Showing posts with label Jess Santamaria. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jess Santamaria. Show all posts
Friday, July 15, 2016
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Money and Politics
It's so difficult to elect good people--people who have common sense as well as growth management sense and those looking out for the welfare of the residents. It takes a lot of money to win in Palm Beach County and it definitely pays to be a Democrat in a County where Democrats far outweigh Republican voters by nearly 132,000.
The Palm Beach County Commission lost a good one when it lost Jess Santamaria to term limits. Most on the PB County dais couldn't stand him. He tried to hold them to a higher standard. Yesterday Melissa McKinley, Democrat, was sworn in to replace Santamaria. She raised $394,938.28 to become commissioner, with donations from contractors, Realtors, Attorneys, Lobbyists, Unions and even Sun Recycling companies (they're everywhere). Jess's daughter, running as an Independent, Michelle Santamaria, only raised $54,496. You can't win without money and no Party backing.
Paulette Burdick was passed over to be the next mayor. Priscilla Taylor, outgoing mayor, nominated Shelley Vana instead...another commissioner who is development oriented at the expense of the residents who live here. The vote was 5/2 with Burdick and Abrams voting nay.
The way I see it, we have one definite commissioner looking out for the people-- Democrat Paulette Burdick. And there is a hope in Republican Abrams especially if he watches developer creep in the Ag Reserve.
As Burdick said, "It is apparent that there is a majority on the Board that is pro-development to a fault."
The Palm Beach County Commission lost a good one when it lost Jess Santamaria to term limits. Most on the PB County dais couldn't stand him. He tried to hold them to a higher standard. Yesterday Melissa McKinley, Democrat, was sworn in to replace Santamaria. She raised $394,938.28 to become commissioner, with donations from contractors, Realtors, Attorneys, Lobbyists, Unions and even Sun Recycling companies (they're everywhere). Jess's daughter, running as an Independent, Michelle Santamaria, only raised $54,496. You can't win without money and no Party backing.
The way I see it, we have one definite commissioner looking out for the people-- Democrat Paulette Burdick. And there is a hope in Republican Abrams especially if he watches developer creep in the Ag Reserve.
As Burdick said, "It is apparent that there is a majority on the Board that is pro-development to a fault."
Monday, October 13, 2014
Minto West Project
Comment Up
It's such a shame. We have been trying to protect our state for decades--for future generations, its natural resources and animal habitats, but politicians, looking for the tax dollar and never meeting a developer they didn't like, always get in the way--always.
The last commercial citrus growing operation in Palm Beach County has bit the dust. And no surprise when we learn that a huge development will takes its place. Now envision this--Minto West "is larger than the cities of Lake Worth and Greenacres and, if incorporated, would be the 11th-largest municipality in the county."
Read more... on Minto West and how the County allowed developers to build beyond capacity. Commissioners Vana (who was all for screwing up John Prince Park for national league baseball), Hal Valeche, Priscilla Taylor, Steven Abrams and Mary Lou Berger voted in favor of the Minto West proposal. Commissioners Jess Santamaria and Paulette Burdick voted against it.
Please remember to vote YES on Florida state land initiative Amendment one. It will take a 60% or better vote to protect Florida's future.
It's such a shame. We have been trying to protect our state for decades--for future generations, its natural resources and animal habitats, but politicians, looking for the tax dollar and never meeting a developer they didn't like, always get in the way--always.
The last commercial citrus growing operation in Palm Beach County has bit the dust. And no surprise when we learn that a huge development will takes its place. Now envision this--Minto West "is larger than the cities of Lake Worth and Greenacres and, if incorporated, would be the 11th-largest municipality in the county."
Read more... on Minto West and how the County allowed developers to build beyond capacity. Commissioners Vana (who was all for screwing up John Prince Park for national league baseball), Hal Valeche, Priscilla Taylor, Steven Abrams and Mary Lou Berger voted in favor of the Minto West proposal. Commissioners Jess Santamaria and Paulette Burdick voted against it.
Please remember to vote YES on Florida state land initiative Amendment one. It will take a 60% or better vote to protect Florida's future.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Jess Santamaria still promoting Honest Government
Palm Beach County Commissioner, Jess Santamaria is term limited. His tenure ends this November. First elected in 2006, he has been a watchdog for the people. He did a wonderful thing today. He took out a full page advertisement, last page of the local section in the Palm Beach Post, entitled The Inspector General & Honest Government.
If you missed it in the PBPost, be sure to read it at the Town Crier.
If you missed it in the PBPost, be sure to read it at the Town Crier.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
The Ooops Defense - Separating the Seed from the Chaff - Thanks Jess Santamaria
Comment Up
In 2010, Jess Santamaria's opponent, Andy Schaller, published information that Santamaria might be a convicted felon. He sent it out all over the place and even printed it on his web site. In politics, all the sleaze of the game is realized but this took it to new lows. Schaller's information was false and based on a totally different Santamaria so the real Jess Santamaria sued him.
