Today's Election Lake Worth

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Todd Townsend, a 7-year Lake Worth resident, said he’s supporting Frank McAlonan, Diane Jacques — who is Townsend’s neighbor — and Ryan Hartman. He said he’s worried about “career politicians” who don’t listen to residents.

“We have career politicians in our small town and we want to keep it a small town,” he said.

Read more... of the Palm Beach Post article.

Sign Waving for Frank McAlonan

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Campaign Contributions to date

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To date:

TRIOLO:    $38,975
JACQUES:  $ 2,070
ANTIEAU:   $ 2,125

MAXWELL:  $52,145.11
HARTMAN:  $  8,229

AMOROSO:  $35,940
MCALONAN: $16,097.10

Challengers TOTAL: $ 28,521.10

INCUMBENTS TOTAL: $127,060.11
or
the Incumbents have 81.67% of the total amount of monies received for all campaigns.

It is an extremely large and obscene amount of money being invested in our city to ensure that these incumbents stay in office. When you have so much outside interests giving big donations, we know that we are on the right track to right the wrongs and stand up to corruption by booting these incumbents out.

“I’m a worker and I know what a dollar is worth. I’d rather (campaign) with very little money and no lies...IT'S CORRPUTION," talking about the large amount of money to the Trio incumbents.
~ Gary Antieau

"The race isn’t a level playing field and has resembled a presidential campaign with the amount of money that has been raised. When that happens, you lose the heart and soul of what a municipal election and municipal candidates are supposed to represent, and that’s the community.”
~ Diane Jacques

“It’s mind-boggling [speaking about the money] for a position that only pays about $14,000 a year.
~ Frank McAlonan

This election has attracted Republican PAC money (we know who influenced that!) as well as the Unions and other big donors. I changed my Party a few months ago to Republican and now I am sorry to admit it. To influence our local elections to this degree, is corrupt. Scott Maxwell, Pam Triolo and Andy Amoroso very well know that this is a non-partisan election but these three are so engulfed in their own power, it doesn't faze them.

We don't want special interests getting a hold of our city and our beach park or our elected officials.

REJECT ALL INCUMBENTS TOMORROW.

Frank McAlonan - Talking with Seniors

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Concerned about the escalating crime and potholes in and around their neighborhood as well as the private development that was mentioned for our beach, Frank met with Seniors this morning to listen to their concerns.

Vote for Frank on March 15

so that everyone can set their mind at ease

Frank McAlonan for Commissioner District 3

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Frank believes in principled, open government with budget decisions based on solid financial principles and full public participation. He needs your vote on March 15 for District 3 Commissioner.

Let's change City Hall.

County Sales Tax Proposed increase - All Lake Worth incumbents want to raise your taxes

A recent Palm Beach Post headline read: "Survey: Many candidates oppose hike in sales tax." This survey is in a link on the right side of my blog.

Let's take a look at what our Lake Worth candidates had to say.

PAM TRIOLO:  FOR
GARY ANTIEAU: AGAINST. His argument? It has not been said what or where the money will go.
DIANE JACQUES: AGAINST. Her argument? I don’t favor a sales tax increase, because low income and middle class families shoulder the greatest sales tax burden. Decreasing property taxes by increasing sales tax favors upper income families who traditionally pay a higher rate of real estate taxes. First and foremost, taxes must be fair and sales tax increases invariably have the greatest impact on low income and middle class families.

ANDY AMOROSO:  FOR. His argument? Tax increase would help fund a much needed infrastructure.
FRANK McALONAN:  AGAINST. His argument?  I would need to learn more about the allocation of those proceeds between the municipalities. At this time I would not support a sales tax increase.

SCOTT MAXWELL: FOR. His argument: The proposed local sales increase speaks directly to funding infrastructure projects
RYAN HARTMAN:  FOR:  His argument?  I support a tax increase if the voters choose a tax increase. My job would be to do what the voters want.

The county has crafted wish lists with $712 million in projects. The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County, has a $228 million wish list says the Sun Sentinel. Under state law, cities would be entitled to 40 percent of revenue generated through a sales tax increase.

So, all three incumbents (Maxwell, Triolo, Amoroso)

want to raise taxes...again!

Diane Jacques argument was excellent but all those who voted "no" want to know where the money would be allocated.  They want to know more details on this proposed sales tax that would be in effect for 10 years raising $2.6 billion county-wide.  If it went 100% towards infrastructure, this could be a good thing but there is no guarantee just like in the Lake Worth General Obligation Bond that was defeated by the voters. And even if governments tell you money is dedicated, things have a way of changing when you're dealing with politicians.

The City of Lake Worth is doing that right now with the Utility Bond of 2004 that was for a 13.2kv upgrade and now the city is pushing/considering a 26.4kv upgrade. My question is how do you get taxpayers to pay for a bond that was for a 13.2kv upgrade and now the city wants to change that to a non-standard voltage? We still owe over $50 million on the 2004 Utility System Revenue bonds that were refinanced twice as well as interest of over $12 million. This presentation was supposed to be on last night's agenda.

