Royal Poinciana Plaza - Amendment 4 - Vote YES

Royal Poinciana Plaza Saga and why we need Amendment 4.

City Commissions do NOT listen to the wants of the people they are elected to serve.

Friday Night's Sky

After the "party"

No Party at the Cultural Plaza - Amendment 4 Advocates defend rights

Comment Up

As we were standing on the public sidewalk near the street on Lake Avenue in front of the Cultural Plaza, Amy Saleeby walked from the beer garden over to us. She is in charge of what used to be called Evening on the Avenues and I believe that she uses this area free of charge with the idea of attracting people to the downtown and of course, making money. She says she doesn't make any money and in fact it is all money going out of her pocket--She loves Lake Worth. She asked if we would move to the other side of the street. She did not want us in front of "her" event. She was right in all of our faces for at least 10 minutes. In the middle of her altercation, I finally walked away to pet one of the adopted dogs that was on display...much more friendly experience.

After saying “no,” that it was a public street and that we had the right to stand on it, she called the Sheriff. Who knows what she said to him because one of the first things he said was--he didn’t want any trouble and would kick us out if there was. Standing on a street these days can be trouble...with 3 senior citizens and one getting close. When he arrived, some young gal came on the scene to complain that we were making her “feel uncomfortable.” I asked her who she was as we had not talked to her, did not know her and had never seen her. As it turns out it was a young woman working with Ms. Saleeby. That is a pic of her being stupid in the lower right corner.

We were there for about 70 minutes last evening. After dinner at Too-Jays, we walked over to Amy’s “event” to see what was going on. I ran into Commissioner Mulvehill and spotted Commissioner Golden. As I was talking with Jo-Ann Golden, the same young woman was close by and said twice again, “you are making me uncomfortable.” I then decided she was trying to provoke an incident and decided to leave.

Now, this is a city that is my home. These are public streets. This is our Constitutional right to be there. We caused no problem and it did not distract from Amy’s “event.” They tried to use the old tactic when it was Lake Worth Police and Ramiccio was in charge of Evening on the Avenues. Back then, Ramiccio and Nadine Burns called SWAT on us. We were in front of Fed Ex and even had the owner's permission to be in front of his store. It did not matter to the LW Police. The PBSO Deputy last night understood our right to be there.

I liked this when it was called Evening on the Avenues--a name around for years and one that is well known. The Event is now called Party in the Plaza. It was no "party" other than a little harassment by someone trying to impose her will on Lake Worth citizens who have the legal right to be on a city sidewalk invoking their First Amendment Right .

Michael E. Arth for Governor

Read what Michael E. Arth, NPA for Governor State of Florida, has to say about compromised Democracy.

Read his article in the Orlando Sentinel

Quote of the Day

Someone sent this to me--

"Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but they don't have to prove they are citizens."
~ Ben Stein

Money and Lies and Dirty Tricks - Citizens for Lower Taxes and a Better Economy

Comment Up

Aimee (pronounced ah-may) was at the Republican meeting on Thursday night. She attends all political meetings as she is the Regional Director for the Vote No group, something she will not ever admit. Afterall, when you are debating a mom, a homemaker and someone who is a volunteer for Florida Hometown Democracy and who travels even out of Palm Beach County on her own dime when asked, it must be a little embarrassing to tell everyone that you are a paid employee/contractor of the Florida Chamber of Commerce's backed group--the group that believes drilling for oil off our beaches is a good thing.

We all know that this group with the bold and convincing name (who doesn't want lower taxes and a better economy?--you would have to be nuts, right?) has over $7 million and working on $15 million to defeat FHD, this grassroots initiative. They can pay their people well and have them placed all over the State.

