Comment Up
Politician Jamie Titcomb did not ask friends to speak on his behalf last night, certainly a political tactic and one that you would expect a politician to definitely engage. On the other hand, Michael Bornstein, not a politician, made sure that friends, even his boss the Mayor of Lantana, were there to tell us all why he would be the best choice.
But the question is--Is Michael Bornstein really a politician even though he has never been in elected office? Politics enters into everything we do when it comes to job promotion even though ideally a city manager position should be anything but political.
But this is the real world and city managers are becoming politicians for hire and that is a fact. Managers work in terms of their skills, experience and official doctrine of the City Management Association and follow our Charter. However, in interviews, they give that elected official what they want to hear. Therefore some of the decisions could be compromised or end up not being the best managerial decisions for the city at large.
We all will have to wait and see. The politician was a great guy and so was the non-politician who got the job, the one who really used those political skills to pull it off.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Please remember this Mr. Bornstein
From our Charter:
Interference with administration.
Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations, the city commission or its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager, and neither the city commission nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee either publicly or privately.
Certain members of our Commission have not been following the Charter in this regard. Is that what Scott Maxwell means when he talks about "rogue" members? We certainly expect that this practice will change once you are city manager.
Interference with administration.
Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations, the city commission or its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager, and neither the city commission nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee either publicly or privately.
Certain members of our Commission have not been following the Charter in this regard. Is that what Scott Maxwell means when he talks about "rogue" members? We certainly expect that this practice will change once you are city manager.
Maxwell, the Master of Maneuvering
Comment Up
One thing for sure, we can always count on Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell for a biting jab, a bully phrase or a "right in your face" remark from the dais. Even though last night was a night of new beginnings, he would not let sleeping dogs lie...there was no exception to his spiky personality. He uttered one final biting and caustic remark and the back row cheered.
He has driven his agenda at the force of a Mack truck and last night he had to get in one more galling political remark:
"We need a city manager that can count to more than three...someone who can count to 32,500."
The City Manager does report to the commission as it is the boss. If the majority of the commission wants something done a certain way, the city manager complies. It is the commission that represents the populous, not the other way around. So I am sure that Maxwell got just a little confused and really hopes that the city manager CAN count to three otherwise this entire city manager firing and hiring would all be in vain.
Actually, if Mr. Maxwell had ever met with the former city manager he might have learned something but he refused to ever meet and only listened to his power base or disgruntled employees. He never liked her but never met with her. How does that work? Did she talk nasty to him the day he stormed her office talking about Border Control Now showing her some sort of a badge--before he was even a commissioner?
Hopefully now we will no longer have to listen to the excuses. It is up to this majority to get it right as well as listen to the reasons behind a proposed action from their newly hired CEO. Let's hope they allow him to do his job and that the bully pulpit is finally put to rest.
One thing for sure, we can always count on Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell for a biting jab, a bully phrase or a "right in your face" remark from the dais. Even though last night was a night of new beginnings, he would not let sleeping dogs lie...there was no exception to his spiky personality. He uttered one final biting and caustic remark and the back row cheered.
He has driven his agenda at the force of a Mack truck and last night he had to get in one more galling political remark:
"We need a city manager that can count to more than three...someone who can count to 32,500."
The City Manager does report to the commission as it is the boss. If the majority of the commission wants something done a certain way, the city manager complies. It is the commission that represents the populous, not the other way around. So I am sure that Maxwell got just a little confused and really hopes that the city manager CAN count to three otherwise this entire city manager firing and hiring would all be in vain.
Actually, if Mr. Maxwell had ever met with the former city manager he might have learned something but he refused to ever meet and only listened to his power base or disgruntled employees. He never liked her but never met with her. How does that work? Did she talk nasty to him the day he stormed her office talking about Border Control Now showing her some sort of a badge--before he was even a commissioner?
Hopefully now we will no longer have to listen to the excuses. It is up to this majority to get it right as well as listen to the reasons behind a proposed action from their newly hired CEO. Let's hope they allow him to do his job and that the bully pulpit is finally put to rest.
Lake Worth Votes in New City Manager
Comment Up
Michael Bornstein
Showing solidarity, the vote was unanimous from the
Lake Worth Commission
Lake Worth Commission
It was an interesting night. Both candidates who remained (Lipscomb bowed out for personal reasons) where in the Chamber with their wives to witness the results and listen to the commentary.
It started off with the Mayor wanting to call the vote until Commissioner McVoy thought it prudent that the commission discuss it. He was right. We all wanted to hear what our elected officials had to say and the reasons for their eventual choice as they all admitted that both candidates were top notch with different virtues and values.
