from $271,088 and our gate revenue is estimated at $37,591.16. What he failed to talk about last night was ECA Swim Club that is over and above the "gate revenue" that rents our facility on the following terms:
East Coast Aquatic Club, a company that is under a license agreement with the city (we use license agreements now so that the city can just bypass the mayor) to use our pool. The fee structure is as follows:
$1,500 a month until membership reaches 60
$1,800 a month until membership reaches 100
$2,200 a month thereafter
We have no idea if their membership is growing or how much money the city now receives.
The pool is not advertised and many people who visit our beach don't even know we have a pool. You can't see it from the road. Scott Maxwell asked all the right questions last night regarding our beach maintenance and our pool. This is a great asset. We just now need to let people know about it.
A little over a year ago, the Recreation Department promised to raise money by finding revenue sources for our pool. We were told that the City's Recreation Staff would be looking into yearly memberships, water exercise classes, (we have that with wonderful Sally Welsh) US Navy Seals rentals, summer camp rentals, and Party package rentals where there "would be plenty of money to be made."
Last night we got the doom and gloom report which was no surprise. After all, this is Michael Bronstein's "white elephant." Juan Ruiz's report said that our pool is opened 5 days a week, part time. Cost to operate is $1,043 a day but we are only averaging $48 a day for those 5 days. The yearly operating costs are going up by $33,038 from $271,088 and our gate revenue is estimated at $37,591.16. What he failed to talk about last night was ECA Swim Club that is over and above the "gate revenue" that rents our facility on the following terms:
East Coast Aquatic Club, a company that is under a license agreement with the city (we use license agreements now so that the city can just bypass the mayor) to use our pool. The fee structure is as follows:
$1,500 a month until membership reaches 60
$1,800 a month until membership reaches 100
$2,200 a month thereafter
We have no idea if their membership is growing or how much money the city now receives.
The pool is not advertised and many people who visit our beach don't even know we have a pool. You can't see it from the road. Scott Maxwell asked all the right questions last night regarding our beach maintenance and our pool. This is a great asset. We just now need to let people know about it.
$12 Golf Days at John Prince Park
$12 Dollar Golf Days
Monday, Jul 7 10:00a
More dates & times (4)
John Prince Golf Learning Center
Lake Worth,
FL
Discount on golf:
The John Prince Golf Learning Center is offering “$12 Days” on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit all the range balls you want,
and play all the golf you want.
Phone (561) 966-6666
The John Prince Golf Learning Center is offering “$12 Days” on Mondays and Tuesdays. Hit all the range balls you want,
and play all the golf you want.
Phone (561) 966-6666
Sea Level Risings
Comment Up
As there is a segment of people in our city, even city staff, who like to ridicule Commissioner McVoy on his concerns about global warming and sea levels rising, a major new report released yesterday by a coalition of senior political and economic figures from the left, right and center, including three Treasury secretaries stretching back to the Nixon administration says that "more than a million homes and businesses along the nation’s coasts could flood repeatedly before ultimately being destroyed."
The report further stated that Coastal counties, home to 40 percent of the nation’s population, will take especially large hits from the rise of the sea, which could swallow more than $370 billion worth of property in Florida and Louisiana alone by the end of the century. Read the New York Times article
The immediate danger to us here in Lake Worth is salt water intrusion. Lake Worth completed its $24 million reverse osmosis water plant that can pump five to seven million gallons of water a day that flows without threats from saltwater. Presently, we are using a combination of RO and wells using only 1.5 to 3 million gallons a day from RO. We did have a water restriction up until a year ago that was imposed on our water irrigation usage to one time per week in order to avoid saltwater intrusion. That was lifted in January 2013 when the city wanted to generate more revenue.
Now the City is going to charge 5.25% more for water and sewer rates will rise accordingly starting October 1, 2014 according to the Burton and Associates Study, revealed last night, which is projected through the next decade. We had these same figures a few years ago but now the commission is serious on taxes.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
What Miami could look like in 2100
What Miami could look like in 2100
As there is a segment of people in our city, even city staff, who like to ridicule Commissioner McVoy on his concerns about global warming and sea levels rising, a major new report released yesterday by a coalition of senior political and economic figures from the left, right and center, including three Treasury secretaries stretching back to the Nixon administration says that "more than a million homes and businesses along the nation’s coasts could flood repeatedly before ultimately being destroyed."