I picked up the palm card they had there--striking difference to Florida Hometown Democracy. Whereas FHD's is made from copy paper with the truth--their card is on slick shiny heavy grade paper and FULL OF LIES. Here are the lies and our replies:

1. Fewer Jobs--A study by a leading economist shows that Amendment 4 will cost tens of thousands of jobs.
FHD says: That study to which they refer by (the Washington Economic Group) was bought and paid for by the Chamber of Commerce & is not a credible assessment according to other economists. Florida's current 11.5% unemployment (higher here in PB County) was brought on by over-development and the subsequent crash.

2. Weaker Economy--A local version of this idea proves that Amendment 4 will hurt small businesses and working families.
FHD says: The local version that proves Amendment 4 is workable and desirable is Yankeetown. The St. Pete Beach lie from our opposition was not Amendment 4 at all. Had Amendment 4 been in place, there would be no law suits. Click here to read the truth on St. Pete Beach.

3. Higher taxes--Amendment 4 will require tax increases to pay for endless elections and lawsuits. That's the last thing we need in these tough economic times.
FHD says: Higher taxes are caused from developers jumping Urban Boundary Lines. The high costs for infrastructure and social services are not covered by impact fees. An estimated 40% to 50% of these costs will be paid by current residents. The Florida legislature passed 360 earlier this year that would have waived impact fees in certain communities. (Now overthrown by the recent court ruling) Land Use Amendments under Amendment 4 would go to referendum at the next general election. Developers would no longer be compromising one or more commissioners to change a land-use for their self-interests...they would have to convince all of the voters--a much more expensive proposition.

Construction jobs will still continue if developers will build within the Comp Plan. There is no need to convert more raw land to development as current Comprehensive Plans throughout the State will permit construction for several decades.

That's what they have--money and lies and dirty tricks--a difficult and nearly impossible combination to defeat. There really should be some ethics in politics but when dealing with the Chamber of Commerce and some big businesses, you are going up against an entire corrupt system that is responsible for the mess we are in.

Abby and Oz at The Palm Beach Zoo

Oz

The Palm Beach Zoo says that their koalas, Abby and Oz, will eat 35 bundles of eucalyptus per week. Each bundle is about five pounds, so they will need 175 pounds per week. It will cost the zoo $30,000 to $35,000 per year to feed them.

Abby
SunSentinel photo

Abby arrived and she is on display today.

Please follow this link and make an online donation to help feed our koalas.

Playing the Blame Game - An Easy Solution

Comment Up

Today we learned that our population in the State of Florida has grown by 21,285. We know that the illegal immigration population is getting smaller and stands now at around 675,000, down from 1.2 million (no jobs). We have been in a major depression. I read that there are 14.9 million Americans out of work. Job creation must happen. The Stimulus was supposed to do that but instead just brought us more debt.

In the meantime, Nadine Burns of the Chamber of Commerce forwarded a notice regarding the upcoming meeting of the PAC formed by Shanon Materio, objective of which is to support Carla Blockson and Lisa Maxwell, seemingly blaming our state of affairs on our city commission, a ridiculous notion.

We as business owners pay ridiculously high utility bills. We carry a significant tax burden and our customer base is whittled away more and more every month as Lake Worth families move away. BACPAC, Businesses Aligned for Change, political action committee was formed to provide a united voice for members of the Lake Worth business community and supporters, who believe as we do, that a vibrant local economy is critical to the revitalization of our city.

There’s nothing QUAINT or CHARMING about empty storefronts or merchant after merchant going out of business. "Now more than ever is the time for Lake Worth residents and business owners to get involved in choosing our city leaders." . . . Mayor Rene’ Varela.

STANDING TOGETHER FOR A CHANGE-- Let’s come together and give Lake Worth a real chance for success.

We all agree that we have an economic problem. Lake Worth is not unique as every city in the United States is suffering. I hope that the PAC and its supporters can come up with solutions to turn our economy around. If you don't have a job, you don't shop. When people don't shop, businesses close.

After its meeting on September 8, the PAC can then share its new found solutions with President Obama. Perhaps the Chamber of Commerce will fill us in on how it will attract businesses here as it has a major impact on the economy and well being of Lake Worth. The Chamber needs to also explain why it continues to dabble in politics.

