Showing posts with label Civility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Civility. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
CNN's Acosta over-playing his hand
We've all seen this a million times but I can't get enough of this punk disrespecting the President. No manners. How dare this insolent wise guy continue to do what he does? Acosta loses in this fight.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Civility
Biased Supreme Court Justice is uncivil but gives lecture on civility!
This is laughable but dangerous, really. Her politics has shown through the years...sad. After Publicly Attacking Trump, Ruth Bader Ginsburg Now Has a Message for America About Civility President Donald Trump’s calls for unity during his recent State of the Union address may be reverberating through the divided halls of the political landscape, as Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg spoke of the need for American civility last week.Donald J. Trump
@realDonaldTrump
"Justice Ginsburg of the U.S. Supreme Court has embarrassed all by making very dumb political statements about me. Her mind is shot - resign!"
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Cory Booker - No class
Cory Booker blasts DHS Kirstjen Nielsen for her claiming she didn't hear Trump make derogatory comments. Nielsen sat there unaffected by his outlandish and ridiculous outburst. Booker proved himself to be a first-class bully to the world.
This New Jersey congressmen is as crazy as California's and that's saying something. They can't get over that they lost the election and continue to spew hate to divide our nation.
Friday, January 1, 2016
Quotes of the Day - Louis Farrakhan and Allen West
Comment Up
"Be careful, America. You're headed into the abyss of hell, and if you make a mistake in choosing your leaders, maybe you'll go there faster."
~ Louis Farrakhan
Louis Farrakhan is the catalyst for the growth and development of Islam in America talking about Donald Trump.
Lt. Col. Allen West sounded off on Farrakhan's statement:
"Actually, Farrakhan has a point here. Indeed, as the past seven years of President Barack Obama have reminded us in the most painful way, making a mistake in our choice of leaders is taking us down into the abyss faster than we ever imagined. No one has done more 'exacerbating the race situation in America' than President Obama himself. He and his administration have torn away the skin of 'black civility' indeed, fomenting the likes of Black Lives Matter, who have declared open season on cops and even whites in general. And anyone who dares to question this — or suspicious and/or hateful actions by any 'minority' group — fears repercussions ranging from being labeled a racist to persecution by our own attorney general to a fate even worse.
"People have had enough of this division and political correctness gone so far as to trump Americans’ God-given liberties, and Donald Trump is striking a chord. And it’s not just a white thing, as Farrakhan suggests."
Click here... for the story.
"Be careful, America. You're headed into the abyss of hell, and if you make a mistake in choosing your leaders, maybe you'll go there faster."~ Louis Farrakhan
Louis Farrakhan is the catalyst for the growth and development of Islam in America talking about Donald Trump.
Lt. Col. Allen West sounded off on Farrakhan's statement:
"Actually, Farrakhan has a point here. Indeed, as the past seven years of President Barack Obama have reminded us in the most painful way, making a mistake in our choice of leaders is taking us down into the abyss faster than we ever imagined. No one has done more 'exacerbating the race situation in America' than President Obama himself. He and his administration have torn away the skin of 'black civility' indeed, fomenting the likes of Black Lives Matter, who have declared open season on cops and even whites in general. And anyone who dares to question this — or suspicious and/or hateful actions by any 'minority' group — fears repercussions ranging from being labeled a racist to persecution by our own attorney general to a fate even worse.
"People have had enough of this division and political correctness gone so far as to trump Americans’ God-given liberties, and Donald Trump is striking a chord. And it’s not just a white thing, as Farrakhan suggests."
Click here... for the story.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Race relations - It's not like making instant oatmeal
Comment Up
154 years later, race is still an issue in this country. People are more angry than ever. You would think that we would have made great strides after the Civil Rights Act. Now, because of some whack job who shot up a church and had a Confederate Flag wrapped around him in some photo as well as other situations--the demands of liberals (do-gooders) everywhere, some people are more belligerent than ever and say anything they want still tossing around the race card with vengeance. It is obnoxiously exhausting.
Just a short while ago I was in back of a black woman who was picking up at Walgreens Pharmacy drive-through window. From the moment she pulled up to the window, she was flailing her arm wildly, yelling and screaming obscenities and giving the pharmacist hell. It seems that her prescriptions were not moved to that store quickly enough from her store in another city. She yelled for the employee to do her damn job and would not listen to any explanation. That was beyond her comprehension and patience and even asked, "Is it because I'm black?"
Curiosity had me hooked as to what was coming next but finally, after seven minutes of waiting in line for this woman to move on and stop her screaming, I backed up, parked and went inside to get my order. I then talked to the store manager. If I had been that pharmacist, I would have first called the manager. If he were not available, the sheriff would have been called. No one needs to put up with abuse, not for one second, by some ignorant customer believing that the world owes her a living and using the race card to take whatever retribution she believes she deserves.
All things take time. It's not like instant oatmeal. However, after 154 years or 50 years there is still half of Americans today who believe that race relations have become worse under Obama. If this sort of behavior continues, there will be no winners.
Is it because I'm black?
154 years later, race is still an issue in this country. People are more angry than ever. You would think that we would have made great strides after the Civil Rights Act. Now, because of some whack job who shot up a church and had a Confederate Flag wrapped around him in some photo as well as other situations--the demands of liberals (do-gooders) everywhere, some people are more belligerent than ever and say anything they want still tossing around the race card with vengeance. It is obnoxiously exhausting.
Just a short while ago I was in back of a black woman who was picking up at Walgreens Pharmacy drive-through window. From the moment she pulled up to the window, she was flailing her arm wildly, yelling and screaming obscenities and giving the pharmacist hell. It seems that her prescriptions were not moved to that store quickly enough from her store in another city. She yelled for the employee to do her damn job and would not listen to any explanation. That was beyond her comprehension and patience and even asked, "Is it because I'm black?"
Curiosity had me hooked as to what was coming next but finally, after seven minutes of waiting in line for this woman to move on and stop her screaming, I backed up, parked and went inside to get my order. I then talked to the store manager. If I had been that pharmacist, I would have first called the manager. If he were not available, the sheriff would have been called. No one needs to put up with abuse, not for one second, by some ignorant customer believing that the world owes her a living and using the race card to take whatever retribution she believes she deserves.
All things take time. It's not like instant oatmeal. However, after 154 years or 50 years there is still half of Americans today who believe that race relations have become worse under Obama. If this sort of behavior continues, there will be no winners.