Things just don't seem to get better and continue to go backwards.

Amoroso and McAlonan on the Gulfstream Hotel and Casino

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The Palm Beach Post asked the two candidates this--

Should the city continue seeking new uses for the Gulfstream Hotel and the Lake Worth Casino, two projects that have divided the city?

Frank McAlonan

NO.
The city needs to resolve the construction issues at the Casino Building without further delay so that the second floor space can be leased. It would cure any financial shortfall at the Casino Building. I think we all can agree that having the Gulfstream Hotel open again would be an enormous step forward for our city. I am hopeful that renovations will actually take place and very soon at the Gulfstream Hotel.



Andy Amoroso

Yes.
These are two different projects. One is city-owned and the other one is not.

Lake Worth Candidates

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Read the Palm Beach Post on the candidates.

Jacques said she and Triolo have different ideas on how the city should move forward. “I don’t think Lake Worth will be bigger or better because of an industrial park,” Jacques said, referring to the Park of Commerce. “I would like to see that money directed to our neighborhoods and our streets. It’s important to put some of these grandiose plans on hold to focus on streets, urban decay and crime.”

Andy Amoroso - Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire

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Essentially I have left commissioner Andy Amoroso alone when it comes to pointing out his bad decisions for Lake Worth. I have just included him as part of the Trio overall as he has voted in partnership with Scott Maxwell and Pam Triolo on each and every occasion that I can recall. The difference between him and them is that he wasn't a bully on the dais although he did rush through discussion at times when he said "call the vote."  There were many times that he had no patience in listening to the other side of the argument.

However, when a candidate decides to be a "hitman" and produces a campaign hit piece, even if it only consisted of one sentence that was a deliberate falsehood to deceive and a hitpiece that is given to the voters in our city, then I have to call it out. His flyer could not have been just a mistake. It was a fabrication of major proportions and an attack on his opponent, Frank McAlonan, that was sheer fantasy.

There were several embellished achievements but one major prevarication (LIE) on his flyer: The safety of our residents should also be a top priority. [We all agree with that] I supported keeping the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and Palm Beach County Fire rescue.  My opponent in this race opposed all of these initiatives.
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Frank McAlonan did not live here when any talk of "keeping the PBSO" ever came before the commission. I don't recall any discussion or even a serious suggestion regarding the termination with the PBSO. It didn't happen. At the Bryant Park NA Forum, Candidate Frank McAlonan rated the PBSO on a scale of 1 to 10 as a 9.5. And to make the lie on Amoroso' campaign flyer even more loathsome, Frank's brother is a fireman.
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There is never a reason to lie to the voters unless you want to fool them and can't win on your own merits or win on the truth. Does anyone admire someone winning an election by cunning deception?

Perhaps it is the low-information voter he is trying to attract.  According to Mark Perkel, "people want to hear what they want to hear.  When two candidates are running and one of them tells the truth and the other says what the public wants to hear, the one who says what the public wants to hear wins the election. Thus, and there are exceptions to this, if you want to win an election, you better start lying, because the guy who's telling you the truth doesn't have a chance."

We have seen the lies and the dirty tricks in this city on way too many occasions and frankly, we are all sick of it.  If you have to lie to win, then give it up. And Frank is right--Andy Amoroso should apologize.

Bryant Park Candidate Forum

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Last night this forum was held at the gorgeous Lake Worth Golf Course. The candidates were seated in alphabetical order. At one point during the forum, it was announced by Darrin Engel, president of the Bryant Park Neighborhood Association, that candidate for mayor, Diane Jacques, had a previous commitment and could not attend the forum.

Andy Amoroso: In talking about the casino, he said that this is the first year we have started to pay back the loan to ourselves and that the building needs to pay for itself. Also we inherited a bad business plan--everything leaks. He said that the recent Ordinance that he helped pass was not about the Homeless but rather it was about safety. When talking about the Sober Homes issue, he said that he didn't think that his opponent had talked to the Sober Homes at all. He said that "people will be knocking on your doors telling you that he wants to privatize our beach. That's a lie."  Gave the PBSO a 9.5 out of 10 rating.

Gary Antieau: The city has nothing for the Seniors. They took away the Senior center, the Shuffleboard courts, the Trolley. The addiction and mental illness that afflicts our city should be discussed with those who know how to treat them and get a solution. When asked about his lack of social media skills, he said, I'm not ashamed that I don't know it." Regarding the casino, he said, "Just rent the upstairs." Gave the PBSO an 8 rating.

