Comment Up
We talk about Corruption County (Palm Beach) but there is corruption everywhere when it comes to politics. Now we can add the League of Women Voters President to the list. The President of the Florida League of Women Voters is just another corrupt Democrat. So what's new?
Do you remember years ago when John Rinaldi was the monitor at the Lake Worth Playhouse for the Lake Worth debates? Residents were so angry that they walked out and the League of Women Voters vowed never to be a part of our candidate debates again.
Marco Rubio should cancel any debate that would be held by this group and think twice about the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches.
Read about it...
Or Read Politico
Showing posts with label John Rinaldi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label John Rinaldi. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
Monday, May 25, 2015
Sabal Palm House For Sale
Comment Up
Most of us have heard that the Rinaldi's (John Rinaldi was the former chair of the Lake Worth Planning & Zoning Board) Bed & Breakfast is on the market. The asking price is $1,395,000.00, for Sabal Palm House at 109 N. Golfview Road situated across from the golf course and Intracoastal Waterway. Walking distance from downtown shopping, dining and the beach, it is a beautiful property. According to the Property Appraiser, the total market value is $478,390 and taxes are $13,212.
SALE HISTORY:
APR-2003 $650,000 15047 / 1290 WARRANTY DEED JS SABAL PALM HOUSE LLC
APR-1998 $245,000 10341 / 0965 WARRANTY DEED SABAL PALM HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST INC
MAY-1994 $200,000 09907 / 0269 WARRANTY DEED
DEC-1992 $225,000 07537 / 1972 WARRANTY DEED
APR-1992 $170,000 07221 / 1304 WARRANTY DEED
Most of us have heard that the Rinaldi's (John Rinaldi was the former chair of the Lake Worth Planning & Zoning Board) Bed & Breakfast is on the market. The asking price is $1,395,000.00, for Sabal Palm House at 109 N. Golfview Road situated across from the golf course and Intracoastal Waterway. Walking distance from downtown shopping, dining and the beach, it is a beautiful property. According to the Property Appraiser, the total market value is $478,390 and taxes are $13,212.
SALE HISTORY:
APR-2003 $650,000 15047 / 1290 WARRANTY DEED JS SABAL PALM HOUSE LLC
APR-1998 $245,000 10341 / 0965 WARRANTY DEED SABAL PALM HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST INC
MAY-1994 $200,000 09907 / 0269 WARRANTY DEED
DEC-1992 $225,000 07537 / 1972 WARRANTY DEED
APR-1992 $170,000 07221 / 1304 WARRANTY DEED
Monday, March 2, 2015
NAPC candidate debate tonight
My dictionary defines "moderator" as "the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting."
In Choosing a Moderator:
2. Select a moderator
The moderator should be someone who is well-respected and viewed by the public as politically neutral and nonpartisan. Ideally, the moderator should be someone who lives outside of the voting district. The perceived objectivity of your moderator is crucial to candidates, the media and forum-sponsoring organizations. A journalist is a good person to choose as the moderator due to their experience with being objective and nonpartisan. Actually, he should not just be viewed as non-partisan, he must be non-partisan.
It is your job to prepare your moderator well (give them questions in advance if possible, review process and format with them, help them to shape conversations, and do practice runs).
The League of Womens Voters says:
The Moderator
A well-qualified moderator is essential for a successful candidate meeting. Look for a poised and assertive individual who can maintain control over the meeting's progress without stifling audience and candidate participation. The person must be impartial. The role of the moderator is essential; an alternate should be designated in advance to be ready in event of illness.
When you consider the candidate forums that have been held at the Lake Worth Playhouse by the political NAPC organization, it is a circus event; it is a show and usually the best one in town. You never know what will come out of the mouth of a candidate or out of the mouth of a moderator. I'll never forget candidate John Jordan or John Rinaldi as moderator. The audience is packed with partisan politicos-- banging on walls is not unusual. It's bad enough with the partisan "enthusiasts" who attend for the one night but a PARTISAN moderator? You can't beat that with a stick.
See you tonight at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 6:30 pm.
In Choosing a Moderator:
2. Select a moderator
The moderator should be someone who is well-respected and viewed by the public as politically neutral and nonpartisan. Ideally, the moderator should be someone who lives outside of the voting district. The perceived objectivity of your moderator is crucial to candidates, the media and forum-sponsoring organizations. A journalist is a good person to choose as the moderator due to their experience with being objective and nonpartisan. Actually, he should not just be viewed as non-partisan, he must be non-partisan.
It is your job to prepare your moderator well (give them questions in advance if possible, review process and format with them, help them to shape conversations, and do practice runs).
The League of Womens Voters says:
The Moderator
A well-qualified moderator is essential for a successful candidate meeting. Look for a poised and assertive individual who can maintain control over the meeting's progress without stifling audience and candidate participation. The person must be impartial. The role of the moderator is essential; an alternate should be designated in advance to be ready in event of illness.
When you consider the candidate forums that have been held at the Lake Worth Playhouse by the political NAPC organization, it is a circus event; it is a show and usually the best one in town. You never know what will come out of the mouth of a candidate or out of the mouth of a moderator. I'll never forget candidate John Jordan or John Rinaldi as moderator. The audience is packed with partisan politicos-- banging on walls is not unusual. It's bad enough with the partisan "enthusiasts" who attend for the one night but a PARTISAN moderator? You can't beat that with a stick.