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Upcoming National League of Cities Meeting
New Business B is on the agenda tonight to appoint a commissioner to attend the National League of Cities conference in Austin, Texas--just can't imagine who they will appoint. If you think about it, all of them, other than Christopher McVoy, could benefit from the following course. Whoever is the appointee, please come back to your constituents with a full report on how you can implement all those civil ideas. This commission has never given a formal report on any conference they have attended on the taxpayer's dime other than Christopher McVoy. His seminar cost $150 whereas this one will cost several thousand.
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Finding Common Ground: Promoting Civil Discourse on Divisive Issues
In an ever more divisive
national political landscape, cities are the place where people must
still come together as a community. City leaders must engage with
residents and each other in such a way that viewpoints can be shared and
respected with the aim of finding common ground. This interactive
session will open with a brief presentation on the fundamentals of
mediation skills, finding common ground, and promoting civil discourse.
It will be followed by moderated roundtables on specific current topics
to allow city leaders of different viewpoints to share with and listen
respectfully to each other with a goal of better understanding different
dimensions of the issue.
Speaker: Stephanie Bell, Professor, Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA)
Speaker: Stephanie Bell, Professor, Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA)
Monday, October 27, 2014
Belittling and Bullying -
Comment Up
The scale of civility starts at the top with Christopher McVoy as the most civil. There has just been too much time observing this commission for this to be a rash judgment on who is the most civil because nothing in my mind has shifted nor has it waned. In fact, our leaders could use a few lessons.
In discussion, a Commissioner may condemn the nature of likely consequences of a proposed measure or initiative in strong terms but must avoid a discussion of personalities, and under no circumstances may he/she attack or belittle, either directly or indirectly, another Commissioner, staff or even the public.
Good sound advice? Absolutely. But this needs to be taken a step further. Our commission was elected to represent the people, ALL of the people, not just some of them. They are there to be respectful of all their constituents even those who disagree with them as well as other elected commissioners. There is no room for bullying in our city.
I continue to observe the belittling of Commissioner McVoy not only in what other commissioners say but what they do and how they handle his commentary on issues with which they disagree. Common courtesy is often times difficult for some--rolling of the eyes, sitting back in the chair, giving a smirk, inattentive or just plain "calling the question." McVoy can't see this but we can. He chooses to focus on only the issue during his commentary even when they dismiss it out of hand and he always is polite and maintains his composure. Can you even imagine a mayor giving a time limit on a commissioner's comment on a voting issue? This attitude is noticed in the chamber and from those watching on-line. This contemptuous attitude plants a seed in the minds of some people who don't really know the politics. It is a form of bullying and it needs to end.
This commission is unlike any that has preceded before them. They feed and foster a culture of fear and intimidation. This majority wants its own way no matter what. They don't listen half the time to what you say. Hell, they don't even honor the vote of the people. They don't return calls or e-mails, only to their chosen ones, and they encourage their supporters to bully other residents. I used to think that Maxwell was the biggest bully of all but the leader of this commission has far out paced him in sometimes strident intolerance making it now the norm of this "leadership."
The commission needs to remember what Elisa Stewart said, "We must listen to the truth in our opponent and we must acknowledge it....then we must listen; we must listen and listen and listen." In so many words she told them to knock off their arrogance.
We do not operate in a vacuum. Our meetings and our local media coverage are available to a wide audience online. Even Channel 12 is no longer interested in Lake Worth. Strong arming is uncool. Why should the press get its hands tied? It is time for this commission to stop the bullying, get bigger shoulders and regain civility and tolerance towards all. And we, the people, are here to keep you honest.
The scale of civility starts at the top with Christopher McVoy as the most civil. There has just been too much time observing this commission for this to be a rash judgment on who is the most civil because nothing in my mind has shifted nor has it waned. In fact, our leaders could use a few lessons.
In discussion, a Commissioner may condemn the nature of likely consequences of a proposed measure or initiative in strong terms but must avoid a discussion of personalities, and under no circumstances may he/she attack or belittle, either directly or indirectly, another Commissioner, staff or even the public.
Good sound advice? Absolutely. But this needs to be taken a step further. Our commission was elected to represent the people, ALL of the people, not just some of them. They are there to be respectful of all their constituents even those who disagree with them as well as other elected commissioners. There is no room for bullying in our city.
I continue to observe the belittling of Commissioner McVoy not only in what other commissioners say but what they do and how they handle his commentary on issues with which they disagree. Common courtesy is often times difficult for some--rolling of the eyes, sitting back in the chair, giving a smirk, inattentive or just plain "calling the question." McVoy can't see this but we can. He chooses to focus on only the issue during his commentary even when they dismiss it out of hand and he always is polite and maintains his composure. Can you even imagine a mayor giving a time limit on a commissioner's comment on a voting issue? This attitude is noticed in the chamber and from those watching on-line. This contemptuous attitude plants a seed in the minds of some people who don't really know the politics. It is a form of bullying and it needs to end.
This commission is unlike any that has preceded before them. They feed and foster a culture of fear and intimidation. This majority wants its own way no matter what. They don't listen half the time to what you say. Hell, they don't even honor the vote of the people. They don't return calls or e-mails, only to their chosen ones, and they encourage their supporters to bully other residents. I used to think that Maxwell was the biggest bully of all but the leader of this commission has far out paced him in sometimes strident intolerance making it now the norm of this "leadership."
The commission needs to remember what Elisa Stewart said, "We must listen to the truth in our opponent and we must acknowledge it....then we must listen; we must listen and listen and listen." In so many words she told them to knock off their arrogance.
We do not operate in a vacuum. Our meetings and our local media coverage are available to a wide audience online. Even Channel 12 is no longer interested in Lake Worth. Strong arming is uncool. Why should the press get its hands tied? It is time for this commission to stop the bullying, get bigger shoulders and regain civility and tolerance towards all. And we, the people, are here to keep you honest.
Friday, September 26, 2014
Rules are for the other guy
Comment Up
"What do you do when your commission doesn't follow the rules? Let's have some respect and follow the rules."
~ Mayor Pam Triolo, 9-23-14
The mayor said that she didn't believe in putting out any negativity towards anything...she forgot to say towards "anyone." Those who disagree with commission policy are not included in this respect for the rules thing.
"What do you do when your commission doesn't follow the rules? Let's have some respect and follow the rules."