Ryan Hartman: He will value the opinion of every single resident. We have increasing crime and need to tackle crime reduction, have safer streets and have more transparency in city government. Listening to the people is a top priority. Says that we need to advertise our pool and that this is an amenity that does not necessarily have to be profitable. We need to keep our entire beach 100% public. We need the city to go forward and there will be no homeless camp in Bryant Park or any park. Gave the PBSO a 7 rating.

Scott Maxwell: Was against the rebuilding of the casino and said that the money could have been spent at the Park of Commerce. We are losing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year on the pool. Until we fix that building, it will be very difficult to market and pay the bills. The casino was to pay for itself; it hasn't. Says he is proud of lowering the electric rates and we are now the 4th lowest in the state of Florida. Gave the PBSO an 8-9 rating.

Frank McAlonan:  Says it's all about team work--the best team works together.  To make the beach park more profitable, parking rates should go up during the season on tiered rates.  Fixing our roads could be done for $20 million--take the money that's been allocated from the Park of Commerce. On the recent Ordinance regarding opening and closing time for public property, he said that he would not have passed an Ordinance that could put us into a lawsuit and that people need to read an Ordinance before passing it. He is working with a group on solutions for the Homeless. Gave the PBSO a 9 rating.

Pam Triolo:  Working hard to help Lake Worth realize its full potential...don't listen to the rhetoric or sound bytes--I offer real solutions, she said. On the casino, she said that the upstairs space is in litigation because of faulty workmanship and they can't rent it. Our beach will always be public. Says that there is still no Certificate of Occupancy. Nothing we can do about Sober Homes. Says she is still working on roads. Said that she was the only homeowner when actually there are three others who own their own home (Gary's is in his wife's name). Gave the PBSO a 9.5 rating.

Last night's sky seen from the Lake Worth Golf Course

Frank McAlonan has Campaign Kick-Off Party

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Last night, Brogues was the venue to hear Frank McAlonan speak as to why he is running for city commissioner District 3. "Too many beach towns have been ruined by thoughtless development," he says.  Further, he says that "as we revitalize, we need ethical leaders who will safeguard our beach and truly listen to residents. Lake Worth's small town historic character is our most valuable asset. I will protect it and use it to drive tourism and economic development."  He mentioned the homeless issue and says that there is a "compassionate side as well as a commerce side--you can't arrest yourself out of this."

What Frank says are his priorities:

Invest in our Neighborhoods
Fixing our streets and making our neighborhoods safe for families is a priority for me. We must improve residential areas and reduce crime to stabilize neighborhoods and attract home owners. He wants to focus on the neighborhoods.

Keep our Beach Public
We must maintain complete control of our public beach. My opponent planned to allow a developer to build a convention center and private club on our beach property. I will never vote to allow private development on our beach.

Restore Transparency and Ethical Standards
We need elected officials with high ethical standards who operate 100% "in the Sunshine" and welcome public input on decisions that affect us all. We must restore transparency to city operations and make budget decisions based on solid financial principles, not for political gain.

He concluded his speech by saying, "Time, Money, Votes.  If I get all three from you, you are a Rock Star."

Elect Frank McAlonan for Lake Worth City Commissioner

District 3 Candidate McAlonan interviewed by the Lake Worth Tribune

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The Lake Worth Tribune just published an interview by Margaret Menge on Frank McAlonan, a candidate for Commissioner District 3.

To read what Frank has to say about our beach, our pool, heights, Hudson Holdings, PBSO and rating our top Lake Worth executives on a scale of 1 to 10, Click here

Lake Worth Candidate Information

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Facebook and/or web site pages of candidates for Mayor and Lake Worth City Commission:

Ryan Hartman

Scott Maxwell--Has raised $12,035 through December 31, 2015

Pam Triolo--Has raised $9,075 through December 31, 2015

Diane Jacques

Gary Antieau--

Andy Amoroso--Has raised $12,580 through December 21, 2015

Frank McAlonan

One interesting contribution was that of Benny's on the Beach. The owners gave all three incumbents the maximum contribution of $1,000 each.

Another thing to note is that the three incumbents are running in tandem--even their signs are being grouped together...The Trio.

Frank McAlonan - Candidate for Lake Worth Commissioner District 3

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Frank has lived in Palm Beach County for 30 years. He grew up near the water with a love for the ocean breeze and sandy beaches. He and his wife moved to Lake Worth to live near the Atlantic and experience the charm of the city.

Frank has a background of resolving problems for South Florida home buyers--from buying and selling homes, to financing and to insuring the integrity of the property. For the past decade, he has worked with multiple national underwriters and has a proficient undertaking of the real estate and development business.

Frank graduated with a degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Florida.  His experience as a collegiate athlete taught Frank the importance of teamwork, a value that will serve him well in representing the people of Lake Worth.

Today, Frank cycles regularly, both for fitness and in support of local non-profit organizations.  He participates in Bike MS every year, an event that aims to find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  He has also served on a committee for Loop the Lake Literacy, a more than 100-mile ride that raises money to promote literacy in our county.