Street Clean-up this Saturday

Message from Vice Mayor Malega

Good afternoon all and happy New Year to you!

After a year long investigation PBSO has arrested over a 100 criminals from the south G street and 9th Avenue south area. We are very thankful for all the work that PBSO has put into this investigation.

To assist the community in getting back their neighborhood we have put together an impactful community cleanup and services event for Saturday Jan 17th noon to 4 pm. This is in addition to repairs and investment from the City.

We felt that Martin Luther King weekend was the perfect time to do this as he was an advocate for public service and unity. Please share this information with your neighbors I hope to see you all even if it's only for an hour.

Together we can make a huge difference.

With gratitude,

Vice Mayor Sarah Malega
District 1
City of Lake Worth Beach
7 N. Dixie Hwy
Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

Development Crowd Striking Again

The "FOR" Development crowd

Not all of Lake Worth Beach loves WMODA: Developer spends $6,000 to counter opposition's 'disinformation campaign'

Excerpt from Joe Capozzi's article

"Though WMODA’s rebuttals have been endorsed by the city, project opponents insist their concerns are backed by information in the development agreement, the public private partnership agreement and other public records.

Opponents say they’re just trying to protect taxpayers and promote a better quality of downtown development.

“This is a real David and Goliath situation,’’ said Kim Stokes, who lost a city commission reelection bid in 2024 to Commissioner Mimi May, a WMODA supporter.

“We don't have the money, we don't have the marketing, we don't have the professionals,’’ Stokes said. “We are up against an established professional large-scale development group with access to lots of funds who is willing to attack anyone who expresses concern.’’

Those attacks have extended to the dais where opponents say Mayor Betty Resch and Commissioner Sarah Malega have sought to silence Commissioner Chris McVoy, a vocal WMODA critic, at times leading to tense public clashes.

McVoy has been the loudest, and for the past month, the only voice of WMODA dissent on the commission. A majority — Resch, Malega and May — has embraced the project and its promises of long-term economic benefits, including $7 million in taxes paid by the museum and apartments over the first 10 years and millions in revenue from downtown visitors.

The CRA donated to WMODA 1.78 acres of prime downtown land worth $3.3 million (an amount opponents say is higher).

Read Joe's article

Our city has always been prime for developers and we, once again, have a city commission that loves development--parking garage, this project,  and there are even eyes on our golf course. They can't even find the money to clean our sidewalks or repair garbage trucks.

Lake Worth Beach Vice Mayor initiates absurd Ethics complaint against Commissioner McVoy

Commissioner McVoy responds to Ethics Complaint 

The Ethics complaint was initiated by Vice Mayor Sarah Malega who brought it up for a vote at a commission meeting to proceed with an ethics complaint advisory opinion. The entire Commission voted 5/0 (including Commissioner McVoy).

Following is Commissioner McVoy's reply to the General Counsel, Rhonda Ginger, of the Palm Beach County on Ethics:

On Apr 22, 2025, at 12:32 PM, Christopher W. McVoy wrote:

"Good morning Counsel Giger, Thank you for your important work on behalf of improved governance for the residents of Palm Beach County. I am sure that it is not always easy. (But I am confident that it is providing excellent qualifications should you ever decide on a career change to refereeing professional hockey!)

My answers for right now may be incomplete as I’m supposed to be adjusting this week’s balance of science / public service toward the science side, that is attending the Greater Everglades Ecosystem Research conference.

My nominal employer, South Florida Engineering and Consulting (SFEC) has long supported my public service by allowing me very generous flexibility in working hours and quantity. In theory, serving as City Commissioner is a part time position, recompensed at $24K/yr. In practice, for me it is much closer to full time work. This is reflected in my SFEC W-2 which indicated that in 2024 I earned less than $97 (yes, less than one hundred $$) from SFEC. I think I did a bit better in 2023, but doubt that it was much over several thousand dollars. (Good thing my wife has a job!) I will send W-2’s when get a chance to dig them out.

SFEC does not have a board. To my knowledge I have always been an employee, not a contractor for SFEC, though given the limited hours, “honorary employee” might be a more accurate description. My wife has nothing to do with SFEC, nor do any other family members.