~ Mayor Pam Triolo, 9-23-14
The mayor said that she didn't believe in putting out any negativity towards anything...she forgot to say towards "anyone." Those who disagree with commission policy are not included in this respect for the rules thing.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Decorum at City Commission Meetings
Comment Up
In the latest Rasmussen Poll, only eight percent (8%) think most members of Congress get reelected because they do a good job representing their constituents. Seventy percent (70%) say most get reelected because election rules are rigged to benefit members of Congress. That’s up four points from last month and the highest level of cynicism in five years of regular surveying. Twenty-three percent (23%) are undecided. That's what the city commission did (rigging) when it exempted itself from the Uniform Municipal Election Act, another story.
This entire polling mindset trickles down to local politics. If you are at home watching meetings, you miss all of the commissioner smirks, all of the tempers, all of the rolling of eyes, and all of the "playing politics," enough so that there are plenty of times you just want to throw your hands up in the air and say, "Why bother?"
On Tuesday night, a few on the dais, and one in particular, was irritated with a few commissioners who did not approve of the budget. This was under PUBLIC HEARINGS. Public means just that. This IS the time for discussion--between commissioners and the public. No one should have to be intimidated to vote in lockstep whether it be the 365th day of the year or the first day.
A citizen had legitimate questions regarding the ECR facility on what they are going to build, why we need it and the overall cost of $112,794,000.00. None of his questions and concerns were addressed. Why not? Why should citizens be treated so contemptuously and just mindlessly accept the decisions of this commission and then have to be ignored (other than McVoy who did make a statement) or publicly assassinated?
If a commissioner is going to address another commissioner, he should be cordial and use decorum--something greatly lacking these days. I was happy to to see Commissioner Amoroso standing up for his convictions and expressing his displeasure with the political rhetoric by the Vice Mayor who looked like he was about to explode during his "speech." Amoroso stated, "He's playing politics." Setting a budget IS a BIG deal ($167 million) so why should any commissioner get upset with the process?
In the latest Rasmussen Poll, only eight percent (8%) think most members of Congress get reelected because they do a good job representing their constituents. Seventy percent (70%) say most get reelected because election rules are rigged to benefit members of Congress. That’s up four points from last month and the highest level of cynicism in five years of regular surveying. Twenty-three percent (23%) are undecided. That's what the city commission did (rigging) when it exempted itself from the Uniform Municipal Election Act, another story.
This entire polling mindset trickles down to local politics. If you are at home watching meetings, you miss all of the commissioner smirks, all of the tempers, all of the rolling of eyes, and all of the "playing politics," enough so that there are plenty of times you just want to throw your hands up in the air and say, "Why bother?"
On Tuesday night, a few on the dais, and one in particular, was irritated with a few commissioners who did not approve of the budget. This was under PUBLIC HEARINGS. Public means just that. This IS the time for discussion--between commissioners and the public. No one should have to be intimidated to vote in lockstep whether it be the 365th day of the year or the first day.
A citizen had legitimate questions regarding the ECR facility on what they are going to build, why we need it and the overall cost of $112,794,000.00. None of his questions and concerns were addressed. Why not? Why should citizens be treated so contemptuously and just mindlessly accept the decisions of this commission and then have to be ignored (other than McVoy who did make a statement) or publicly assassinated?
If a commissioner is going to address another commissioner, he should be cordial and use decorum--something greatly lacking these days. I was happy to to see Commissioner Amoroso standing up for his convictions and expressing his displeasure with the political rhetoric by the Vice Mayor who looked like he was about to explode during his "speech." Amoroso stated, "He's playing politics." Setting a budget IS a BIG deal ($167 million) so why should any commissioner get upset with the process?
Monday, September 15, 2014
Time to believe in the Good Guys
Great message: It's time for the good guys to step up--"All of this anger destroys trust and teamwork and, given time, our nation. So how do we turn it around? It starts with everyone who still believes in civility, responsibility and virtue — the Good Guys"
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Rules are for the other guy
Comment Up
The Mayor broke the rules. The entire Commission, the City Attorney and the City Manager allowed the Rules of Decorum, their own rules, to be thrown out and flushed down their political petty toilet all for "getting even" with the "face" of their opposition. This is not done in a democracy. The failure of the Lake Worth Commission and its staff in its abuse of power failed to respect Constitutional rights and freedom of expression of this blogger and/or any citizen in this city who disagrees with their policies. They were out for retribution for losing the bond election. Their decision to break the Rules undermines the democratic legitimacy of this commission. Immediate action must be taken to protect the dignity of the meetings and to ensure that fundamental rights are protected under Rule 14, Decorum for Citizen participation.
I have written the mayor on this subject before, to no avail. Voices of some of the citizens (their opposition) are discarded, thrown away, ridiculed and/or abused. Commissioners sneer or even lean back in their seat and roll their eyes at some comments. They are losing elections because they DO NOT LISTEN. However there is a Rule of Decorum. If our commission can't follow its own rules in this respect, then what do we have? A despotic abuse of power--Tyranny? Anarchy? Have the commission meetings now been allowed to become hate fests for personal attacks towards people of the opposition? Is this Pakistan? Is this Syria? What about ISIS where they are beheading journalists? Is that next?
On August 29, 2014, in an e-mail to me, the mayor said: "With all my heart I want to end this chasm and move us forward." That thought lasted 14 days. It's no wonder that 50% of the voters don't trust. It needs to end with you, mayor.
415 RULE 14
416 DECORUM FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
417
418 (a) In support of and respect for an open, fair and informed decision-making process, the
419 City Commission and Administration recognize that:
420
421 (1) Civil, respectful and courteous discourse and behavior are conducive to the
422 democratic and harmonious airing of concerns and decision making; and
423
424 (2) Un-civil discourse and/or discourteous and inappropriate behavior have a
425 negative impact on the character and productivity of the decision-making process.
426
427 (b) In an effort to preserve the intent of open government and maintain a positive
428 environment for citizen input and Commission decision-making, the following Rules of
429 Decorum for Citizen Participation have been established.
430
431 Compliance with these rules is expected and appreciated. The Rules of Decorum for
432 Citizen Participation will be included in the agenda and will be referenced at the beginning
433 of each Commission meeting and Commission Work Session by the Chair. A written list of
434 the Rules of Decorum for Citizen Participation will also be printed and mounted upon the
435 walls of the Commission Chamber and Conference Room and upon the speaker’s podium
436 in the Commission Chamber.