The report further stated that Coastal counties, home to 40 percent of the nation’s population, will take especially large hits from the rise of the sea, which could swallow more than $370 billion worth of property in Florida and Louisiana alone by the end of the century. Read the New York Times article
The immediate danger to us here in Lake Worth is salt water intrusion. Lake Worth completed its $24 million reverse osmosis water plant that can pump five to seven million gallons of water a day that flows without threats from saltwater. Presently, we are using a combination of RO and wells using only 1.5 to 3 million gallons a day from RO. We did have a water restriction up until a year ago that was imposed on our water irrigation usage to one time per week in order to avoid saltwater intrusion. That was lifted in January 2013 when the city wanted to generate more revenue.
Now the City is going to charge 5.25% more for water and sewer rates will rise accordingly starting October 1, 2014 according to the Burton and Associates Study, revealed last night, which is projected through the next decade. We had these same figures a few years ago but now the commission is serious on taxes.
City goes out on RFP for landscape maintenance at the Lake Worth beach
Comment Up
Juan Ruiz gave a good presentation last night on our beach park property. One thing that came up was our landscape maintenance--
Lake Worth Beach Complex Landscape Maintenance
LS-BC-13-14-121
PURPOSE
The City of Lake Worth is soliciting bids from qualified bidders having the required experience in commercial lawn maintenance in accordance with the scope of services stated herein. The scope of service to be performed will consist of all services necessary for complete, year round commercial landscape management operations at the City‟s Beach Complex.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
To maintain the Beach Complex grounds at a level comparative to other local first class recreational operations and consistent with levels expected of other City facilities and grounds.
BACKGROUND Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the newly reconstructed Lake Worth Casino Building and renovated Beach Complex officially opened to the public on March 1, 2013. It has quickly become the new travel destination in South Florida. The complex features a new oceanfront park, restrooms and picnic facilities which complement the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier.
EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DATE & TERM
The effective date of the contract to be awarded pursuant to this IFB is anticipated to be October 1, 2014. Unless earlier terminated, the initial contract term shall be for three (3) years with optional two (2), one year renewal periods. The awarded contract will include a provision for termination by the City without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice.
Trees within the Beach Complex shall be maintained as follows:
A. Pruning - All trees shall consist of the removal of dead and/or broken branches; suckers or sprouts from ground level up to 15‟ in height as necessary for protection from wind, pests, and appearance. Proper pruning techniques shall be approved by the City.
B. Irrigation - All trees shall be watered to provide adequate moisture for proper growth.
C. Removal and Replacement - Successful Bidder shall inform the Facility Supervisor whenever damage occurs to trees. Successful Bidder shall be responsible for removal and replacement of any trees damaged by carelessness, neglect and improper maintenance practices of Successful Bidder, its agents or employees.
Juan Ruiz gave a good presentation last night on our beach park property. One thing that came up was our landscape maintenance--
Lake Worth Beach Complex Landscape Maintenance
LS-BC-13-14-121
PURPOSE
The City of Lake Worth is soliciting bids from qualified bidders having the required experience in commercial lawn maintenance in accordance with the scope of services stated herein. The scope of service to be performed will consist of all services necessary for complete, year round commercial landscape management operations at the City‟s Beach Complex.
GOALS OF THE PROJECT
To maintain the Beach Complex grounds at a level comparative to other local first class recreational operations and consistent with levels expected of other City facilities and grounds.
BACKGROUND Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the newly reconstructed Lake Worth Casino Building and renovated Beach Complex officially opened to the public on March 1, 2013. It has quickly become the new travel destination in South Florida. The complex features a new oceanfront park, restrooms and picnic facilities which complement the William O. Lockhart Municipal Pier.
EFFECTIVE CONTRACT DATE & TERM
The effective date of the contract to be awarded pursuant to this IFB is anticipated to be October 1, 2014. Unless earlier terminated, the initial contract term shall be for three (3) years with optional two (2), one year renewal periods. The awarded contract will include a provision for termination by the City without cause upon thirty (30) days written notice.
