Scott Rothstein and Vote NO

Scott Rothstein's right-hand woman was just sentenced to 10 years in the Pen. Read about it HERE.

The entire State of Florida has been one big Ponzi scheme for these fat-cats...government bail outs for top developers who have, along with their influential deep pocket friends, crashed our economy.


If you recall, one of Rothstein's vehicles was spotted at a Vote NO rally in Fort Lauderdale. Rothstein pleaded guilty to five federal charges of racketeering, money laundering and fraud on a massive $1.2 BILLION scheme.

Mark Foley rumor

The latest rumor circulating around Lake Worth is that Mark Foley has an interest in purchasing the Gulfstream Hotel that was bought by Adam Schlesinger's company. The thought is to put a for-profit Consortium together and have the top two floors as condo hotels and the rest of the floors kept as hotel rooms to attract national and international tourists. The hang-up is that it has not yet been foreclosed and the hotel was put up as security on a bank loan.

On July 16, Stabfund (USA) Inc., a Swiss entity, filed a foreclosure lawsuit against CSC PB Beach, a company of Adam Schlesinger's, the entity that owns the Omphoy. The lawsuit, filed in Palm Beach County Circuit Court, seeks repayment of a $60 million loan according to an article in the PB Post. There are several liens on the property and Straticon is still waiting to be paid $275,821.

If the Gulfstream ever is foreclosed, perhaps this "dream" of former Congressman Mark Foley's could become reality.

YES on 4 leading in recent Poll in Tampa area

Tampa Bay Examiner has Yes on Amendment 4 winning by 2 to 1 in Tampa area.

Click above and watch the video.

The Facts on Amendment 4

YES ON AMENDMENT 4 IN NOVEMBER
THE FACTS ON FLORIDA HOMETOWN DEMOCRACY

• Why Vote Yes on Amendment 4? Reckless over-development has crashed our economy, our home values, our quality of life while causing causing higher taxes. Irresponsible local officials have let much of this happen. Experience shows we can’t trust our local politicians to protect our homes and communities. Should more growth that isn’t permitted by our master plan be let in? We should get to vote before we’re forced to pay.

• How Would It Work? Today, politicians exclusively decide where development happens. They have the power to allow changes to the community’s long-range growth blueprint, called a local comprehensive plan. Amendment 4 adds one new step to this process: You.
If we pass Amendment 4, your city or county commission will study and vote as usual on changes to the local comprehensive plan. But, after they vote, commissioners will have to submit that approved plan change to you - the voter - in a referendum on the next regularly scheduled Election Day. You will either veto it or approve it. It’s that simple. Amendment 4 doesn’t require special elections.

• What Would I Vote On? Amendment 4 only applies to changes to the comprehensive land use plan (the overall growth blueprint), not to the more frequently-decided individual development approvals, re-zonings, or variances.

If Amendment 4 passes in November 2010, you will decide if a proposed plan change serves the public interest and makes your community a better place to live. If the majority votes yes, the change happens. If the majority votes no, the change doesn't happen.

• Why Bother? Over-development has caused traffic congestion, polluted our waterways, and wrecked too many of Florida’s unique natural areas. Time and time again we see that we can’t trust the politicians to protect our homes and communities. We deserve a vote because we are the ones who must pay for and live with the consequences. Citizens keep getting stuck with the costs of clogged roads, crowded schools, ruined natural areas and polluted waters. Developers get rich at the expense of our communities. Just look around Florida today – developers got so many rubber-stamped approvals from politicians that they overbuilt, crashed our economy, and wrecked our home values. This is what has happened and Lake Worth is no exception.

Business as usual isn’t working. It is time to try a new approach. Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment 4 is a grassroots effort to create a reasonable, common-sense check-and-balance on a system that’s ignored ordinary Floridians for too long. We lost our voice to the big moneyed interests– let’s win it back.

To volunteer, call (866) 779-5513 or email floridahometown@yahoo.com. Send a donation to Florida Hometown Democracy, P.O. Box 636, New Smyrna Beach, Fl. 32170

Let's give us a voice at the table!

Lake Worth made the right decision on Red-Light Cameras

As Katie and I were driving in Royal Palm Beach a few days ago, she pointed out a red-light camera that appeared small and unobtrusive. I did not notice any sign stating that a red-light camera was in force.