You will forgive me if I editorialize: Vice Mayor Malega’s allegation, if I understood it correctly, that I was required to recuse myself from any votes regarding a downtown development project, is in my opinion patently incorrect. Again if I understood correctly, she was asserting an old canard, that somehow I was basing my votes on influencing the existence of a federal HUBzone (sp?) that is adjacent(?) to the SFEC office. This is not only 100% false, but mechanistically somewhat ridiculous and 100% insulting.

Impuning motives is always risky business. I can assure you that my choice to serve, at the expense of my scientific research, is simply to try to do the greatest good for the broadest cross-section of the Lake Worth community. My votes have never, and will never, have anything to do with SFEC. They are always guided by my best efforts to make informed votes that, as best as I can discern, will bring the broadest benefit to the residents of Lake Worth.

Best,

Christopher McVoy

Christopher McVoy, Ph.D.
Commissioner, District 2
City of Lake Worth Beach, FL
cmcvoy@lakeworthbeachfl.gov
561.398.6115 (C)

Special City Commission Meeting

To swear in newly elected officials--

Re-Elect Sarah Malega District 1

We have been successful in many areas:

• 5 water fountains installed throughout the city, so everyone has access to our TOP quality drinking water.

• New fire hydrants installed throughout OUR District, YOUR community, ensuring First Responders have the tools they need to keep your family safe.

• Creating a 3 way stop sign at 12th Ave. S & Lake Osborne Dr. which has aided in slowing down traffic, less accidents, and a safer environment.

• Celebrating our youth by introducing Suits for Seniors to the high school & supporting their funding needs. Palm Beach County Sheriff's PAL youth program provided funds to take the players out for new shoes after a championship WIN! Promoting Hoops for Hope to bring more kids into our Recreation programs.

Read Sarah's mailer--

Sarah Malega mailer

Re-Elect Sarah Malega District 1

Click to enlarge--

Commissioner Sarah Malega Campaign Kick-off today

Candidate District 3 Mimi May with Commissioner Sarah Malega on MLK Day

We support these candidates!

 

Lake Worth received Federal Money for Affordable Housing

Lake Worth Beach to receive $750,000 for affordable housing

City officials worth to alleviate ongoing housing crisis

I remember the late, great Peter Timm who always said that everything in Lake Worth was affordable. Not any more, under the present government in power in Washington, D.C.

Lake Worth Beach City Commissioner Sarah Malega was among those who took part in a Monday announcement with U.S. Rep. Lois Frankel, D-Fla.

The city will receive $750,000 in federal money to boost a Lake Worth Beach program to build more affordable housing. Malega said. "Our goal is affordable home ownership and breaking the generational wealth gap."

Rents are ridiculously high and out of reach of the average worker.

Read more about it...

Get your butt off our beach

The main thing, as I see it, is that the butts are not biodegradeable. Smokers use the sand as their ashtray. Annoying and toxic fumes is the rest of the story.

Shanon Materio voted down as member of CRA

Nomination of former West Palm Beach city commissioner Shanon Materio to Lake Worth Beach CRA is rejected

Yes, Shanon--I agree with you--it was "personal." Residents in this city saw you in action back when you started as a member of the CRA on 1-23-2006 during your four year term that expired on 8-21-2209 that was not renewed.

Mrs. Materio has applied once again to "serve" on the Lake Worth CRA. Could it be that she wants the Dixie Corridor developed to help her business?

Commissioner Sarah Malega, who nominated Materio, chastised her colleagues on the dais for rejecting Materio while they "rubber-stamped two other recent nominees to the CRA." Actually, she was "pissed" when her nominee was voted down on a 3/2 vote and walked out of the room, calling for a 5  minute break. Commissioner Malega said several times that she did "her due diligence" regarding Materio. But Sarah moved to Lake Worth three years after Shanon left the CRA and did not know the feelings of many in the community. With all that D&D she says she did, did she ask any residents, you know, those she serves?

In the case of Shanon Materio, the majority on the present dais voted her appointment down. That is democracy, no? There were reasons, whether revealed or not, as our commissioners want to work in a positive vein which is politically smart.

Read the article...

Live-Streaming is cost prohibitive says Lake Worth

Lake Worth is not airing live meetings anymore

Getting into the 21 Century for live streaming of city commission meetings is a cost problem says the city. Lake Worth residents wanted live-streaming; they were excited when they finally got it, but it all ended earlier this year after spending a fortune to get it on-line.