Suzanne Mulvehill nominated James Titcomb, seconded by McVoy. The motion failed on a 2/3 vote. Andy Amoroso then nominated Michael Bornstein. That motion passed with all 5 commissioners voting in tandem.
It took exactly 103 days from the firing of Susan Stanton to hire a new city manager who, as it turns out, has worked next door in the city of Lantana for the past 12 years. The mayor of Lantana, Dave Stewart, along with a Lantana commissioner were there giving him all sorts of accolades. Stewart said that Bornstein was a great asset, had grown with them and was a people person. He can take an unhappy resident and show them the"goodness" in the decision. Bornstein has not raised taxes in 11 years in Lantana. That fact was definitely appealing to our Commission.
Suzanne Mulvehill nominated Scott Maxwell to begin salary and benefits negotiations with Mr. Bornstein and our city attorney, Elaine Humphreys. It was seconded by Commissioner McVoy and all agreed. The salary range is between $129,365 up to $187,553. Mr. Bornstein's appointment is contingent on successful negotiations. If for some reason the negotiations don't work out, James Titcomb is in the wings.
It started off with the Mayor wanting to call the vote until Commissioner McVoy thought it prudent that the commission discuss it. He was right. We all wanted to hear what our elected officials had to say and the reasons for their eventual choice as they all admitted that both candidates were top notch with different virtues and values.
Suzanne Mulvehill nominated James Titcomb, seconded by McVoy. The motion failed on a 2/3 vote. Andy Amoroso then nominated Michael Bornstein. That motion passed with all 5 commissioners voting in tandem.
It took exactly 103 days from the firing of Susan Stanton to hire a new city manager who, as it turns out, has worked next door in the city of Lantana for the past 12 years. The mayor of Lantana, Dave Stewart, along with a Lantana commissioner were there giving him all sorts of accolades. Stewart said that Bornstein was a great asset, had grown with them and was a people person. He can take an unhappy resident and show them the"goodness" in the decision. Bornstein has not raised taxes in 11 years in Lantana. That fact was definitely appealing to our Commission.
Suzanne Mulvehill nominated Scott Maxwell to begin salary and benefits negotiations with Mr. Bornstein and our city attorney, Elaine Humphreys. It was seconded by Commissioner McVoy and all agreed. The salary range is between $129,365 up to $187,553. Mr. Bornstein's appointment is contingent on successful negotiations. If for some reason the negotiations don't work out, James Titcomb is in the wings.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Florida Redistricting
Update on the Extraordinary Apportionment Session
The Florida Senate released its first look at proposed revisions to the state senate map on Saturday. You can check it out here. To get a quick view of the map, click here.
As the Extraordinary Apportionment Session moves forward this week, the Senate will post subsequent proposed amendments to the state senate map at Proposed amendments.
Two new amendments, 9018 and 9020 were filed today. The Extraordinary Apportionment Session pertaining to the state senate map must conclude by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
The Florida Senate released its first look at proposed revisions to the state senate map on Saturday. You can check it out here. To get a quick view of the map, click here.
As the Extraordinary Apportionment Session moves forward this week, the Senate will post subsequent proposed amendments to the state senate map at Proposed amendments.
Two new amendments, 9018 and 9020 were filed today. The Extraordinary Apportionment Session pertaining to the state senate map must conclude by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28, 2012.
Prostitution Sting in Lake Worth nabs 15
Comment Up
On March 16, 2012 members of PBSO District 14 Street Crimes Team and Community Policing Unit, with the assistance of additional deputies from District 6, Reserve Unit and members of Palm Beach School District PD, conducted a “Prostitution Sting Operation” in the 1500 block of North Dixie Highway and 700 block of South Dixie Highway.
This was a “reverse” operation where three undercover female deputies were on the street posing as prostitutes. A total of 15 males were arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution and 1 for Lewd Lascivious Behavior. All subjects were transported to the Palm Beach County Jail and lodge there, pending bond or first appearance. All of the defendant’s information was forwarded to Gail Levine for inclusion in the P.I.P.E. diversion program.
On March 16, 2012 members of PBSO District 14 Street Crimes Team and Community Policing Unit, with the assistance of additional deputies from District 6, Reserve Unit and members of Palm Beach School District PD, conducted a “Prostitution Sting Operation” in the 1500 block of North Dixie Highway and 700 block of South Dixie Highway.
