Cuba to drill for oil in 2011

Drilling for oil off of Cuba will begin in 2011, about 65 miles southwest of Key West. The Gulf Spill, that cannot be contained after beginning on April 26 and has spread over 1,800 miles caused by Deepwater Horizon, is 800 miles from our shore. Think of that. 800 miles versus 65 miles.

"Repsol, a Spanish company, expects to begin drilling off Cuba in 2011, according to published reports and oil industry analysts. Companies from at least 10 other countries, including Russia and China, are negotiating or have already signed lease deals to drill off Cuba."

Our thirst for oil could some day be our State's economic downfall for good if there is an oil spill in Cuban waters, an arm's distance away, that heads right straight to Florida.

Sabal Palm Bed and Breakfast and Mango Inn Win July 4th Raft Race

Workshop on Beach Redevelopment and Casino

Comment Up

This is what they want to destroy
Not enough green for the Commission

Update: Wav sound about dropping off the kids.
De je vu Greater Bay but much the same idea today.

Essentially there have always been four core issues that are very important to me and I expound on them over and over again: Sunset and the Comprehensive Plan, Florida Hometown Democracy and our right to vote on how we want our city to look when it comes to land-use changes; Illegal Immigration and our Lake Worth Beach.

Tomorrow morning beginning at 8:30, there will be a discussion on the beach redevelopment and a status report by Kimley-Horn, the engineering firm that was chosen by Staff as the architect/engineer on the project. Their presentation will involve survey updates, site plan modifications, landscaping drawings, etc.

As most of you know, our entire beachfront property will be re-designed: parking lots, open spaces, traffic flow landscaping and restroom facilities. The upper level parking is being greatly reduced to provide green space and a Jungle Jim for little kids. Also affected will be decal parking that has now been reduced to 50 spaces at the north end of our property below the dune.

This will be gone as well as MOST of the parking on the upper level

This is a decision that was made by your elected officials. The people had no say and no vote other than a few hundred people who were encouraged by "green" elected officials who desired Michael Singer's plan. Although Mayor Varela was not yet elected, he was the one behind the design approving Michael Singer and enthusiastically brought it to Commissioner Jennings. Ask him about losing your decal parking and the ability to park where you want and why the Commission is so obsessed with all things "green" when one Commissioner doesn't even believe in grass.

Literally we are taking $5 million from PB County to redesign parking lots that when completed, will give you no ocean view when you drive up to the beach. You will be able to drop off your family at the top and drive back down to the lower level (the Greater Bay concept) to park unless you are lucky enough to find a parking space across from Benny’s, as these spaces will be reduced by 164.

Following this will be REG Architects on the future Charette on our Casino which is scheduled for August 21 from 3 to 6pm at Compass. Living Designs Group was allowed to sneak in through the back door because of political pressure and Staff that allowed it to happen with NO objection from the Commission. They (all of them) are responsible for this. Don’t forget that one Commissioner has said that “history doesn’t do anything for me,” so look for a stacked deck of “green” people and modern/art deco types to sabotage our historical Casino design. To attend the Charette, Click HERE.

Or is it this they want to screw up for $5 million dollars?
(Lower level parking lot)
Not enough "green" for them

See video from Lake Worth Media that discusses the reduced parking, the change of zoning and the Petitions that were certified by the Supervisor of Elections office that NEVER were allowed to proceed thanks to the Commission and We Love Lake Worth PAC that was sued by the City of Lake Worth. And after all the PAC went through, it allowed itself to be compromised and bullied by their political friends, the same politicians who usually champion the rights of the people. When it came to the beach, they turned a deaf ear. The will of the people was no longer important, only their own green agenda. "We know best," they said..."you don't." "Right" is what we tell you it is.

Coffee with the Mayor

The City says--
The next "Coffee with the Mayor" event will take place on Monday July 5th from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at "Union Bakery" located at 2111 N. Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460.

Residents are invited to join Mayor Varela for casual conversation and brief information on projects and initiatives taking place across the city. Please check the "Meetings and Events" calendar on the City of Lake Worth's official website, www.lakeworth.org, for the date and location of upcoming "Coffee with the Mayor" events, as well as information on other exciting Lake Worth events and happenings. All are invited to come and take part in the exciting conversation about Lake Worth!
.........................
Everyone come out and ask the Mayor the tough questions. Do your homework first.