We are all hurting. It is not just businesses. To continue to play the "blame game" gets us no where.

Conservative or Liberal-- Which is the right direction?

Republican Club

Basically, this country is headed in the wrong direction. And many of us, under the guidance and encouragement of the Obama administration, are spending more than we have...”charge it and I will deal with it next month” is the mentality. Government has been doing the same--borrowing more and more and selling our future. The debt is mind-boggling, over $13 trillion dollars, and Democrats do not seem to be the least bit worried about that.

Yesterday a friend of mine and a big Obama supporter who is vacationing in Michigan called and asked, “What’s Obama doing wrong? What’s Klein doing wrong? They are both doing everything right." Her question/statement was very problematic because it showed that there is a large segment of our society that choose not to notice or don’t care. And that is where our problem lies. Perhaps it is her age...she is a senior citizen whose time is limited. But what about her grand-children's future? What will they inherit?

The Democratic Party has become more and more socialistic–believing in the redistribution of wealth, new spending that has brought this economy to its knees–the abrogation of personal responsibility as well as the belief that people are entitled to more than life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They penalize achievement through higher taxes and bigger government. They want to weaken our military and give criminals color television. The believe that we need to be “socially correct” and that some of us must give up some of our rights so that others (illegals) can have the same rights as we enjoy.

I went to my first Republican Club meeting ever last night at Atlantis Country Club. Joe Negron spoke on the ballot initiatives and touched on all of them other than Amendment 4. I agreed with him on only one...changing the current maximum school class sizes to school-wide average class sizes. I had confirmed what I have always known--the Republicans are “right on” when it comes to our economy--high taxes, runaway government spending, and over-regulation of business stifle economic growth.

Republicans believe people are best taking care of themselves or helping others through private charity. Democrats believe the government is best at taking care of people.

I came away knowing that I fit somewhere in the middle of the Democrat and Republican philosophies. There are good points to each but the Democratic one is just not working. The differences between Republicans and Democrats come down largely to money management and government responsibility.

Palm Beach Post always shows its bias - Col. Allen West

In the Palm Beach Post Letters to the Editor today regarding Col. Allen West, the newspaper was true to form. It had anti West letters published on a 4 to 1 ratio. West is not a far right crazy as the Klein campaign is implying or what the Post wants you to believe. He is a conservative American and believes in the Constitution. Here is the one letter that supports Col. Allen West and we agree.

Palm Beach Gardens

Klein's desperation showing; West has Jewish support

By printing Congressman Ron Klein's comments in the Talking Points section, The Post has unwittingly revealed how weak and desperate he has become.

Allen West has many intelligent Jews among his supporters, and I have never heard one of them say he believed that Mr. West denigrated Jewish people or the Holocaust when he referred to Nazis or the Gestapo. In fact, they believe that he is a great friend of Israel and the Jewish people.

The Post further revealed its fear of Mr. West when it failed to endorse him in the Republican primary over David Brady. How can you possibly ignore a candidate of Mr. West's character?

Ron Klein is the master of the sidestep, refusing to debate Allen West on numerous occasions. Has anyone heard him criticize President Obama for his treatment of Israel and its prime minister?

MICHAEL D'ANGELO

Deerfield Beach

Christopher McVoy, Candidate Lake Worth Commissioner District 2

Comment Up

Campaign Party

Christopher had his first campaign party Sunday night at a residence on S. Palmway. Supporters were there sporting umbrellas. It rained all night long.

As the recent edition of the Lake Worth Herald dated August 19th did not seem to know or take the time to find out about Christopher McVoy, candidate for Commissioner District 2, I thought that I would tell you about him. (From his web site) Update: The Lake Worth Herald did a front page write-up on Dr. McVoy in today's edition.

