WPBF- Lake Worth Whistleblowers get fired!

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Message to City Officials from Robert Waples, President of ROLOH

----- Original Message -----

From: Robert E Waples II

To: ROLOH

Cc: sstanton@lakeworth.org ; Deputy Michael Mahoney Community Policing ; Detective Matthew Carreiro Property Crimes ; Deputy Gardenia Arquello Road Patrol ; Deputy Dennis Soto Road Patrol ; Jeff Clemens ; Jo-Ann Golden ; Cara Jennings ; Retha Lowe - District 1 LW ; Suzanne Mulvehill

Sent: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 6:37 PM

Subject: 826 Sunset - Another sign of a new beginning for Lake Worth

Dear Roloh Neighbors and Friends, Mayor Clemens, Vice-Mayor Golden, Commissioner Lowe, Commissioner Jennings, Commissioner Mulvehill, City Manager Stanton and Staff, What do you say after a four year long and drawn out issue such as 826 Sunset Drive other than Thank You. So many people have given so much of thier time, money and effort to challenge this issue from day one and it has been a very long road......today we have reached the right decission and 826 Sunset is no longer high density or zoned multi-family. We all need to thank the many citizens of Lake Osborne Heights and all of Lake Worth for the support and dedication to righting this wrong and with out so many people supporting and volunteering, this would never have been corrected. We need to Thank this Commission for having the courage to reach this decision and to correct that which was not meant to be. This action of recinding the past ordinances is just another sign of Lake Worth coming to a wonderful turning point and becoming a city for its citizens and business owners, and now a chance to grow responsibly. There are many more decisions that have to be made down the road and many of them will be just as tough if not tougher. However, the people through this commission have a voice, and we hope that in the future that we hold this time of change and future prosperity to be a guide to continue to make Lake Worth the BEST place to live, work and thrive in Palm Beach County. Just a reminder to eveyone, it takes everyone's support to make a city a better place to live and by supporting your city and staff, local businesses with your patronage and even giving of your time for needed hours of volunteerism to the many city projects and boards we can all make a difference. One word to future business owners.....Lake Worth IS open for business and this exciting time of new growth and vision for the city is the right time to look at Lake Worth for what it will become in the near future and how it will be a place for new and old businesses alike to grow. Congratulations to everyone on a big victory today and remember....this city is Lake Worth Robert E. Waples II robertwaplesii@yahoo.com President - Residents of Lake Osborne Heights www.roloh.org http://lwcommunitygarden.blogspot.com/ PBSO C.O.P Volunteer Unit 109 Volunteer to make a difference today

PR for Save Our Neighborhood, Inc.

Victory for the residents of Lake Osborne Heights and the political action committee, Save our Neighborhood, Inc.

Lake Worth, Florida, August 25, 2009

In a special meeting held today, the Lake Worth City Commission voted to repeal two city ordinances that would have allowed MF 20 zoning (20 units per acre) into the single family Lake Osborne Heights neighborhood. The undeveloped 4.02 acre property that was the subject of today’s Commission action now reverts to its previous zoning of “County Agricultural” (five units per acre).

Katie Mcgiveron, Chair of Save our Neighborhood, Inc. and Vice President of the Residents of Lake Osborne Heights Neighborhood Association said, “This Commission recognized the absolute necessity of protecting the single family neighborhoods of Lake Worth when they repealed these two ordinances. I will be forever thankful to Commissioners Cara Jennings, Commissioner Retha Lowe, Mayor Jeff Clemens, Commissioner Joanne Golden and Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill.”

Since 2005, this property has been the subject of intense debate by neighbors demanding that their way of life not be destroyed by up zoning and inappropriate development. In 2005, the Save Our Neighborhood, Inc. PAC collected over 3,000 signatures city wide that wanted the single family zoning kept in place. Former Lake Worth city attorney Larry Karns refused to forward the petitions to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections for verification citing a State Statute that you could not petition on less than 5 acres. A battle in the circuit court then ensued between Save Our Neighborhood, Inc. and the City. Save Our Neighborhood won its case in the circuit court, but the decision was challenged by the city of Lake Worth and the case moved up the judicial ladder into the Appellate court which was then overturned.

“Comprehensive plan changes are always political decisions. With this present City Commission, they recognized the value of the single family residential neighborhoods in the city of Lake Worth. Therefore, they rescinded the up zoning and land use change on the Sunset parcel approved by a previous Commission,” said Lesley Blackner, attorney for Save Our Neighborhood.