This was a “reverse” operation where three undercover female deputies were on the street posing as prostitutes. A total of 15 males were arrested for Solicitation of Prostitution and 1 for Lewd Lascivious Behavior. All subjects were transported to the Palm Beach County Jail and lodge there, pending bond or first appearance. All of the defendant’s information was forwarded to Gail Levine for inclusion in the P.I.P.E. diversion program.
House Bill 299 - Driving while Texting
Mike Luckovich, Atlanta Journal Constitution
While people are dying in automobile accidents because of texting, House Bill 299 died in Committee. Now WHY would this Bill fail? We are only one of fifteen states that don't ban texting. Even though texting is an extremely dangerous and stupid thing to do, the Bill died. Ask Jeff Clemens what happened? Didn't the Transportation and Highway Safety Subcommittee get the memo that taking your eyes off the road can kill people? More than likely it is the Democratic mantra that you can't legislate behavior even if that behavior kills. We have laws to protect people from themselves but not this time.
Use of Wireless Communications Devices While Driving: Creates "Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law" prohibits operation of motor vehicle while using wireless communications device for certain purposes; provides exceptions; specifies information that is admissible as evidence of violation; provides for enforcement as secondary action; provides for points to be assessed against driver's license for unlawful use of wireless communications device resulting in crash.
Effective Date:
Last Event: Died in Transportation & Highway Safety Subcommittee on Friday, March 09, 2012 11:59 PM.
The Bill died just like people are dying in automobiles because the driver was distracted.
- About 6,000 deaths and a half a million injuries are caused by distracted drivers every year.
- While teenagers are texting, they spend about 10 percent of the time outside the driving lane they’re supposed to be in.
- Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver’s reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.
- Answering a text takes away your attention for about five seconds. That is enough time to travel the length of a football field.
President Obama Signed Executive Order
Comment Up
President Obama Signs Executive Order Giving Him Control of All US Resources In Times of War or Emergency
"Imagine the uproar from foaming-mouth lefties if Bush pulled an Executive Order giving himself control over all US resources. Now why would Obama issue an executive order on a Friday? Hint: so the media wouldn't make it a story. Another question is why does Obama need control over all US resources? Is the administration planning on something to happen? Maybe this is tied to the 450 million rounds of ammo the DHS and ICE are requesting, " says Scotty Starnes.
The Executive Order
President Obama Signs Executive Order Giving Him Control of All US Resources In Times of War or Emergency
"Imagine the uproar from foaming-mouth lefties if Bush pulled an Executive Order giving himself control over all US resources. Now why would Obama issue an executive order on a Friday? Hint: so the media wouldn't make it a story. Another question is why does Obama need control over all US resources? Is the administration planning on something to happen? Maybe this is tied to the 450 million rounds of ammo the DHS and ICE are requesting, " says Scotty Starnes.
The Executive Order
The Next City Manager of Lake Worth
Comment Up
"Lake Worth is a tempestuous town of 35,000 with outsized problems and outsized potential..."
Read the Palm Beach Post Editorial, Bornstein is the best choice.
I have always said that experience is the key here because we are so complex and have ongoing problems that involve employee and Union situations, our biggest expense. But having said that, I am reminded of an e-mail I received early this morning that essentially said "Thank God I was given a chance to do what I do with no previous experience."
Over the course of my working career, I had only two jobs where I had previous experience--my second job and my last. Experience is important but being smart, accomplishing the goals and having an excellent work ethic are even more important. Mr. Titcomb definitely has the connections in Palm Beach County and is well liked. There is no doubt in my mind that he would do well in this job.
Michael Bornstein is willing to leave a job he has been in for 12 years because he would like further challenges. This is proof that he is fearless and believes in himself. He does not want to be stagnant but to be able to grow in city government, his career choice. What bigger challenge could he have than Lake Worth and in a city that is right next door?
"Lake Worth is a tempestuous town of 35,000 with outsized problems and outsized potential..."
Read the Palm Beach Post Editorial, Bornstein is the best choice.
I have always said that experience is the key here because we are so complex and have ongoing problems that involve employee and Union situations, our biggest expense. But having said that, I am reminded of an e-mail I received early this morning that essentially said "Thank God I was given a chance to do what I do with no previous experience."
Over the course of my working career, I had only two jobs where I had previous experience--my second job and my last. Experience is important but being smart, accomplishing the goals and having an excellent work ethic are even more important. Mr. Titcomb definitely has the connections in Palm Beach County and is well liked. There is no doubt in my mind that he would do well in this job.
