The coronavirus is undeniably a serious threat, but it is important that the government not be allowed to grow unchecked in power and spending as a result...Way too much concern given to the coronavirus and very little concern to the economic mess.
Showing posts with label Special Interests. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Interests. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Ron Paul on Coronavirus & Federal Reserve
The coronavirus is undeniably a serious threat, but it is important that the government not be allowed to grow unchecked in power and spending as a result...Way too much concern given to the coronavirus and very little concern to the economic mess.
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Let's get an Even Playing Field
It's time for real transparency in Tallahassee, says Alex Snitker who wrote an opinion piece for Sunshine State News.
I have always believed that every candidate running for elected office should be working with the exact same amount of funds...no hidden contributions...no possibility of special interests influencing our elections...run on your own merits. But it happens all of the time with Political Committees in spite of the fact that there are limits on individual contributions.
Take Fl Sen. Jeff Clemens, chair of Each Vote Counts PC as a prime example--As of June 30, 2017, that committee had expended $917,187.70 to influence elections. He is chair of another committee--Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee that has reported $960,627.50 in contributions and $433,015.38 in expenditures since June 30, 2017.
Read the latest on Jeff
PC's can give unlimited amounts. Let's get special interests out of our elections.
I have always believed that every candidate running for elected office should be working with the exact same amount of funds...no hidden contributions...no possibility of special interests influencing our elections...run on your own merits. But it happens all of the time with Political Committees in spite of the fact that there are limits on individual contributions.
Take Fl Sen. Jeff Clemens, chair of Each Vote Counts PC as a prime example--As of June 30, 2017, that committee had expended $917,187.70 to influence elections. He is chair of another committee--Florida Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee that has reported $960,627.50 in contributions and $433,015.38 in expenditures since June 30, 2017.
Read the latest on Jeff
PC's can give unlimited amounts. Let's get special interests out of our elections.
Monday, September 19, 2016
It's all about the Money
Do you know what is perishing in America? It's not the Colin Kapernick's of the world--he's still in the minority of P.C's who think it cool to diss the greatest country on Earth. No, it's government of the people, by the people and for the people.
I believe that every candidate should run with the exact same amount of money. This will eliminate a lot of the corruption in our elections that is controlled by special interests. Even in our own local elections, there is a startling disparity. The reason it is so hard to defeat incumbents is because of the connections they have accumulated and the special favors they do to get the endorsements and the contributions. A newcomer has no prayer or little chance to win as the campaign contributions are difficult to attain. It takes a lot of money just to get name recognition.
County Commission seat District 1:
Hal Valeche: $177,801
Tony Bennett: $7,650
County Commission seat District 3:
Dave Kerner: $169,041
Sean Hogan: $7,100
County Commission Seat District 5:
Mary Lou Berger: $103,375
Taniel Shant $36,995
Under the above scenarios, who has the overwhelming chance of winning? Campaign finance reform is an American issue. We need to seriously think about it if we want democracy.
I believe that every candidate should run with the exact same amount of money. This will eliminate a lot of the corruption in our elections that is controlled by special interests. Even in our own local elections, there is a startling disparity. The reason it is so hard to defeat incumbents is because of the connections they have accumulated and the special favors they do to get the endorsements and the contributions. A newcomer has no prayer or little chance to win as the campaign contributions are difficult to attain. It takes a lot of money just to get name recognition.
County Commission seat District 1:
Hal Valeche: $177,801
Tony Bennett: $7,650
County Commission seat District 3:
Dave Kerner: $169,041
Sean Hogan: $7,100
County Commission Seat District 5:
Mary Lou Berger: $103,375
Taniel Shant $36,995
Under the above scenarios, who has the overwhelming chance of winning? Campaign finance reform is an American issue. We need to seriously think about it if we want democracy.
Tuesday, June 28, 2016
Drew Martin in Wellington and the County Commission's love of Development
On Sunday, I attended a discussion on the overbuilding in Palm Beach County and to support Drew Martin for County Commissioner District 3.
"I am running as a Democrat for County Commissioner from District 3 to help restore the voice of the citizens at the County Commission."
Jess Santamaria spoke about his time on the county commission where most votes regarding development ended on a 6/1 or 5/2 vote to allow developers anything they desired. Over eight years, 100% of development got approved. Paulette Burdick was the only county commissioner who would vote with him. When it came to the developers paying impact fees, the vote was 6/1 against and the county lost $69 million dollars that was forgiven to developers. Guess what they allowed developers to pay. One dollar ($1). As said, it is a government for special interests.
With no workable plan for how citizens will pay for the costs of new roads, schools, fire stations and other services other than to tax you an additional penny sales tax for ten years, this is what this elected body of Palm Beach County Commissioners have done:
With no workable plan for how citizens will pay for the costs of new roads, schools, fire stations and other services other than to tax you an additional penny sales tax for ten years, this is what this elected body of Palm Beach County Commissioners have done:
- July 23, 2013 GL Homes expanded in the "protected" Ag Reserve from 995 homes to 1,319 homes, a 33% increase. It allowed the Bridges development to expand from 591 homes to 1,008, a 70% increase.
- October 24, 2013, Highland Dunes--the commission approved a rezoning allowing 2,000 homes on 1,200 acres owned by PB Aggregates.
- June 26, 2014, Boca Del Mar. Rezoning approved on a 5/2. Voted to build 253 zero lot line townhouses and multi-family units where they had already allowed developers to take over part of the golf course that was deeded in perpetuity. If you recall, they did the same thing to Century Village years ago.
- October 29, 2014 Minto West. Approved of 4,500 homes and 2 million sq. ft of retail and offices on agricultural land.
- January 8, 2015. GL homes allowed to expand Valencia Cove by 71% in the protected ag Reserve.