As more and more cities are worried about lawsuits because of violations of driver's due process rights, Royal Palm has now voted to end its red-light program. Even Pembroke Pines, the first city to install these cameras is attempting to amend its contract with American Traffic Solutions so that the company would be responsible for part of the expense of a law suit.

Even though the Finance Advisory Board agreed to the concept of red-light cameras, I will always remember the Finance Advisory Board and Darrian Dority when he said, "It would take a person of sub-standard intelligence to agree to these terms...the City needs to look at Contracts."

American Traffic Solutions made two presentations before our City Commission and was turned down by different Commissions. The last time the idea came before us, encouraged by Staff, the Mayor voted with Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill not to install them. We made the right decision both times.

The Draconids

No, I'm not talking about PAC's blitzing through Lake Worth once a year at election time or certain political figures around town, but it is a good description nevertheless.

These are meteors and every year around Oct 8th, Earth passes through a minefield of dusty debris from Comet Giacobini-Zinner, source of the annual Draconid meteor shower. This year, forecasters expect Earth to narrowly miss several of the debris streams.

Next year on Oct 8, Earth will have a nearly head-on collision with a tendril of dust, setting off a strong outburst of as many as 750 meteors per hour. One year from now, sky watchers could see the strongest meteor shower since the Leonid storms a decade ago, according to spaceweather.com.

The Draconids are the result of Comet Giacobini-Zinner, which last visited our solar neighborhood in 1998. During the comet’s returns in 1933 and 1946 observers reported seeing thousands of shooting stars per hour. Normally, however, the Draconids produce only a handful of shooting stars per hour.

Best time to view the Draconids will be in the early pre-dawn hours of Saturday and Sunday mornings so says gantdaily.com.

Lake Worth Herald and the Mentoring Center

Usually around election time in the City of Lake Worth we see more and more inaccuracies coming from The Lake Worth Herald and definitely reporting that is heavily slanted to one side of the political spectrum. Sometimes the reporting is just plain false.

The latest one from Mr. Parrish himself, (Commentary Section) while writing about The Mentoring Center saying, "The city is tilted by Commissioner Cara Jennings, Jo-Anne Golden and Suzanne Mulvehill who allowed the City to race 'pell-mell into the social services business by allowing The Resource Center'...
Lake Worth made a poor choice by allowing itself to be overwhelmed by a social conscience shared by three commissioners."

This is just plan FALSE.

To be accurate, former Jeff Clemens, Commissioners Jennings and Golden voted to allow and enter into a Lease with The Mentoring Center. Retha Lowe and David Vespo agreed with the concept but did not want it at the Shuffleboard Court.

NOW HEAR THIS!

Suzanne Mulvehill WAS NOT A COMMISSIONER at the time of that vote that took place on September 2, 2008.

Can we get any responsible journalism and accuracy in Lake Worth?

The very Political Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce

The very political Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce, that still insists it is NOT political, (against its Charter I have been told) is sponsoring a Lake Worth Candidates' Political Forum at the Atlantis Country Club on October 20 from 7:30am until 9am.

The cost is $15 on-line or $20 at the door.

Please call the Chamber and make a reservation through one of their non-political employees by dialing 585-4401. You might get non-political Nadine Burns to pick up the phone or perhaps even Beth Johnston herself. Ask her about the shenanigans regarding the billboard sign at the Cultural Plaza.

Manatee and baby released back into River

To get off politics for a minute, here is a heartwarming story-- CLICK HERE

Lake Worth's Reverse Osmosis System

The Post article today failed to mention that ending the contract with PB County saved the taxpayers of Lake Worth $3.5 million dollars. This savings included the $1.3 million penalty to end the Contract with PB County that was signed by former Mayor Jeff Clemens, now running for State Rep District 89.

This is a Commission that has corrected many bad and costly decisions of the past and a Commission that is watching out for you--just another decision, one of hundreds, to which Mayor Varela and Commissioner Mulvehill agreed.

To see the progress on our Reverse Osmosis System, go to Lake Worth Reverse Osmosis

Energy Conservation Program in Lake Worth

A total of 33 Lake Worth citizens were recipients of the Energy Conservation Assistance Program. A few are shown here with Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill.

The Energy Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) was designed to assist low income and age eligible customers in making energy efficient upgrades to their homes. The City of Lake Worth’s Conservation Management Division developed the grant program earlier this fiscal year, and all recipients must first undergo an energy audit so that the homeowner will be able to ascertain which upgrades will have the highest impact on reducing utility bills and improving long-term energy efficiency.