437
438 (1) Speakers will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times.
439
440 (2) Speakers will address the Chair.
441
442 (3) Questions to Commission members or City staff will be facilitated by the Chair.
443
444 (4) Speakers will refrain from the use of obscene language, “fighting words” likely to
445 incite violence from the individuals(s) to whom the words are addressed, or other
446 language which is disruptive to the orderly and fair progress of discussion at the
447 meeting.
448
449 (5) Speakers will refrain from making comments of a personal nature regarding
450 others.
451
I'm above the Rules or,
"I can't find my gavel?"
"I can't find my gavel?"
I have written the mayor on this subject before, to no avail. Voices of some of the citizens (their opposition) are discarded, thrown away, ridiculed and/or abused. Commissioners sneer or even lean back in their seat and roll their eyes at some comments. They are losing elections because they DO NOT LISTEN. However there is a Rule of Decorum. If our commission can't follow its own rules in this respect, then what do we have? A despotic abuse of power--Tyranny? Anarchy? Have the commission meetings now been allowed to become hate fests for personal attacks towards people of the opposition? Is this Pakistan? Is this Syria? What about ISIS where they are beheading journalists? Is that next?
On August 29, 2014, in an e-mail to me, the mayor said: "With all my heart I want to end this chasm and move us forward." That thought lasted 14 days. It's no wonder that 50% of the voters don't trust. It needs to end with you, mayor.
415 RULE 14
416 DECORUM FOR CITIZEN PARTICIPATION
417
418 (a) In support of and respect for an open, fair and informed decision-making process, the
419 City Commission and Administration recognize that:
420
421 (1) Civil, respectful and courteous discourse and behavior are conducive to the
422 democratic and harmonious airing of concerns and decision making; and
423
424 (2) Un-civil discourse and/or discourteous and inappropriate behavior have a
425 negative impact on the character and productivity of the decision-making process.
426
427 (b) In an effort to preserve the intent of open government and maintain a positive
428 environment for citizen input and Commission decision-making, the following Rules of
429 Decorum for Citizen Participation have been established.
430
431 Compliance with these rules is expected and appreciated. The Rules of Decorum for
432 Citizen Participation will be included in the agenda and will be referenced at the beginning
433 of each Commission meeting and Commission Work Session by the Chair. A written list of
434 the Rules of Decorum for Citizen Participation will also be printed and mounted upon the
435 walls of the Commission Chamber and Conference Room and upon the speaker’s podium
436 in the Commission Chamber.
437
438 (1) Speakers will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times.
439
440 (2) Speakers will address the Chair.
441
442 (3) Questions to Commission members or City staff will be facilitated by the Chair.
443
444 (4) Speakers will refrain from the use of obscene language, “fighting words” likely to
445 incite violence from the individuals(s) to whom the words are addressed, or other
446 language which is disruptive to the orderly and fair progress of discussion at the
447 meeting.
448
449 (5) Speakers will refrain from making comments of a personal nature regarding
450 others.
451
Pg 35
452 (6) Name-calling and/or obscenity is forbidden.
453
454 (7) Shouting, yelling or screaming is forbidden.
455
456 (8) Commission Work Session or Public Hearing attendees (audience) will refrain
457 from commenting, shouting, booing, clapping, stomping feet or other
458 inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior. Brief clapping is permissible at the end
459 of a speaker’s comments.
460
461 (c) It is the intent of Commission to maintain order and enforce the Rules of Decorum for
462 Citizen Participation for its meetings. Disregard of these rules will be met with the
463 following consequences:
464
465 (1) The Chair will identify out loud the out-of-compliance behavior and request for the
466 behavior to stop;
467
468 (2) The Chair will ask the speaker to have a seat if he/she continues to disrupt the
469 meeting;
470
471 (3) If the speaker refuses to have a seat, the Chair will recess the meeting; and
472
473 (4) Will instruct a law enforcement officer to instruct the speaker to stop the
474 disruptive conduct and escort the speaker out of the meeting venue.
452 (6) Name-calling and/or obscenity is forbidden.
453
454 (7) Shouting, yelling or screaming is forbidden.
455
456 (8) Commission Work Session or Public Hearing attendees (audience) will refrain
457 from commenting, shouting, booing, clapping, stomping feet or other
458 inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior. Brief clapping is permissible at the end
459 of a speaker’s comments.
460
461 (c) It is the intent of Commission to maintain order and enforce the Rules of Decorum for
462 Citizen Participation for its meetings. Disregard of these rules will be met with the
463 following consequences:
464
465 (1) The Chair will identify out loud the out-of-compliance behavior and request for the
466 behavior to stop;
467
468 (2) The Chair will ask the speaker to have a seat if he/she continues to disrupt the
469 meeting;
470
471 (3) If the speaker refuses to have a seat, the Chair will recess the meeting; and
472
473 (4) Will instruct a law enforcement officer to instruct the speaker to stop the
474 disruptive conduct and escort the speaker out of the meeting venue.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Jack says...
Comment Up
Mr. Integrity
If you ever need any advice on ANYTHING, go to Jack.
He has ALL of the answers.
He has ALL of the answers.
- A bit of friendly advice Lynn, accept your total lack of ability to influence any elected officials, even the ones you back. Your dishonesty, lack of integrity and misinformation have all been well documented.
It would seem your primary function today is to rally the opposition. I guess that spells trouble for Mulvehill's petition and Mack Benard's Primary campaign.
Let's see how that works out!
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Shanon Materio asks for Civility from Residents
Comment Up
Gee, just when I thought Lake Worth held the number one spot for the most impolite residents --Commissioner Shanon Materio wants those who speak before the West Palm Beach city commission meetings to be more civil. It seems that there are some residents who are HOT and sizzling on certain topics. Read more...
I guess Lake Worth is not unique here.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Civility Month in Lake Worth
Comment Up
WHEREAS, as a cornerstone of democracy Americans have observed certain rules of behavior generally known as civility; and
WHEREAS, civility, derived from the Latin words “civitas” meaning city and “civis” meaning citizen, is behavior worthy of citizens living in a community or in common with others; and
WHEREAS, displays of anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and a lack of respect and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues, and can discourage individuals from participation in government; and
WHEREAS, civility can assist in reaching consensus on diverse issues and allow for mutually respectful ongoing relationships; and
WHEREAS, civility can uplift our daily life and make it more pleasant to live in an organized society; and
WHEREAS, the City, County and Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar urges the adoption of a pledge of civility by all citizens in the State of Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAM TRIOLO, Mayor of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim MAY as CIVILITY MONTH
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, to be affixed this 15th day of May, 2012.
PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, the open exchange of public discourse is essential to the democratic system of government; andWHEREAS, as a cornerstone of democracy Americans have observed certain rules of behavior generally known as civility; and
WHEREAS, civility, derived from the Latin words “civitas” meaning city and “civis” meaning citizen, is behavior worthy of citizens living in a community or in common with others; and
WHEREAS, displays of anger, rudeness, ridicule, impatience, and a lack of respect and personal attacks detract from the open exchange of ideas, prevent fair discussion of the issues, and can discourage individuals from participation in government; and
WHEREAS, civility can assist in reaching consensus on diverse issues and allow for mutually respectful ongoing relationships; and
WHEREAS, civility can uplift our daily life and make it more pleasant to live in an organized society; and
WHEREAS, the City, County and Local Government Law Section of The Florida Bar urges the adoption of a pledge of civility by all citizens in the State of Florida.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAM TRIOLO, Mayor of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim MAY as CIVILITY MONTH
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Lake Worth, Florida, to be affixed this 15th day of May, 2012.
Pam Triolo, Mayor
Why not make it Civility Year? Why not use your gavel and Point of Order more often? Why not just make a resolution to this effect? Why not ask some of these rude people to stop talking in the chamber while others are presenting or discussing particularly some in the back row? Why not kick a few out the door? Are we all to take special caution in the month of May to be respectful when we speak from the dais or the lectern? What happens during the other eleven months of the year? "Business" as usual?
Civility is an action word.
Civility is an action word.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Point of Order - Trashing the Process
Comment Up
The Mayor, Pam Triolo, is trying to learn Robert's Rules of Order. It is difficult even for our city attorney to understand the rules as she has readily admitted. Have you ever just tried doing research on a subject that is addressed in Robert's Rules?
Lately, the Mayor has called MANY Points of Order when Commissioner McVoy or Mulvehill have spoken on certain subjects to get their points across during discussion or debate. She has come down hard on their right of free speech and as elected representatives of the residents who voted them into office, we want to hear what they have to say. They have the right to repeat themselves after everyone has spoken to the motion. The "filibuster" complaint is impossible to prove here and in most cases, there is absolutely no reason to delay a vote as this new commission has already made up their minds.
On a Point of Order, there has to be a clear violation of the rules and that person calling the Point of Order should cite the rule that has been broken. And I don't accept some flippant bullet point here. Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking must be raised immediately after the error is made. The Chair would make a decision and if in doubt, would then ask the commission. Politics should not come into play. Let's get some democracy back into the playbook.
The mayor, along with the commission, have now reduced the time of our general meetings to 4 hours. We will see how long that works out. If the commissioners are on point, they have every right to express their views and can not be shut up just because an opposing side does not want to listen or because it has been discussed previously. I can unequivocally say that if Rachel Waterman pulled these stunts she would have been tarred and feathered by politicos in this city.
In addressing A point of Order, Robert's Rules says:
•Another member can interrupt a speaker who has the floor and call a Point of Order.
•It doesn't need to be seconded.
•It isn't debatable.
So, the next time any commissioner is speaking to the subject and giving reasons for his either being in favor or disfavor of a motion and there is heckling or jeering in the chamber and the Mayor does not quiet the chamber, that commissioner whose rights have been impugned should call it. We have a civility rule in place that is being completely ignored by some and it needs to be in play for every citizen who speaks at the lectern as well. Refer to the city attorney to remind everyone of this civility resolution.
Rules are put in place to protect rights, and when the rules aren't followed, those rights can get trampled. Fortunately, Robert's Rules says that any member who notices a breach of the rules has a right to call immediate attention to the fact and insist that the rules be enforced by raising a point of order. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.
Remarks must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, never allude to others by name or to motives, something the Mayor accused Suzanne Mulvehill of doing when she said that Mulvehill was not asking a question--that she was "preaching." "You're not asking--when I hear you ask something I will answer you," said Triolo to Mulvehill.
It is the Chair who sets the example of how people are treated, not only on the dais but the treatment of those residents in the chamber. No one should ever get trashed in this process.
The Mayor, Pam Triolo, is trying to learn Robert's Rules of Order. It is difficult even for our city attorney to understand the rules as she has readily admitted. Have you ever just tried doing research on a subject that is addressed in Robert's Rules?Lately, the Mayor has called MANY Points of Order when Commissioner McVoy or Mulvehill have spoken on certain subjects to get their points across during discussion or debate. She has come down hard on their right of free speech and as elected representatives of the residents who voted them into office, we want to hear what they have to say. They have the right to repeat themselves after everyone has spoken to the motion. The "filibuster" complaint is impossible to prove here and in most cases, there is absolutely no reason to delay a vote as this new commission has already made up their minds.
On a Point of Order, there has to be a clear violation of the rules and that person calling the Point of Order should cite the rule that has been broken. And I don't accept some flippant bullet point here. Infraction of the rules, or improper decorum in speaking must be raised immediately after the error is made. The Chair would make a decision and if in doubt, would then ask the commission. Politics should not come into play. Let's get some democracy back into the playbook.
The mayor, along with the commission, have now reduced the time of our general meetings to 4 hours. We will see how long that works out. If the commissioners are on point, they have every right to express their views and can not be shut up just because an opposing side does not want to listen or because it has been discussed previously. I can unequivocally say that if Rachel Waterman pulled these stunts she would have been tarred and feathered by politicos in this city.
In addressing A point of Order, Robert's Rules says:
•Another member can interrupt a speaker who has the floor and call a Point of Order.
•It doesn't need to be seconded.
•It isn't debatable.
So, the next time any commissioner is speaking to the subject and giving reasons for his either being in favor or disfavor of a motion and there is heckling or jeering in the chamber and the Mayor does not quiet the chamber, that commissioner whose rights have been impugned should call it. We have a civility rule in place that is being completely ignored by some and it needs to be in play for every citizen who speaks at the lectern as well. Refer to the city attorney to remind everyone of this civility resolution.