Back several years ago the Lake Worth Herald printed that Jim Exline, the convicted felon, was Ron Exline's son. The criminal Jim Exline was all over the news back then and in everyone's mind. The Herald never officially apologized to Ron Exline who was running for Lake Worth District 1 at the time and printed something stupid in the Pelican Pete section of its newspaper, like, ooops, we made a slight boo boo. The damage to Exline had already been done. The Herald was supporting Retha Lowe, Ron Exline's opponent, who later and once in office again, came up on charges from the Florida Elections Commission and was heavily fined.
I admire Jess Santamaria for standing up for what is right in this evil game of politics. Although the Court just found Schaller's egregious actions "without malice," they were definitely malicious lies and printed with only one goal in mind--to smear Santamaria so that he could win. Perhaps he had a better attorney than did Santamaria. How can any body of people think there was no malice--that it was just an innocent mistake? It's the ooops defense again--I just made a mistake, folks--don't hold me accountable. Sort of like the Twinkies did it.
The Palm Beach Post says Jess was wrong by not forgetting and moving on like it never happened and condemned him for refusing to shake Schaller's hand after the trial. If everyone has to endure political smears and lies, the sleaze will never end. Next time, there will be a totally different jury that might see the slime for what is is--defamation to bring down an opponent.
This should not be allowed. Politics is bad enough without allowing Bullies and punks to use these tactics, besmirching the reputation of opponents. It seems that anything goes in the political arena. It is difficult enough separating the seed from the chaff.
Thanks Jess, for not shaking Schaller's hand. Our laws seem to protect these people.
In 2010, Jess Santamaria's opponent, Andy Schaller, published information that Santamaria might be a convicted felon. He sent it out all over the place and even printed it on his web site. In politics, all the sleaze of the game is realized but this took it to new lows. Schaller's information was false and based on a totally different Santamaria so the real Jess Santamaria sued him.
Back several years ago the Lake Worth Herald printed that Jim Exline, the convicted felon, was Ron Exline's son. The criminal Jim Exline was all over the news back then and in everyone's mind. The Herald never officially apologized to Ron Exline who was running for Lake Worth District 1 at the time and printed something stupid in the Pelican Pete section of its newspaper, like, ooops, we made a slight boo boo. The damage to Exline had already been done. The Herald was supporting Retha Lowe, Ron Exline's opponent, who later and once in office again, came up on charges from the Florida Elections Commission and was heavily fined.
I admire Jess Santamaria for standing up for what is right in this evil game of politics. Although the Court just found Schaller's egregious actions "without malice," they were definitely malicious lies and printed with only one goal in mind--to smear Santamaria so that he could win. Perhaps he had a better attorney than did Santamaria. How can any body of people think there was no malice--that it was just an innocent mistake? It's the ooops defense again--I just made a mistake, folks--don't hold me accountable. Sort of like the Twinkies did it.
The Palm Beach Post says Jess was wrong by not forgetting and moving on like it never happened and condemned him for refusing to shake Schaller's hand after the trial. If everyone has to endure political smears and lies, the sleaze will never end. Next time, there will be a totally different jury that might see the slime for what is is--defamation to bring down an opponent.
This should not be allowed. Politics is bad enough without allowing Bullies and punks to use these tactics, besmirching the reputation of opponents. It seems that anything goes in the political arena. It is difficult enough separating the seed from the chaff.
Thanks Jess, for not shaking Schaller's hand. Our laws seem to protect these people.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Commissions don't listen to the voters - We need Amendment 4
"Proposed Amendment 4, Florida Hometown Democracy, will be presented to the voters in the November elections. This proposed amendment would give voters an opportunity to vote on major changes to a community’s growth management plan. Under current law, major changes to our growth management plan are decided by county commissioners. Many communities are now suffering from severe water restrictions, declining home values, as well as real estate taxes that are still too high.
The root cause of these ills has been the failure of our community to adhere to its growth management plan. County commissioners just can’t say no to special business interests when it comes to plan amendments, their future campaign cash depends on it."
Read more about it HERE
Today, the PB County Commission approved of changes at Lion Country Safari allowing for 250 more homes to be built. Even the DCA objected saying it would contribute to urban sprawl. Kilday & Associates (land planners that are everywhere...they even stuck their neck into the Sunset property) wanted it. Jess Santamaria said "yes." Karen Marcus was the only dissenting vote.
The root cause of these ills has been the failure of our community to adhere to its growth management plan. County commissioners just can’t say no to special business interests when it comes to plan amendments, their future campaign cash depends on it."