- April 12, 2016 Initial approval given to GL Homes for Indian Trails Grove, 3,900 homes and 350,000 sq. ft of commercial space
- April 27, 2016, More commercial development approved in the Ag Reserve that could open up a 21,000 acre farming region to more commercial development.
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
Special Interests heavily involved in Atlanta Braves location
Comment Up
Joe Capozzi's article from the Palm Beach County Commission meeting.
I agree with Mr. Capozzi. The blue shirts certainly did outnumber those against Atlanta Braves coming into John Prince Park. But we out here on Lake Osborne are not funded by special interests. Most people in this neighborhood are middle class working folks and retirees who live within budgets. There is no way that the residents in this neighborhood can compete with general contractors who will make big money building this stadium, downtown merchants, lobbyists and other special interests who believe that they have everything to gain by pushing the Atlanta Braves to locate at John Prince Park at the expense of an entire neighborhood.
These groups are bad for democracy as well as elected officials who use them to pursue their own selfish agenda. The system is corrupt. It's all about money.
Joe Capozzi's article from the Palm Beach County Commission meeting.
I agree with Mr. Capozzi. The blue shirts certainly did outnumber those against Atlanta Braves coming into John Prince Park. But we out here on Lake Osborne are not funded by special interests. Most people in this neighborhood are middle class working folks and retirees who live within budgets. There is no way that the residents in this neighborhood can compete with general contractors who will make big money building this stadium, downtown merchants, lobbyists and other special interests who believe that they have everything to gain by pushing the Atlanta Braves to locate at John Prince Park at the expense of an entire neighborhood.
These groups are bad for democracy as well as elected officials who use them to pursue their own selfish agenda. The system is corrupt. It's all about money.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Lake Worth Candidates Amass a Fortune in Campaign Contributions
Comment Up
In the history of Lake Worth, no one has ever seen anything like this. Obviously there is a lot to lose for some. Our Lake Worth election is now being hijacked by big moneyed special interests and by the Trio commissioners who are caught up in the rapture of power. It is overwhelming to see this amount of money ($88,000) raised by Maxwell, Triolo and Amoroso in a small town election and virtually impossible to mount a strong opposition by anyone who has not been in the political arena, has not traveled all over on the taxpayer dime, networking here and there.
These are the facts...awesome...there are special interests behind the campaigns of the incumbents with some regular folks who believe the nonsense that is being spread by the Trio. How much money does it take to fudge the facts? Money is pouring in from all over the place for these three incumbents. What's it going to take to defeat special interests? Joe Citizen doesn't have much of a prayer against these odds.
To date:
TRIOLO: $25,090
JACQUES: $1,360
ANTIEAU: $1,475
MAXWELL: $31,360.11
HARTMAN: $5,619
AMOROSO: $31,605
MCALONAN: $9,145.15
Just think of the potholes they could fix with all that money.
The election is ten days away. Vote NO to these incumbents and reject all this money once and for all so that special interests can not control our city. We need honest government. We need elected officials who care about you, not developers.
In the history of Lake Worth, no one has ever seen anything like this. Obviously there is a lot to lose for some. Our Lake Worth election is now being hijacked by big moneyed special interests and by the Trio commissioners who are caught up in the rapture of power. It is overwhelming to see this amount of money ($88,000) raised by Maxwell, Triolo and Amoroso in a small town election and virtually impossible to mount a strong opposition by anyone who has not been in the political arena, has not traveled all over on the taxpayer dime, networking here and there.
These are the facts...awesome...there are special interests behind the campaigns of the incumbents with some regular folks who believe the nonsense that is being spread by the Trio. How much money does it take to fudge the facts? Money is pouring in from all over the place for these three incumbents. What's it going to take to defeat special interests? Joe Citizen doesn't have much of a prayer against these odds.
To date:
TRIOLO: $25,090
JACQUES: $1,360
ANTIEAU: $1,475
MAXWELL: $31,360.11
HARTMAN: $5,619
AMOROSO: $31,605
MCALONAN: $9,145.15
Just think of the potholes they could fix with all that money.
The election is ten days away. Vote NO to these incumbents and reject all this money once and for all so that special interests can not control our city. We need honest government. We need elected officials who care about you, not developers.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Corruption? You haven't seen anything yet
Comment Up
Election contribution laws have changed which will lead to more corruption. Now let's see the corruption really begin especially in Lake Worth--
Contributions, Limitations on the following:
Evidence of money as well as moral corruption was in this last election held in Lake Worth on Heights when the No side of the vote designed, bought and paid for and had erected an illegal banner on The Gulfstream Hotel as well as printed flyers stating "Vote No to really protect our low-rise cottage neighborhood." To them, and to some on their side, they thought it "funny," "cute" and "clever" and believe that all is fair in love, war and politics. It was nothing but dishonest. The election fine from Tallahassee on the banner was not stiff enough and the silence of this city government, along with staff, was loud and clear..."We want our freaking way!"
There is no doubt that money does corrupt elections and on the local level we have a constant problem with special interests giving the maximum contributions to those who support their interests, i.e., the Unions, Board of Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and of course, obsessed people who all approve of development anywhere and everywhere as the answer to our problems. Those who depend on the average grassroots voter can't raise enough money in order to oppose candidates who coddle special interests or their own personal interests such as advocating for the downtown of Lake Worth growing taller as example. Those who have involved themselves in only the greater good trying to protect our city, risk losing the vote or are voted out of office by a public inundated with negative campaign fliers full of lies from the well financed candidates.
This "fight" in Lake Worth has been going on for several decades. Many of the developer "players" are still voting here, are on city boards and now in office. Those with the most money take advantage of an apathetic or uninformed public and have the best chance to win. It has become more and more difficult to find well-qualified candidates who are not beholding to special interests or driven by their own personal power. It's a battle.
“Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency.” And having lots of money is a big advantage.
Election contribution laws have changed which will lead to more corruption. Now let's see the corruption really begin especially in Lake Worth--
Contributions, Limitations on the following:
- 1. To a candidate for statewide office or for retention as a justice of the Supreme Court, $3,000. Candidates for the offices of Governor and Lieutenant Governor on the same ticket are considered a single candidate for the purpose of this section.
- 2. To a candidate for retention as a judge of a district court of appeal; a candidate for legislative office; a candidate for multi-county office; a candidate for countywide office or in any election conducted on less than a countywide basis; or a candidate for county court judge or circuit judge, $1,000.
Evidence of money as well as moral corruption was in this last election held in Lake Worth on Heights when the No side of the vote designed, bought and paid for and had erected an illegal banner on The Gulfstream Hotel as well as printed flyers stating "Vote No to really protect our low-rise cottage neighborhood." To them, and to some on their side, they thought it "funny," "cute" and "clever" and believe that all is fair in love, war and politics. It was nothing but dishonest. The election fine from Tallahassee on the banner was not stiff enough and the silence of this city government, along with staff, was loud and clear..."We want our freaking way!"
There is no doubt that money does corrupt elections and on the local level we have a constant problem with special interests giving the maximum contributions to those who support their interests, i.e., the Unions, Board of Realtors, the Chamber of Commerce, and of course, obsessed people who all approve of development anywhere and everywhere as the answer to our problems. Those who depend on the average grassroots voter can't raise enough money in order to oppose candidates who coddle special interests or their own personal interests such as advocating for the downtown of Lake Worth growing taller as example. Those who have involved themselves in only the greater good trying to protect our city, risk losing the vote or are voted out of office by a public inundated with negative campaign fliers full of lies from the well financed candidates.
This "fight" in Lake Worth has been going on for several decades. Many of the developer "players" are still voting here, are on city boards and now in office. Those with the most money take advantage of an apathetic or uninformed public and have the best chance to win. It has become more and more difficult to find well-qualified candidates who are not beholding to special interests or driven by their own personal power. It's a battle.
“Corruption is authority plus monopoly minus transparency.” And having lots of money is a big advantage.
Friday, July 12, 2013
It Ain't over Til It's Over - Lake Worth Heights Charter Amendment
Comment Up
The song written by Lenny Kravitz came to mind this morning, "It' ain't over til it's over."
Very few trust the government and with good reason. There is way too much outside special interests involved in many of the decisions made by politicians especially here in our city where we feel and see it the most. Every single controversial issue or significant law suit involved developers. Elected officials are persuaded by those who are well heeled and who have persuasive arguments. "Your city will die unless we get 20 more feet," as an example.
To stay in elected office takes the backing from those with deep pockets and often times there is something to gain personally. Sometimes, at least in Lake Worth, we have to deal with those who are just simply obsessed and who have fallen for the lies that have been repeated through the years, i.e., "Jo-ann Golden likes ghettos, and Cara Jennings only wants chickens." It is always the same crowd that falls into the same trap from loquacious politicians who like to blame all the wrong people on all the ills of this city. We see the tremendous problems and have a need to blame someone(s). The game they play now is, "We haven't had any development in over two years," and then they attempt to convince us (with more lies) that it is an anti-development crowd that has held the city back.
In the It ain't over til its over theory regarding the heights referendum vote, that may be the case. Hopefully there is someone(s) who will pursue the rights of the people here in Lake Worth and the outrageous opinion that is being applied by our city staff and city commission and who are sitting around pretending that we never had a vote or that the YES people won by 56%. It ain't over til it's over unless those behind Respectful Planning PAC and its supporters acquiesce. The major difference here is that the grassroots never have the funds and the developer oriented special interests do.
The Florida Supreme Court said that Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature went too far when he signed a certain bill into law last year and attempted to apply it retroactively. Although this case is different than our heights Charter amendment, the premise is the same regarding retroactive law. Our commission did everything possible to change the outcome of the election by delaying the vote and ultimately, after the YES vote won, ignoring the results and applied a law that the YES people believe does not apply by using a date that is arbitrary and a law signed by Rick Scott after the fact.
Read more... at the Palm Beach Post on the Court's opinion.
The song written by Lenny Kravitz came to mind this morning, "It' ain't over til it's over."
Very few trust the government and with good reason. There is way too much outside special interests involved in many of the decisions made by politicians especially here in our city where we feel and see it the most. Every single controversial issue or significant law suit involved developers. Elected officials are persuaded by those who are well heeled and who have persuasive arguments. "Your city will die unless we get 20 more feet," as an example.
To stay in elected office takes the backing from those with deep pockets and often times there is something to gain personally. Sometimes, at least in Lake Worth, we have to deal with those who are just simply obsessed and who have fallen for the lies that have been repeated through the years, i.e., "Jo-ann Golden likes ghettos, and Cara Jennings only wants chickens." It is always the same crowd that falls into the same trap from loquacious politicians who like to blame all the wrong people on all the ills of this city. We see the tremendous problems and have a need to blame someone(s). The game they play now is, "We haven't had any development in over two years," and then they attempt to convince us (with more lies) that it is an anti-development crowd that has held the city back.
In the It ain't over til its over theory regarding the heights referendum vote, that may be the case. Hopefully there is someone(s) who will pursue the rights of the people here in Lake Worth and the outrageous opinion that is being applied by our city staff and city commission and who are sitting around pretending that we never had a vote or that the YES people won by 56%. It ain't over til it's over unless those behind Respectful Planning PAC and its supporters acquiesce. The major difference here is that the grassroots never have the funds and the developer oriented special interests do.