Trees within the Beach Complex shall be maintained as follows:
A. Pruning - All trees shall consist of the removal of dead and/or broken branches; suckers or sprouts from ground level up to 15‟ in height as necessary for protection from wind, pests, and appearance. Proper pruning techniques shall be approved by the City.
B. Irrigation - All trees shall be watered to provide adequate moisture for proper growth.
C. Removal and Replacement - Successful Bidder shall inform the Facility Supervisor whenever damage occurs to trees. Successful Bidder shall be responsible for removal and replacement of any trees damaged by carelessness, neglect and improper maintenance practices of Successful Bidder, its agents or employees.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Fight Fire with Fire - Burma is
Comment Up
We in this country coddle religious extremists under Freedom of Religion. Even Obama said, "A nation built on religious freedom must allow it" when talking about the Muslims who wanted to build a mosque by the site of the World Trade Center. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," he said in 2010.
Is the world being taken over by radicals? It's a nutty place in some parts of the globe and there is a country that is considering taking a radical step to change its laws to end it, once and for all.
The country of Burma, 89% Buddist, that has an approximate 61 million population and is rich in jade, gems, oil and natural gas, is considering an “anti-conversion” law that would make it illegal for a Burmese Buddhist to convert to any other religion.
Read more...
We in this country coddle religious extremists under Freedom of Religion. Even Obama said, "A nation built on religious freedom must allow it" when talking about the Muslims who wanted to build a mosque by the site of the World Trade Center. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable," he said in 2010.
Is the world being taken over by radicals? It's a nutty place in some parts of the globe and there is a country that is considering taking a radical step to change its laws to end it, once and for all.
The country of Burma, 89% Buddist, that has an approximate 61 million population and is rich in jade, gems, oil and natural gas, is considering an “anti-conversion” law that would make it illegal for a Burmese Buddhist to convert to any other religion.
Read more...
Meriam Ibrahim re-arrested
Meriam Ibrahim and her husband, US citizen Daniel Wani, were held as they tried to fly out of the country. All this is happening because she will not renounce her Christianity. She is one brave woman.
Read about it...
Read about it...
On Sober Houses
Comment Up
Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
June 24, 2014
Just read the article about the pending Greenacres sober home. I am not affected by this decision. I like to think of myself as a common-sense individual and with an advanced college degree who can think on my own two feet. Who in their right mind would ever consider this type of business proper for a residential community? It makes no difference if it’s a sober, drug, senior assistance, child care, etc. home; it’s a business.
None of these businesses belong in a residential community. There is a reason residential communities were zoned as such, and that zoning should be respected and followed. Zoning laws need to be tweaked to prevent this situation and to protect private residences from sharing the neighborhood with private business. There are so many abandoned businesses, especially in Greenacres, on Lake Worth Road. Look to these type of properties as a win-win solution for all.
The other issue I have, as a retired fire chief, is that these types of occupancies, with larger groups, should require commercial or residential fire sprinkler systems that are generally provided in commercial buildings and would require extensive modification in a residential structure. An effective means of escape or rescue is tougher when large groups must be moved in the generally narrower confines of a house.
Private businesses should be treated like all other businesses and kept out of a residential neighborhood.
BOB ROWAN, LAKE WORTH
Letters to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
Just read the article about the pending Greenacres sober home. I am not affected by this decision. I like to think of myself as a common-sense individual and with an advanced college degree who can think on my own two feet. Who in their right mind would ever consider this type of business proper for a residential community? It makes no difference if it’s a sober, drug, senior assistance, child care, etc. home; it’s a business.
None of these businesses belong in a residential community. There is a reason residential communities were zoned as such, and that zoning should be respected and followed. Zoning laws need to be tweaked to prevent this situation and to protect private residences from sharing the neighborhood with private business. There are so many abandoned businesses, especially in Greenacres, on Lake Worth Road. Look to these type of properties as a win-win solution for all.
The other issue I have, as a retired fire chief, is that these types of occupancies, with larger groups, should require commercial or residential fire sprinkler systems that are generally provided in commercial buildings and would require extensive modification in a residential structure. An effective means of escape or rescue is tougher when large groups must be moved in the generally narrower confines of a house.
