Setting the record even further on Veterans Day in Lake Worth

A Blast from the Past:


As this commission makes resolutions such as Talk like a Pirate Day, former Commissioner Jo-Ann Golden actually presented a resolution that was passed in 2007 that essentially said that the returning troops from Iraq be ensured compensation and care including full mental and physical health, education, housing, employment, and disability and rehabilitation benefits. The resolution was sent to President George W. Bush and all members of the Florida Congressional delegation.

Palm Beach Post

September 24, 2007

VIA FAX- 820-4728

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Concerned Palm Beach County Residents:

Let me set the record straight concerning the Palm Beach County Veteran’s Day Parade. There is a need to repair this rift through some understanding of the facts and by providing some solutions.

The Palm Beach County Veterans Day Parade was initially accepted by the City of Lake Worth in 2002 and was to travel to various municipalities. This was to share the costs among our many cities. Since then the parade has been held in the City of Lake Worth at a cost to the taxpayers of our City in excess of $20,000.00 per year.

On September 5^th 2006 the Palm Beach County Veterans Day Parade was “sunsetted” with a unanimous vote by the City of Lake Worth Commission. I was not a member of the City Commission at that time. This year because of State mandated budget cuts our budget has been reduced thereby further hampering our City’s ability to fund special events.

This could be an opportunity for all of us in the larger community to come together. We as individuals, non-profits, businesses, state and local governments could volunteer to “pick up the tab”. The City Commission on September 18^th voted to donate Bryant Park for an event to honor our veterans.

As I write this letter, private citizens, businesses, Mayor Clemens, the Lake Worth City Commission, as well as United States Representative Ron Klein, Veterans organizations and other non-profits are working to provide our veterans and the men and women in uniform with the respect and dignity they deserve on their day.

In addition, I will present to the Lake Worth City Commission a resolution asking our representatives in the U.S. Congress to support legislation to increase funding for healthcare for those wounded in service to our Country.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Jo-Ann Golden

District 3

City of Lake Worth, Florida