Rules are put in place to protect rights, and when the rules aren't followed, those rights can get trampled. Fortunately, Robert's Rules says that any member who notices a breach of the rules has a right to call immediate attention to the fact and insist that the rules be enforced by raising a point of order. Under no circumstances should "undue strictness" be allowed to intimidate members or limit full participation.
Remarks must be courteous in language and deportment - avoid all personalities, never allude to others by name or to motives, something the Mayor accused Suzanne Mulvehill of doing when she said that Mulvehill was not asking a question--that she was "preaching." "You're not asking--when I hear you ask something I will answer you," said Triolo to Mulvehill.
It is the Chair who sets the example of how people are treated, not only on the dais but the treatment of those residents in the chamber. No one should ever get trashed in this process.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Waterman Speaks Out
Comment Up
Associations Valuable if Civility can be Enforced
By: Rachel Waterman, Mayor of Lake Worth followed by two Letters to the Editor of the Palm Beach Post dissing Waterman
Regarding the article, "Mayor decries 'personal attacks,' will skip neighborhood forums," the important work that neighborhood associations can do is undermined when they become vehicles for the politics of division.
Associations Valuable if Civility can be EnforcedBy: Rachel Waterman, Mayor of Lake Worth followed by two Letters to the Editor of the Palm Beach Post dissing Waterman
Regarding the article, "Mayor decries 'personal attacks,' will skip neighborhood forums," the important work that neighborhood associations can do is undermined when they become vehicles for the politics of division.
My life's work has been strengthening neighborhoods and resident leaders. I created Palm Beach County's Residents Education to Action Program and the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, and instituted a matching grant program in this year's budget to support Lake Worth's neighborhood associations. It even provides scholarship money for empowerment of leaders. I am a founding member of the Tropical Ridge Neighborhood Association; I am the only candidate who is a member of the association and who lives in the neighborhood.
I do not shy away from tough questions, but nothing can be accomplished during a screamfest. The environment at the Tropical Ridge association's forum was not one in which issues could be productively debated. The environment of any event is the responsibility of the sponsoring organization.
I meet with residents in their homes, businesses, churches, organizations and during my open office hours at city hall. I am standing up for all those who are tired of the political factions destroying our city's progress. I welcome everyone to join me in the middle.
RACHEL WATERMAN
Lake Worth
Editor's note: Rachel Waterman is the mayor of Lake Worth.
Mayoral leadership lacking
So Lake Worth Mayor Rachel Waterman feels that she was subjected to "vicious personal attacks" at a recent candidate forum. She obviously doesn't know what a "vicious personal attack" is. What former Lake Worth City Commissioner Cara Jennings did to Commissioner Scott Maxwell was a "vicious personal attack."
The mayor is supposed to lead, not duck and run from criticism. Mayor Waterman should take a ride down North Dixie Highway and look at all the closed businesses that couldn't make it because of Lake Worth's failed social reform policies. If you can't handle the hard questions at a community forum, you will never be able to handle the job of mayor.
DAVID FECHTMEYER
Lake Worth
Waterman should get over it
With reference to your article, "Mayor decries 'personal attacks,' will skip neighborhood forums," our novice Mayor Rachel Waterman needs to pull up her big-girl panties, answer the questions and get over it. She chose to run for political office. Anyone doing so in today's somewhat politically divisive society needs to temper whatever minutia comes her way. If this mayor does not "like" the tone or climate of meetings from the residents she is serving, she needs to go back to writing grants behind a desk.
HELENE JARVIS
Lake Worth
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Decorum at Lake Worth City Hall Jumped off the Cliff
Comment Up
Back on March 15, 2011, the City Commission amended the Rules and Procedures to add "Rules of Decorum for Citizen Participation." It had gotten to the point that some citizens, organized by a few in the neighborhood associations and easily influenced by their political agenda, had become unruly. We all thought that by passing this Resolution that behavior in the Chamber would get better.
During election time we have to endure some candidates who feel that making some stupid political statement is in their best interests. We usually tune it out if they are respectful. However, Lisa Maxwell spoke last night and said 1) that this commission wanted to close the library and 2) that library hours were being shortened. Neither of her statements were correct--she mis-spoke again, but Lisa did what she does best. Any candidate running for office should know the facts. Lisa does not and is unwilling to learn. Last night, those married to the little organized herd, bent on political destruction, tossed out the City's Resolution No 04-2011 and played by their own rules. Here are a few of the rules that they broke:
Rule #4 states that citizens must speak only to the matter for which they signed up. This was abused over and over again last night by the herd that was hell bent on sounding off with political sound bites, lies and personal attacks turning the subject around to what they wanted to sound off about.
Rule #7 states that speakers will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times.
Rule #15 states speakers will refrain from making comments of a personal nature regarding others.
Rule #16 states that name calling is forbidden.
Rule #19 states that the audience should refrain from private conversation during the meeting.
Rule #21 states that no campaign placards, banners, or signs will be permitted in the city council chambers.
Can we please have some order in the Chamber and get back to civil, respectful and courteous discourse and behavior? That is what this Civility Resolution was all about--it passed on a 4/0 vote. Coincidentally, both Maxwells were absent that night.
Back on March 15, 2011, the City Commission amended the Rules and Procedures to add "Rules of Decorum for Citizen Participation." It had gotten to the point that some citizens, organized by a few in the neighborhood associations and easily influenced by their political agenda, had become unruly. We all thought that by passing this Resolution that behavior in the Chamber would get better.
During election time we have to endure some candidates who feel that making some stupid political statement is in their best interests. We usually tune it out if they are respectful. However, Lisa Maxwell spoke last night and said 1) that this commission wanted to close the library and 2) that library hours were being shortened. Neither of her statements were correct--she mis-spoke again, but Lisa did what she does best. Any candidate running for office should know the facts. Lisa does not and is unwilling to learn. Last night, those married to the little organized herd, bent on political destruction, tossed out the City's Resolution No 04-2011 and played by their own rules. Here are a few of the rules that they broke:
Rule #4 states that citizens must speak only to the matter for which they signed up. This was abused over and over again last night by the herd that was hell bent on sounding off with political sound bites, lies and personal attacks turning the subject around to what they wanted to sound off about.
Rule #7 states that speakers will conduct themselves in a civil and respectful manner at all times.
Rule #15 states speakers will refrain from making comments of a personal nature regarding others.
Rule #16 states that name calling is forbidden.
Rule #19 states that the audience should refrain from private conversation during the meeting.
Rule #21 states that no campaign placards, banners, or signs will be permitted in the city council chambers.