The Florida Supreme Court said that Gov. Rick Scott and the Legislature went too far when he signed a certain bill into law last year and attempted to apply it retroactively. Although this case is different than our heights Charter amendment, the premise is the same regarding retroactive law. Our commission did everything possible to change the outcome of the election by delaying the vote and ultimately, after the YES vote won, ignoring the results and applied a law that the YES people believe does not apply by using a date that is arbitrary and a law signed by Rick Scott after the fact.
Read more... at the Palm Beach Post on the Court's opinion.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Immortal Words Written by a Madman
Comment Up
From the not too distant past:
"The Respectful Planning PAC campaign is destined to become a classic in the Lake Worth anarchist archives. "It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying NOTHING."
And yet, in its nothingness lies the very real possibility that
it may prevail. For what is easier to achieve than NOTHING
NOTHING to protect the Gulfstream Hotel.
NOTHING to create jobs in Lake Worth.
NOTHING to build on the success that has been achieved by finally having the beach and casino property ready to welcome visitors.
NOTHING but build momentum for candidates who care so little for Lake Worth that they tried to get rid of PBSO!
Vote NO on 2 because Lake Worth deserves more than--NOTHING but lies and fear and sound and fury!"
.................................
From the not too distant past:"The Respectful Planning PAC campaign is destined to become a classic in the Lake Worth anarchist archives. "It is a tale, told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying NOTHING."
NOTHING to protect the Gulfstream Hotel.
NOTHING to build on the success that has been achieved by finally having the beach and casino property ready to welcome visitors.
NOTHING but build momentum for candidates who care so little for Lake Worth that they tried to get rid of PBSO!
Vote NO on 2 because Lake Worth deserves more than--
Thursday, March 14, 2013
The Friends now must Bite the Bullet
Comment Up
55.86% of the voters ignored the
missives. As soon as one bullet dropped,
the Friends coughed up another one.
They kept coming like raindrops.
Now they are all biting the bullet.
Special Interests
Comment Up
If you look through the Treasury Reports for The Friends of the Gulfstream, you will see some of the usual suspects--Loretta Sharpe, of course. Then there is Greg Rice who personally gave $500 along with the Lucerne Condo Association giving $500.00. Mr. Rice is on its board. The Realtors' Association gave $1,000. Sun Recycling has been heavily involved in what goes on in Lake Worth always giving contributions in one way shape or form to the developer crowd that has a big interest in our little city. There are always contributions from developers to builders to Realtors to real estate attorneys. One of those people is Michael Weiner.
Mr. Weiner is the principal, agent and Manager of Jet Port II, LLC in Delray Beach which is a real estate company. He is a real estate attorney. He gave $500 to The Vote NO group. Read a little background on Mr. Weiner and the developer connection and then read this revealing news on the Sun Recycling connection. Mr. Weiner is creeping closer to Lake Worth.
Special interests are: Lobbyists, PACS, Business groups, Professional bodies, Trade Unions, 501 c, 527 s, and other groups giving money to influence political decisions and election results.
The only special interests involved in this election were the contributors and Friends of the Gulfstream PAC. The majority of the people did not get duped by all this money and all of this sneaky slimy stuff.
If you look through the Treasury Reports for The Friends of the Gulfstream, you will see some of the usual suspects--Loretta Sharpe, of course. Then there is Greg Rice who personally gave $500 along with the Lucerne Condo Association giving $500.00. Mr. Rice is on its board. The Realtors' Association gave $1,000. Sun Recycling has been heavily involved in what goes on in Lake Worth always giving contributions in one way shape or form to the developer crowd that has a big interest in our little city. There are always contributions from developers to builders to Realtors to real estate attorneys. One of those people is Michael Weiner.
Mr. Weiner is the principal, agent and Manager of Jet Port II, LLC in Delray Beach which is a real estate company. He is a real estate attorney. He gave $500 to The Vote NO group. Read a little background on Mr. Weiner and the developer connection and then read this revealing news on the Sun Recycling connection. Mr. Weiner is creeping closer to Lake Worth.
Special interests are: Lobbyists, PACS, Business groups, Professional bodies, Trade Unions, 501 c, 527 s, and other groups giving money to influence political decisions and election results.
The only special interests involved in this election were the contributors and Friends of the Gulfstream PAC. The majority of the people did not get duped by all this money and all of this sneaky slimy stuff.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Special Interests - EXPOSED
Comment Up
The negative NO people accuse everyone else of being a special interest: the mom with 2 kids on N L street, the plumber on Duke, the retiree on Lake Osborne, the nurse on Collier Avenue and what about the grocery clerk who lives on Detroit Street? The NO people need to learn what the term means and stop falsely labeling middle class families, hard working residents and retirees who want to keep our downtown low-rise.
Don't get duped. Don't get confused. You either want low buildings or high buildings. You don't need negative people telling you that you are a "special interest." Invite them to use Webster's.
The negative NO people accuse everyone else of being a special interest: the mom with 2 kids on N L street, the plumber on Duke, the retiree on Lake Osborne, the nurse on Collier Avenue and what about the grocery clerk who lives on Detroit Street? The NO people need to learn what the term means and stop falsely labeling middle class families, hard working residents and retirees who want to keep our downtown low-rise.
Don't get duped. Don't get confused. You either want low buildings or high buildings. You don't need negative people telling you that you are a "special interest." Invite them to use Webster's.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Political Action Committee formed to fight huge development in Wellington
Comment Up
Well, lo and behold--a fat cat actually fighting development and urban sprawl. Where was he during the Amendment 4 campaign? That mentality sure wasn't in Lake Worth then and nothing has changed because we still have the normal suspects with deep pockets looking out for their own special interests.
