Showing posts with label Paul Blockson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul Blockson. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Saturday, January 1, 2011
The Dumbest Lake Worth Political Statements 2010
Comment Up
Beth Johnston of the Chamber of Commerce and Paul Blockson, our former Fire Chief, are my choices for top dumbest moves/statements for the past year.
Beth Johnston, Director of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce: On one occasion she said, “We are not a political organization,” even though she had a Vote NO (State ballot initiative) sign installed at the Chamber property. In almost the very next breath she said to our City Commission, “I would like you to oppose Amendment 4.” Also she stated that “The Chamber does not support any political candidate,” even though she wrote a check for $200 from the Chamber to the BAC PAC that was supporting Blockson and Maxwell so that they could fund negative attack mailers against McVoy and Mulvehill. She allowed the BAC PAC to install an ad on the sign at the Cultural Plaza (for which the Chamber had control), for Blockson & Maxwell.
Paul Blockson: “It’s not your fault." (speaking to his wife, Carla Blockson). "The pain you feel should be, and will be, felt by the citizens of Lake Worth due to their short sightedness concerning the people they have chosen to represent this community....like true addicts, they listen to those who can facilitate change but in the end they want and rely upon those who continue to supply their drug of choice." HUH?
Tom Ramiccio: Ramiccio gave the following reason for being fired by the Chamber of Commerce: "They are not for capitalism, not for entrepreneurism. They don't like success." He took the "blame the other guy" defense--was speaking of Jennings, Golden and Mulvehill of the Lake Worth City Commission.
Carla Blockson: Running on a platform of "stability," Mrs. Blockson allowed herself to be used by the BAC PAC that distributed negative political attack mailers against her opponent. However, they were printed in her name in invisible ink. “I really don’t know what else we could have done,” speaking about losing her race for Commissioner. I guess not. Every trick was pulled short of a felony. Blockson was given bad advice and wrong information and she fell for it all-- hook, line and it's what sunk her.
Lisa Maxwell: “My top priorities are the budget, the budget and the budget.” Maxwell, the only candidate who never was caught smiling in public, had a problem with the budget even though it had been reduced by nearly $5 million dollars. She also ran on balancing the Budget not knowing that a balanced budget is the law and that we had one. Sometimes candidates do get elected who know absolutely nothing--not this time.
Mark Foley: Upset about the election results in Lake Worth, Mark said, “The most troubling issues rest with the recently reported 500 ballots and the abnormalities of the Lake Worth elections.” For a former elected official with some personal abnormalities, true to form, a loser supported losers in the Lake Worth election.
Cara Jennings: Talking about the Sheriff’s Department, she said. “Let’s talk about what makes you feel safe; some people like helicopters flying over; some people don’t.” The real issue with going with PBSO is the COST that now is out of our hands.
Rene Varela: Regarding his endorsement letter of Lisa Maxwell—"I am proud to endorse your candidacy for this race, and the residents of Lake Worth will be well-served once they choose you to represent them on November 2." He stood with the vicious BAC PAC on the steps of City Hall. Just getting in that kind of a photo op was dumb. His e-mail regarding his wife's employment situation was circulated around the city and was not a smart move. While speaking of the First Amendment and the public commentary at the October 5th commission meeting, Varela said, "Take the high moral ground...negative comments suck the energy out of the room." He supported those "supposedly" interested in business but said, "I will fight to the death on having parking pay stations downtown" and then changed his mind when it came time for the vote. We will always remember his walking off the dais during the entire discussion (public and commissioners) of Arizona 1070 and came back voting against the State of Arizona as if it was our business to begin with..
Jeff Clemens: "I will stand up to Special Interests," (not to mention all the other things he took credit for) as he took campaign contributions from PBC Human Rights Council, Ironworkers Union, AFL-CIO, Electrical Workers, Police firefighters, AFSMCE, SEIU, etc. Stand tall, Jeff. Clemens liked to give away the farm and was always on the side of special interests. Jeff is a personable guy and we, with fingers crossed, wish him the best in Tallahassee. More importantly, we hope he has nothing to do with any vote that leaves our State more battered, blue or broke.