See you tonight at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 6:30 pm.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Political Board Appointments - Lake Worth
Comment Up
Back in January 2013, this commission, on a 4/1 vote with McVoy dissenting, changed the process for board appointments making it less transparent and consequently what was always political was now guaranteed to be so. The democratic public process and vetting the candidates was thrown out the window for political expediency and secrecy. Click here.
Now some are crying "foul." It seems that their "visionary," less than transparent process has some people rumbling regarding a recent volunteer board appointment. The local newspaper's editorial last week said that someone wanted to be reappointed to a board but the commissioner responsible for the appointment “had no qualms with appointing his friend to take the seat of a well qualified, active and hardworking member and leave the city with a less qualified, if qualified at all, volunteer board member while turning away a fully qualified experienced member.” Opinion is fine but it should bring forth all of the facts.
With the rotation process, each commissioner and the mayor gets to appoint people to boards. An Appointment was in front of Commissioner McVoy for P&Z. It is his right, under this commission's new rules, to appoint who he wants. McVoy appointed Elise Latorre to the Planning & Zoning board and to the Library board. John Szerdi reappointed Dean Sherwin to the Planning & Zoning board and Scott Maxwell reappointed Mark Humm.
To explain further--There were three positions up for re-consideration: Rinaldi, Humm and Sherwin. Mark Parrilla was kicked off the board due to missing too many meetings per their rules and that position had already been filled by Amoroso. Please note that Parrilla was just appointed to the Library board by Scott Maxwell. (Parrilla supported their bond issue). Szerdi had an opportunity to reappoint John Rinaldi to the P&Z as well. He didn't. The vice mayor had a chance to reappoint Mr. Rinaldi on August 19th but he reappointed Mark Humm for a term ending on July 31, 2017. Rinaldi's application to be reappointed was turned in months ago and no one reappointed him to the P&Z.
Mr. Rinaldi was taught a lesson. There will be repercussions if you go against this commission even if it is only on one issue. Free thought and free speech has consequences when you don't agree with those in power. You are automatically thrown into the enemy camp and under the bus for not agreeing with this present commission that wants to use McVoy as their talking-point political scapegoat.
Historic Preservation Board--3 year term
Planning & Zoning Board--3 year term
Other appointments: John Paxman appointed by John Serdi to the CRA Board. Note that Mr. Paxman no longer lives in the City of Lake Worth (not against the rules for an appointment) but his law office is in the city.
Back in January 2013, this commission, on a 4/1 vote with McVoy dissenting, changed the process for board appointments making it less transparent and consequently what was always political was now guaranteed to be so. The democratic public process and vetting the candidates was thrown out the window for political expediency and secrecy. Click here.
Now some are crying "foul." It seems that their "visionary," less than transparent process has some people rumbling regarding a recent volunteer board appointment. The local newspaper's editorial last week said that someone wanted to be reappointed to a board but the commissioner responsible for the appointment “had no qualms with appointing his friend to take the seat of a well qualified, active and hardworking member and leave the city with a less qualified, if qualified at all, volunteer board member while turning away a fully qualified experienced member.” Opinion is fine but it should bring forth all of the facts.
With the rotation process, each commissioner and the mayor gets to appoint people to boards. An Appointment was in front of Commissioner McVoy for P&Z. It is his right, under this commission's new rules, to appoint who he wants. McVoy appointed Elise Latorre to the Planning & Zoning board and to the Library board. John Szerdi reappointed Dean Sherwin to the Planning & Zoning board and Scott Maxwell reappointed Mark Humm.
To explain further--There were three positions up for re-consideration: Rinaldi, Humm and Sherwin. Mark Parrilla was kicked off the board due to missing too many meetings per their rules and that position had already been filled by Amoroso. Please note that Parrilla was just appointed to the Library board by Scott Maxwell. (Parrilla supported their bond issue). Szerdi had an opportunity to reappoint John Rinaldi to the P&Z as well. He didn't. The vice mayor had a chance to reappoint Mr. Rinaldi on August 19th but he reappointed Mark Humm for a term ending on July 31, 2017. Rinaldi's application to be reappointed was turned in months ago and no one reappointed him to the P&Z.
Mr. Rinaldi was taught a lesson. There will be repercussions if you go against this commission even if it is only on one issue. Free thought and free speech has consequences when you don't agree with those in power. You are automatically thrown into the enemy camp and under the bus for not agreeing with this present commission that wants to use McVoy as their talking-point political scapegoat.