Christopher McVoy

• Ph.D Member, Planning and Zoning Board, City of Lake Worth

• Key player in America’s restoration of the Everglades

• Senior Environmental Scientist at South Florida Water Management District

• Committee Member to Governor’s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida(1996)

• Active in efforts to preserve public ownership of Lake Worth Beach

• Author, Educator, Grant Recipient

• Fluent in five languages (English, Spanish, French, German and Dutch)

Christopher McVoy is an accomplished wetland hydrologist, author, educator, advocate and recipient of many grants. He has devoted his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the use of his knowledge to impact public policy and increase community education. For the past two decades Christopher has stood up for many important issues.

A 12-year resident and homeowner in Lake Worth, Christopher has taken an active role in improving our community. As Chairman of the “We Love Lake Worth” Beach Protection PAC, Christopher spearheaded the effort to keep Lake Worth Beach 100% public. His efforts, combined with the work of others in the community, were successful in over-turning the private lease deal to develop our beach. With the public beach protected, the City is moving forward with a beautification plan that will improve our beach while retaining 100% public ownership and access.

As a member of the City Planning and Zoning Board, Christopher contributed a reasoned, technical perspective to the re-writing of the city’s land development regulations to ensure that residents, businesses and developers have clear, consistent, and appropriate development regulations to follow to achieve Lake Worth’s smart growth objectives.

Christopher has also been active on regional issues. He was a member of the Governor’s Commission for a Sustainable South Florida, adding his technical expertise and passion to help guide Florida’s growth while protecting our valuable natural resources for future generations.

Christopher first came to Florida in 1996 to work as a researcher, scientist and advocate with the Environmental Defense Fund to address the critical situation in the dying Florida Everglades. His research and advocacy led to a position with the South Florida Water Management District where he has been employed for the past ten years. As Senior Environmental Scientist, he worked with more than 100 ecologists, hydrologists, engineers and other professionals from more than 30 federal, state, tribal, and local agencies to take a system-wide look at water and develop a comprehensive plan to preserve south Florida’s natural ecosystem, while enhancing water supplies and maintaining flood protection.

Christopher’s commitment to integrity and transparency in government is a path he has travelled for many years. His journey began in Madison, Wisconsin where he grew up the oldest of three siblings. His father- a physicist, professor, and photographer – and his mother, an environmental advocate and amateur cultural historian – were founding members of the Board of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association and were instrumental in passing bills to protect Wisconsin wetlands. They instilled in him a love of learning, artistic pursuits, and the outdoors, taking the family hiking, camping and canoeing as often as possible.

Christopher and his wife, Kimberly, can often be found bicycling in the city, teaching yoga, or enjoying outdoor activities such as kayaking and swimming. He is devoted to his mother, who turned 80 this year, regularly taking her on outings to enjoy her favorite downtown restaurants.

Thoughtful, educated, patient, accomplished, friendly, dedicated — Christopher McVoy is a man who has stood up for our beach and our Everglades. With your vote on November 2, he will be a commissioner who will stand up for Lake Worth and for you.

Ph.D., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York (1994)
M.S., University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
B.A., Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

Presenter/Lecturer –
University of Florida
Arthur R. Marshall Foundation
Everglades Coalition Conference

Grant Recipient –
John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
Elizabeth Ordway Dunn Foundation

Member –
Technical Advisory Committee to Governor’s Commission for a
Sustainable South Florida. (1996)

Scott picks Lt. Governor

Rick Scott chooses Jennifer Carroll as his running mate.

District 1 Community Meeting

Comment Up

Held at the Osborne gym, Commissioner Scott Maxwell did an excellent job coordinating this community meeting, the first of its kind that I can recall. We all felt that this is exactly what a commissioner should be doing--informing the public as to what's going on, not only in their community but in Lake Worth.

The Health Department spoke, never mentioning all the debris dumped on our landfill. There was an update from Reggie at For the Children, asking for money. Joel Rutskey talked about the Energy Audits that are "free" that will help save you money on your electric bill. Joe Kroll spoke on the Public Services Department and the PBSO gave a presentation. I missed Barbara Aubel and Ryan Anderson's presentation but heard it was very good.