This JULY 4th We Celebrate Amendment 4

Rebecca Eagan
Statewide Amendment 4 coordinating committee
Winter Park

This JULY 4 We Celebrate Amendment 4

"Government has no right to make itself a party in any debate respecting the principles or modes of forming or of changing constitutions. It is not for the benefit of those who exercise the powers of government, that constitution, and the governments issuing from them, are established. A constitution is the property of a nation, a people, or a state), and not of those who exercise the government….a constitution is a thing antecedent to the government, and always distinct therefrom.” ~ Thomas Paine, Rights of Man

On July 4, we reflect on what fired great men to risk life, fortune, and sacred honor to gain. Paramount for them – and for us today -- is that a people must own their government, and not be subject to a ruler’s (or ruling heirarchy’s) whims.

Thomas Jefferson felt the citizenry should periodically assess whether or not the American experiment still worked. To him, any steps taken by government to prevent people’s participation in it forsook the principles of a republic. As Thomas Paine points out in Rights of Man, “Res-Publica” refers to “the public good…not any particular form of government.” Its sole justifying premise is to serve the public interest.

Few ballot issues so directly track founding ideals as Amendment 4, which would grant voters final say over local land use changes. Though castigated by the “power elite” (which prefers a muzzled public), Amendment 4 epitomizes the spirit of ’76. When distress over faulty governance reaches fever pitch, as it has vis-à-vis excess development in Florida, the people act. And they are “Jeffersonian” when they do. Our state constitution provides for redress, via citizen amendment, against unresponsive elected officials.

Hometown Democracy would act as watchdog over local commissions, many of whose structures do not (in the first place) rightly separate powers, since the “executive” chairman/mayor sits also on the “legislative” council/commission, thus precluding impartial review.

The point of independence was to elevate all men onto a level playing field. The Founders knew their new set-up would be subject to abuse by representatives fixated solely on their own power, but they had no choice but to arrange America as federated states and hope the core values that most in 1776 held dear remained core and dear enough to their heirs to keep the states glued as one “country.” It worked, until the slavery issue tore our seams, demanding a better literal expression of the word “equal.”

The imperfect measure was necessary to reform toward a greater good. Our founding docs were rough diamonds, hewn by mortals---perfection being the province of God.

Without a fresh America based on equal rights---even if in reality the ideal hadn’t been met yet---any unity would have devolved into state squabbles still refereed by a remote, despotic Crown. There would have been no reform.

Amendment 4, founded on the same grassroots premise our country was---that people by right own their government and that without this direct ownership it has no grounds to exist---arms voters to hew their elected to the straight and true, and to safeguard their communities from wholesale disfigurement by developers hi-jacking comprehensive plans MEANT to provide stability and predictability to land use for average citizens.

Amendment 4 is the sort of remedial revolt Jefferson cheered. He believed constitutions could and should be amended by whatever succeeding generation chafed under an established power structure that undermined their interests.

Critics seem to fault Amendment 4 for lacking proof that Utopia will result under it. This sets an impossible standard for any reform measure to meet. In 1776, Tory-leaning members at the Continental Congress likewise plugged the status quo.

A constitutional amendment needn’t vouchsafe snag-free Shangri-La---any more than a declaration of independence must---to be the right step to take. As Jefferson told the Marquis de Lafayette: “…we are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a feather-bed.”

Jefferson, in his last extant letter, mused: The mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred…Let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollection of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”

A thing so indelibly tied to the general well-being as land usage should not be ordained by a “favored few.” Let’s toast July 4 for the spirit it embodies; and embrace Amendment 4 for the independence, civic participation and enhanced quality of life it provides. This “people’s measure” is long due.

Contact: Rebecca Eagan
407/644-8402
reagan@cfl.rr.com



Pd Pol Adv floridahometowndemocracy

Col. Allen West's message for July 4

Message from Col. Allen West on Independence Day.

Happy Independence Day

Financial Advisory Board and Free Speech

We need to reflect on what the motivating factor was to have an independent country, eventually the United States of America – to dissolve ourselves from the tyranny of King George. We fought an American revolution to protect freedom and liberties. According to the World Book encyclopedia, there were 25,700 Americans killed, and 10,000 British killed. In all 35,700 died – for us. There are no kings here nor are there any princesses. What we do have are millions of people protected by our Constitution and the freedom of speech. The Financial Advisory Board is no exception.

There was an e-mail sent out by a member of the FAB complaining that the Chair asked the Commission (on the night the millage was discussed) on how it would like the FAB to give its recommendations. This member, described as a community activist, has now challenged, once again, the Chair’s authority to even ask a question of the City Commission. What is the purpose of this constant harassment and belittling other than to cause divisiveness on this Board that must have cohesion.