Historic Preservation Board--3 year term
| Wes | Blackman, Chair |
31-Jul-2017
|
Planning Dist 3 Re-appoint Amoroso | ||
| Darrin | Engel |
31-Jul-2017
|
Prof/Architecture Dist 4 Appointment | ||
| Judith | Just |
31-Jul-2016
|
Law Vice Mayor Dist 1 Appt | ||
| Herman | Robinson, Vice-Chair |
31-Jul-2015
|
Related Field | ||
| Loretta | Sharpe |
31-Jul-2017
|
Real Estate Sales Mayor's Appointment | ||
| Jimmy | Zoellner |
31-Jul-2017
|
Citizen at Large V Mayor Dist 1 Appt | ||
| Vacant |
31-Jul-2016
|
Planning & Zoning Board--3 year term
| Cynthia | Brown |
31-Jul-2015
|
Citizen at Large/ Dist 3 Appointment |
| Mark | Humm |
31-Jul-2017
|
Citizen at Large/V Mayor's Re-Appointment |
| Elise | LaTorre |
31-Jul-2017
|
Citizen at Large/Dist 2 Appointment |
| Anthony | Marotta |
31-Jul-2016
|
Professional / Mayor's Appointment |
| Greg | Rice, Vice-Chair |
31-Jul-2016
|
Professional /Real Estate |
| Dean | Sherwin |
31-Jul-2017
|
Professional /Architect Dist 4 Re-appointment |
| Dustin | Zacks |
31-Jul-2016
|
Professional /Law |
Other appointments: John Paxman appointed by John Serdi to the CRA Board. Note that Mr. Paxman no longer lives in the City of Lake Worth (not against the rules for an appointment) but his law office is in the city.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
League of Women Voters
Comment Up
I was surprised to see The League of Women Voters in our town yesterday as they wrote our city off in October 2011 -- "The League has to be very careful to protect its nonpartisanship," League president Joan Karp said in an email. "Our conclusion after the Lake Worth debate is that we will only participate if we have control (over rules of the debate) and furnish the moderator."
Remember when the League of Women voters used to observe our election debate at the Lake Worth Playhouse in order to ensure fairness? They were in our city every year for years. Then came along a new mindset--"We're not going to allow candidates to lie or exaggerate the truth" according to one side of politics. John Paxman stepped down for awhile, a local television station star was to be moderator but we ended up with hard-hitting John Rinaldi who took his place as moderator that year--clearly on one side of local politics. He asked the candidates questions and interrupted them, debating their answers, cross examining them as if they were on trial. Waterman was the target along with Jo-Ann Golden. That was a contentious night, not only because of Rinaldi but candidate Dustin Zacks and his Zack Attacks against Rachel Waterman. Some in the audience actually walked out. After that, the League told Lake Worth to take a flying leap.
A goal of The League is to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy, as well as through political lobbying of Congress but they say they're not political. This member from the League of Women voters told me yesterday that they do not believe there is any voter fraud.
Judicial Watch notified a dozen states that they must clean up their voter registration lists or face lawsuits. Judicial Watch and True the Vote subsequently filed lawsuits against election officials in Indiana and Ohio, and prompted the state of Florida and other states, without litigation, to remove thousands of ineligible voters from state registration lists. According to independent research published by Pew Charitable Trusts in February 2012, approximately 24 million active voter registrations throughout the United States – or one out of every eight registrations – are either no longer valid or are significantly inaccurate. Click here... for voter fraud stats.
And The League is not alone. Residents have given up on filing to run for office in this city--at least none have stepped up this year thus far. They have written off politics in our town and just want the slum, blight and crime to go away as candidates promised us in 2011.
I was surprised to see The League of Women Voters in our town yesterday as they wrote our city off in October 2011 -- "The League has to be very careful to protect its nonpartisanship," League president Joan Karp said in an email. "Our conclusion after the Lake Worth debate is that we will only participate if we have control (over rules of the debate) and furnish the moderator."
Remember when the League of Women voters used to observe our election debate at the Lake Worth Playhouse in order to ensure fairness? They were in our city every year for years. Then came along a new mindset--"We're not going to allow candidates to lie or exaggerate the truth" according to one side of politics. John Paxman stepped down for awhile, a local television station star was to be moderator but we ended up with hard-hitting John Rinaldi who took his place as moderator that year--clearly on one side of local politics. He asked the candidates questions and interrupted them, debating their answers, cross examining them as if they were on trial. Waterman was the target along with Jo-Ann Golden. That was a contentious night, not only because of Rinaldi but candidate Dustin Zacks and his Zack Attacks against Rachel Waterman. Some in the audience actually walked out. After that, the League told Lake Worth to take a flying leap.
A goal of The League is to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and to influence public policy through education and advocacy, as well as through political lobbying of Congress but they say they're not political. This member from the League of Women voters told me yesterday that they do not believe there is any voter fraud.
Judicial Watch notified a dozen states that they must clean up their voter registration lists or face lawsuits. Judicial Watch and True the Vote subsequently filed lawsuits against election officials in Indiana and Ohio, and prompted the state of Florida and other states, without litigation, to remove thousands of ineligible voters from state registration lists. According to independent research published by Pew Charitable Trusts in February 2012, approximately 24 million active voter registrations throughout the United States – or one out of every eight registrations – are either no longer valid or are significantly inaccurate. Click here... for voter fraud stats.
And The League is not alone. Residents have given up on filing to run for office in this city--at least none have stepped up this year thus far. They have written off politics in our town and just want the slum, blight and crime to go away as candidates promised us in 2011.
Click to enlarge
Graphic by Anonymous Lake Worth Artist
Friday, March 29, 2013
Lake Worth Must Enforce its laws
Comment Up
From: Sabal Palm House Bed and Breakfast Inn <sabalpalmhouse@aol.com>
To: ptriolo <ptriolo@lakeworth.org>; jszerdi <jszerdi@lakeworth.org>; smaxwell <smaxwell@lakeworth.org>; aamoroso <aamoroso@lakeworth.org>; mbornstein <mbornstein@lakeworth.org>
Cc: info <info@mangoinn.com>; wwaters <wwaters@lakeworth.org>
Sent: Fri, Mar 29, 2013 3:23 pm
Subject: Vacation Rentals - legal Issues
From: Sabal Palm House Bed and Breakfast Inn <sabalpalmhouse@aol.com>
To: ptriolo <ptriolo@lakeworth.org>; jszerdi <jszerdi@lakeworth.org>; smaxwell <smaxwell@lakeworth.org>; aamoroso <aamoroso@lakeworth.org>; mbornstein <mbornstein@lakeworth.org>
Cc: info <info@mangoinn.com>; wwaters <wwaters@lakeworth.org>
Sent: Fri, Mar 29, 2013 3:23 pm
Subject: Vacation Rentals - legal Issues
Dear Mayor, Commissioners and Mr. Bornstein:
Here in our city we are faced with numerous properties
that are doing short term rentals starting at just two nights. This has a
major impact on our B & B business as we just can't compete with their
unregulated illegal businesses.