Save Our Neighborhood, Inc., 2121 Collier Avenue, Lake Worth, FL 33461

Pd. Pol. Adv. Paid by Save Our Neighborhood, Inc. PAC

Granny has a Right to be Worried

Washington's doublespeak
As Granny sits around and frets that she will be thrown under the bus because of Obama’s healthcare plan, she literally is falling behind the eight ball just to keep her head above water.

Three out of seven elderly are economically poor or vulnerable and many live in the shadow of poverty. When your own government says that there has been NO inflation, perhaps they need a new benchmark for their analysis. No wonder Granny has big doubts; they didn’t ask her.

The government still includes the price of gasoline index and this figure skews the entire stats. According to the Consumer Price Index, we have had inflation of 2.7%. Take out the energy (price of oil) factor, which the government states has gone way down, who knows how high inflation really is?

We know on a local level that the price of services has gone up along with our electric and will continue to do so. Here in Lake Worth, Granny worries about cooling her residence, maintaining her property, putting food on her table and buying her prescriptions. She infrequently drives her car so the price of gas would not be that much of a concern. Grocery prices are up every week as is the price of all consumer goods. Granny has lost 50% of her investments and the banks that have been bailed out by tax dollars are paying peanuts in interest as they raise all their fees. Those who have retired and living in condominiums are ending up paying for the deadbeats who have refused to pay their monthly maintenance and special assessments while banks are foreclosing right and left.

The latest report again is that there will be no COLA increases for perhaps the next two years with the government saying we have had no inflation. In the same breath, the government says that the price of Medicare is going up. That is deducted right out of the social security check. Granny pays more for health coverage but no increase to pay for it.

When our government can bail out every Tom, Dick and Harry and give Stimulus money to losers, then Granny has a right to be concerned. We are totally off base when we can give $25 billion a year in foreign aid. And Obama wanted to double that amount by 2012. Think about this--$25 billion is much more that what our government collected in federal income taxes. Does the government speak in double speak?

Granny worked all her life and now is forced to worry about the illegal alien loophole under the Obama Healthcare Plan and our tax dollars going to foreign countries in aid that will never be repaid, give away plans up the kazoo while she has to forego a couple of bucks raise in social security. You can see why granny is worried.

Elections--where's the excitement?

Comment Up

Have you noticed how "quiet" this election season is. It's only a little over two months away. I keep thinking about how darn hot it is out there and thanking a former Commission for being the catalyst behind the madness for changing our elections from March to November. Another terrible idea right along with the ugly garbage cans. And that reminds me, even the Chamber of Commerce has been quiet.

So far, I only know of two campaign fundraisers--Laurence McNamara's and Rene Varela's for Mayor. Jo-Ann Golden has one coming up this weekend. I actually got invited to two out of the three and one of those was an afterthought. I like invitations when they are personal. If the candidate takes 30 seconds to call, I like that. If they can't be bothered, neither can I. My time and money are too valuable for me to be treated with such aloofness. It's the same reason why I hate a friend sending me an e-card for Christmas or my birthday...not too much thought behind it and the message is clear.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming weeks with supporters wearing their favorite candidate's T-shirt, campaign literature and the debates. It's fun. One thing for sure, I don't want to hear about the removal of beach decal parking or how I can be bussed from the downtown to the beach. That one will fall on deaf ears.

CRA

Comment Up
Tomorrow our CRA meets at 6pm at City Hall one last time before interviews for new members are held on August 31. On the Agenda are several items that are peculiar to say the least.

1. Nomination of a new Chair
2. Nomination of a new Vice Chair
3. Approval of the Budget and 5 Year CIP.

Now why would the CRA schedule items 1 and 2 when everyone on there could be replaced with the exception of Donna Ross? We know that most of the present Board feels that there is no new member who could possibly understand the Budget or the CIP so they want to hurry and get that approved.

Maybe it's all a mistake. Sure it is.

Lake Worth Golfcourse

Comment Up
Aside from our oceanfront Lake Worth beach, our golf course is the most valuable land we own in this city. Aren't we lucky to have an 18 hole, par 70 course right on the IntraCoastal Waterway?

Golfers are a special breed of cat. They will play golf in rain, snow, sleet or hail. Nothing deters them from their sport. Yesterday in 95^ weather, these golfers were not deterred either.

The City Manager has stated that the golf course rounds are picking up. I am sure that our new golf pro, Chris Waller, will make our fabulous property a great success. We needed our own pro.

The Lagoon Restaurant opens at 8am and is doing well according to Karen who answered the phone. When asked if the golfers were supporting the restaurant, she said "yes." If any of you just want a nice place to have lunch with a gorgeous view, remember The Lagoon Restaurant. Let's support our golf course in every way that we can.