Michael Bornstein is willing to leave a job he has been in for 12 years because he would like further challenges. This is proof that he is fearless and believes in himself. He does not want to be stagnant but to be able to grow in city government, his career choice. What bigger challenge could he have than Lake Worth and in a city that is right next door?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Jeff Clemens on the Move
State Rep. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, said he is likely to run in a new Democratic-leaning District 29 if it makes it through the Senate and legal challenges.
Read Post on Politics.
Read Post on Politics.
Stalkers still on the move against Allen West
Comment Up
Demonstrators consisting of Occupiers and anarchists protested against Allen West in West Palm Beach on March 12, blaming him on the price of oil, when all along they should be looking at the president and the liberal give-away mentality so pervasive in our country. If you're going to demonstrate you should at least know what you are talking about. Not to do so makes you look dumber than dirt.
A dozen protesters who continue to stalk Rep. Allen West were there with their signs and bullhorn (probably borrowed from our favorite anarchist) chanting Allen West must go and accusing him of giving subsidizes to Big Oil.
Allen West says, "I strongly support an all-of-the-above energy approach that includes development of natural gas, clean coal, and American produced oil, as well as alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal and biomass. This plan will create new job opportunities in Florida and throughout the country while making us less dependent on foreign energy.
Now is the time to make America energy-independent by encouraging the indomitable spirit of American ingenuity and developing our full spectrum of energy resources. America must look at energy independence much the same as having a diversified investment portfolio built upon the solid foundation of proven methods in both energy extraction and economic development."
Demonstrators consisting of Occupiers and anarchists protested against Allen West in West Palm Beach on March 12, blaming him on the price of oil, when all along they should be looking at the president and the liberal give-away mentality so pervasive in our country. If you're going to demonstrate you should at least know what you are talking about. Not to do so makes you look dumber than dirt.
A dozen protesters who continue to stalk Rep. Allen West were there with their signs and bullhorn (probably borrowed from our favorite anarchist) chanting Allen West must go and accusing him of giving subsidizes to Big Oil.
Allen West says, "I strongly support an all-of-the-above energy approach that includes development of natural gas, clean coal, and American produced oil, as well as alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, hydropower, nuclear, geothermal and biomass. This plan will create new job opportunities in Florida and throughout the country while making us less dependent on foreign energy.
Now is the time to make America energy-independent by encouraging the indomitable spirit of American ingenuity and developing our full spectrum of energy resources. America must look at energy independence much the same as having a diversified investment portfolio built upon the solid foundation of proven methods in both energy extraction and economic development."
Senate Bill 1738 - additional homestead exemption
Comment Up
As this additional homestead exemption (Senate Bill 1738) is being considered to assist low income Seniors and could be on the ballot this year, there will be a few still complaining that some of us don't pay taxes. They want to see the elderly poor pay more no matter what but have no compunction about building affordable housing for younger poor people or 3,000 s.f. townhouses on Lucerne for the working, struggling artist.
If it passes with 60% of the Florida vote, cities will get less advalorem. This will be a big challenge for all municipalities in Florida. They will have to come up with special assessments that are not fair nor are they equitable. As we go into our Budget discussions, all involved can't forget that Lake Worth, with 14% of its population here in Lake Worth, already has a senior exemption. The vast majority of Seniors have incomes less than $20,000 a year.
The homestead exemption for low-income seniors isn't the only one Floridians might be asked to vote on this year. State legislators also unanimously approved a constitutional amendment that would provide a homestead exemption to surviving spouses of veterans or emergency first-responders who died in the line of duty.
Each measure would need to be approved by 60 percent of voters statewide (a supermajority) before it could go into effect.
Cities in PB County that already have the Senior exemption:
Village of Royal Palm Beach
As this additional homestead exemption (Senate Bill 1738) is being considered to assist low income Seniors and could be on the ballot this year, there will be a few still complaining that some of us don't pay taxes. They want to see the elderly poor pay more no matter what but have no compunction about building affordable housing for younger poor people or 3,000 s.f. townhouses on Lucerne for the working, struggling artist.If it passes with 60% of the Florida vote, cities will get less advalorem. This will be a big challenge for all municipalities in Florida. They will have to come up with special assessments that are not fair nor are they equitable. As we go into our Budget discussions, all involved can't forget that Lake Worth, with 14% of its population here in Lake Worth, already has a senior exemption. The vast majority of Seniors have incomes less than $20,000 a year.
The homestead exemption for low-income seniors isn't the only one Floridians might be asked to vote on this year. State legislators also unanimously approved a constitutional amendment that would provide a homestead exemption to surviving spouses of veterans or emergency first-responders who died in the line of duty.