Lake Worth has always been paranoid about lawsuits and Glen Torcivia said that many cities have been sued for not being ADA compliant. Residents are now forced to attend the commission meetings if they want to know what's going on in real time.  I'm not sure that the city cares what residents think. This is a small amount of money in the scheme of things.

Sarah Malega, former candidate for District 1 commissioner: “Watching it live from home was more convenient than going to the chambers. It’s more comfortable in your home and it’s a lot more conducive for parents and for working people.

I thought we were being penny-wise and dollar foolish and that we were stepping over $100 to save $10. I think there are more reasons why we’re not paying to be compliant, it’s just easier to disconnect the live streaming. We’re spending money left and right on feasibility studies... but we can’t fix something like this.”

Read about it...

Politics can be a Cesspool of Corruption

Contributions from the latest G3 Report--

Mayor Pam Triolo: $40,031
Drew Martin:  $7,383 had 18.44% of what the Mayor had and the final vote showed it.

Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell: $49,245
Sarah Malega:  $19,340 had 39.27% of what the Vice Mayor had.

That's a big difference when you are trying to win a campaign, walking all over town knocking on doors and all the big money is against that effort, not to mention the unions, PACS and influence peddlers (and we have a ton of those). When you want to build infrastructure all over town, develop ball fields and rip out a pool, they come out of the woodwork.

It used to be you could run for office in our small city for around $8-9,000.  Those times are over as Scott Maxwell reminded us at his last election when he raised a small fortune from people all over the country.  There is way too much corruption and influence being peddled. And the longer you are in office, the more connections you get and the more tempting the money is and the odds of overturning an incumbent are nearly impossible but certainly unfavorable.

This is a word of advice to all you grassroots people who still believe in honesty and ethics in elections--don't waste your little $25 or $50 contribution that used to mean something. Politicians don't need your money; they get untold amounts from those looking for some sort of pay-back or influence.

Think about our national politicians.  They go into office with little assets and come out as multi-millionaires.  So, politicians learn on the job how to amass wealth and "friends."  And the same thing often happens on the local level.

Our elected officials have a lot to lose if they should be voted out of office such as their higher salaries that they voted in for themselves and their $6,000 a year car allowance not to mention health care and 401k's. People are afraid to go up against them as the odds are stacked to kick them out of office. Their main goal is to sustain their power, status and wealth and vote the way they want, not what the people want. How do I know?  They never ask me or even return e-mails. That's a form of corruption in my book. In the case of Lake Worth, it is to vote the way the city manager wants and Scott Maxwell.

And no, Pelican Pete, it's not that we can't ever be satisfied as long as our candidate is not elected--it is all about those in power making decisions that they feel is best without asking us, without our approval and of course we can't forget that they overturned the height referendum or voted to give the Atlanta Braves 100 Acres of John Prince Park They listen to their core group, the city manager and their drinking pals and that's about it.

Some of the companies that gave big contributions to Triolo and Maxwell are:

Delray New Wave LLC:  Located at 10 SE 1st Avenue, Delray Beach gave a fundraiser for Pam Triolo when she was running a few years ago. They are also registered at 102 N Swinton Avenue in Delray. Right down the road is Hudson Holdings at 20 S Swinton Avenue--Connect the dots.

Jetport II, LLC:  This company has the same corporate agent as Delray New Wave. JetPort is one of Sun Recyling's many companies that was acquired by Waste Management. Do you remember how Southern Waste Systems infiltrated our local elections back in 2008 and Retha Lowe was fined $2,500 for filing false reports regarding them? She got off lightly--this was a small price for her to pay for these days of honest services fraud. Sun companies have been lurking around our politics for years with campaign contributions to certain candidates that they feel are favorable to their cause.

Republic Services of Florida LP:
Republic is a large national corporation and Southern Waste Systems is privately owned and local. In 2011, Southern Waste Systems was awarded a contract for Broward's trash business through a sub-contract deal with Republic. "We are really excited about the partnership on this contract with Republic Services and to have city staff and commission support on the collaboration," said Charles Gusmano, President and CEO of SWS and Sun Recycling.

Waste Management $400
The Sun Recycling connection. Just can't get rid of Sun in this city.

There were many $1,000 contributions and large ones from various Unions, Developers, Contractors, Engineers, Mark Foley, all sorts of attorneys giving big bucks, including one Palm Beach County commissioner, Dave Kerner giving a total of $750 to Maxwell and at least $500 to Triolo and the usual suspects who give a lot of money because they aren't happy with our little city and want to change Lake Worth as well as cement in our pool.