Sandhill Crane - Another reason for Amendment 4

Comment Up

This is the first time I have seen a Sandhill Crane and it was spotted in the western part of Palm Beach County while campaigning yesterday for Amendment 4.

There are only about 5,000 Florida Sandhill Cranes. They are threatened the most by habitat destruction and encroaching development. The Sandhill is protected here in Florida and if killed, carries a very high monetary penalty.

Another reason why we need Amendment 4.

Allen West's latest TV ad

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Power is Seductive

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Candidate for District 2, Carla Blockson, has a new campaign manager--Robert Feliciano of Wellington.

What happened to Diana Demarest of Page Partners? Diana, if you recall, was behind the Rene Varela campaign just one year ago that catapulted him into office. She conducted a positive campaign throughout consisting of the best mailers and web site of any candidate running. It was only other forces such as the Mary Lindsey flier and the false Fire Department robo call that were negatives done through other parties. Varela swears he knew nothing.

Blockson and Maxwell have joined forces and are running a negative attack campaign through BAC PAC whose Chair is Shanon Materio. Negative is what candidates resort to when they are not up on facts and substance. They are going for blood through lies and misinformation through BAC. Power is so seductive.

Filibustering, Platitudes and Political Hanky Panky

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Last night’s commission meeting was interesting only in respect to the politics.

The Mentoring Center located at our Shuffleboard Court will FINALLY close. Although giving the reason as economics and that we need the space for our own employees, the bottom line is, the City of Lake Worth has been complicit in an illegal activity—allowing illegal aliens to be hired for work from a city owned public building.

Four Commissioners approved of ending this $1 a year lease with The Mentoring Center. Commissioner Jennings filibustered the motion and voted Nay. Aside from all the freebies from Lake Worth taxpayers to support this illegal operation, last June, The City gave them $40,000 from a Grant.

The next interesting thing was Public Commentary. One had to do with the Mayor and his robo call in support of two candidates. Citizen Barbara Jean Weber asked him why he was supporting a candidate running against Commissioner Mulvehill when he voted with Mulvehill on most every issue over the past year. She waited for his answer, and waited, and waited. The bell rang.She took her seat.

Prior to this, Mayor Varela stated that he did not want the dais to be used for political purposes or words to that effect. Actually, during public speaking, we can say what we want, Mayor--First Amendment right and all. He answered Barbara Jean a little later by saying he did not bring his politics to the dais…it was his First Amendment right to support whom he chooses and he “will take the high road.” Well, that is a curious statement because in the Robo call he introduced himself as MAYOR Rene Varela. Mayor, you took the LOW road here.

Scott Maxwell also said to "leave politics at the door, that it was petty and childish." Sorry, Scott. There is nothing childish about politics. It is corrupt and disgusting at times but certainly not petty or childish, unless of course, you are involved in border-line unethical robo calls.

It seems that the contentious BAC PAC crashed a city meeting of owners, etc. at the Park of Commerce in order to address the attendees. It was reported that City officials left the meeting prior to them speaking. So, that makes it ethical? It has to make you wonder who told the PAC to show up. We know it was not Jennings, Golden or Mulvehill.

Jim Stafford talked about Party on the Plaza and the beer garden they have there…it competes with downtown businesses…who gave them a license; who holds the license, etc? I have been saying for quite some time that this event is not the same since the Chamber relinquished the responsibility. I hate the beer garden and want the art and vendors back.

Cara Jennings asked about the billboard at the Cultural Center and its support for two candidates. The Billboard used to be controlled by The City of Lake Worth. Under a former administration, I have been told, the City turned it over to the Chamber of Commerce and they have sole control of its content.

I do not want any city tax dollars going to the Chamber of Commerce…any grant money from the City…nada. As long as this is a political entity that is supporting candidates and issues, city tax dollars should never be used. In fact, rescind the agreement on the billboard with the Chamber.

At the end of the night, Commissioner Scott Maxwell went on and on about the casino, trying every which way to delay going forward. Commissioner, leave your politics at the door before you are seated at the dais.

Playing Politics from the Dais

Mulvehill & McVoy billboards

Amendment 4 - Latest TV ad -"Monsters"

Mayor Rene Varela

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The Mayor just sent out a robo call "paid for" by the BAC PAC, stating that it was from the Mayor in support of his favorite candidates running in this election.

