The vice mayor didn't like my comment about three year terms Tuesday night. I said that if two years were good enough for Congress than two years were good enough for them.
"Scott Maxwell said, "I want to take a swipe at Congress...that was a lousy excuse for having two year terms. How has that worked out for us? There's nothing going on in Congress right now. Nothing."True, nothing is going on in Congress right now but that does not mean congressmen are not working. Congress adjourned until September 6. The House will then be in session until Sept 30, and adjourn until Nov. 14, after the elections. The House was expected to be in session for 111 days. However, the House of Representatives has averaged 139 "legislative days" a year since 2001, according to records kept by the Library of Congress. That's about one day of work every three days, or fewer than three days a week. When they are back in their Districts, they are meeting with constituents, traveling their district, campaigning, drafting bills, etc..
ORDINANCE NO. 2016-23 OF THE CITY OF LAKE WORTH, FLORIDA,
CALLING FOR A REFERENDUM OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE
CITY OF LAKE WORTH TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 8, 2016, AS TO
WHETHER THE CITY OF LAKE WORTH CHARTER SHALL BE AMENDED IN
THE FOLLOWING RESPECT: AMEND SECTION 2 OF ARTICLE III TO APPLY
RETROACTIVELY TO THE MARCH 2016 GENERAL ELECTION AND APPLY
TO ALL ELECTIONS THEREAFTER, SO THAT THE COMMISSIONERS AND
THE MAYOR SHALL BE ELECTED TO THREE YEAR TERMS; PROVIDING
REQUISITE BALLOT LANGUAGE FOR SUBMISSION TO THE VOTERS;
PROVIDING A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING THAT CONFLICTING
ORDINANCES ARE REPEALED; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
The three year terms referendum, placed on the agenda by the city manager who collaborated with the city attorney, (why are they being involved in policy?) was tabled and will come back to the next commission meeting. After much discussion on the dais, the Vice Mayor asked, "So in other words, we're not doing it?...Jesus."
The commission all seemed to be accepting of the 3 year terms (no one wants to campaign more than they have to) but they were not accepting to the term being retro-active for the Mayor, Vice Mayor and District 3 Commissioners as the people voted them in for 2 year terms.
I still am opposed to anyone being in office any more than two years. Two is long enough for a commissioner to screw it all up. Three years could be disastrous. So far, it has been.
looks like more power for the three everything is retroactive notice they cant say the change starts at next election.all of them in there now we voted for 2 years I am against 3 years for any reason what ever meds are being taken hope its not catchy
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe that in a democracy, under the supposed rule of law, that something like is even considered. Passing retroactive laws?? This is pure bs. Mussolini used this same tactic very effectively: he was elected as prime minister and then decided he was a dictator. When those in power can change the rules at whim, and make it apply retroactively, virtually anything is possible. Am I the only one to see through this as a blatant power grab, of, by, and for those in power, exclusively to benefit themselves?? C'mon people. This in effect means that if you expect those in power to follow the rules, even the rules in effect when the vote was taken, that can be changed at any time, to anything, if those in power decide this is so. Elect me for 2 years, or even a triad running as a single entity, and since I have the power, and together this gang constitutes a majority, I can virtually make my (our) term anything and any length I want. 3 years, cool, we can do more. Hey, why not make it 10 years, now wouldn't that be even more efficient? And make it retroactive to those presently in power? Now that makes a very efficient commission. No more messy campaigning, no more having to bother with these other aggravating details of democracy.
ReplyDeleteIs this even legal, since this past election was certified by the Supervisor of elections for a two year term?? I know Torcivia will twist anything he is told to; but I mean in reality. According to law isn't a two year term duly elected, still a two year term? Or is it only if those elected don't decide they would like to change the rules after the election for their benefit? Is the law only the law if those in power want it to be the law? It sounds like winnertakeall, including any and all rules, laws, etc.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Lynn, enough is enough. I do not support this for so many reasons. Two years is enough, I would never support this or vote for this at all. Just like I won't vote for the 1% tax increase, or the new 40 mil road bond. I do not trust or care for this trio, complete incompetence. What is bothersome too is that andy wants all of this, yet he does not even own property in this city, he rents only so it is not impacting him at all, and pam is trying to sell her house so won't soon either. Where did we ever get these clowns from? Bullies and unethical!
ReplyDeleteWE already voted on this, stop wasting money on proposals already voted on and rejected.
ReplyDelete2 of them have failing businesses-andy and pam---if they can't run their own business to succeed how will they do it for a city-----they have failed themselves and everyone in lake worth -----all you have to do is look around you----and when you drive into lake worth via dixie---its like night of the living dead walking around on drugs and mental illness---thats the proof and lake worth is a sanctuary city-that needs to stop now--
ReplyDelete@8:37. I just want to caution you or anyone who comments with an allegation that cannot be proved. Public figures are fair game, however, facts are important here. If you can't prove what you say, then it is only a political smear.
ReplyDelete