Can we please have some order in the Chamber and get back to civil, respectful and courteous discourse and behavior? That is what this Civility Resolution was all about--it passed on a 4/0 vote. Coincidentally, both Maxwells were absent that night.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Lepa was Leaping
Comment Up
Bob Lepa is a public figure. He is a stock broker and an Associate Vice President of Wells Fargo Advisors a financial firm, a person guarding your investments. He is a member of the Lake Worth BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM, serving a 3 year term. Why then would an educated man such as Mr. Lepa stoop so low at a public meeting to utter an audible obscenity towards someone taking his photograph? He is in the public arena and there really isn't any right to privacy in public places.
Joakim Noah, basketball player with the NBA Bulls, was just fined $50,000 for an homophobic slur. Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for the same. Professional sports have stringent civility rules. When residents serve on city boards, they should conduct themselves professionally especially towards the public and the commission they serve.
Mr. Lepa did not want to be photographed so I have X'd out his face with X's and O's. I have to send him lots of love because my cousin is a friend of his on Facebook.
P.S. What about some anger management classes?
Bob Lepa is a public figure. He is a stock broker and an Associate Vice President of Wells Fargo Advisors a financial firm, a person guarding your investments. He is a member of the Lake Worth BOARD OF TRUSTEES EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT SYSTEM, serving a 3 year term. Why then would an educated man such as Mr. Lepa stoop so low at a public meeting to utter an audible obscenity towards someone taking his photograph? He is in the public arena and there really isn't any right to privacy in public places.
Joakim Noah, basketball player with the NBA Bulls, was just fined $50,000 for an homophobic slur. Kobe Bryant was fined $100,000 for the same. Professional sports have stringent civility rules. When residents serve on city boards, they should conduct themselves professionally especially towards the public and the commission they serve.
Mr. Lepa did not want to be photographed so I have X'd out his face with X's and O's. I have to send him lots of love because my cousin is a friend of his on Facebook.
P.S. What about some anger management classes?
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Public Speaking
Comment Up
I guess from writing a blog, the most interesting item on the Agenda at today’s City Commission workshop was that of Civility at Public Meetings, or if you will, the freedom of speech.
We all get blasted from time to time from someone who has another point of view. If you bring up politics even with friends, they will loudly put you in your place if they don't agree. On a blog, particularly when it is anonymous, some people can be very rude. We chalk it up to just part of the territory and think nothing more about it. It’s the same feeling I get when I speak at City Hall and the entire Dais ignores me.
The Golden Rule has been around for centuries and it is the standard that different cultures use to resolve conflicts—treating all people with consideration, not just members of your own group. The Mayor brought up this rule today when speaking about standards for public speaking.
We have some meetings that are more controversial than others and a few people get a little hot at times. It is rare. They actually make jerks of themselves at the lectern and they don’t care. We all sit in our pews with embarrassment or even shock at times. “I can’t believe he said that,” we think to ourselves. “God, I would never say that...calling someone a cockroach.” We remember these characters for a very long time--they are a part of Lake Worth. They threaten the City not to step one inch on to their property and scream about it or want to sue. They shout about high electric bills or whatever turns them on that day. They blame the city on anything or everything that makes them unhappy. It doesn’t take much. And being very loud is a requisite of their rudeness.
Some commissioners as well as the city manager are upset with these loud outbursts and even afraid of some people who have spoken in front of the Commission. These citizens have talked loudly and have not spoken according to the Golden Rule or have stopped some commissioners or the city manager in the parking lot after a meeting to scream some more. They have slammed down their hands on the lectern, they have pointed their fingers at specific commissioners, they have uttered inflammatory remarks and are just overall discourteous, bad-mannered, insolent, uncouth, offensive, ill-mannered, vulgar, boorish, and/or disrespectful. The Commission wants to end this behavior.
It goes without saying that people should be polite and cordial and treat others with respect but will this new policy go too far? Will people be subdued to the point of not even bothering to say what they think. There is the slippery slope here. Will the consequence of limiting speech lead us into censorship of what we say or even worse, possibly tyranny? Yes, that is melodramatic but stranger things have happened.
Will a resolution on Rules of Decorum actually make it impossible for citizens to say what they want? As you will only be able to address the Chair, will even looking at anyone else on the Dais cause you to be immediately chastised? Can the government actually do this? By making this policy does it erode or even remove our basic freedom? The City will say “no.” It will even recite a Supreme Court case.
I guess from writing a blog, the most interesting item on the Agenda at today’s City Commission workshop was that of Civility at Public Meetings, or if you will, the freedom of speech.We all get blasted from time to time from someone who has another point of view. If you bring up politics even with friends, they will loudly put you in your place if they don't agree. On a blog, particularly when it is anonymous, some people can be very rude. We chalk it up to just part of the territory and think nothing more about it. It’s the same feeling I get when I speak at City Hall and the entire Dais ignores me.
The Golden Rule has been around for centuries and it is the standard that different cultures use to resolve conflicts—treating all people with consideration, not just members of your own group. The Mayor brought up this rule today when speaking about standards for public speaking.
We have some meetings that are more controversial than others and a few people get a little hot at times. It is rare. They actually make jerks of themselves at the lectern and they don’t care. We all sit in our pews with embarrassment or even shock at times. “I can’t believe he said that,” we think to ourselves. “God, I would never say that...calling someone a cockroach.” We remember these characters for a very long time--they are a part of Lake Worth. They threaten the City not to step one inch on to their property and scream about it or want to sue. They shout about high electric bills or whatever turns them on that day. They blame the city on anything or everything that makes them unhappy. It doesn’t take much. And being very loud is a requisite of their rudeness.
Some commissioners as well as the city manager are upset with these loud outbursts and even afraid of some people who have spoken in front of the Commission. These citizens have talked loudly and have not spoken according to the Golden Rule or have stopped some commissioners or the city manager in the parking lot after a meeting to scream some more. They have slammed down their hands on the lectern, they have pointed their fingers at specific commissioners, they have uttered inflammatory remarks and are just overall discourteous, bad-mannered, insolent, uncouth, offensive, ill-mannered, vulgar, boorish, and/or disrespectful. The Commission wants to end this behavior.
It goes without saying that people should be polite and cordial and treat others with respect but will this new policy go too far? Will people be subdued to the point of not even bothering to say what they think. There is the slippery slope here. Will the consequence of limiting speech lead us into censorship of what we say or even worse, possibly tyranny? Yes, that is melodramatic but stranger things have happened.