ARE YOU STUPID, MAYOR? Everytime I give you the benefit of the doubt, you do something to change my mind--AGAIN.

Do I have to remind you that you represent all residents in this City, not just a favored few? You are the ambassador to this City. You need to step down.

Lake Worth BAC Political Action Committee is running in the red

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The BAC Political Action Committee.

Although chickens never happened and The Mentoring Center will be closing, the BAC PAC is nothing more than a political attack dog to raise havoc and raise money to help their friends regain control of our City. The Commissioner they objected to the most is not running for re-election. They had to come up with new things to gripe about. They have axes to grind. Yesterday, I received my first attack mailer against McVoy & Mulvehill that was full of misinformation and fabrications.

1. 80% water rate increase? FALSE
2. 9.5% Sewer rate increase. TRUE
3. Proposing?? a new 15% electric rate increase. MEANINGLESS
4. Says Mulvehill eliminated our Code Enforcement. FALSE
5. Plunging property values of 60%. (They FORGOT to tell you over how many years)
6. Mulvehill voted for massive rate hikes. (They fail to tell you that rate hikes are in place over a defined few years to pay for our Reverse Osmosis System)
7. They say Christopher McVoy wants to put our City in the Red. FALSE & FANTASY
4. AND THE BIGGEST LIE OF ALL--$6 million deficit for Lake Worth

State law mandates a balanced Budget and we can NOT operate in the RED.

This is a group, led by disgruntled members and former City Board members who were not re-appointed that have a vendetta-- they are sending a negative message that is full of holes while this City Commission has been focusing on the positive. The mailer they sent is outrageous, incorrect, misstated, full of lies, nitpicking and cherry picking.

Following is a partial list of achievements that the current Commission has done to help our business community:

1. Did not increase the millage rate for 2011 and made drastic cuts in the budget.

2. Exited the FMPA contract to create future competitive electric rates. The electric rates are of great concern for everyone in the City. The City Commission recognized that commercial rates are too high and that is the fundamental reason why they exited the FMPA contract--to eventually obtain competitive rates.

3. Created Energy Conservation Programs. Phase 1 of this program was to start audits and energy improvements for residential properties. Phase 2 which will begin this fiscal year will include energy audits and energy efficiency programs for commercial properties to help them reduce their electric bill.

4. Changed the Certificate of Use program based on concerns from the business community. These changes will eliminate the annual inspection fee paid by those business owners who own rental property. Now, the re-inspection and associated fees are only incurred if a new tenant moves into the property and it is charged to the tenant, not the owner of the property.

5. Created multiple local vendor preference policies, including a 20% bid preference for local vendors who do work under the ECAP grant (The candidates, Carla Blockson and Lisa Maxwell, who are supported by the BAC PAC, want to end this $3,000 per homeowner grant program)

6. Significantly reduced employee Union benefit programs for long-term budget savings. The City is making difficult decisions to address the serious financial times in the upcoming years. All of these decisions will help to keep taxes from escalating for residents and businesses.

7. Voted against downtown parking pay stations in city owned lots after hearing concerns from downtown businesses and residents that it would hurt their employees and businesses and residents' ability to shop.

8. The Commission supports the Chamber of Commerce, building a stronger relationship with them through joint interest in grant writing, policy input and special events.

9. Provides staff assistance for increased number of special events downtown in order to encourage commerce.

10. Investing significant capital funds into the Park of Commerce. The City has completed the infrastructure assessment, moving forward with requests for federal, state and county funds to implement infra-structure needs.

11. Implemented fast-track permitting.

12. Improved customer service in the building department through new management and training of staff.

13. Assisted in rapid change to zoning code to allow for the new Publix building to move forward thus bring more people into our downtown.

14. Re-structured the Code Enforcement Department and we will now have seven code officers instead of eight.

15. Cut the fee in half that it charged to shopkeepers for parking spaces.

So? Bottom line, the political group BAC just wants to complain and to grab the power and take the City back to a time when they controlled it all--when all the rotten decisions were made--for them and their friends--decisions that cost us tons of money (MILLIONS OF DOLLARS LOST) and a hole that we are slowly climbing from. It refuses to acknowledge that the city commission is actually achieving great things for our City and cleaning up the messes of the past made by their "friends."


The only people running in the red are those in the BAC Political Action Committee. They all should be embarrassed to send out a mailer such as this. John Pickett, a member of the Lake Worth Finance Advisory Board, gave $500 to the PAC and he should know better.