Over several weeks the FAB wondered how to communicate its recommendations. A motion was made to have a joint meeting with the City Commission to find out. One week later, the motion was withdrawn. No one knew how to proceed. They guessed at it. The Chair took the leadership role and did the simple thing—he asked the Commission as there was no set understanding or mechanism in place to transmit recommendations from the Financial Advisory Board.

Instead of finding fault from everyone from the City Manager, to the new Finance Director and the continued bullying of the Chair, the Board needs to act as a team and stop the in-fighting over petty perceptions, real or imaginary. The Board must work and support each other and not get bogged down with personalities and politics. There is important work to do.

LETTER BELOW:

Since Steve neglected to mention it, I will also be bringing up for discussion, the Chair's violation of Board policy. I have now asked twice and been told that this will NOT be added to the upcoming agenda.

At the May 26th FAB meeting, the Board reached consensus that when the Chair speaks in front of the Commission, he will stick strictly to motions passed by the Board. Last evening, the Chair spoke before the Commission as the Chairman of the Finance Advisory Board. Without any discussion, input or approval from the Board he persisted in asking the Commission how the Board should conduct their affairs and recommendations. In addition, he also spoke to the Commission about the "almost motion" he had at Wednesday's meeting for the Board to approve the proposed millage rate!

Being present at the Commission meeting, I was shocked and appalled that the Chair would so flagrantly violate Board policy in this way. The manner in which this was brought up before the Commission, during public comment on the proposed millage rate, is unacceptable. As upset as I was, I adhered to Board policy and did not contradict the Chair in this very public forum.

If anyone likes, I have the audio from the May 26th meeting where both the Chair and Board member conduct before the Commission was discussed and consensus was reached. The minutes, stating as much, were approved unanimously. I have attached a copy for you to review.

Have a Happy 4th of July weekend.

The Financial Advisory Board has never been given direction by the City Commission on how to present its recommendations. The question posed by Chair Exline is appropriate. The Chair has the discretion to ask a question, use good judgment and get things done. That is his role whether a member likes it or not. There was no harm in the question. At least now, there is no guessing game on how to communicate with the City Commission.

Former Lake Worth Mayor performing on July 4 Event

Datura Street Band

Hear Jeff Clemens on July 4th
Community Park, 2905 Jog Road, Greenacres
5pm to 9pm.

Old Bridge Park Saved by the Citizens of Lake Worth

The Park was saved but not the celebration, other than in spirit.

I find it a real shame that after 5 years, the annual celebration for saving Old Bridge Park from condo development and an event strictly funded by citizens (mostly the McNamara's) as well as volunteers giving time and money, had to be canceled.

The City can find all sorts of ways to waste money, spend money, and even lose money, but when it comes time for the 4th at Old Bridge, it had no desire to step up with even one little penny to help with this event, an annual tradition. All the residents and visitors are the losers here. Next year, hopefully we citizens can fund raise and bring it back. Below is Mr. McNamara's message--

Hello Friends,

In case you have not yet heard, I am not planning to host our July 4th barbecue at Old Bridge Park. The event has been a great pleasure for five years but unfortunately I am unable to do it this year.

The original Old Bridge Park barbecue in 2005 celebrated our enormous success at saving Old Bridge Park. That success endures. Old Bridge Park remains a clear symbol of what we can accomplish together to preserve our community.

Dee and I will stop by Old Bridge Park at some point to say a little prayer of gratitude for what we all accomplished. Maybe some of you would like to the same.

I wish to thank everyone for all the help you have provided for this event over the years.

And a very happy 4th of July to all!

Sincerely,


Laurence

Off the Wall - new business downtown Lake Worth

Located at 513 Lake Avenue, Liz Lipman just opened her new store on Thursday just in time for the big holiday weekend. It has everything from furniture, furnishings and accessories. Great quality and some unusual pieces.

Stop by today and say hello to Liz. You will love this new store that took over the space where the Pink Hibiscus used to be.

Lake Worth Millage

Comment Up
Latest OPINION from the PB Post.

"For the second lesson, look to Lake Worth. Hit hard two years running by Palm Beach County's largest property value decline, City Manager Susan Stanton refused to propose a tax rate increase, even though the alternative is to cut public safety."

That isn't exactly the facts of the matter. Ms. Stanton wants to keep the millage at last year's rate of 4.9999. That is her recommendation; her desire; her hope. However, that is not what occurred last night when she recommended a tentative millage at 6.8166 which includes the bond debt. We still have MSTU at 3.7585.