Lake Worth Herald: "We hardily endorse Ms. Blockson and Ms. Maxwell on the strength of their knowledge and potential for the city commission seats and for their opponents lack of same." The constant fear mongering by the Herald, which must be based on "wishful thinking" or sensational "news" reporting, is also problematic. His reporting on the Sunset issue is factually incorrect and we would hope that an editor of a newspaper would get the facts. The Herald is constantly going after Commissioner Mulvehill and city manager Stanton for just about anything. Ridiculous. In fact, we believe that perhaps the LW Herald should be moved to the top of the page.
Scott Maxwell. We can't leave him out. He is most remembered in 2010 for being totally pissed off and arbitrary at/on just about everything and everyone.
Read George Bennett's article--The Year in Pb County Politics.
TOP Dumb/Memorable Lake Worth Political Quotes, moments and people in 2010
Beth Johnston of the Chamber of Commerce and Paul Blockson, our former Fire Chief, are my choices for top dumbest moves/statements for the past year.
Beth Johnston, Director of the Greater Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce: On one occasion she said, “We are not a political organization,” even though she had a Vote NO (State ballot initiative) sign installed at the Chamber property. In almost the very next breath she said to our City Commission, “I would like you to oppose Amendment 4.” Also she stated that “The Chamber does not support any political candidate,” even though she wrote a check for $200 from the Chamber to the BAC PAC that was supporting Blockson and Maxwell so that they could fund negative attack mailers against McVoy and Mulvehill. She allowed the BAC PAC to install an ad on the sign at the Cultural Plaza (for which the Chamber had control), for Blockson & Maxwell.
Paul Blockson: “It’s not your fault." (speaking to his wife, Carla Blockson). "The pain you feel should be, and will be, felt by the citizens of Lake Worth due to their short sightedness concerning the people they have chosen to represent this community....like true addicts, they listen to those who can facilitate change but in the end they want and rely upon those who continue to supply their drug of choice." HUH?
Tom Ramiccio: Ramiccio gave the following reason for being fired by the Chamber of Commerce: "They are not for capitalism, not for entrepreneurism. They don't like success." He took the "blame the other guy" defense--was speaking of Jennings, Golden and Mulvehill of the Lake Worth City Commission.
Carla Blockson: Running on a platform of "stability," Mrs. Blockson allowed herself to be used by the BAC PAC that distributed negative political attack mailers against her opponent. However, they were printed in her name in invisible ink. “I really don’t know what else we could have done,” speaking about losing her race for Commissioner. I guess not. Every trick was pulled short of a felony. Blockson was given bad advice and wrong information and she fell for it all-- hook, line and it's what sunk her.
Lisa Maxwell: “My top priorities are the budget, the budget and the budget.” Maxwell, the only candidate who never was caught smiling in public, had a problem with the budget even though it had been reduced by nearly $5 million dollars. She also ran on balancing the Budget not knowing that a balanced budget is the law and that we had one. Sometimes candidates do get elected who know absolutely nothing--not this time.
Mark Foley: Upset about the election results in Lake Worth, Mark said, “The most troubling issues rest with the recently reported 500 ballots and the abnormalities of the Lake Worth elections.” For a former elected official with some personal abnormalities, true to form, a loser supported losers in the Lake Worth election.
Cara Jennings: Talking about the Sheriff’s Department, she said. “Let’s talk about what makes you feel safe; some people like helicopters flying over; some people don’t.” The real issue with going with PBSO is the COST that now is out of our hands.
Rene Varela: Regarding his endorsement letter of Lisa Maxwell—"I am proud to endorse your candidacy for this race, and the residents of Lake Worth will be well-served once they choose you to represent them on November 2." He stood with the vicious BAC PAC on the steps of City Hall. Just getting in that kind of a photo op was dumb. His e-mail regarding his wife's employment situation was circulated around the city and was not a smart move. While speaking of the First Amendment and the public commentary at the October 5th commission meeting, Varela said, "Take the high moral ground...negative comments suck the energy out of the room." He supported those "supposedly" interested in business but said, "I will fight to the death on having parking pay stations downtown" and then changed his mind when it came time for the vote. We will always remember his walking off the dais during the entire discussion (public and commissioners) of Arizona 1070 and came back voting against the State of Arizona as if it was our business to begin with..
Jeff Clemens: "I will stand up to Special Interests," (not to mention all the other things he took credit for) as he took campaign contributions from PBC Human Rights Council, Ironworkers Union, AFL-CIO, Electrical Workers, Police firefighters, AFSMCE, SEIU, etc. Stand tall, Jeff. Clemens liked to give away the farm and was always on the side of special interests. Jeff is a personable guy and we, with fingers crossed, wish him the best in Tallahassee. More importantly, we hope he has nothing to do with any vote that leaves our State more battered, blue or broke.
