Monday, March 5, 2012
City Advisory Boards - Planning & Zoning
Comment Up
Commissioner Andy Amoroso is calling for a special meeting this Thursday, March 8, in order to "discuss" the duties of the Community Relations Board. Also to be discussed, will be the qualifications of members of the Planning & Zoning and Historic Preservations Boards. I have already talked about the CRB enough so this is just a few comments on the planning & zoning board and the CRA which is not up for discussion on Thursday.
If you recall, during his campaign Amoroso said that there were unqualified people on the Planning & Zoning and Historical Preservation Boards. He did not clarify this remark but we assume he meant that there were non-professionals in the planning, development or architectural field who were on these Boards. What he also might have meant was that this Board was asking and demanding certain standards and some developers had problems with them. Some of his supporters complained about the P&Z's direction that was looking out for Lake Worth per our code, etc. They were not happy that we now have a Board watching the store for ALL of the people, not the few wanting to come here with the only goal of making money. He did not approve of this...not sure why as he was on the Community Redevelopment Board and his qualifications were never revealed to us for someone to oversee millions of taxpayer money other than he owns a shop in the CRA district.
The CRA, a launching path to Amoroso becoming commissioner, is a Board that should have much more oversight. However, as an independent authority with control of funds in their areas of operation, right now it has a $23 million NSP2 Grant that is burning a hole in their pocket. In fact, there is a ground-breaking ceremony this Friday for another townhouse project on Lucerne, a project that came before them allowing them to spend millions of that Grant and more "affordable" housing.
Recently, even William Waters has wondered about some of the decisions of past Planning & Zoning boards regarding some of the decisions made. Even Wes Blackman, admitted in the joint meeting that some mistakes were made in approving some of the townhouse projects. Right now we have a planning & zoning board that is extremely conscientious in everything that they do. When you start packing these boards with professionals with developer interests, you are only going to have one point of view moving forward.
Advisory boards are established by special ordinance with their tasks reflecting community concerns. These bodies gather information on issues, hear arguments, weigh values, and recommend action to the commission. Such boards may be permanent or may be assigned only one specific task such as the sub-committee recently voted on at the Community Relations Board to investigate Panagioti Tsolokos who was recently removed for what it considered unseemly behavior--he was arrested for driving without a license and for being a self-proclaimed anarchist although no where in the Ordinance does it mention anything of this nature as a reason for dismissal or being removed as Chair.
Commissioner Andy Amoroso is calling for a special meeting this Thursday, March 8, in order to "discuss" the duties of the Community Relations Board. Also to be discussed, will be the qualifications of members of the Planning & Zoning and Historic Preservations Boards. I have already talked about the CRB enough so this is just a few comments on the planning & zoning board and the CRA which is not up for discussion on Thursday.
If you recall, during his campaign Amoroso said that there were unqualified people on the Planning & Zoning and Historical Preservation Boards. He did not clarify this remark but we assume he meant that there were non-professionals in the planning, development or architectural field who were on these Boards. What he also might have meant was that this Board was asking and demanding certain standards and some developers had problems with them. Some of his supporters complained about the P&Z's direction that was looking out for Lake Worth per our code, etc. They were not happy that we now have a Board watching the store for ALL of the people, not the few wanting to come here with the only goal of making money. He did not approve of this...not sure why as he was on the Community Redevelopment Board and his qualifications were never revealed to us for someone to oversee millions of taxpayer money other than he owns a shop in the CRA district.
The CRA, a launching path to Amoroso becoming commissioner, is a Board that should have much more oversight. However, as an independent authority with control of funds in their areas of operation, right now it has a $23 million NSP2 Grant that is burning a hole in their pocket. In fact, there is a ground-breaking ceremony this Friday for another townhouse project on Lucerne, a project that came before them allowing them to spend millions of that Grant and more "affordable" housing.
Recently, even William Waters has wondered about some of the decisions of past Planning & Zoning boards regarding some of the decisions made. Even Wes Blackman, admitted in the joint meeting that some mistakes were made in approving some of the townhouse projects. Right now we have a planning & zoning board that is extremely conscientious in everything that they do. When you start packing these boards with professionals with developer interests, you are only going to have one point of view moving forward.