Private businesses should be treated like all other businesses and kept out of a residential neighborhood.
BOB ROWAN, LAKE WORTH
Ric Bradshaw pushes back meeting on his budget
Comment Up
With a budget out of control ($531 million that includes an additional $32 million, a 15% bump), I've always said that Ric Bradshaw runs this County. Click here... to see what I mean.
He wants to push back the meeting with the County until the month of September. The commission's final budget vote is Sept. 22. The County will get an additional $41 million because of ad-valorem that they need for roads infrastructure and he wants the larger slice of the pie.
Who's the boss? I think it's the guy with the gun.
With a budget out of control ($531 million that includes an additional $32 million, a 15% bump), I've always said that Ric Bradshaw runs this County. Click here... to see what I mean.
He wants to push back the meeting with the County until the month of September. The commission's final budget vote is Sept. 22. The County will get an additional $41 million because of ad-valorem that they need for roads infrastructure and he wants the larger slice of the pie.
Who's the boss? I think it's the guy with the gun.
Inflation and the 30-35 year General Obligation Bond
Comment Up
If you read the graph, you will notice that percentages of inflation through the decades have been in the double and even triple digits other than the years of the Great Depression. For all of you who believe that the general obligation bond, that will extend 30 and 35 years won't affect you because your property values are too low, here are some graphs that might change your mind. With a rise in inflation, there normally is a rise in the cost of housing and a rise in property value. Also, if the bond should pass, it will affect 60% of the residents in this city who are renters. I've never heard of a landlord yet who didn't cover his expenses.
Rates of Inflation:
1970's: 102.91%
1980's: 62.08%
1990's: 32.10%
2000's: 27.93%
4 years in 2010's: 6.79%.
Housing prices were affected during the Economic crash and once again are starting to rise. There are some economists out there who believe, however, that we will experience another housing bubble.
Depending upon how they write that bond, this is just one more thing to consider. Your property may be under valued now, but in another few years or so, who can say. The charts speak for themselves. Save Our Homes was written into law in order for people not to be taxed out of their homes.
Click to enlarge
Rates of Inflation:
1970's: 102.91%
1980's: 62.08%
1990's: 32.10%
2000's: 27.93%
4 years in 2010's: 6.79%.
Housing prices were affected during the Economic crash and once again are starting to rise. There are some economists out there who believe, however, that we will experience another housing bubble.
Depending upon how they write that bond, this is just one more thing to consider. Your property may be under valued now, but in another few years or so, who can say. The charts speak for themselves. Save Our Homes was written into law in order for people not to be taxed out of their homes.
Monday, June 23, 2014
Life is Not Free -
Comment Up
AOL.com Article - Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees
This guest blogger says that the world is F*&^%$ up and we are headed towards dooms day and there is nothing that can be done to correct the eventual order of things--a New World Order. For more information and explanation on New World Order, Click here. I for one, enjoy conspiracy stories/theories and you just never know if this is a "story" or not because of the way things are progressing in the world today.
"Our government, under
both political parties, has/is sending a lot of middle eastern, north African and
Asian, not to mention all the Latin Americans, into the larger
cities as well as here in the northeast. Now the Latin Americas are sending their
children to the US and a lot of them are winding up here in the northeast!!!
They know the American system and they will take advantage of it
until it is stopped, and I don't think it will be stopped. It's a mess boiling to a point of no return.
Then on top of all of this, besides government employment, there are very little jobs and all the baby boomers are retiring and counting the days to their government pensions which most will never get or a very reduced amount. The days of people retiring and moving to Florida, that used to move the Florida economy, are over. The people who do move to Florida are broke and are going to be looking for a government hand out there.
The problems of the world are not politically based; they are economic, based on a monetary system whose foundation is that of credit and debt and it's reaching its end cycle. We can not possibly extend more credit to anybody and our country is all tapped out. The middle east is on fire, Europe is on fire, all the Americas are on fire and the US is the frog in the pot that does not know it yet. Asia is starting to fire up and China is a mess.