We hope you understand that we are not against commercial
multi-family properties like the parrot Cove Inn next door to us or As Time
Goes By on L Street as these are not single family homes and they are properly
zoned for their intended uses.
If we allow nightly rentals in single family homes
without a minimum stay requirement we can expect that investors will start
coming into the city and buying properties to rent as hotels. West Palm
Beach was faced with this a few years ago and they have had to strictly enforce
their one week law. Without that law they would have been helpless to prevent
large sections of neighborhoods from becoming transient housing.
You can't let that happen here. We are trying to
get folks to live here and raise their families here. We are now over 60%
renters as it is. Our historical eastern neighborhoods will be affected
by any change in our existing laws as I too would think of buying a home simply
to rent out short term. If everyone else is doing it we will have to be in the
game to succeed as a B & B. This is not what we want for our city.
I am also hearing that some are saying to restrict
vacation rentals is not pro business. I see it differently. I purchased a
business. I paid a price for my license and good will. I pay commercial
rates and taxes. These folks did not buy businesses. They purchased
residential homes in residential neighborhoods. That's a big difference from
buying a business. Turning a home into a hotel business that is not allowed
when you purchased it is not a good business move. Why would you expect
the city to help you make a business out of something that is not a business.
The businesses in this city that are legitimate need your help. Working to make
it easier to open a legitimate business and be successful is what you have said
you were all about. For these folks to say you are anti business is
unfair and totally inappropriate. These guys have not played by the rules and
now want you to bend the rules. Than I say, I want residential utility
rates and water rates and a lower tax rate. I want you to bend the rules for me
since that's pro business. I hope you see how unfair these vacation rental
folks are being. If you want to be a business than come play in the business
world with the rest of us.
We are very passionate about this issue as we work hard
and long ours to run one of the only 4 Diamond AAA business in the
city. We promote the city and we love what you have all done to help us
succeed. To see these folks come after you claiming you are against business is
wrong.
We are asking you to enforce our laws as you have taken
an oath to do. The law is what it is and that's the playing field we agreed to
when we came to live here.
Sincerely,
Colleen and John Rinaldi
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Rental Home dilemma in Lake Worth
Comment Up
"A state law could force the city (Lake Worth) to enforce a 60-day minimum stay on vacation home rentals, even though commissioners favor a shorter minimum stay of two weeks or so for homeowners who want to rent to tourists."
Read more...
John Rinaldi, local owner of a bed and breakfast in Lake Worth says, "...We have a situation where investors are coming into the city and buying homes In Residential neighborhoods, getting a rental license and renting them out on a nightly basis. Some are charging as little as $60 a night and others are $175 or more a night. Our code limits house rental to no less than 60 days. Vacation Rental owners have threatened to sue the city if we enforce our code. State law has deregulated vacation rentals but allowed towns with laws on the books like Key West to keep their rules. You can't make any changes to the laws that are grandfathered without losing the right to regulate. So the city is faced with either enforcing our 60 day law or totally deregulating rentals. If we go the route of deregulation anyone in the city can rent their home for as little as one night. Currently there are over 30 homes doing this. The property across the street from the Mango Inn rents for 3 nights. These are lodging businesses in our historic neighborhoods that are free to do what they want."
Again, this is about people who do not respect our laws and challenge us at every opportunity. Think billboards. Frankly, I have had about enough of them. Some people are of the mindset that you should be able to do anything you want with private property. We say, follow the law and a 60 day minimum is more than reasonable.
"A state law could force the city (Lake Worth) to enforce a 60-day minimum stay on vacation home rentals, even though commissioners favor a shorter minimum stay of two weeks or so for homeowners who want to rent to tourists."
Read more...
John Rinaldi, local owner of a bed and breakfast in Lake Worth says, "...We have a situation where investors are coming into the city and buying homes In Residential neighborhoods, getting a rental license and renting them out on a nightly basis. Some are charging as little as $60 a night and others are $175 or more a night. Our code limits house rental to no less than 60 days. Vacation Rental owners have threatened to sue the city if we enforce our code. State law has deregulated vacation rentals but allowed towns with laws on the books like Key West to keep their rules. You can't make any changes to the laws that are grandfathered without losing the right to regulate. So the city is faced with either enforcing our 60 day law or totally deregulating rentals. If we go the route of deregulation anyone in the city can rent their home for as little as one night. Currently there are over 30 homes doing this. The property across the street from the Mango Inn rents for 3 nights. These are lodging businesses in our historic neighborhoods that are free to do what they want."