Florida Hometown Democracy

Nobody changes their vote for no reason

Anyone in need of a bumper sticker, let me know!!! LaSonna?

More of Lois?

There are always some citizens who just have NO clue and really make a lot of work for themselves. Now a citizens group will circulate a petition to allow mayoral terms up to 12 years in West Palm Beach. It seems a few can't do without Lois Frankel and all her spending.

Free Lunch in Lake Worth

The Lake Worth Utility Department is having a public relations event right now at the Cultural Plaza. Some of the newly purchased equipment and trucks are on display. Free food is being served to the community. For the Children, accustomed to free, bussed in lots of kids to partake. After all, their parents are paying whopping utility bills.

As the City burns, we continue in support of the "free" lunch, not only for staff, commissioners, Board members but just about anyone. I guess it relieves the pain after setting the tentative millage last night right at 10 mills.

Red Light Cameras, Money over Sense

As the idea of installing red-light cameras is in the proposed City Budget as a source for revenue of approximately $100,000, I wanted to go back over the issue again as we talked it to death at the end of 2008 and early in 2009, before City Manager, Susan Stanton arrived on the scene. Her Staff should have advised her of the Commission's decision back then. We and they said NO and I believe that we haven't changed our minds in 1.5 years. There are some who think it is a way to make money instead of cracking down on waste and redundancy or even considering the Utility, a mystery to us all.

Back in October, 2008, the idea of red light cameras appeared on the Agenda under New Business. Jeff Clemens, Mayor at the time, thought this was a great idea and wanted to establish a program to bring in revenue to the City as well as stating that it was for safety. He fell for the "safety" line. The City of Aventura had entered into an agreement with American Traffic Solutions, LLC and we were going to piggy-back that Contract instead of going out on an RFP (waive bidding). The City of Lake Worth, afterall, had entered into a lot of unfavorable contracts and this was going to be just one more for Clemens who was snowed by the 1/4 million possible dollars that the company projected.

American Traffic Solutions came here with a bundle of marketing buzz words. Believing the claims of companies that sell photo enforcement equipment or municipalities that use this equipment is like believing any commercial that is trying to sell you something. Then Mayor Clemens was on board with the company, believing the commercial, even though it was discussed that there is no proof that it saves lives or that vehicles slow down. Traffic light synchronization is the key, not deciding on money over safety. Improve the intersections.

The City was to receive--

1st Tier Fee: First 2 paid notices per day in a month per camera…$47.50
2nd Tier fee: Next 2 paid notices per day in a month per camera…$27.50
3rd Tier Fee: All other paid notices in a month per camera…$17.50

Fines were to be administered per our code: $125 for the first offense; $250 for the 2nd offense and $500 for each additional offense. So, basically we were going to receive $17.50 out of a $125 up to $500 fine.

This appeared under Unfinished Business on December 2, 2008 -- Ordinance 2008-27. The question before the Commission was whether or not we should monitor and enforce red light infractions by the installation of red light cameras at certain inter- sections in our city. The firm that was to benefit was American Traffic Solutions, LLC.

This was a 5 to 0 vote to bring it back to the Commission after the Sheriff acquired some statistics on red-light runners. The Commission was interested but wanted to hear all of the facts.

On January 6, 2009, the issue came back before the City Commission. Cpt. Silva of the PB County Sheriff's Office provided a detailed report as requested. Citizens spoke out against "big brother," and that it would be an unfriendly intrusion in Lake Worth, a city that depended on visitors. The Contract for installation of red-light cameras was finally defeated on a 4 to 1 vote, Mayor Jeff Clemens dissented, stating that we needed the projected revenue of $250,000 to operate our budget. No matter the argument, dollar signs were still floating in his eyes. "I don't like West Palm Beach water" and I love red-light cameras.

In February of this year a judge ruled that redlight cameras in Aventura were illegal.

Everything was soon to turn when the Florida Legislature bailed out American Traffic Solutions. Politicians were looking at the revenue, just like Clemens.

The opposition to red light cameras presented Bill HB 1235 to the Legislature that prohibited the use of traffic infraction detectors & cameras by county or municipality to enforce traffic laws unless expressly authorized by general law; preempted to state authority to use traffic infraction detectors to enforce traffic laws.