Advisory boards are established by special ordinance with their tasks reflecting community concerns. These bodies gather information on issues, hear arguments, weigh values, and recommend action to the commission. Such boards may be permanent or may be assigned only one specific task such as the sub-committee recently voted on at the Community Relations Board to investigate Panagioti Tsolokos who was recently removed for what it considered unseemly behavior--he was arrested for driving without a license and for being a self-proclaimed anarchist although no where in the Ordinance does it mention anything of this nature as a reason for dismissal or being removed as Chair.
Here in Lake Worth our Planning & Zoning Boards have the assistance of professional and clerical staff. William Waters, Sustainability Manager and a planner, is at every P&Z meeting as is legal and clerical assistance. The meeting is recorded live. It is one of the most important boards in this city. Anyone who is appointed must become familiar with our City Codes and the Comprehensive Plan and this present Board has done that.
The only qualifications by Ordinance for the P&Z are:
Members of the Planning & Zoning board shall be appointed from the residents and electors of the City who shall be knowledgeable concerning the functions of municipal government and interested in the furtherance and promotion of planning and zoning matters, preservation, stewardship, and sustainability, and municipal development, in keeping with the health, safety and welfare of the citizens and integrating social and environmental equity in future planning efforts. Board members shall hold no other city office or position.
If there is any Board that should be discussed, it is the CRA. Sunset the Community Relations Board and a few other boards that are unnecessary.Kicking the Can down the Road
Comment UpIn the worst possible form of kicking the can down the road, at the worst possible time as well, given the lofty overvalued condition of the stock market, To Pay New York Pension Fund, Cities Borrow From It First
Well, we haven't gotten to that point yet in Lake Worth but what we have done is move a lot of cash around to cover bills: our beach fund of $3.5 million is long gone; our billboard money that was voted to be in a dedicated fund has been used and moved around; money to back the casino project that they say will be paid back, you name it, it was probably money that has been shifted or spent. We burned over $12 million in cash reserves during the administrations of Boyer and Baldwin who worked under one of the worst city commissions ever. Where in hell is our money?
And there are three on the dais who believe that someone with absolutely NO city manager experience can get it done, can get us on track, can turn it around. Well Kroll did "misspeak" when giving a reason to get the solid waste charge increased on our advalorem. That was just one issue.
The only "personality" we want in this job is someone who is well qualified, who knows what in heck the score is...someone whose only focus is doing what's best for our city...not someone intimidated by any one commissioner...one who gives the commission the best direction/alternatives so that they can arrive at the correct vote. Not only do we deserve the best, we must have it for survival.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Congressional and Senate Ratings 2011
Even Allen West was not given a perfect score for being the most conservative member in Congress. The American Conservative Union rated him an 88%. This proves his willingness to compromise to get things done and eliminate gridlock.
They were rated on 25 issues. These encompassed everything from incandescent light bulbs to terrorist trials.
They were rated on 25 issues. These encompassed everything from incandescent light bulbs to terrorist trials.
Perfect Game scored by Lake Worth Senior
Lake Worth Senior has perfect game. Read about it here. He's tackled two sports now with perfect shots. What about shuffleboard next?
John Davidson Show - Seventy and Sexy in Atlantis, Florida
Comment Up
Click forward button if loop hangs
John Hamilton Davidson:
An entertainer with heart and soul
An entertainer with heart and soul
Another terrific show by John Davidson, Mr. Personality Plus, not to mention his great voice. It was a fun night at the Atlantis Country Club. If you want to catch the show, John will be appearing at Atlantis every weekend through March. John had his 70th birthday on December 13--trust me when I say old age is an old fashioned notion. Being 70 is today's 50! Don't miss his show with versatility galore plus his original song, Seventy Sucks!
John Davidson Back at Atlantis- Review October 2011
July 2011 Review
June 2011 Review--Sexy Still
The Bully
Comment Up
Mark Farrington
City of Lake Worth
Human Resource Director
At the February 7th meeting, Mark Farrington held his ground with Vice Mayor Maxwell. I was really impressed and thought that "wow, here is a guy who won't put up with any BS." But between that meeting and Thursday night, things seemed to turn around. He became totally a "company man."