Lake Worth Herald: "We hardily endorse Ms. Blockson and Ms. Maxwell on the strength of their knowledge and potential for the city commission seats and for their opponents lack of same." The constant fear mongering by the Herald, which must be based on "wishful thinking" or sensational "news" reporting, is also problematic. His reporting on the Sunset issue is factually incorrect and we would hope that an editor of a newspaper would get the facts. The Herald is constantly going after Commissioner Mulvehill and city manager Stanton for just about anything. Ridiculous. In fact, we believe that perhaps the LW Herald should be moved to the top of the page.
Scott Maxwell. We can't leave him out. He is most remembered in 2010 for being totally pissed off and arbitrary at/on just about everything and everyone.
Read George Bennett's article--The Year in Pb County Politics.
Monday, November 15, 2010
And the Razzie Award Goes To...
The most "invented" Story of the Post-Election and about the worst in sensationalism--
The Palm Beach Post making mountains...telling everyone that the box of 500 absentee ballots "could" affect the Lake Worth election...implying, "watch out McVoy and Mulvehill, your tenure might be short lived...giving Susan Bucher the raspberry like it was all her fault and for giving even the slightest bit of attention to Mark Foley.
Once the suggestion was out there, all media joined in for the sensational ride. A defamed congressman joined in giving his two cents. We had to read about it for days and listen to it constantly on local television channels.
The next Award goes to The Lake Worth Herald for even printing Paul Blockson's disgraceful letter to Carla (it didn't even say "Dear Carla") that blamed the voters in Lake Worth for not electing his wife.Blockson called the voters short-sighted, mis-directed, wallowing in their own self-made misery, implying his wife was the salvation of this city, and equating all those who did not support her to drug addicts or worse.
To print this ridiculous and defamatory letter made the Herald worthy of this Award. In fact, I think it should get two Raspberries to make up for the last election with the Que story.
And last, but not least The Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce and its Director, Beth Johnston gets a Raspberry for its most recent politics, its Directorships, for generally just being two faced and for electing the head honcho of the vicious BAC PAC as a Director. We will, however, be very interested to see how this new Director will improve business in our downtown. As she said businesses needed change, we will follow her hands-on approach as a Chamber Director to bring businesses to Lake Worth.The Chamber represents businesses but forgets the citizen, the resident and all those who disagree with their political agenda-- the very people who support those businesses by shopping, dining and spending their money.
For a non-profit organization that has entrenched itself into Lake Worth politics by backing candidates and issues and agreeing to install a political ad on a billboard sign at the Cultural Plaza, and an entity that installs political messages at the front of its building on Lake Avenue, the Chamber deserves this fine distinction.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Former Lake Worth Fire Chief, Paul Blockson, whines about "False idols and addiction" as reasons why his wife lost the election
Comment Up
Some people NEVER can see the truth not even when it hits them slam in the face. They love to make up excuses and put the blame anywhere but where it should be--on themselves.
In this case, it was not because McVoy and Mulvehill had more money that they won. It is not because they had special interests behind their campaign such as the Unions, the Realtors and even Sun Recycling. It is not because they had an attack dog political action committee raising havoc for them. It is not because they involved the LW Chamber of Commerce to get involved on their behalf that pulled something "shady." It is not because they got a letter of endorsement from the Mayor. It is not because Commissioner Maxwell pulled some tricks before the election and was heavily involved behind the scenes. Those who lost couldn't use any of those excuses for failure.
Paul Blockson now has come up with an original excuse: He says that everyone who voted for McVoy and Mulvehill where "children who did not take their parent's advice." Wow. (I stole that word "wow" from the Mayor). Being unhappy is one thing but indicting nearly 3,000 people who voted for his wife's opponent is an attitude of arrogance and is outside the limits of acceptable behavior. Loyalty is to be admired but when you personally attack people for voting the "wrong" way, you have gone beyond the pale.
This election was one of the most vicious that I can remember, not only on a State level with the West campaign but locally as well. Perhaps they were "nice" people but we had two candidates running who just plain were NOT qualified. Instead of running their own campaigns to win, they aligned themselves with some people that the majority in this City simply do not trust. Carla Blockson and Lisa Maxwell did not understand the issues and continually made up stuff throughout their campaigns.