Read more about it HERE
Today, the PB County Commission approved of changes at Lion Country Safari allowing for 250 more homes to be built. Even the DCA objected saying it would contribute to urban sprawl. Kilday & Associates (land planners that are everywhere...they even stuck their neck into the Sunset property) wanted it. Jess Santamaria said "yes." Karen Marcus was the only dissenting vote.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Royal Palm Beach Village says we don't want the Asphalt, the Concrete, the Crime or Traffic
This is what it's all about!Royal Palm Beach Village really is a beautiful town and it’s no wonder the residents there would not stand for the typical excuse, from a typical politician, when Vice Mayor Martha Webster proclaimed that a major commercial development proposed to be built right next to their homes was just what the town needed for jobs and she wanted it to go forward. Jobs are always the lame excuse and politicians use it constantly to put you on guilt trips.
Marvin Bond, Contractor-- a lonely voiceSaying FHD will cost jobs
Last night at Royal Palm Village, the residents showed up, filling out petition cards and comment cards, all in agreement, that their quality of life was far more important than what some on their Commission wanted against their wishes. Mayor Mattioli finally said that they were going to forget the whole thing.
PB County Commissioner, Jess Santamaria withFHD supporters,
Bett Willet and Dee McNamara
Palm Beach County Commissioner, Jess Santamaria, was there to speak and he said that the development complex does not belong in the neighborhoods.
Florida Hometown Democracy showed up to give support – just another reason why we need to vote YES on November 2. Even though Royal Palm's Commission ended up doing the right thing, many commissions throughout the State of Florida have not. The people need a seat at the table.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Amendment 4 gives people back their say
Comment Up
Letter to the Editor
Palm Beach Post
May 12, 2010
I disagree with The Post Editorial Board's criticism of Amendment 4, Florida Hometown Democracy, on the November ballot.
Events keep showing that we need this basic "government of the people, by the people, for the people." It would give voters power over development of their communities and make politicians and developers listen. Developers still would be able to submit projects, and politicians still could approve them, but voters would have final say over those changes.
In Palm Beach County, the public must have the power to say yes or no, since "public servants" routinely disregard public consensus and give developers power, property value and taxpayer dollars to expand Browardization westward to the Everglades. It is heartbreaking. A recent comprehensive plan change gave the owners of Lion Country Safari theme park in western Palm Beach the option to change from commercial recreation to 254 urban sprawl houses, quadruple the number of houses allowed in a rural area.
County Commissioner, Jess Santamaria, was presented with public policy to deny the change, but called it "jargon" and voted to allow the park to disappear. Only Commissioner Karen Marcus upheld the county comprehensive plan against the six other commissioners when she voted no.
RITA MILLER
Loxatchee
Letter to the EditorPalm Beach Post
May 12, 2010
I disagree with The Post Editorial Board's criticism of Amendment 4, Florida Hometown Democracy, on the November ballot.
Events keep showing that we need this basic "government of the people, by the people, for the people." It would give voters power over development of their communities and make politicians and developers listen. Developers still would be able to submit projects, and politicians still could approve them, but voters would have final say over those changes.
In Palm Beach County, the public must have the power to say yes or no, since "public servants" routinely disregard public consensus and give developers power, property value and taxpayer dollars to expand Browardization westward to the Everglades. It is heartbreaking. A recent comprehensive plan change gave the owners of Lion Country Safari theme park in western Palm Beach the option to change from commercial recreation to 254 urban sprawl houses, quadruple the number of houses allowed in a rural area.
County Commissioner, Jess Santamaria, was presented with public policy to deny the change, but called it "jargon" and voted to allow the park to disappear. Only Commissioner Karen Marcus upheld the county comprehensive plan against the six other commissioners when she voted no.
RITA MILLER
Loxatchee
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
District 89
Comment Up
This District is now down to two announced candidates running for Mary Brandenburg’s seat in the Florida Legislature as Elissa Pearl formally dropped out to run for Jess Santamaria’s
We now have Electrical Engineer Pete Brandenburg, Mary’s husband, and her former Aide, Mayor Jeff Clemens running. Mary and her husband have been together ever since they met in college. Pete has held no political office but he comes to the table with a lifetime of experience just being with Mary through her entire political career. It all rubs off. Jeff, on the other hand, has held the elected position of Mayor of Lake Worth, is personable, knowledgeable and is driven.
This will be an interesting race: name recognition or a great glossy. Any bets?
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Let's move on an Ethics Policy
PB County Jess Santamaria said that the national Media is to blame for the County being called "Corruption Capital of the United States."
No, Jess. The blame goes to Tony, Warren and Mary.
On Tuesday PB County commissioners voted on creating an Ethics Commission and also have an inspector general who will be the watchdog on ethics in Palm Beach County government.
This is a great thing and hopefully we will get our own Ethics Policy created and passed as brought up Tuesday night by Commissioner Jennings and agreed to by Mayor Jeff Clemens.
No, Jess. The blame goes to Tony, Warren and Mary.
On Tuesday PB County commissioners voted on creating an Ethics Commission and also have an inspector general who will be the watchdog on ethics in Palm Beach County government.
This is a great thing and hopefully we will get our own Ethics Policy created and passed as brought up Tuesday night by Commissioner Jennings and agreed to by Mayor Jeff Clemens.
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