This is all by design by the world bankers and their agents -- governments who own everything. There will be civil war just like the Middle East and the Ukraine--everywhere including here in the land of milk and honey, the U.S.A. They will let the masses "genocide" themselves with civil war, just like in the past and clear the money game and then tell the survivors that a one world government will be implemented going forward.
Nothing has changed...same as it always was. Lie about everything, divide and concur. We have all contributed to this mess in one way or another because the system is not broke but stacked against you--it's fixed whether we know it or not and now there will be a price to pay.
Life is not free."
Anonymous Guest Blogger from New York
AOL.com Article - Massachusetts mayor: Stop sending my city refugees
This guest blogger says that the world is F*&^%$ up and we are headed towards dooms day and there is nothing that can be done to correct the eventual order of things--a New World Order. For more information and explanation on New World Order, Click here. I for one, enjoy conspiracy stories/theories and you just never know if this is a "story" or not because of the way things are progressing in the world today.
"Our government, under
both political parties, has/is sending a lot of middle eastern, north African and
Asian, not to mention all the Latin Americans, into the larger
cities as well as here in the northeast. Now the Latin Americas are sending their
children to the US and a lot of them are winding up here in the northeast!!!
They know the American system and they will take advantage of it
until it is stopped, and I don't think it will be stopped. It's a mess boiling to a point of no return. Then on top of all of this, besides government employment, there are very little jobs and all the baby boomers are retiring and counting the days to their government pensions which most will never get or a very reduced amount. The days of people retiring and moving to Florida, that used to move the Florida economy, are over. The people who do move to Florida are broke and are going to be looking for a government hand out there.
The problems of the world are not politically based; they are economic, based on a monetary system whose foundation is that of credit and debt and it's reaching its end cycle. We can not possibly extend more credit to anybody and our country is all tapped out. The middle east is on fire, Europe is on fire, all the Americas are on fire and the US is the frog in the pot that does not know it yet. Asia is starting to fire up and China is a mess.
This is all by design by the world bankers and their agents -- governments who own everything. There will be civil war just like the Middle East and the Ukraine--everywhere including here in the land of milk and honey, the U.S.A. They will let the masses "genocide" themselves with civil war, just like in the past and clear the money game and then tell the survivors that a one world government will be implemented going forward.
Nothing has changed...same as it always was. Lie about everything, divide and concur. We have all contributed to this mess in one way or another because the system is not broke but stacked against you--it's fixed whether we know it or not and now there will be a price to pay.
Life is not free."
Anonymous Guest Blogger from New York
Utility taxes on the rise in Lake Worth - A City in Crisis?
Comment Up
You want to talk about a city that is going to sock it to ya? Do you want to talk about a city that will be totally unaffordable to live in especially if the voters vote in this bond? Do you want to talk about a city that simply can't afford itself? When does a municipality admit that it is sinking or has already sunk?
“For at least the last 20 years major U.S. cities have been playgrounds for left-wing experiments—high taxes on the rich; sanctuaries for illegal immigrants; super-minimum wage rules; strict gun-control laws; regulations and paperwork that makes it onerous o open a business or develop on your own property; crony capitalism with contracts going to political donors and friends; and failing schools ruled by teacher unions, with little competition or productivity.” Steve Moore, Chief Economist with The Heritage Foundation.
And even though we are not a major city, we have experienced many of the same situations. Property values have fallen to a ridiculous low and our city can't afford itself. So what do they do? They plan to tax you "every which way but loose." Even if the general obligation bond referendum fails, they will be taxing you to the max. Do you think taxes ever go away?
On The Agenda Tuesday and NO BACK-UP DOCUMENTS for most of it and you don't get to speak!
A. Discuss Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budget - estimated time 2 hours
1) Water, Local, and Regional Sewer Funds
2) Beach Fund
3) Golf Fund
4) Library Trust, Simpkin Trust
5) Code Remediation Fund
6) Building Funds
Are the water or sewer rates going up in FY 2014?
· YES, the water rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant.
· YES, the local sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
· YES, the Regional sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
Are the Water/Sewer Budgets going up in FY 2014?