Palm Beach County Commissioner Shelly Vana attended and gave out awards to Mark Parrilla, President of the Genesis Neighborhood Association and to Robert Waples, President of Residents of Lake Osborne Heights Neighborhood Association (ROLOH).

The individual plaques were inscribed as follows:

Certificate of Appreciation, Presented to ______________ "In recognition of your leadership, efforts and outstanding commitment to the improvement of Palm Beach County Neighborhoods."

Signed by County Commissioner Shelly Vana District 3,
Houston L. Tate, Director Office of Community Revitalization and
Ruth Moguillansky-eRose, Principal Planner Office of Community Revitalization.

Banner waving for Amendment 4 - An Incident

Dee McNamara and Katie McGiveron

Last night we were at the corner of 10th Avenue North and Congress. Lots of thumbs up...one thumb down from a Realtor passing by. We had one guy in the building industry pull in to this check cashing place right behind us driving a nice looking pick-up truck. He said, "What you people are doing is wrong." When asked to explain he said the same 'ole' stuff, "That's why we elect people, to make these decisions." Sounded just like Mac McKinnon, I swear. Do you think Mac told him to say that?

He went on to say he was a minister like that had some added credence. I was thinking who???, Reverend Wright and why I was anti-religion at times. He was extremely hostile and belligerent with fire and brimstone coming out of his eyes. He was getting louder and louder and madder and madder. Perhaps he lives in Lake Worth, I thought. As he was pulling out he screamed at the top of his lungs, "You are full of shit." That's when I said, "Ah oh, you are going to go to hell for saying such a nasty." He hurriedly backed up his truck and started screaming again telling me that he was a good Christian. We told him to have a nice life...pray a lot.

It's tough to defend your Constitutional rights these days...usually it's government that makes it difficult. From being called "racist," to "Fascist" to now "full of shit," What next? Forgot...It's all that Vote No Fear Mongering $7 million plus (they want to double that amount) LIE heading this way.

Col. Allen West

Comment Up
Now that I am supporting Allen West, a black man, I'm not getting the "racist" epithet slung my way...always got that one when it came to illegal immigration. Instead, the buzz word is Fascist. Can't you guys come up with anything better than name calling? For the anonymous poster who just attempted to post here who called me an ignorant Fascist and lame and called my blog lame as well, please go to this link and just hear what Col. Allen West has to say about Iraq.

After you do that you might have more of an open mind but I doubt it because he gets all over the case of Socialists. Allen West wholeheartedly believes in America and our Constitution, defending one's honor and your right to say what you please.

This is an old video but well done

Spreading Sprawl and Taxpayers Hanging

"SB 360 allowed developers to build new projects without having to pay for the road improvements that inevitably come with new construction. Instead, local taxpayers would have had to pay."

The Miami Herald summed up its editorial today by saying, "What Florida needs more than developer-friendly laws or fed-up voters' constitutional amendments is a statewide strategy that conserves Florida's natural resources, including its drinking water, while promoting sustainable development that creates long-term jobs and promotes a true sense of community among Floridians. Read the editorial Good Riddance to Sprawl-promoting Law

We agree with that in premise. The only problem--there is no strategy and developers and big business and all their lobbyists will never allow sustainable growth to happen. That is why Amendment 4 is so necessary--to help eliminate the corruption behind all this growth at any cost.

Lisa Maxwell Fundraiser

Comment Up

Lisa Maxwell had a campaign fundraiser last night at The Cottage. Before long, we will all learn how Ms. Maxwell will make Lake Worth better and why she believes she is a better choice than the incumbent. We will get the mailer with the ten second sound bites.

Lisa believes that city officials need to listen to the concerns of the people before making decisions--a good idea. I would like to see Lisa reach out to all of the people, not just to the ones she likes.