Paul Blockson has always been what I consider a gentle and soft-spoken individual. He was someone that you liked immediately upon meeting. Personally, I like someone with a twinkle in his eye. Paul always had that until this election. But inspite of these qualities, elections are grueling. They take the best out of candidates, even families. There has to be a winner and a loser but when you lose, you don't indict the entire populous that voted for your opponent.
Voters weigh the candidates as to what they stand for and their solutions going forward and importantly, the people with whom they surround themselves. They look at campaign tactics and ask, is this correct behavior? Is this fair? They look at who gave money to the candidate. If it is an incumbent, did that person live up to my expectations on most issues? Continued and careful analysis is always in the mix of consideration. You have to weigh the positives and negatives of each candidate. The two candidates who lost had NO solutions, just sound bites of mis-information. And even worse, and even when told, they never changed their style; they continued to dish out their false statements and continued using fear tactics.
Some people NEVER can see the truth not even when it hits them slam in the face. They love to make up excuses and put the blame anywhere but where it should be--on themselves.
In this case, it was not because McVoy and Mulvehill had more money that they won. It is not because they had special interests behind their campaign such as the Unions, the Realtors and even Sun Recycling. It is not because they had an attack dog political action committee raising havoc for them. It is not because they involved the LW Chamber of Commerce to get involved on their behalf that pulled something "shady." It is not because they got a letter of endorsement from the Mayor. It is not because Commissioner Maxwell pulled some tricks before the election and was heavily involved behind the scenes. Those who lost couldn't use any of those excuses for failure.
Paul Blockson now has come up with an original excuse: He says that everyone who voted for McVoy and Mulvehill where "children who did not take their parent's advice." Wow. (I stole that word "wow" from the Mayor). Being unhappy is one thing but indicting nearly 3,000 people who voted for his wife's opponent is an attitude of arrogance and is outside the limits of acceptable behavior. Loyalty is to be admired but when you personally attack people for voting the "wrong" way, you have gone beyond the pale.
This election was one of the most vicious that I can remember, not only on a State level with the West campaign but locally as well. Perhaps they were "nice" people but we had two candidates running who just plain were NOT qualified. Instead of running their own campaigns to win, they aligned themselves with some people that the majority in this City simply do not trust. Carla Blockson and Lisa Maxwell did not understand the issues and continually made up stuff throughout their campaigns.
Paul Blockson has always been what I consider a gentle and soft-spoken individual. He was someone that you liked immediately upon meeting. Personally, I like someone with a twinkle in his eye. Paul always had that until this election. But inspite of these qualities, elections are grueling. They take the best out of candidates, even families. There has to be a winner and a loser but when you lose, you don't indict the entire populous that voted for your opponent.
Voters weigh the candidates as to what they stand for and their solutions going forward and importantly, the people with whom they surround themselves. They look at campaign tactics and ask, is this correct behavior? Is this fair? They look at who gave money to the candidate. If it is an incumbent, did that person live up to my expectations on most issues? Continued and careful analysis is always in the mix of consideration. You have to weigh the positives and negatives of each candidate. The two candidates who lost had NO solutions, just sound bites of mis-information. And even worse, and even when told, they never changed their style; they continued to dish out their false statements and continued using fear tactics.
Blockson wrote an open letter to his wife, Carla, that was printed in the Lake Worth Herald. He says, “…the pain you feel should be, and will be, felt by the citizens of
I take HUGE offense to this silly and insulting statement, Chief, as do we all. I do study the issues. I do attend commission meetings, unlike the losing candidates. Mr. Blockson, I seldom saw you at city commission meetings either. I believe that it is you and your side of politics that was “short-sighted.” Your wife aligned herself with people who lied and maligned and tried to destroy good people. She willingly went along with them and what they did. She even allowed For the Children, an organization that is housed in a city building on a 99 year lease for $1 a year and where she is a Director, use the children there for her campaign wearing Blockson t-shirts.
All you saw in your mind, Mr. Blockson, was the slum and blight and blamed this totally on Cara Jennings. You lumped in Suzanne Mulvehill into the Jennings camp. You lumped in Dr. McVoy, an environmental scientist into the same mold and you and your friends blamed them both for all the City’s problems.