· Water Fund: YES: FY14 $19,207,381 FY15 $22,011,324 ($ 2,803,943 increase-15%) Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $1 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $2,230,000, which are paid from reserves, and additional $ 6,151,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in non-departmental expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project. Utility rate studies recommend cash reserves of 33% of the operating budget ($5 million), which are maintained in the FY15 budget.
· Local Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $8,526,912 FY15 $10,508,231 ($1,981,319 increase- 23%) Approx. 45% of this budget is for contracted wastewater transmission/treatment services, Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $0.2 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $568,000, which are mostly paid from reserves, and additional $2,094,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in pumping expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project.
· Regional Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $6,430,639 FY15 $6,524,246 ($93,607 increase –1%) The Regional Sewer Fund was adjusted based on the settlement agreement reached with contracted sub-regional customers in FY 2013. A true-up calculation was completed based on audited FY 13 financial reports. The Regional Sewer Fund budget has been adjusted based on the planned 50% increase in the ECR wastewater fees for the capital improvements at the plant. The city treats out of town customers better than its own residents.
You want to talk about a city that is going to sock it to ya? Do you want to talk about a city that will be totally unaffordable to live in especially if the voters vote in this bond? Do you want to talk about a city that simply can't afford itself? When does a municipality admit that it is sinking or has already sunk?
“For at least the last 20 years major U.S. cities have been playgrounds for left-wing experiments—high taxes on the rich; sanctuaries for illegal immigrants; super-minimum wage rules; strict gun-control laws; regulations and paperwork that makes it onerous o open a business or develop on your own property; crony capitalism with contracts going to political donors and friends; and failing schools ruled by teacher unions, with little competition or productivity.” Steve Moore, Chief Economist with The Heritage Foundation.
And even though we are not a major city, we have experienced many of the same situations. Property values have fallen to a ridiculous low and our city can't afford itself. So what do they do? They plan to tax you "every which way but loose." Even if the general obligation bond referendum fails, they will be taxing you to the max. Do you think taxes ever go away?
On The Agenda Tuesday and NO BACK-UP DOCUMENTS for most of it and you don't get to speak!
A. Discuss Fiscal Year 2015 proposed budget - estimated time 2 hours
1) Water, Local, and Regional Sewer Funds
2) Beach Fund
3) Golf Fund
4) Library Trust, Simpkin Trust
5) Code Remediation Fund
6) Building Funds
Are the water or sewer rates going up in FY 2014?
· YES, the water rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant.
· YES, the local sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
· YES, the Regional sewer rates are increasing per the recommendations of the rate consultant due to the increasing pass through costs from the ECR wastewater facility.
Are the Water/Sewer Budgets going up in FY 2014?
· Water Fund: YES: FY14 $19,207,381 FY15 $22,011,324 ($ 2,803,943 increase-15%) Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $1 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $2,230,000, which are paid from reserves, and additional $ 6,151,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in non-departmental expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project. Utility rate studies recommend cash reserves of 33% of the operating budget ($5 million), which are maintained in the FY15 budget.
· Local Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $8,526,912 FY15 $10,508,231 ($1,981,319 increase- 23%) Approx. 45% of this budget is for contracted wastewater transmission/treatment services, Operating revenues are sufficient for operating expenses, debt service and contribution to general fund of $0.2 million. The FY 15 budget includes capital projects of $568,000, which are mostly paid from reserves, and additional $2,094,000 transfer from reserves planned for the LW 2020 project in FY 2015. The increase in Administration expense is offset by a reduction in pumping expenses. The budget increase is due to the increased capital outlays in FY 2015, including the transfers to the LW2020 project.
· Regional Sewer Fund: YES: FY14 $6,430,639 FY15 $6,524,246 ($93,607 increase –1%) The Regional Sewer Fund was adjusted based on the settlement agreement reached with contracted sub-regional customers in FY 2013. A true-up calculation was completed based on audited FY 13 financial reports. The Regional Sewer Fund budget has been adjusted based on the planned 50% increase in the ECR wastewater fees for the capital improvements at the plant. The city treats out of town customers better than its own residents.
Crime downtown Lake Worth
ASSAULT
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14088318
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700 BLOCK LUCERNE AVE
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Palm Beach County Sheriff
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6/22/2014 7:27:00 PM
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