Just last month, the Wellington Town Council on a 3/2 vote approved a plan to amend the town's Comprehensive Plan, allowing developers of Equestrian Village to build structures larger in size than what current land use regulations allow. Source: Channel 5. This is why I have always said that land-use changes should be considered only on a super-majority at the least. It is easier to compromise three commissioners than it is four because land-use changes are always political.
Jeremy Jacobs, Sr. whose family owns land there and best known as the owner of the Boston Bruins, is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North Companies. Forbes magazine ranks him as #746 of the world's billionaires. The development, Equestrian Village and commercial complex, is proposed to be built near the Jacobs' land at the northeast corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Boulevard. This action caused the Jacobs family to form a PAC called Taxpayers for Integrity.
Normally my antenna goes up when I hear these warm and fuzzy names for PAC's as in most cases they are far removed from what they portray. Remember back in 2007 when the Florida Chamber people, egged on by our local Chamber under Ramiccio, got involved in our Lake Worth election with a Chamber PAC called Protect Our Constitution out of Tallahassee to defeat The Supermajority. They sent money and foot soldiers into Lake Worth.
There were also all those angry looking Lake Worth citizens, many who were members of the Chamber, who were a part of Last Chance Lake Worth PAC spreading fear and falsehoods. This was only 5 years ago when developers had a hold on our City. Now that the dais has changed in Lake Worth, those same people seem to be creeping back, trying to grab the power even to the point of changing out members of our Planning & Zoning Board to their liking and to only those with "qualifications" such as developer, Realtor, land-use attorney--you know, the very same people with special interests of years ago.
The Taxpayers for Integrity PAC was formed to go after the defeat of the current Wellington Mayor, Darell Bowen, and support two new candidates running for election who are against this project. A quarter of a million big bucks has been infused into this campaign.
Of course, you have the Wellington Chamber of Commerce that is organizing and sending out fliers countering Jacobs and his new PAC. Anywhere there is development you can be assured that the Chamber of Commerce will be for it, good, bad or indifferent.
Let's see how this Wellington election goes tomorrow and whether or not John Greene, vice president of business development for an international private security firm; Matt Willhite, currently the only Democrat on the council; and Bob Margolis, a former council member running for mayor win their elections.
Well, lo and behold--a fat cat actually fighting development and urban sprawl. Where was he during the Amendment 4 campaign? That mentality sure wasn't in Lake Worth then and nothing has changed because we still have the normal suspects with deep pockets looking out for their own special interests.
Just last month, the Wellington Town Council on a 3/2 vote approved a plan to amend the town's Comprehensive Plan, allowing developers of Equestrian Village to build structures larger in size than what current land use regulations allow. Source: Channel 5. This is why I have always said that land-use changes should be considered only on a super-majority at the least. It is easier to compromise three commissioners than it is four because land-use changes are always political.
Jeremy Jacobs, Sr. whose family owns land there and best known as the owner of the Boston Bruins, is also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Delaware North Companies. Forbes magazine ranks him as #746 of the world's billionaires. The development, Equestrian Village and commercial complex, is proposed to be built near the Jacobs' land at the northeast corner of Pierson Road and South Shore Boulevard. This action caused the Jacobs family to form a PAC called Taxpayers for Integrity.
Normally my antenna goes up when I hear these warm and fuzzy names for PAC's as in most cases they are far removed from what they portray. Remember back in 2007 when the Florida Chamber people, egged on by our local Chamber under Ramiccio, got involved in our Lake Worth election with a Chamber PAC called Protect Our Constitution out of Tallahassee to defeat The Supermajority. They sent money and foot soldiers into Lake Worth.
There were also all those angry looking Lake Worth citizens, many who were members of the Chamber, who were a part of Last Chance Lake Worth PAC spreading fear and falsehoods. This was only 5 years ago when developers had a hold on our City. Now that the dais has changed in Lake Worth, those same people seem to be creeping back, trying to grab the power even to the point of changing out members of our Planning & Zoning Board to their liking and to only those with "qualifications" such as developer, Realtor, land-use attorney--you know, the very same people with special interests of years ago.
The Taxpayers for Integrity PAC was formed to go after the defeat of the current Wellington Mayor, Darell Bowen, and support two new candidates running for election who are against this project. A quarter of a million big bucks has been infused into this campaign.
Of course, you have the Wellington Chamber of Commerce that is organizing and sending out fliers countering Jacobs and his new PAC. Anywhere there is development you can be assured that the Chamber of Commerce will be for it, good, bad or indifferent.
Let's see how this Wellington election goes tomorrow and whether or not John Greene, vice president of business development for an international private security firm; Matt Willhite, currently the only Democrat on the council; and Bob Margolis, a former council member running for mayor win their elections.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Dirty Politics - Christine O'Donnell speaks out
Comment Up
Christine O'Donnell says, "By targeting me as well as dozens of other Republicans nationwide, CREW, led by a former Joe Biden aide, has engaged in several violations of federal law and my attorney has brought this matter to the attention of federal authorities. Now they will have the spotlight on them and be forced to explain why an organization that is supposed to act with the public interest is acting with a partisan, political agenda."
Politics is getting more dirty every election. We see it on the national front and what happened to Allen West that continues to this day. We saw it here locally and what Ramiccio did to Rachel Waterman and we saw it last year with the Christopher McVoy campaign. As political action and electioneering committees get more powerful, it will become more and more difficult to really know the truth and allow us to follow the money. It takes so much money to win nowadays but even more than that, it takes powerful influences behind the candidate, all those special interests that are not looking out for Joe Blow Taypayer but their own pockets.