Paul Blockson, someone for whom I had admiration, strong armed the City for sick pay benefits after he went with PB County. I was very disappointed that he did that, even threatening that the Union might sue, and even more unhappy that he was awarded it on a political 3 to 2 vote. Let’s face it. You were mad that Mulvehill voted against giving you the Sick Pay Benefit when your
Because of old housing stock in Lake Worth, our property values fell more than the national average. We have way too many rental properties in Lake Worth that has dragged down values and has caused blight. The national economy brought on by the corrupt development and the real estate industry is what caused the mess we are in.
To blame it on the candidates who won is as ridiculous as you calling me and "addict" or worshiping "false idols." To blame it on Dr. McVoy by saying that he put this city in the "doldrums," someone who has never been in an elected office, is a lie and it is shameful. He and his wife are homeowners just like you. He is a professional just like you. He has a PHd and is a scientist. For you to believe that he has a desire to bring the City down as you seem to believe, I would say let us have him committed to an institution immediately. Obviously, you did not listen to one word he said.
It is you and your friends who are short-sighted, not the majority of the voters who voted in Mulvehill and McVoy. Those who voted for them did not want the “good ole boy” system back in
These elected officials will not be manipulated by anyone. For you to say that we all will suffer because of “those misguided elected officials,” is highly insulting and preposterous to the several thousand people who voted, who are not beholding to special interests, who are intelligent and who certainly do understand the direction we want for
- The completion of our Casino
- The completion of our Reverse Osmosis System
- No more Sun Recycling on our
- Exiting FMPA
- Height limits of 3 stories
- The passing of an Ethics Policy
- And our City Manager, Susan Stanton, will still have her job
Reliable sources say that you had problems with the Union and it was one of the main reasons why they wanted to go to Palm Beach County--to get out from under your "leadership." I bring this up simply to point out that your indictment and hateful analysis of the election results did not show good sense nor did it show leadership.
Chief, you insulted all those taxpayers who will be paying for your pension for the rest of your life. This is extremely disrespectful and ungrateful of you.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Financial Advisory Board
Jennifer Marchal, CPAReceived unanimous vote from City Commission
The City Board interviews went well. I am always impressed with those who interview and want to volunteer their time. The people in our City are amazing and these applicants were all highly qualified.
Basically, the Commission over-looked politics in its appointments with the possible exception of four people: Paul Blockson, our former Fire Chief, and Mary Lindsey, former candidate for Lake Worth political office, applied and did not get appointed only receiving 2 votes each. Both were well qualified for this Board. Some behind the scenes believe that Mr. Blockson would have had a conflict of interest as pension retirement benefits would be looked at within the scope of duties of this new Board and our millage rate is affected by fire rescue. I would guess that the Commission took this into consideration. The others were Ron Exline, former Mayor and Commissioner, and Laurel Decker, a CPA, each receiving 3 votes.
The Finance Advisory Board was established to promote transparency in the City’s budget process and allow more citizen input. It will advise the Commission as well as the City Manager.
Laurel Decker wants to tackle the Utility, a mystery to all of the taxpayers of Lake Worth
From high school graduates up to those with Master’s degrees and CPA designations, all had a common goal--transparency, allocating funds and spending wisely, and looking for waste so that taxes might not have to be raised.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
City Board Interviews Thursday
Beginning at 6pm this Thursday in ten minute integrals, Board and Committee applicants will be interviewed by the City Commission.