Here's to Term Limits

Winners and Losers

Click to read--

The results are what they are. And in a statement attributed to Abraham Lincoln, "In a democracy people get the leaders they deserve." It's hard to beat an incumbent unless he has committed misfeasance.

Sarah Malega lost by 243 votes.

In West Palm Beach, Shanon Materio lost by 183 votes.

And think about it--these two candidates got the Palm Beach Post endorsement. I remember years go when Barbara Aubel got the Post endorsement and lost to Dave Vespo.

Scott Maxwell took that non-Post endorsement to heart and used every thing in his playbook to come out on top. He blitzed everyone to death over the last weekend (I was wondering why he was saving his money) up through election day, keeping his message and face before the electorate reminding them that it was he who set a successful path for Lake Worth. This is how he won.

One of his mailers came in yesterday's mail and he even did another robo call around Noon. It wasn't the fact that he raised more money or that the firefighters helped him out at the polls that he won. He got energized at the end of the campaign. It was his dogged determination and full court press to turn it around and stay in office.

The real losers are all the voters who stayed home--about 80% in Lake Worth who have no knowledge or interest as to what's going on. They believe the hype or just don't give a damn. Our city's direction is decided by less than 3,000 voters.

Tonight's Victory Parties

Sarah Malega-7pm

Pam Triolo- 6pm at Blue Front, 1132 North Dixie

Katie and Sarah Malega at Lakeside UM Church

Candidate Sarah Malega sighting

Popped into Clary's Corner this morning to have breakfast and who was there?  Sarah Malega running for Commissioner District 1 in Lake Worth and several of her campaign workers.

After getting the Palm Beach Post endorsement, Sarah said, "I'm so overwhelmed with joy and beyond motivated to win this."

Triolo and Malega get Palm Beach Post endorsements

The last Neighborhood Association Candidate Forum

The Bryant Park Candidate Forum took place on Monday night at the Beach Club located at the Lake Worth Golf Course. The place was packed. The only bad thing about it all was the fact that the facility did not have toilet tissue in the ladies room. In fact, after telling them about this slight problem before the meeting had started, they never did a thing about it. Someone who had been pointed out to me as the manager told me to tell the cleaning crew. For real.

There was misinformation spewed by several candidates but all in all it was an interesting but a long forum. It was supposed to end by 9pm but lasted until around 9:40.

Sarah Malega, who was well prepared, spoke extemporaneously, answering the questions never referring to notes. She said that the pool is an asset to our city and that everyone wants to be friends of the Lake Worth pool, unless, of course, you are Scott Maxwell who wants it gone. Drew Martin made an interesting point when he asked " if you can't keep the pool opened, how do you manage a $43 million road project? Pam Triolo says she likes the pool.

The most interesting and annoying question, brought up once again, was, "Do you support changing the name of the city to Lake Worth Beach?"

Lake Worth has been its name since 1912 and named after the Lake Worth Lagoon--its name for 96 years. Candidates condensed answers to this question were as follows:

• Pam Triolo: "Investigate it."

• Sarah Malega: "Put it on the Ballot."

• Drew Martin: Showing fiscal responsibility, "Name changes cost a lot of money."

• Scott Maxwell: Wants it changed as we get attributed to crimes in suburbia Lake Worth. "This is a new Lake Worth," he said. This is a ridiculous reason to change the name of our city not to mention the tremendous cost as well as dishonoring our history.

Remember to vote on March 13. 

Candidate Debate and our Electric Rates

The debate at the Lake Worth Playhouse was much more interesting than I had ever expected.  It didn't have the excitement of the past--no banner waving or hordes of people milling around with their political t-shirts.

It is difficult being an opponent to any incumbent especially to Mayor Triolo and Vice Mayor Maxwell. Both of them have been in office for years and have all the connections and answers down pat. Both opponents, Drew Martin and Sarah Malega were outstanding, up on the issues and gave them a run for "their money."

One thing that the incumbents bragged about more than once was their rate parity to FPL. They claim that we are now even with FPL's rate, even under it.  We sock it to commercial establishments with high rates and it's  no wonder the incumbents never mention it...we are so much higher than FPL and lowering this rate would attract more businesses which I would think is the goal.

Click the link below and see the true figures as Candidate Sarah Malega suggested.

Florida Municipal Electric Association--latest figures.