When you see what the Unions have now become and how they, as well as other special interest groups are influencing elections such as the recent action in Wilton Manors demanding that a speaking engagement be rescinded of a standing Congressman, Allen West, it will be a constant struggle for all of us to get fair elections or even have the basic freedom of standing up for what we believe without being harassed, intimidated or threatened.
Christine O'Donnell says, "By targeting me as well as dozens of other Republicans nationwide, CREW, led by a former Joe Biden aide, has engaged in several violations of federal law and my attorney has brought this matter to the attention of federal authorities. Now they will have the spotlight on them and be forced to explain why an organization that is supposed to act with the public interest is acting with a partisan, political agenda."
Politics is getting more dirty every election. We see it on the national front and what happened to Allen West that continues to this day. We saw it here locally and what Ramiccio did to Rachel Waterman and we saw it last year with the Christopher McVoy campaign. As political action and electioneering committees get more powerful, it will become more and more difficult to really know the truth and allow us to follow the money. It takes so much money to win nowadays but even more than that, it takes powerful influences behind the candidate, all those special interests that are not looking out for Joe Blow Taypayer but their own pockets.
When you see what the Unions have now become and how they, as well as other special interest groups are influencing elections such as the recent action in Wilton Manors demanding that a speaking engagement be rescinded of a standing Congressman, Allen West, it will be a constant struggle for all of us to get fair elections or even have the basic freedom of standing up for what we believe without being harassed, intimidated or threatened.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Sheep, Elephants and Politicians - Burt and Tom
Comment Up
Curt Burt--PB County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, really needs to go. It is way past time. He's term limited but he still doesn't want to give up his throne.
The City of Lake Worth has not paid the supplemental payment for Fire. See my blog of June 1 for details, so Burt wants to devise a method for making us pay it, going to any extreme to do it. He sits on his throne wondering how he can severely punish his wayward step-child for not doing it his way, never considering that perhaps he abused the kid.
Burt Aaronson has always been a little pit bull. He forgets that we are a city in financial urgency. He doesn't care about that in the slightest. "Just pay what you owe," he says. We say that we can't afford the payment and want to renegotiate the deal. He is so ticked off that we are not paying this supplemental payment that he wants to withhold money from the Bond to redevelop our beach. The Lake Worth beach is used by everyone, maybe even Burt, not just Lake Worth taxpayers who are the only ones who pay to maintain it and pay for the lifeguards. The taxpayers of Lake Worth have been paying on the Bond for years. The County's legal department will look into Aaronson's request but right now the consensus is that the County can not withhold money from the Bond.
PB County took advantage of Lake Worth from inception and on most every deal we have ever entered with them. You don't go around charging supplements to a poor city when not one other municipality has paid one. A past commission allowed this to happen based on bad advice from staff. At every turn, Clemens and Lowe wanted to give away Lake Worth. It ended up a political decision that never should have happened. Cara Jennings even voted wrong. Even our fire chief did not stand up for the city and went with the flow as his men would make more money, He said that the City would save; it didn't. It's always about the money. The City was promised a savings that it never got; the taxpayers have paid more in taxes ever since and the firemen, well, they just made more money.
The City bought the line that it was going to cost them to take our employees so they demanded and got a supplemental payment every year. We never had staff negotiate one thing. We have been paying it until this year when the City declared Financial Urgency with an expected budget shortfall of $4.6 million. Next year that supplement payment will be at $1,300,000 every year for the life of the deal and that's over and above what we pay them on our tax bill.
The Firefighters support Tom Ramicico and you have to ask yourself, "Why?" On November 21, 2000 ,when Tom Ramiccio was mayor of Lake Worth, he voted to give the firefighters a $350,000 raise. The Unions are not sheep; they are more like elephants and they do not forget who is looking out for their special interests.
Remember that when you vote on July 12.
Curt Burt--PB County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, really needs to go. It is way past time. He's term limited but he still doesn't want to give up his throne.The City of Lake Worth has not paid the supplemental payment for Fire. See my blog of June 1 for details, so Burt wants to devise a method for making us pay it, going to any extreme to do it. He sits on his throne wondering how he can severely punish his wayward step-child for not doing it his way, never considering that perhaps he abused the kid.
Burt Aaronson has always been a little pit bull. He forgets that we are a city in financial urgency. He doesn't care about that in the slightest. "Just pay what you owe," he says. We say that we can't afford the payment and want to renegotiate the deal. He is so ticked off that we are not paying this supplemental payment that he wants to withhold money from the Bond to redevelop our beach. The Lake Worth beach is used by everyone, maybe even Burt, not just Lake Worth taxpayers who are the only ones who pay to maintain it and pay for the lifeguards. The taxpayers of Lake Worth have been paying on the Bond for years. The County's legal department will look into Aaronson's request but right now the consensus is that the County can not withhold money from the Bond.
PB County took advantage of Lake Worth from inception and on most every deal we have ever entered with them. You don't go around charging supplements to a poor city when not one other municipality has paid one. A past commission allowed this to happen based on bad advice from staff. At every turn, Clemens and Lowe wanted to give away Lake Worth. It ended up a political decision that never should have happened. Cara Jennings even voted wrong. Even our fire chief did not stand up for the city and went with the flow as his men would make more money, He said that the City would save; it didn't. It's always about the money. The City was promised a savings that it never got; the taxpayers have paid more in taxes ever since and the firemen, well, they just made more money.
The City bought the line that it was going to cost them to take our employees so they demanded and got a supplemental payment every year. We never had staff negotiate one thing. We have been paying it until this year when the City declared Financial Urgency with an expected budget shortfall of $4.6 million. Next year that supplement payment will be at $1,300,000 every year for the life of the deal and that's over and above what we pay them on our tax bill.