Again, this is about people who do not respect our laws and challenge us at every opportunity. Think billboards. Frankly, I have had about enough of them. Some people are of the mindset that you should be able to do anything you want with private property. We say, follow the law and a 60 day minimum is more than reasonable.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Amendment 2 Height Limits in downtown Lake Worth
Comment Up
The Charter Amendment appears before the Planning & Zoning board on May 1. The board will provide its recommendation to the city commission. As Greg Rice is the vice chair of that board, I would expect that he will recuse himself as there is a definite conflict of interest as he helped form The Friends of the Gulfstream PAC telling people to vote NO for the heights amendment, confusing the voters with his message, suggesting that the YES people wanted to get rid of the hotel. Chair John Rinaldi stated on Facebook that he thought the illegal banner on the Gulfstream Hotel should have been twice as large. We expect John Rinaldi to also refrain from discussion. We know how they as well as this board feels and it is not the will of the voters.
It is projected that the First Public Reading of the Heights Amendment will be on May 21 or June 4. The Second reading will be on July 2 in front of the City Commission. No matter what the majority commission feels about this issue (and they did everything within their power to confuse the voter and delay the vote), they have to approve the amendment to the Charter.
When all those above changed the Comprehensive Plan to 65 feet from 45 feet in our downtown, it triggered the formation of a citizen's initiative to get the issue on the ballot. Height limitations were approved by 55.86% of the voters.
The Charter Amendment appears before the Planning & Zoning board on May 1. The board will provide its recommendation to the city commission. As Greg Rice is the vice chair of that board, I would expect that he will recuse himself as there is a definite conflict of interest as he helped form The Friends of the Gulfstream PAC telling people to vote NO for the heights amendment, confusing the voters with his message, suggesting that the YES people wanted to get rid of the hotel. Chair John Rinaldi stated on Facebook that he thought the illegal banner on the Gulfstream Hotel should have been twice as large. We expect John Rinaldi to also refrain from discussion. We know how they as well as this board feels and it is not the will of the voters.
It is projected that the First Public Reading of the Heights Amendment will be on May 21 or June 4. The Second reading will be on July 2 in front of the City Commission. No matter what the majority commission feels about this issue (and they did everything within their power to confuse the voter and delay the vote), they have to approve the amendment to the Charter.
When all those above changed the Comprehensive Plan to 65 feet from 45 feet in our downtown, it triggered the formation of a citizen's initiative to get the issue on the ballot. Height limitations were approved by 55.86% of the voters.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Your Leprechaun Name
Comment Up
"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long."
Greg Rice: Wooly McNob
Mary Lindsey: Stumpy O'Bourbon
Charles Wesley Blackman: Goldie McTavern
John Rinaldi: Greenie McNob
Mary Lindsey: Stumpy O'Bourbon
Charles Wesley Blackman: Goldie McTavern
John Rinaldi: Greenie McNob
William Scott Maxwell: Bleary McSmelly
Christopher McVoy: Shillelagh McSmelly
Pamela Triolo: Sprinkles O'Shivers
Andrew Amoroso: Dizzy O'Blaze
John Szerdi: Greenie McWoozy
Michael Bornstein: Tater McTavern
Laurel Decker: Tater McMuffin
Carolyn Deli: Bleary McMuffin
Katherine McGiveron: Warty McSmelly
Barbara Jean Weber: Sprinkles McSpud
Helen Marino: Greenie McSmelly
Pamela Perini: Sprinkles McFeverish
Lynn Anderson: Greenie O'Blaze
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Michael Bornstein: Tater McTavern
Laurel Decker: Tater McMuffin
Carolyn Deli: Bleary McMuffin
Katherine McGiveron: Warty McSmelly
Barbara Jean Weber: Sprinkles McSpud
Helen Marino: Greenie McSmelly
Pamela Perini: Sprinkles McFeverish
Lynn Anderson: Greenie O'Blaze
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Click: This blessing is for you
Monday, June 25, 2012
New Planning and Zoning Board Lake Worth
Comment Up
Robert Waples, 5 votes, term to 7/31/2015Dean Sherwin, 4 votes, term to 7/31/2014
John Rinaldi, 4 votes. term to 7/31/2014
Frank Palen, 3 votes, term to 7/31/2013
Greg Rice, 3 votes, term to 7/31/2013
Dustin Zacks, 3 votes (alternate), term to 7/31/2013
Mark Parrilla, 4 votes (alternate), term to 7/31/2013
The above Board appointees were approved on a 3 to 2 vote with McVoy and Mulvehill dissenting.
Lake Worth Volunteer Board Interviews tonight
Comment Up
UPDATE
Tonight begins the interviews of the applicants for Planning & Zoning and the CRA, two out of four of our top boards. This top four includes the Electric Utility where citizens were appointed without interviews by the Commission. The Historical Preservation Board is not on the list, and the last we knew, they only had three members. I am assuming it was advertised again to the public. This Board is equally as powerful and important as the P&Z and is in charge of a lot of territory within Lake Worth.
Go to the CRA and view all of the maps.
Planning & Zoning Board (a 5 member board with 2 alternates) and the CRA (1 vacancy)
Political Pay-Backs
Dustin Zacks: Lawyer specializing in foreclosures. Also a specialist in Zack Attacks as witnessed in the last campaign. As he was the primary reason why Waterman was defeated, look for him to get appointed.
Frank Palen: One of the good ole boys from a past Planning & Zoning Board. He did a lot of fine work in historical preservation while on the Board and later stepped down. He represented the owner of The Gulfstream Hotel.
Greg Rice: A real estate investor and part of the growth team. Owns a unit in The Lucerne.