Following is the list of Boards and applicants:
City Recreation Advisory Board – 1 vacant position
Austin Brookley
Jessica Plotkin
Karen Tribendis
Community Relations Board- 2 vacant positions
Austin Brookley
Ford Eloge
Chad Layton
Brian Smith
John Morrissey
Denise Tamayo
Karen Tribendis
Construction Board of Appeals – 1 vacant position
Ibrahim Chalhoub
Finance Advisory Board – New board with 7 open positions
Paul Blockson
Ted Brownstein (out of town)
Laurel Decker
Darrian Dority
Ron Exline
Mary Lindsey
Jennifer Marchal
Dee McNamara
John Pickett
Jessica Plotkin
William Thrasher
Brian Wells
Library Board – 1 vacant position
Brian Smith
Planning & Zoning/Historic Preservation/etal – 2 alternate positions
Ibrahim Chalhoub
Laurence McNamara
Christopher McVoy
Jessica Plotkin
Brian Smith
Sister City Board – 4 vacant positions
Jill Aerts
Elizabeth Flynn
Serge Louis-Jenue
John Morrissey
Note: This is a Draft, subject to possible change
Following is the list of Boards and applicants:
City Recreation Advisory Board – 1 vacant position
Austin Brookley
Jessica Plotkin
Karen Tribendis
Community Relations Board- 2 vacant positions
Austin Brookley
Ford Eloge
Chad Layton
Brian Smith
John Morrissey
Denise Tamayo
Karen Tribendis
Construction Board of Appeals – 1 vacant position
Ibrahim Chalhoub
Finance Advisory Board – New board with 7 open positions
Paul Blockson
Ted Brownstein (out of town)
Laurel Decker
Darrian Dority
Ron Exline
Mary Lindsey
Jennifer Marchal
Dee McNamara
John Pickett
Jessica Plotkin
William Thrasher
Brian Wells
Library Board – 1 vacant position
Brian Smith
Planning & Zoning/Historic Preservation/etal – 2 alternate positions
Ibrahim Chalhoub
Laurence McNamara
Christopher McVoy
Jessica Plotkin
Brian Smith
Sister City Board – 4 vacant positions
Jill Aerts
Elizabeth Flynn
Serge Louis-Jenue
John Morrissey
Note: This is a Draft, subject to possible change
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Mark and his Message
An excerpt from Mark Parrilla:
Lyn I have quoted this to others before and you have now become very deserving of it so I will share it with you " IT IS BETTER TO BE THOUGHT A FOOL THAN TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND LEAVE NO DOUBT!" Thank you for removing the doubts I had!
Last night I went to my very first Community Relations Board meeting. I had meant to get to earlier meetings but time got in the way. I really wanted to observe the meeting and Mark Parrilla who had always been on the side of reason, or so I thought. In fact, at the time I suggested that he become the Chair of this Board, a Board that I originally thought unnecessary--still do.
I don't know who several of the members are on the Board other than Carla Blockson, Chief Paul Blockson's wife, and a person rumored to be running as Commissioner in District 2 this year. There was one Board member who did not speak much English and wanted to know more about Martin Luther King and why he is being honored on a National Holiday. Herman Robinson is on the Board who left early because of another engagement. I know Herman from the Lake Worth Democratic Club when two elections ago some officers and directors were very confused as to whom to support--a Democrat Varela or a Republican Vespo. He was also on the P&Z Board back in the days of The Lucerne. I believe that his wife was the Chair of the CRA back then. There are a lot of dedicated people on this board who joined to do some good and give back to the City and to those who need a voice.
Last night after being at that meeting for one hour and 10 minutes, I wish that Mark had taken his own advice above. The meeting was indescribable confusion and that's the kindest thing I can say.
Lyn I have quoted this to others before and you have now become very deserving of it so I will share it with you " IT IS BETTER TO BE THOUGHT A FOOL THAN TO OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND LEAVE NO DOUBT!" Thank you for removing the doubts I had!
Last night I went to my very first Community Relations Board meeting. I had meant to get to earlier meetings but time got in the way. I really wanted to observe the meeting and Mark Parrilla who had always been on the side of reason, or so I thought. In fact, at the time I suggested that he become the Chair of this Board, a Board that I originally thought unnecessary--still do.
I don't know who several of the members are on the Board other than Carla Blockson, Chief Paul Blockson's wife, and a person rumored to be running as Commissioner in District 2 this year. There was one Board member who did not speak much English and wanted to know more about Martin Luther King and why he is being honored on a National Holiday. Herman Robinson is on the Board who left early because of another engagement. I know Herman from the Lake Worth Democratic Club when two elections ago some officers and directors were very confused as to whom to support--a Democrat Varela or a Republican Vespo. He was also on the P&Z Board back in the days of The Lucerne. I believe that his wife was the Chair of the CRA back then. There are a lot of dedicated people on this board who joined to do some good and give back to the City and to those who need a voice.
Last night after being at that meeting for one hour and 10 minutes, I wish that Mark had taken his own advice above. The meeting was indescribable confusion and that's the kindest thing I can say.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Pay to Play Alive and Well in Lake Worth?
Former Chief, Paul Blockson Our former Fire Chief kept asking me, “Now, don’t you think that is political” every time Commissioner Mulvehill or Commissioner Jennings stated an opinion that he did not want to hear. My answer, “No, Scott Maxwell is being political.”