The Firefighters support Tom Ramicico and you have to ask yourself, "Why?" On November 21, 2000 ,when Tom Ramiccio was mayor of Lake Worth, he voted to give the firefighters a $350,000 raise. The Unions are not sheep; they are more like elephants and they do not forget who is looking out for their special interests.Remember that when you vote on July 12.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Screaming, Threats & Intimidation pay off
At Tuesday's City Commission meeting there will be eight presentations. First of all I object to the number of presentations. I especially object to Item H. Item H is a presentation from those who are highly emotional and who were organized to keep the PBSO. At the meeting at Compass as well as the meeting at City Hall, members of the community jotted down some "cost saving ideas" to submit to the City before any decision was made regarding the Sheriff and retention of same.
At the meeting on May 25 with the Finance Advisory Board, the city manager, Susan Stanton said that a presentation by these people would be inappropriate in view of the negotiations beginning with the PBSO. Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill said that "it is not in the best interests of the Commission at this time." Commissioner Scott Maxwell, of course, wanted to proceed.
But here it is on the agenda anyway. This is a citizen group that can not stand the word "no." It fights and claws to get its own way. We have heard them on several occasions now. Enough is enough. Reduce your suggestions to writing (some of which are ridiculous) and submit them to the Commission who can, if it so chooses, submit it to the city manager.
In the meantime, let's allow the city manager do her job. Citizens can not do it better.
Remember now, presentations are limited to 10 minutes and the Commission can ask questions.
5. PRESENTATIONS: (there is no public comment on Presentation items)
A. Proclamation declaring Lake Worth as a Florida Paddling Trail Blueway Community
B. Florida Legislative Session update by Representative Jeff Clemens
C. Presentation by the Inspector General
D. Lake Worth Marketing Task Force update
E. Planning & Zoning Board update
F. South Palm Park Neighborhood Association update
G. Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Document Award
H. Presentation from the community regarding PBSO concerns
At the meeting on May 25 with the Finance Advisory Board, the city manager, Susan Stanton said that a presentation by these people would be inappropriate in view of the negotiations beginning with the PBSO. Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill said that "it is not in the best interests of the Commission at this time." Commissioner Scott Maxwell, of course, wanted to proceed.
But here it is on the agenda anyway. This is a citizen group that can not stand the word "no." It fights and claws to get its own way. We have heard them on several occasions now. Enough is enough. Reduce your suggestions to writing (some of which are ridiculous) and submit them to the Commission who can, if it so chooses, submit it to the city manager.
In the meantime, let's allow the city manager do her job. Citizens can not do it better.
Remember now, presentations are limited to 10 minutes and the Commission can ask questions.
5. PRESENTATIONS: (there is no public comment on Presentation items)
A. Proclamation declaring Lake Worth as a Florida Paddling Trail Blueway Community
B. Florida Legislative Session update by Representative Jeff Clemens
C. Presentation by the Inspector General
D. Lake Worth Marketing Task Force update
E. Planning & Zoning Board update
F. South Palm Park Neighborhood Association update
G. Government Finance Officers Association Distinguished Budget Document Award
H. Presentation from the community regarding PBSO concerns
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The Message and Look of Evil
Comment Up
Ryan speaks with same forked tongue.
Can you imagine what will be written as Ryan Houck's epitaph?
"I and my big mouth, with millions of dollars from special interests, single handedly ruined the entire State of Florida."
"I and my big mouth, with millions of dollars from special interests, single handedly ruined the entire State of Florida."
Environmental groups don't have that much money but it will be up to them this time to change the course of Florida and really do something now to protect her as Big Mouth is putting back on his battle gear to screw the State. Since residents of the State of Florida were persuaded by big money advertising in this last election and followed the Chamber, etc., they better get active now and understand the facts. The only way that will happen is to raise the money.
The only thing for which Allen West and I disagree is the EPA when he said he wanted to cut its budget. He did not give specifics but I believe he was objecting to Obama wanting to give anyone who bought an electric car a tax credit of $7500. I agree with him there. Read about the EPA's Seven Priorities.
The only thing for which Allen West and I disagree is the EPA when he said he wanted to cut its budget. He did not give specifics but I believe he was objecting to Obama wanting to give anyone who bought an electric car a tax credit of $7500. I agree with him there. Read about the EPA's Seven Priorities.
Monday, February 21, 2011
CRA Chair, Cary Sabol, Speaks out in defense of CRA and keeping it an Independent Board
Comment Up
Mr. Sabol is a practicing attorney and a political appointment of the CRA who was elected Chair by his fellow members. His rebuttal is in two parts--
PART 1
Under normal circumstances, I would never post a comment on any issues involving my position with the CRA. In this case, however, I feel my position as the CRA Chair requires me to do so in light of the fact that my Board is being wrongfully accused of catering to special interests and being ineffective.
I truly believe that every single member of the current CRA Board has one goal in mind – to improve OUR City. We are not only volunteer board members we are residents of Lake Worth as well. I recognize that various members of our Board (and member of the public for that matter) have different opinions on what is best for Lake Worth, but that is exactly the reason why our Board should remain intact and independent. We are not politicized. We are not influenced by the whims of political emotions. We are not influenced by false and sensationalized accusations of racism and gentrification. We are not influenced by the tyranny of the City Manager. We are not influenced by the misinformation published by local news outlets. We are not influenced by the uninformed opinions of one or two very outspoken members of the community who seek to dramatize our actions so they can stroke their own ego and perpetuate their delusional feeling of self-importance.