John Rinaldi: An inactive lawyer who owns a Bed & Breakfast in the area proposed for up-zoning to 65 feet. Also, he did a political "number" as master of ceremonies during the last political debate at the LW Playhouse..
Laura Starr: An attorney. Her large donations in the last election to the winners will likely clinch her a seat on a major board. She has applied before and this will be her time.
Mark Parrilla: RUMOR OF WITHDRAWING...TRYING TO CONFIRM. Possibly a political pay-back as he campaigned heavily for the new commission and has been an avid supporter.
Herman Robinson: Downtown property owner who advocates for heights.
Wes Blackman: Planner. Although he is not on the list tonight to be interviewed, he has re-applied to the Historical Preservation Board as his first choice. He is a former Chair of the P&Z and was there when The Lucerne was approved.
The Rest of the Pack
Kate Sheffield: WITHDREW. A Planner On the Board for the last 9 months.She is part of the past P&Z, a board that this new commission dissolved. She may get a nod as she is non-political.
Robert Waples: Vice Chair of the now defunct Planning & Zoning board. Robert maintains his neutrality in political issues. Even as President of his own Neighborhood Association, he keeps politics out of it. It is possible that he will be reappointed.
Dean Sherwin: An architect. He might get appointed to the P&Z because he is not entrenched in the heavy politics.
UPDATE
Tonight begins the interviews of the applicants for Planning & Zoning and the CRA, two out of four of our top boards. This top four includes the Electric Utility where citizens were appointed without interviews by the Commission. The Historical Preservation Board is not on the list, and the last we knew, they only had three members. I am assuming it was advertised again to the public. This Board is equally as powerful and important as the P&Z and is in charge of a lot of territory within Lake Worth.
Go to the CRA and view all of the maps.
Planning & Zoning Board (a 5 member board with 2 alternates) and the CRA (1 vacancy)
Political Pay-Backs
Dustin Zacks: Lawyer specializing in foreclosures. Also a specialist in Zack Attacks as witnessed in the last campaign. As he was the primary reason why Waterman was defeated, look for him to get appointed.
Frank Palen: One of the good ole boys from a past Planning & Zoning Board. He did a lot of fine work in historical preservation while on the Board and later stepped down. He represented the owner of The Gulfstream Hotel.
Greg Rice: A real estate investor and part of the growth team. Owns a unit in The Lucerne.
John Rinaldi: An inactive lawyer who owns a Bed & Breakfast in the area proposed for up-zoning to 65 feet. Also, he did a political "number" as master of ceremonies during the last political debate at the LW Playhouse..
Laura Starr: An attorney. Her large donations in the last election to the winners will likely clinch her a seat on a major board. She has applied before and this will be her time.
Mark Parrilla: RUMOR OF WITHDRAWING...TRYING TO CONFIRM. Possibly a political pay-back as he campaigned heavily for the new commission and has been an avid supporter.
Herman Robinson: Downtown property owner who advocates for heights.
Wes Blackman: Planner. Although he is not on the list tonight to be interviewed, he has re-applied to the Historical Preservation Board as his first choice. He is a former Chair of the P&Z and was there when The Lucerne was approved.
The Rest of the Pack
Kate Sheffield: WITHDREW. A Planner On the Board for the last 9 months.She is part of the past P&Z, a board that this new commission dissolved. She may get a nod as she is non-political.
Robert Waples: Vice Chair of the now defunct Planning & Zoning board. Robert maintains his neutrality in political issues. Even as President of his own Neighborhood Association, he keeps politics out of it. It is possible that he will be reappointed.
Dean Sherwin: An architect. He might get appointed to the P&Z because he is not entrenched in the heavy politics.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Final applicants for Lake Worth's Planning & Zoning Board
Comment Up
I am interested in all the volunteer boards within Lake Worth but mainly the following three Boards : CRA, Historic Preservation and the Planning & Zoning board because these boards have the influence to change Lake Worth.
As this new commission is making a big move to change the face of our city by eliminating the present Planning & Zoning Board and pack it with their "friends," the following people have submitted applications to the P&Z. The application process is now closed. Those indicated below said that the P&Z was their 2nd choice for a board appointment. Only four people applied to the 7 member Historic Preservation Board: Wes Blackman, Clara Kim Hanson, Judy Just and Herman Robinson.
After being treated abominably by our present commission and being kicked to the curb, only two previous members of the Planning & Zoning Board have re-applied.
13 Applicants to P&Z:
Wes Blackman (2nd choice)
Mark Humm (2nd choice)
Judith Just (2nd choice)
Frank Palen
Mark Parilla
Greg Rice
John Rinaldi
Herman Robinson (2nd choice)
Kate Sheffield - reapplied
Dean Sherwin
Laura Starr (2nd choice)
Robert Waples - reapplied
Dustin Zacks (This will be his reward for Waterman Zack attacks)
So, if you eliminate all those who marked the Planning & Zoning as their 2nd choice, that leaves all of the above less one.
This will be the volunteer leadership of our city.
I am interested in all the volunteer boards within Lake Worth but mainly the following three Boards : CRA, Historic Preservation and the Planning & Zoning board because these boards have the influence to change Lake Worth.
As this new commission is making a big move to change the face of our city by eliminating the present Planning & Zoning Board and pack it with their "friends," the following people have submitted applications to the P&Z. The application process is now closed. Those indicated below said that the P&Z was their 2nd choice for a board appointment. Only four people applied to the 7 member Historic Preservation Board: Wes Blackman, Clara Kim Hanson, Judy Just and Herman Robinson.