“While public safety is very important to me, I do not believe it is right for local governments to use cameras as a means to increase falling revenue under the guise of public safety,” said HB 1235 bill sponsor Rep. Bob Schenck, R- Spring Hill. “I believe this is nothing more than a hidden tax on my constituents and to the citizens of the state of Florida.” His Bill died on April 30, 2010 on second reading.

CS/CS/HB 325 clarifies local government authority to use cameras at intersections to enforce traffic laws.

Red light cameras actually increase accidents

Maywood, California on Budget problem

Is this the solution for Lake Worth?
Click HERE

Millage to be set tonight

Tonight at 6pm, the City Commission will set the millage for 2010 – 2011 and boy, are we lucky.

The Unions have denied that we have a financial crisis and have been telling their members that all is fine. Due to these extreme circumstances and with property values dropping like a rock, this millage may be the final, who knows?

According to the Agenda, the millage will be set at a tentative rate right under the roll-back rate to
6.4215 mills
3.5785 for County Fire/Rescue
10 mills, the maximum allowed under Florida State Law.
and--
.3951 for obligation bond

Tonight they will vote on a millage of 6.8166 which is operating millage and debt service. The first public hearing will be on September 15th at City Hall beginning at 6pm.

Here we are, a City with its own Utility, and we have to set the millage at max.

Sex in the City -

Bingo and much, much more on July 3rd Fundraiser

On July 3rd, in conjunction with the Downtown Cultural Alliance, the Lake Worth Neighborhood Association Presidents' Council (NAPC) will be holding a fund raiser.

The NAPC has partnered with many downtown merchants to create a scavenger-hunt/bingo game that will be great fun and include lots of prizes. Each bingo card will cost $15 and include lunch at both South Shores and Havana Hideout. There will also be a 50/50 raffle. For more information, or to buy raffle tickets and bingo cards, participants should contact ryan@tropicalridge.org or one of the following Merchants.

Studio 205 - 561.533.5272
South Shores Tavern - 561.547.7656
Havana hideout - 561.585.8444

Politics and City Boards

Don’t ever try applying for a City Board. I mean it. Unless you are unknown and not involved in issues or politics, you might have a prayer.

Shanon Materio asked me the other night why don’t I apply to a city board and my answer was, "I’m not a masochist." The truth of the matter is--I wouldn't get picked for dog catcher in this City. Charles Manson has a better chance. Applying for a City Board takes much more than guts. Dee McNamara applies every year and is still never chosen. She would have been a real enthusiast on the Historical Preservation Board and her heart is in the right place when it comes to Lake Worth. Sometimes it is best not to wear your heart on your sleeve.

If you are a “winner,” probably in the next 5 minutes of the commissioners’ vote you will be a “loser.” That’s what happened last night at the Board applicant voting. And it happened more than once when tallies were manipulated and re-votes cast. It was not an honest process in spite of the Mayor saying that the process wasn’t corrupt but it could be more clean.

Lobbying for your favorite applicant is one thing but you do it BEFORE the vote, not AFTER the tally is counted and the numbers are in. In fact, waiting 24 hours to cast votes for the CRA just breeds corruption. The votes should be cast on the same night the applicants apply.

This got Commissioner Scott Maxwell so mad--all the manipulation; he sounded off to the rest of the four and left the room for the entire voting process not to return until after Midnight when the games were over.

John Paxman with 9 years experience on the Planning & Zoning Board is out. His past votes caught up to him this time in spite of the fact he lead the P&Z like no one else. I was thinking about him this morning and thought about the Chair position and right away I thought of Tony Masilotti. Tony could lead that PB Commission like no other, just like John on Planning & Zoning.

Paxman had the skill to turn things around to his point of view; he has charm and charisma and is well liked. I feel bad today for John in spite of the fact he went against Sunset, a cause for which I have been involved for five years. I always feel bad when someone “loses” particularly when they are so highly qualified. The Commission gave the reason of allowing others to be a part of the City by being on Boards and pointed out John’s long service…"give the other guy a chance" is what they said but the real reasons were not discussed.

Dorothy Block
I give Mary Lindsey a lot of credit for applying and her continued enthusiasm for this City. Although not picked for a Board, this is just not “her commission.” There were others who interviewed who were great. They would have been assets for anything. Dorothy Block got chosen for the Historic Resources Preservation Board—a great choice. We are lucky to have her service.

It always amazes me that we have so many talented people in Lake Worth and people who want to step up and continually apply. Congratulations to all who were chosen to help make our City a better place. Just don't knock yourself out because the next time around, you might be kayoed by the next Commission. This is all politics.