Col. Allen West - Change we Need

Comment Up

Biased Empty Justice - Let's have an even Playing Field

Comment Up

I had a candidate who lives in FL tell me "let it be the 'will of the people' on election day as to whether Amendment 4 has merit." My reply was, the only way that it would be the will of the people is if each side had an even playing field--the same amount of money in order to adequately campaign.

When Vote No has 30 times the amount of money and goes to this extreme (PR below) to actually thwart the will and the minds of the people, there is no chance for good politics here or anywhere.

I went on to say that I believed that the Republic was not working well these days, certainly not the way our forefathers envisioned it.

Money corrupts and you can't win a campaign without it. People do not understand the ballot initiatives. They forget the horrendous deeds of those running for office or they forgive those decisions because they are "friends" of the candidate or other reasons. They just do not know and do not take the time to find out the truth and believe that it will all work out in the end, "it always does."

Think of Rome. Think of Greece. Think of the corrupt politicians just in our own backyard. Big Business that created our economic instability, that off-shored millions of jobs and to this day pay themselves millions of dollars in bonuses, were bailed out by the very taxpayer for whom they screwed. They were the ones that caused a major economic calamity, not only here but around the world. They control political elections to a huge degree. A recent exception to this was Jeff Greene. His money did not help him. He was a newcomer trying to win over someone who is already a U.S. Congressman and from a respected political lineage.

Take the inequity of money out of campaigning. Let each side have an even playing field in order to raise the bar to get the real and true "will of the people."

Industry Mobilization Plan by Opponents of Amendment 4

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Sept. 1, 2010
CONTACT: Wayne Garcia at 813-468-1925 or waynegar@gmail.com

Lesley Blackner: Amendment 4 opponents' industry mobilization plan a recipe for workplace coercion

Hometown Democracy president Lesley Blackner today issued this statement after recent media coverage about an "Industry Mobilization Plan" being undertaken by the powerful opponents to Amendment 4, or Hometown Democracy:

"It is bad enough that major Florida employers are squandering millions of dollars to oppose giving voters a seat at the table, money that could instead go into growing their businesses and hiring new employees. Now, they have devised a plan to have those same employers lean on their workers to join their pro-overbuilding campaign and even provide lists of employees names to the anti-Amendment 4 campaign team.

"This is a recipe for coercion in the workplace. It is a full-court press that no Florida worker trying to keep his or her job will be able to resist and make a fully informed decision. Such politicking activity would be against the law in public agencies. It is merely unethical and disappointing in the private sector. We hope that employees who feel wrongly pressured by this plan will report any wrongdoing to our website, Florida Hometown Democracy."

The Industry Mobilization Plan supplies a sample CEO letter that boldfaces the boss's "personal" request. What worker could turn this down? Here is an excerpt from that sample letter: I’d like to personally ask you to take a moment to visit www.noamendment4.com and fill out the Industry Advocate form. Your information will be kept private and used only to educate you, your friends, family members and colleagues on Amendment 4.

The outrageous plan goes further, even asking employers to mail in "detailed" lists of employees to the opposition campaign, as shows in this e-mail to business leaders from Florida Chamber exec Adam Babington:

1. Encourage your employees and colleagues to register as an "Advocate" in opposition to Amendment 4. A high level of participation is critical in defeating Amendment 4 which will hurt Florida's working families. Visit www.noamendment4.com to register.

2. Even easier, provide the "Vote No on 4" campaign with a detailed list of your interested employees, organization members, friends and family. [highlighting added] This data will be handled with the greatest sensitivity and confidentiality and will not be shared with others. It will be used only to communicate the messages of "Vote No on 4."

Amendment 4 is the result of years of effort by Florida Hometown Democracy, a grass-roots, non-partisan citizens' initiative organized to put the voter-empowering amendment on the Nov. 2 ballot. The amendment would give voters the final say over large-scale development projects that want to change a community's comprehensive land-use plan. Yes on 4's website address is Florida Hometown Democracy.

Pd. Pol. Adv. By FloridaHometownDemocracy, Inc. PAC, P.O. Box 636, New Smyrna Beach, FL.