Healthcare

Citizens continue to speak out across the country and the Democrats just don't want to listen.

President Obama is taking his first vacation since being elected President. After all these raucous town hall meetings he needs a break. Healthcare is taking a nasty twist.

All the criticism and what the President calls "misinformation" has taken its toll. He's now off to play some golf, relax and come back swinging for a birdie.

Holy Mackerel--what a big Kingfish

Caught this morning at the end of the Lake Worth Pier

As explained, this fish will feed 5 families

FISHING LICENSE FACTS

Who needs a license?
Resident saltwater anglers who fish from shore or a structure affixed to shore will need to buy a shoreline fishing license unless they have a regular saltwater fishing license or are exempt.

Who is exempt?
The new license requirement allows exemptions for residents who are age 65 or older, all children under age 16, resident disabled persons who meet certain qualifications, active duty military personnel while home on leave, and all anglers who fish from a licensed pier. In addition, the license requirement includes two new exemptions - resident anglers drawing food stamps, temporary cash assistance or Medicaid, and anglers who use a pole or line without a line retrieval mechanism (such as a reel) in their home counties.

How much does the license cost?
The license cost $7.50 plus a $1.50 administrative fee.

If I have a regular saltwater fishing license, will I have to purchase a shoreline license too?
No. A resident regular fishing license that covers fishing from shore as well as from a vessel costs about $10 more than the shoreline license and may be the best option for most anglers unless they feel certain they will fish only from shore.

How will the FWC use the money from the new shoreline license sales?
The money will help fund marine resource research, management and law enforcement.

Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Love you Mom

You got comments Mom

IN MEMORIAM
My beautiful Mother
Thelma M. Smith
1-4-17 - 8-23-04
Her final resting place

Lake Worth Beach was her absolute love and morning delight for her entire adult life, going there every single day to swim in the ocean and our pool. Her favorite restaurant was John G's. She loved our shops, our downtown, and most of all, she loved our library. She went there almost daily as she was a voracious reader. She loved her home and her family and life--she was happy in its simplicity. We miss you so much Mom. Remembering you today and your favorite place, the Lake Worth beach.

Don't Hide behind the Chide

Comment Up

After a series of e-mails from the City Manager, I still have no clue as to how we will enforce our Code (if that is even the plan) and clean up our City. Hopefully, this will all be revealed soon to the citizens of Lake Worth.

Living in one of the most blighted cities I have ever seen or resided, code enforcement is a necessity and should not be treated as an expense that we can not afford. All the code violations affect our quality of life and directly affect our taxes. All properties must be in compliance and we need this enforced.

With a lax code policy more and more people who have no pride in where they live or the neighbors they live around will be moving to Lake Worth. The word will get out--come to Lake Worth and you can live like a slob cementing the thought that what you do should be your right with no government interference.

Is this what we want? Have we as a city given up on protecting our taxpaying citizens? Have we turned into a "live and let live" city? We need more code, not less and we need to collect the fines that are owed instead of these deadbeats sticking it in our nose. We might then have a very profitable code department and eventually clean up the blight.

It's up to all of you to voice your opinion--but we haven't heard the "plan."

Tax Bill

Comment Up
I don't get much of interest in the mail these days as I pay most of my bills online. So what I do get is usually good news or junk.

We all received our proposed tax notices today. I predicted that we would be the highest taxed city in Palm Beach County. I was exaggerating to make a point because no one usually can beat Pahokee or Belle Glade when it comes to millage rates. I don’t know how it will work out but one thing for sure, our millage, overall, is set at 24.7999. Last year it was 21.3563.

Millage is the tax rate used to calculate your ad valorem taxes. One mil equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. If your millage rate is 24.7999, then you are paying $24.80 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

With the cost of everything UP in the City of Lake Worth as the solution to our budget woes, even nickel and dimming us to death on public information costs, we do need to reduce expense. Code Enforcement is not the area.

Let's let pizza decide the election

Comment Up

One of the Lake Voters has sent this e-mail out to all the candidates--

Hi. I was wondering about something simple. I would like to ask all the candidates for their answer to the following question: Do you like pizza, and, if so, what pizzeria would you call if you wanted a delivery? What toppings, if any, would you ask for? Thank you very much for your time! I am going to vote for the candidate who's answer suits me best. Good luck in the forthcoming election! :-)

Actually, perhaps this voter has hit on something. We know that once someone is elected to office that it finally boils down to THEIR agenda first. They seem to soon forget about the voters and what the people might want. Some even have contempt for our laws. The don't return phone calls. They don't ever return e-mails--forget about that! Public speaking has turned into a joke. Research? Who ever heard of that? Budget? Who understands it? We can't seem to ever rise above getting out of our own way in this City. How do we ever know who will be a responsible leader?