The Firefighter’s
The MOU was signed by the former Chief, Paul Blockson, and was never brought to the Commission for approval. The
This situation has nothing to do with keeping good relations with former firefighters or how much we all like Paul Blockson. It should have nothing to do with goodwill. This has nothing to do with personalities. This has everything to do with the fact that the
If this had gone to arbitration, the City, in my opinion, would have won, but the political vote of 3 to 2 decided its fate by three Commissioners who received campaign donations from the Firefighter’s Union who basically should have recused themselves from this vote or at least made a disclosure right before the vote. This is a matter of ethics.
The pay to play, if that's what it was, paid off.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Lake Worth Alumni Foundation
The bi-annual breakfast sponsored by Dennis and Doris Dorsey was held at the Atlantis Country Club this morning. Among some of the attendees were Paul Blockson, Virginia Thomas, John Adair, Dave Cantley, former principal of Lake Worth High, and Dave McGregor, former coach. This year the Lake Worth Alumni Foundation, Dollars for Scholars, gave out $57,000 in scholarships to 55 students.
City Manager, Susan Stanton, chatting with Dennis Dorsey
Susan Stanton's new assistant, Rachel Smithson from Savannah
Brett Packard, Assistant Principal Lake Worth High School
Mr. Packard talked about all the strategies that are being implemented to help our high school achieve a better grade. One of them is Saturday FCAT tutoring. On Saturday mornings they meet at the school cafeteria and help students. If you want to volunteer, just show up there from 9 to 1pm per the following schedule:
City Manager, Susan Stanton, chatting with Dennis Dorsey
Susan Stanton's new assistant, Rachel Smithson from Savannah
Brett Packard, Assistant Principal Lake Worth High SchoolMr. Packard talked about all the strategies that are being implemented to help our high school achieve a better grade. One of them is Saturday FCAT tutoring. On Saturday mornings they meet at the school cafeteria and help students. If you want to volunteer, just show up there from 9 to 1pm per the following schedule:
Sat. Nov. 7,14, 21 Dec. 5, 12, Jan. 9, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 20, 27 Mar. 6
Anyone interested call Brett Packard LWHS Adult & Community Ed. 533-6322
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Sheriff and Fire Rescue - Budgets
Comment Up
Well one cost will be on our tax bill--fire. The other one we just pony up to a tune of $1.3 million a month--sheriff.
It was brought up by Commissioner Mulvehill on Tuesday night that after the first 3 years of our contract with the PB County Sheriff’s Office, there will be no cap on what they can raise our costs.We have absolutely no protection and are solely and 100% at their mercy.
Right now, this is what it will cost the City of Lake Worth in this coming year beginning October 1, 2009:
POLICE: $15,677,000.00 (2009-10)
This does not include any overtime or special services. In addition to the above, we will be paying for services for the Hispanic Fest, Christmas Parade, Street Painting Festival, Reggae Fest, Tropic Fest and the Tropical Triathlon.
Last year, the Sheriff’s office paid out over $23 million in overtime to County Departments, Fire Rescue, and the Sheriff, with half that figure going to the Sheriff’s Department. Each deputy, on average, made $2,933 in overtime. This amount goes directly onto the pension calculation. Pensions and benefits are killing us. We will be paying $1,150,000 in retirement benefits for the 47 deputies who elected to stay in our Plan.
The PB County Commission has asked the Sheriff to cut his budget.
Lake Worth approves of Sheriff rate hike
FIRE RESCUE: $2,375,000.00 (2009-10)
As you know, fire rescue will be on our ad valorem property tax bill that we will be receiving by end of October. Pay it in November, if you can, because you will save a bundle. We were paying the equivalent of 2.95 mils. We will now be paying 3.4581 mils or a 17% increase. In addition, the City will be paying annual supplements--$700,000 for the 1st two years; $900,000 for the third year. After the third year, the supplement will be $1.3 million.
The above figure is in addition to what we will pay on our tax bill. This figure includes retirement (yes, we had fire fighters who elected to stay with our Plan), professional and contract services and $40,000 in insurance.