Will a resolution on Rules of Decorum actually make it impossible for citizens to say what they want? As you will only be able to address the Chair, will even looking at anyone else on the Dais cause you to be immediately chastised? Can the government actually do this? By making this policy does it erode or even remove our basic freedom? The City will say “no.” It will even recite a Supreme Court case.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Speech has Soul and so does She
Comment Up
I don’t usually read prepared statements, but this is so important I am going to do so this evening.
I first want to say, that I had the most fantastic core of volunteers that showed up day after day, not just for me, but for the shared vision that we have for our city. I sincerely thank you for all your hard work and for believing in me to carry forth and implement our shared vision.
I decided to run for office two years ago because that vision was in jeopardy. The prior City Commission majority had voted to privatize our beach property, outsource one of our most valuable resources, our water, and refused to exit the expensive electric contract. There was a lack of solid leadership in city hall and this was not being addressed either.
In 2008, our voters and residents spoke out in favor of a new direction for Lake Worth.
In these last two years, we have had a commission majority with the courage to look at these issues and address them on behalf of our residents, not outside interests. We reversed the decision on our beach; we reversed the decision about our water, and we reversed the idea that bad decisions and bad contracts could not be fixed.
The idea of dissent has been long- revered and at the same time criticized in our country. Dissent is a sentiment or philosophy of non-agreement or opposition to a prevailing idea. Our country was built on dissent and I feel that same momentum here in our community of standing up for what is right, despite the entrenchment of conformity. I have talked to a lot of people in the last few months who recently moved here and they told me that they moved here because Lake Worth isn’t like anywhere else. What they did not articulate, but is clear to me, is that people are drawn here because of the soul of our city. Lake Worth has a personality – it has a spirit – unlike any other. And when you nurture the soul of a city, it comes to life. And that is exactly what is happening here now.
Voltaire said, “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing the new road.” A professor at the University of Amsterdam states, that without dissent, society would come to a halt, we wouldn’t change or create or innovate. Dissenters commonly are despised, ignored or persecuted by the majority. We have seen that here in our own city, in this very room. So I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude and respect for Commissioner Cara Jennings for being a dissenter – for courageously standing up to the persecution and the shocking incivility that she was subjected to as our commissioner. She is incredibly brave and visionary and was instrumental in bringing about a new direction for Lake Worth.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”And Commissioner Jennings has blazed a trail. The decisions we make today will have a tremendous impact on the future of our city and it is our responsibility as commissioners to not only address our short term problems, but to always look to the future. So my focus is no longer on what I’ve done in the last two years, but instead on what needs to be done in the next two years - and that is….. to connect Lake Worth’s history to Lake Worth’s future.
The first iteration of our Lake Worth Casino building was a bath house built by Mr. A.A. Jones in 1912. Lake Worth’s population at that time was 38 people. And yet a book on our history reports that it was not unusual for 500 or more people to attend dances and festivities at this site. That means that even at that time, our beach property was a regional destination.
This quote from the book stood out to me, “But many a tourist elected to make his home in Lake Worth because of the Old Casino’s friendly accommodations and the splendid beach it overlooked.” As it was 100 years ago, so it can be today. And I look forward to making Lake Worth a regional destination once again and preparing our city for the next 100 years.
Thank you.
Commissioner Mulvehill's Acceptance Speech
I don’t usually read prepared statements, but this is so important I am going to do so this evening.
I first want to say, that I had the most fantastic core of volunteers that showed up day after day, not just for me, but for the shared vision that we have for our city. I sincerely thank you for all your hard work and for believing in me to carry forth and implement our shared vision.
I decided to run for office two years ago because that vision was in jeopardy. The prior City Commission majority had voted to privatize our beach property, outsource one of our most valuable resources, our water, and refused to exit the expensive electric contract. There was a lack of solid leadership in city hall and this was not being addressed either.
In 2008, our voters and residents spoke out in favor of a new direction for Lake Worth.
In these last two years, we have had a commission majority with the courage to look at these issues and address them on behalf of our residents, not outside interests. We reversed the decision on our beach; we reversed the decision about our water, and we reversed the idea that bad decisions and bad contracts could not be fixed.
The idea of dissent has been long- revered and at the same time criticized in our country. Dissent is a sentiment or philosophy of non-agreement or opposition to a prevailing idea. Our country was built on dissent and I feel that same momentum here in our community of standing up for what is right, despite the entrenchment of conformity. I have talked to a lot of people in the last few months who recently moved here and they told me that they moved here because Lake Worth isn’t like anywhere else. What they did not articulate, but is clear to me, is that people are drawn here because of the soul of our city. Lake Worth has a personality – it has a spirit – unlike any other. And when you nurture the soul of a city, it comes to life. And that is exactly what is happening here now.
Voltaire said, “Our wretched species is so made that those who walk on the well trodden path always throw stones at those who are showing the new road.” A professor at the University of Amsterdam states, that without dissent, society would come to a halt, we wouldn’t change or create or innovate. Dissenters commonly are despised, ignored or persecuted by the majority. We have seen that here in our own city, in this very room. So I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest gratitude and respect for Commissioner Cara Jennings for being a dissenter – for courageously standing up to the persecution and the shocking incivility that she was subjected to as our commissioner. She is incredibly brave and visionary and was instrumental in bringing about a new direction for Lake Worth.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”And Commissioner Jennings has blazed a trail. The decisions we make today will have a tremendous impact on the future of our city and it is our responsibility as commissioners to not only address our short term problems, but to always look to the future. So my focus is no longer on what I’ve done in the last two years, but instead on what needs to be done in the next two years - and that is….. to connect Lake Worth’s history to Lake Worth’s future.
The first iteration of our Lake Worth Casino building was a bath house built by Mr. A.A. Jones in 1912. Lake Worth’s population at that time was 38 people. And yet a book on our history reports that it was not unusual for 500 or more people to attend dances and festivities at this site. That means that even at that time, our beach property was a regional destination.
This quote from the book stood out to me, “But many a tourist elected to make his home in Lake Worth because of the Old Casino’s friendly accommodations and the splendid beach it overlooked.” As it was 100 years ago, so it can be today. And I look forward to making Lake Worth a regional destination once again and preparing our city for the next 100 years.
Thank you.
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