After being treated abominably by our present commission and being kicked to the curb, only two previous members of the Planning & Zoning Board have re-applied.
13 Applicants to P&Z:
Wes Blackman (2nd choice)
Mark Humm (2nd choice)
Judith Just (2nd choice)
Frank Palen
Mark Parilla
Greg Rice
John Rinaldi
Herman Robinson (2nd choice)
Kate Sheffield - reapplied
Dean Sherwin
Laura Starr (2nd choice)
Robert Waples - reapplied
Dustin Zacks (This will be his reward for Waterman Zack attacks)
So, if you eliminate all those who marked the Planning & Zoning as their 2nd choice, that leaves all of the above less one.
This will be the volunteer leadership of our city.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Lake Worth taking applications for City Boards
Comment Up
Each of the Boards listed below will have 5 voting members with 2 alternates who will serve various terms:
Applicants to date for Planning & Zoning board
Wes Blackman
Judith Just
John Rinaldi
Mark Parrilla
Dean Sherwin
Laura Starr
Applicants to date for Historical Preservation Board
Wes Blackman
Judith Just
Clara (Kim) Hanson
Each of the Boards listed below will have 5 voting members with 2 alternates who will serve various terms:
Applicants to date for Planning & Zoning board
Wes Blackman
Judith Just
John Rinaldi
Mark Parrilla
Dean Sherwin
Laura Starr
Applicants to date for Historical Preservation Board
Wes Blackman
Judith Just
Clara (Kim) Hanson
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Last Night's Candidate Forum
Comment Up
As I was walking to the Playhouse to hear the debate, I noticed Amoroso/Triolo signs on vehicles parked all along the south side of Lake Avenue that were in close proximity to and in front of the theater. They must have been parked there from early morning in order to get the strategic location for their campaign. No one got marked tires. This was a special event.
Across the street Ozzie Ona with another supporter, was installing a banner on a car for Waterman. This was the exact same banner, hand painted by Susan Ona, that was stolen during the special election only a few months ago and that was eventually recovered.
"Truth is on the march; nothing can stop it now," said Dustin Zacks, a quote of EMILE ZOLA, manifesto, Le Figaro. Le Figaro is a conservative newspaper in France and has been around since 1826 going through various owners. The newspaper, inspite of the Socialism in France, still adheres to the belief that "newspapers must promulgate healthy ideas", and that "left-wing ideas are not healthy ideas."
I did not feel there was any candidate who stood out over any other last night. I have always said that if Zacks, a young lawyer from Detroit, had gone into this race with the plan to give it his best shot, to win rather than taking the occasional pot shot, he could have had a chance. I am still confused as to why he is here. He said that it was to bring forth his ideas. There were two central themes with Zacks--Waterman not the one for the mayoral spot and last night he posed the question, "Is the mayor telling the truth?" And the other was our land use regulations. There are some who will agree with him on both counts. Being a city that is 6 square miles with the most density in Palm Beach County, we don't want to follow in Detroit's footsteps and build too high to destroy our small town charm and feel but re-building on the Dixie Corridor and eventually the Park of Commerce is a must.
John Rinaldi, owner of Sabal Palm Bed & Breakfast, was the moderator, chosen to replace John Bachman who had a personal conflict and had to cancel. Rinaldi asked the questions provided by the Neighborhood Council that were slanted with a definite point of view and were at times, not particularly fair and balanced. There were a few occasions when he was jeered by the audience.
However, the questions were chosen by the Council and therefore we are to assume that they represented the feelings and concerns of its membership that is city-wide. The people who packed the theater that holds 300, do not feel that they have been taken seriously and the neighborhood association members know that they can and have accomplished much within their communities whereas the city falls short more times than not
The very same candidates asking for change want to be a part of that very establishment as they believe that they "have the answers." Nothing could be more sweet than to have an election right after a Budget has been set to raise taxes and special assessments. This is an incumbents' nightmare but the Commission could have changed the election to March--it didn't seize the opportunity nor did it see the value. The Commission did not have to vote for the fire special assessment. It did not have to go against the will of the people.
In Andy Amoroso's summation, he called for change. In two weeks, we might just have it.
As I was walking to the Playhouse to hear the debate, I noticed Amoroso/Triolo signs on vehicles parked all along the south side of Lake Avenue that were in close proximity to and in front of the theater. They must have been parked there from early morning in order to get the strategic location for their campaign. No one got marked tires. This was a special event.
Across the street Ozzie Ona with another supporter, was installing a banner on a car for Waterman. This was the exact same banner, hand painted by Susan Ona, that was stolen during the special election only a few months ago and that was eventually recovered.
"Truth is on the march; nothing can stop it now," said Dustin Zacks, a quote of EMILE ZOLA, manifesto, Le Figaro. Le Figaro is a conservative newspaper in France and has been around since 1826 going through various owners. The newspaper, inspite of the Socialism in France, still adheres to the belief that "newspapers must promulgate healthy ideas", and that "left-wing ideas are not healthy ideas."
I did not feel there was any candidate who stood out over any other last night. I have always said that if Zacks, a young lawyer from Detroit, had gone into this race with the plan to give it his best shot, to win rather than taking the occasional pot shot, he could have had a chance. I am still confused as to why he is here. He said that it was to bring forth his ideas. There were two central themes with Zacks--Waterman not the one for the mayoral spot and last night he posed the question, "Is the mayor telling the truth?" And the other was our land use regulations. There are some who will agree with him on both counts. Being a city that is 6 square miles with the most density in Palm Beach County, we don't want to follow in Detroit's footsteps and build too high to destroy our small town charm and feel but re-building on the Dixie Corridor and eventually the Park of Commerce is a must.