The biggest loss will be our Fire Chief, Chief Paul Blockson, who will no longer be assigned to Lake Worth. But even bigger than that is the loss of our own police and fire rescue. Management was the problem with our police. Cpt. Silva is doing a great job. Too bad we couldn't have found a Cpt. Silva of our own to have run our police department before we so easily handed over our department giving up on Lake Worth.
Perhaps one of these days we will grow up and actually become a "real" City again...have transportation, our own police and fire, have control over our own valuable beachfront property with no strings from the County, decide not to give our valuable assets away to PB County such as our waste water or spend $21 million in infrastructure to be able to buy their water instead of building our own Reverse Osmosis. The first good move of recent years was to exit FMPA.
Until then, we will remain a city in name only.
Well one cost will be on our tax bill--fire. The other one we just pony up to a tune of $1.3 million a month--sheriff.
It was brought up by Commissioner Mulvehill on Tuesday night that after the first 3 years of our contract with the PB County Sheriff’s Office, there will be no cap on what they can raise our costs.We have absolutely no protection and are solely and 100% at their mercy.
Right now, this is what it will cost the City of Lake Worth in this coming year beginning October 1, 2009:
POLICE: $15,677,000.00 (2009-10)This does not include any overtime or special services. In addition to the above, we will be paying for services for the Hispanic Fest, Christmas Parade, Street Painting Festival, Reggae Fest, Tropic Fest and the Tropical Triathlon.
Last year, the Sheriff’s office paid out over $23 million in overtime to County Departments, Fire Rescue, and the Sheriff, with half that figure going to the Sheriff’s Department. Each deputy, on average, made $2,933 in overtime. This amount goes directly onto the pension calculation. Pensions and benefits are killing us. We will be paying $1,150,000 in retirement benefits for the 47 deputies who elected to stay in our Plan.
The PB County Commission has asked the Sheriff to cut his budget.
Lake Worth approves of Sheriff rate hike
FIRE RESCUE: $2,375,000.00 (2009-10)As you know, fire rescue will be on our ad valorem property tax bill that we will be receiving by end of October. Pay it in November, if you can, because you will save a bundle. We were paying the equivalent of 2.95 mils. We will now be paying 3.4581 mils or a 17% increase. In addition, the City will be paying annual supplements--$700,000 for the 1st two years; $900,000 for the third year. After the third year, the supplement will be $1.3 million.
The above figure is in addition to what we will pay on our tax bill. This figure includes retirement (yes, we had fire fighters who elected to stay with our Plan), professional and contract services and $40,000 in insurance.
The biggest loss will be our Fire Chief, Chief Paul Blockson, who will no longer be assigned to Lake Worth. But even bigger than that is the loss of our own police and fire rescue. Management was the problem with our police. Cpt. Silva is doing a great job. Too bad we couldn't have found a Cpt. Silva of our own to have run our police department before we so easily handed over our department giving up on Lake Worth.
Perhaps one of these days we will grow up and actually become a "real" City again...have transportation, our own police and fire, have control over our own valuable beachfront property with no strings from the County, decide not to give our valuable assets away to PB County such as our waste water or spend $21 million in infrastructure to be able to buy their water instead of building our own Reverse Osmosis. The first good move of recent years was to exit FMPA.
Until then, we will remain a city in name only.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Baldwin Shuffle
Well, it was unfortunate I could not speak on Bob Baldwin tonight and the fast one he pulled on his last day in office. The Commission seemed to believe that somehow his betrayal was their fault for not making it a formal policy--not writing and extending employment contracts--that they only mentioned it but because no vote was ever taken on the numerous occasions it was brought up, that they believed he could get away with what he did. I can assure the Commission right now that Mr. Baldwin knew exactly the wishes of the commission and he did not give a flying crap.Ok? Got it?
On the last day in his job, Bob Baldwin picked up his Bic and finally did some work—he signed what I thought were 3 employment extensions (Rachael Bach, Laura Hanna and Paul Blockson) knowing that what he did was in direct violation of the city commission’s wishes. Tonight I find out it was 4 contracts. Elaine Humphreys admitted that
Mr. Baldwin probably had the easiest city manager’s job in the country. He wrote his own contract and didn’t even have to come into work. He was out more than he was in. And by getting away with the good will of
If there is any way to get retribution I say go for it. If there is any insurance policy that covers employee insubordination to this degree-- going completely around the will of the commission-- costing the city thousands of dollars, proceed with it. But let us not allow Bob Baldwin to get away with it and sweep it under the rug.
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