The only influence our Board responds to is what we each individually believe is in the best interest of Lake Worth. Sometimes the right carries the vote and sometimes the left carries the vote, which again, is exactly the reason the CRA Board should remain independent and intact. America is a nation built upon compromise and respect for any and all opinions and I truly believe the current CRA Board is a perfect example of what has made America the refuge for all persons who are persecuted and oppressed around the world. Members of our CRA Board often disagree with each other and with the opinions of members of the public, but we do so in a respectful manner and express our opinions with our vote, rather than through personal attacks. Our CRA Board has pledged to debate the issues, not the members and to criticize an opponent’s reasoning, NOT the opponent personally.
To say the CRA has wholly failed to eliminate slum and blight is simply false. Remember, the CRA does not replace the City’s responsibilities to the communities within the CRA District, we supplement it. Before the Gateways were completed, the two main entryways to our City were the poster child for slum and blight. I have heard many stories from business owners and residents that when giving directions to their home or business, they would avoid sending people down 10th & 6th at all costs. Now, the slum and blight has been alleviated along the Gateways. The spill-over effects of the Gateway improvements has already begun, but to completely eliminate the blight of the neighborhoods near the Gateways will be a slow and gradual process, which has unfortunately been further delayed by the economic recession.
Moreover, the CRA single handedly obtained the NSP 2 Grant. Without that Grant, the CRA budget (regardless of who controls it), would be slightly above $1M. However, thanks to the CRA’s vision, diligence and independence, our budget is now over $23,000,000.00, all being spent in a very specific and controlled manner, with one single purpose – to eliminate slum and blight. Not only did the City refuse to assist the CRA in applying for the Grant, they expressly discouraged the CRA from applying for the Grant.
Part 2, the conclusion, coming soon
Note: Mr. Sabol's explanation and opinion on several aspects of his article do not reflect the opinion of Lynn's Little Bit of Trivia. However, we firmly believe that Mr. Sabol has the right to rebut or to "dramatize," knock us, as well as our "egos," on our azz and to use whatever justification he chooses to make his point. We also believe that the CRA is a political Board and members are appointed by politicians. It is the Commission that will have the final say and rightly so.
The following e-mail was sent to Mr. Sabol on Feb 9th. We did not get a response until today when the taking back of the CRA by the LW Commission became a possibility:
Mr. Sabol is a practicing attorney and a political appointment of the CRA who was elected Chair by his fellow members. His rebuttal is in two parts--PART 1
Under normal circumstances, I would never post a comment on any issues involving my position with the CRA. In this case, however, I feel my position as the CRA Chair requires me to do so in light of the fact that my Board is being wrongfully accused of catering to special interests and being ineffective.
I truly believe that every single member of the current CRA Board has one goal in mind – to improve OUR City. We are not only volunteer board members we are residents of Lake Worth as well. I recognize that various members of our Board (and member of the public for that matter) have different opinions on what is best for Lake Worth, but that is exactly the reason why our Board should remain intact and independent. We are not politicized. We are not influenced by the whims of political emotions. We are not influenced by false and sensationalized accusations of racism and gentrification. We are not influenced by the tyranny of the City Manager. We are not influenced by the misinformation published by local news outlets. We are not influenced by the uninformed opinions of one or two very outspoken members of the community who seek to dramatize our actions so they can stroke their own ego and perpetuate their delusional feeling of self-importance.
The only influence our Board responds to is what we each individually believe is in the best interest of Lake Worth. Sometimes the right carries the vote and sometimes the left carries the vote, which again, is exactly the reason the CRA Board should remain independent and intact. America is a nation built upon compromise and respect for any and all opinions and I truly believe the current CRA Board is a perfect example of what has made America the refuge for all persons who are persecuted and oppressed around the world. Members of our CRA Board often disagree with each other and with the opinions of members of the public, but we do so in a respectful manner and express our opinions with our vote, rather than through personal attacks. Our CRA Board has pledged to debate the issues, not the members and to criticize an opponent’s reasoning, NOT the opponent personally.
To say the CRA has wholly failed to eliminate slum and blight is simply false. Remember, the CRA does not replace the City’s responsibilities to the communities within the CRA District, we supplement it. Before the Gateways were completed, the two main entryways to our City were the poster child for slum and blight. I have heard many stories from business owners and residents that when giving directions to their home or business, they would avoid sending people down 10th & 6th at all costs. Now, the slum and blight has been alleviated along the Gateways. The spill-over effects of the Gateway improvements has already begun, but to completely eliminate the blight of the neighborhoods near the Gateways will be a slow and gradual process, which has unfortunately been further delayed by the economic recession.
Moreover, the CRA single handedly obtained the NSP 2 Grant. Without that Grant, the CRA budget (regardless of who controls it), would be slightly above $1M. However, thanks to the CRA’s vision, diligence and independence, our budget is now over $23,000,000.00, all being spent in a very specific and controlled manner, with one single purpose – to eliminate slum and blight. Not only did the City refuse to assist the CRA in applying for the Grant, they expressly discouraged the CRA from applying for the Grant.
Part 2, the conclusion, coming soon
Note: Mr. Sabol's explanation and opinion on several aspects of his article do not reflect the opinion of Lynn's Little Bit of Trivia. However, we firmly believe that Mr. Sabol has the right to rebut or to "dramatize," knock us, as well as our "egos," on our azz and to use whatever justification he chooses to make his point. We also believe that the CRA is a political Board and members are appointed by politicians. It is the Commission that will have the final say and rightly so.
The following e-mail was sent to Mr. Sabol on Feb 9th. We did not get a response until today when the taking back of the CRA by the LW Commission became a possibility:
Hi Cary--
Patrick Parrish, Editor of the above, has implied that there is hanky panky going on in the NSP2 grant money by paying too much for properties. He says that the appraisals are coming in "sky high" over the County fair market prices. He also implies that there is something shady going on with Tiger Investment Group, owner of some of these properties.
Any comment?
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.
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