John Rinaldi, owner of Sabal Palm Bed & Breakfast, was the moderator, chosen to replace John Bachman who had a personal conflict and had to cancel. Rinaldi asked the questions provided by the Neighborhood Council that were slanted with a definite point of view and were at times, not particularly fair and balanced. There were a few occasions when he was jeered by the audience.However, the questions were chosen by the Council and therefore we are to assume that they represented the feelings and concerns of its membership that is city-wide. The people who packed the theater that holds 300, do not feel that they have been taken seriously and the neighborhood association members know that they can and have accomplished much within their communities whereas the city falls short more times than not
The very same candidates asking for change want to be a part of that very establishment as they believe that they "have the answers." Nothing could be more sweet than to have an election right after a Budget has been set to raise taxes and special assessments. This is an incumbents' nightmare but the Commission could have changed the election to March--it didn't seize the opportunity nor did it see the value. The Commission did not have to vote for the fire special assessment. It did not have to go against the will of the people.
In Andy Amoroso's summation, he called for change. In two weeks, we might just have it.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Centennial Celebration Commission
Comment Up
This committee will consist of eleven members with each commissioner and mayor appointing one representative.
So far, the following have been appointed and accepted:
District 1: Retha Lowe
District 2: Dena McCracken
District 3: Helen Green
District 4: John Rinaldi
Mayor: Appointment to be voted upon at the October 4 meeting.
On August 2, 2011, the Commission voted on the following:
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mulvehill and seconded by Commissioner Golden to approve the creation of this committee; each commission member to appoint one member; appoint a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Alliance, Neighborhood Association, Lake Worth Marketing and Re-Branding Task Force, a member from a Pioneer family; Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cultural Council and appoint a liaison to the committee. The vote was 4/0 with McVoy absent.
This committee will consist of eleven members with each commissioner and mayor appointing one representative.
So far, the following have been appointed and accepted:
District 1: Retha Lowe
District 2: Dena McCracken
District 3: Helen Green
District 4: John Rinaldi
Mayor: Appointment to be voted upon at the October 4 meeting.
On August 2, 2011, the Commission voted on the following:
A motion was made by Vice Mayor Mulvehill and seconded by Commissioner Golden to approve the creation of this committee; each commission member to appoint one member; appoint a representative from the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Alliance, Neighborhood Association, Lake Worth Marketing and Re-Branding Task Force, a member from a Pioneer family; Palm Beach County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Cultural Council and appoint a liaison to the committee. The vote was 4/0 with McVoy absent.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Finance Advisory Board Approves Stanton's Budget
Comment Up
Chair Pickett comments
From the City Manager's Report:
Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget
Commission workshops on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 were held on July 26<, July 27 and August 18. Two more workshops are scheduled for August 22nd and August 23.
The Finance Advisory Board reviewed the proposed budget this week and unanimously recommended the Commission approve the Proposed Budget as submitted.
The proposed budget for the City's General Fund is balanced, (i.e. total revenues equal total expenses). A public hearing is scheduled for September 6th at 6:00 p.m. for the City Commission to adopt a tentative millage rate and proposed budget. A public hearing is scheduled for September 26at 6:00 p.m. to adopt a final millage rate and a final budget.
Good stuff, from the Finance Advisory Board. They haven't had a meeting to discuss this Budget or anything else in months. First of all, I had no idea that they were even going to have a meeting. The last time I looked, there was a meeting scheduled for Aug 24 and then that was canceled. It was not on the calendar when I looked. There was no back-up. Was it properly noticed? It wasn't, as usual in the PB Post. Who was there to vote this Budget in? Apparently it was held at the Golf Course on Aug 17. Please get the minutes available as soon as possible.
Do you ever feel that the deck is totally stacked against you?
Today's PB Post article. John Rinaldi's facial expression says it all. Too bad it's not featured in the on-line article.
Chair Pickett comments
From the City Manager's Report:
Fiscal Year 2011-2012 Budget
Commission workshops on the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 were held on July 26<, July 27 and August 18. Two more workshops are scheduled for August 22nd and August 23.
The Finance Advisory Board reviewed the proposed budget this week and unanimously recommended the Commission approve the Proposed Budget as submitted.
The proposed budget for the City's General Fund is balanced, (i.e. total revenues equal total expenses). A public hearing is scheduled for September 6th at 6:00 p.m. for the City Commission to adopt a tentative millage rate and proposed budget. A public hearing is scheduled for September 26at 6:00 p.m. to adopt a final millage rate and a final budget.
Good stuff, from the Finance Advisory Board. They haven't had a meeting to discuss this Budget or anything else in months. First of all, I had no idea that they were even going to have a meeting. The last time I looked, there was a meeting scheduled for Aug 24 and then that was canceled. It was not on the calendar when I looked. There was no back-up. Was it properly noticed? It wasn't, as usual in the PB Post. Who was there to vote this Budget in? Apparently it was held at the Golf Course on Aug 17. Please get the minutes available as soon as possible.
Do you ever feel that the deck is totally stacked against you?
Today's PB Post article. John Rinaldi's facial expression says it all. Too bad it's not featured in the on-line article.
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