So, let topping on a pizza decide it.

What the heck-- it's all a crap shoot anyway.

Don't throw Granny under the Bus

A CNN Poll polling 1,136 adults indicates that only 3 in 10 Americans think President Obama's health care plan will help their families.

Here on this blog only 20 people participated in the poll with 78% saying that the Healthcare Plan needs work. It does. Those backing Obama are strongly suggesting that it is a generation gap problem with most people under 50 years of age supporting the Plan and those over 50 opposing it.

This sounds like Dennis Koehler's argument to allow Mojito's bar to become a nightlub. Both arguments are meaningless and illogical.

On the Avenue

Evening on the Avenues

Will see everyone on the Avenue tonight!

The campaign has begun.

Our Utility Department

Comment Up

The new Budget for the City of Lake Worth is on-line…all 246 pages of it. One of the interesting sections is our Utility. Why is the Utility so interesting?--because it generates a lot of revenue for our city and we still continue to get behind the eight ball. We pay 31% more than FPL customers and we are not making any money there. Why?

In this Budget you will see how they are eliminating Andres Reyes’ job as well as Howard Jordan’s. Don’t ever try to make things better in this City…don’t dare complain to your supervisor...don't dare be a whistleblower.

On page 91 (page 106 scrolling down the pdf file) is a graph of positions. As you will notice, Mr. Reyes’ job is being eliminated. Then on page 95 (page 110 of the Adobe file) you will see the elimination of Howard Jordan’s job that of Electronic Device Specialist.

This entire matter was not handled properly from the beginning. Bottom Line.

If you look closely, you will notice that the proposed budget by the Finance Department and City Manager Stanton’s proposed budget differ greatly in the Utility. It appears that Stanton wants to outsource services to the tune of $5,577,841, a figure under non-department-other. I am guessing here as to the purpose of the meaning of "non-department" because I can't get a return call to clarify so essentially it is a guessing game. So, let’s get this right, we eliminate an engineer and an electronic specialist and outsource for these services? Someone else on staff does them? Who is qualified? Don't know. It is unclear.

Perhaps there is some other explanation. I left two calls this week for Finance. I have a call into the City Manager since Monday. What's today? Has the "open door" shut?

We demand an explanation to less code, not more!

Lake Worth Alumni Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner

Comment Up
When: Sunday, August 30

Where: Lake Worth High School Cafeteria

Time: 4 to 6 pm

What you get: delicious dinner, Silent Auction, fabulous door prizes and knowing that you are contributing to a worthy cause...PRICELESS. This event will be bigger and better than before.

Price: $15 per ticket

Where to purchase: At the door

What you need to know: You don't have to be an alumnus of LW High to attend.

Got a clunker? Better Hurry

Another Scam on the American taxpayer

Cash for Clunkers' Program To End on Monday

"The Obama administration plans to end the $3 billion "cash for clunkers" program on Monday, giving car shoppers a few more days to take advantage of big government incentives."

Read More:
Clunkers

E-mail to the City Manager and Commission on Code Enforcement

Comment Up
----- Original Message -----

From: Lynn Anderson

To: Commissioner S. Mulvehill ; .Commissioner R. Lowe ; Commissioner C. Jennings ; Commissioner J. Golden ; Mayor J. Clemens

Cc: Susan Stanton

Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2009 12:34 PM

Subject: Code Enforcement

Dear Mayor and Commissioners--

City Manager Stanton says that she is re-organizing this department. In actuality, and in my opinion, you are eliminating positions that are vital to cleaning up our City. We need more code enforcement officers, not less. What is the biggest challenge we face in our City? It is obvious to me every time I drive down one of our city streets.

To eliminate four code inspectors out of eight and one of those is paid for by the CRA, is unacceptable. We need to find a way to retain the services of these great employees desperately needed in our city. We need to keep them in Code. To move one to a new department for training residents on how to lower their electric bill is a foolish waste of human resources. You can include that information in a flyer with the bill.

Until we clean up the slum and the blight, we will never rise from the ashes. This is a daily challenge 24/7/365 and code violations are throughout this city, from corner to corner. No one is exempt (with the exception of my neighborhood :)

Please reconsider this reorganization in the Code Department and retain our hardworking employees: Geoff Handley, Tamica Clinton, Sophia Raymond, Joel Rutsky and Ronny Beltran.

Thank you for any consideration you can give to this extremely serious situation.

Lynn Anderson