Each measure would need to be approved by 60 percent of voters statewide (a supermajority) before it could go into effect.
Cities in PB County that already have the Senior exemption:
The additional benefit for qualified seniors applies only to taxes levied by the following authorities. The county's senior exemption does not apply to other taxing authorities, such as the school district and municipalities.
$50,000
Town of Haverhill
Town of Loxahatchee Groves
Village of Wellington
$25,000
Palm Beach County
City of Boynton Beach
City of Lake Worth
Town of Lantana
City of Palm Beach Gardens
Village of Palm Springs
Village of Royal Palm Beach
Saturday, March 17, 2012
I like Allen West
For all the obvious reasons"I think that this liberal progressive agenda is not the thing that the American people want and it's antithesis to who we are as a constitutional republic."
Why I do not like the Obamas
"I don’t hate them per definition, but I condemn them because they are the worst kind of racialists, they are elitist Leninists with contempt for traditional America. They display disrespect for the sanctity of the office he holds, and for those who are willing to admit same Michelle Obama’s raw contempt for white America is transpicuous."
Bank of America
Comment Up
These guys are some of the very biggest assholes on Earth. They lie, cheat and steal as reflexively as addicts, they laugh at people who are suffering and don't have money, they pay themselves huge salaries with money stolen from old people and taxpayers - and on top of it all, they completely suck at banking. And yet the state won't let them go out of business, no matter how much they deserve it, and it won't slap them in jail, no matter what crimes they commit. That makes them not bankers or capitalists, but a class of person that was never supposed to exist in America: royalty.
READ MORE of what Matt Taibbi, of Rolling Stone has to sayInsanity in the News Media
This is just another Internet video gone viral produced by Jason Mattera, 28, a New York Times bestselling author, the youngest editor of a national periodical, Human Events, and the host of “The Jason Mattera Show” on News Talk Radio 77 WABC in New York.
Final Three Applicants for Lake Worth City Manager
Comment Up
The final applicants for the city manager position in Lake Worth were charming and likeable. You came away with the impression that at least two of them would be very approachable in their management style. Any one of the three would do a good job for Lake Worth. Each individually were asked questions for one-half hour at the City Hall meeting by all five commissioners.
After that, we all ended up at our gorgeous golf course to meet them one on one and chat briefly. Coffee, punch and the best homemade cookies, were served.
I did ask one candidate what he/she thought should be done as far as the lack of civility at times on the dais and was told that the mayor has to lead in that regard. I also asked another if he/she were a victim of bullying from the dais how it should be handled and was told that he/she would arrange a meeting immediately to get to the bottom of the discontent.
Barbara Lipscomb
My job is to listen, listen, listen.
Budget and finances are the key.
Capital projects need to be monitored.
Michael Bornstein
Look at the entire budget. Go through all operations with a fine tooth comb.
Government is a noble profession if done correctly...
love city government.
Sit down with the Unions and negotiate...
make the points...do not leave the table
until you have an agreement.
Jaimie Titcomb
"Everyone gets a gift card to your store, commissioner,"
said with a smile when asked by Amoroso what non-monetary things
he could do to keep employee retention as they haven't had
raises in 3 years.
Government is in a new "normal"--a new paradigm
The final applicants for the city manager position in Lake Worth were charming and likeable. You came away with the impression that at least two of them would be very approachable in their management style. Any one of the three would do a good job for Lake Worth. Each individually were asked questions for one-half hour at the City Hall meeting by all five commissioners.
After that, we all ended up at our gorgeous golf course to meet them one on one and chat briefly. Coffee, punch and the best homemade cookies, were served.
I did ask one candidate what he/she thought should be done as far as the lack of civility at times on the dais and was told that the mayor has to lead in that regard. I also asked another if he/she were a victim of bullying from the dais how it should be handled and was told that he/she would arrange a meeting immediately to get to the bottom of the discontent.
Barbara LipscombMy job is to listen, listen, listen.
Budget and finances are the key.
Capital projects need to be monitored.
Michael BornsteinLook at the entire budget. Go through all operations with a fine tooth comb.
Government is a noble profession if done correctly...
love city government.
Sit down with the Unions and negotiate...
make the points...do not leave the table
until you have an agreement.
Jaimie Titcomb"Everyone gets a gift card to your store, commissioner,"
said with a smile when asked by Amoroso what non-monetary things
he could do to keep employee retention as they haven't had
raises in 3 years.
Government is in a new "normal"--a new paradigm
Friday, March 16, 2012
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