Mark Farrington suggested an entirely different process than what was decided at the February 7 meeting...instead of 3 top candidates he suggested 5. Perhaps Farrington came up with this all on his own. Perhaps he was told in no uncertain terms, get Kroll on that short list. We will never know if the commissioners have given any direction to staff, which is against the Charter, as employees want to keep their jobs.
Many of staff will accept untenable conditions and go to extraordinary lengths to keep their jobs even kissing the boss' ring. Being fired is costly as you have witnessed in the city manager fiasco. She was fired because of a personality mis-match and a commission that had no faith in their ability to control that employee--no faith in their own leadership. An employee who stands up to his beliefs, is honorable but occasionally it is difficult to do when you are working under a bully.
John Dootlittle said, "Bullying wasn't okay in elementary school and it isn't okay now, especially when it comes in the form of a U.S. Supreme Court decision." And this thought trickles right down to our own dais at City Hall. Actually what is occurring from the Visionaries on the dais is exactly what they accused Susan Stanton of doing--bullying.
Did you ever know or encounter a bully when you were a kid? Sometimes that behavior can be identified as early as kindergarten. Some bullies don't grow out of it and continue on into adulthood. Some just haven't learned to control their anger and fighting instincts. Some become elected officials or your boss. Some just accuse the other guy of exactly what they are doing themselves...all because they want their way and they make no bones about it. They have an uncanny way of "seeing" it in someone else but they never, never look in the mirror.
We have that on our dais. No one should have to put up with it. Our former city manager put up with it from Scott Maxwell over and over again. The Human Resource Director does not stand alone when it comes to being a victim of bullying. There is the Utility Director and the Assistant City Manager who has had to stand up for herself with the Vice Mayor for a year now on the beach redevelopment and casino leases. I can just imagine what an unpleasant experience it is to be constantly subjected to harsh, severe, sarcastic and sometimes even hostile questions and/or rhetoric from the King Inquisitor who now has powers he never dreamed thanks to two who just go along.
Mark FarringtonCity of Lake Worth
Human Resource Director
At the February 7th meeting, Mark Farrington held his ground with Vice Mayor Maxwell. I was really impressed and thought that "wow, here is a guy who won't put up with any BS." But between that meeting and Thursday night, things seemed to turn around. He became totally a "company man."
Mark Farrington suggested an entirely different process than what was decided at the February 7 meeting...instead of 3 top candidates he suggested 5. Perhaps Farrington came up with this all on his own. Perhaps he was told in no uncertain terms, get Kroll on that short list. We will never know if the commissioners have given any direction to staff, which is against the Charter, as employees want to keep their jobs.
Many of staff will accept untenable conditions and go to extraordinary lengths to keep their jobs even kissing the boss' ring. Being fired is costly as you have witnessed in the city manager fiasco. She was fired because of a personality mis-match and a commission that had no faith in their ability to control that employee--no faith in their own leadership. An employee who stands up to his beliefs, is honorable but occasionally it is difficult to do when you are working under a bully.
John Dootlittle said, "Bullying wasn't okay in elementary school and it isn't okay now, especially when it comes in the form of a U.S. Supreme Court decision." And this thought trickles right down to our own dais at City Hall. Actually what is occurring from the Visionaries on the dais is exactly what they accused Susan Stanton of doing--bullying.
Did you ever know or encounter a bully when you were a kid? Sometimes that behavior can be identified as early as kindergarten. Some bullies don't grow out of it and continue on into adulthood. Some just haven't learned to control their anger and fighting instincts. Some become elected officials or your boss. Some just accuse the other guy of exactly what they are doing themselves...all because they want their way and they make no bones about it. They have an uncanny way of "seeing" it in someone else but they never, never look in the mirror.
- greater than average aggressive behavior patterns
- the desire to dominate peers
- the need to feel in control, to win
- no sense of remorse for hurting another
- a refusal to accept responsibility for his/her behavior
We have that on our dais. No one should have to put up with it. Our former city manager put up with it from Scott Maxwell over and over again. The Human Resource Director does not stand alone when it comes to being a victim of bullying. There is the Utility Director and the Assistant City Manager who has had to stand up for herself with the Vice Mayor for a year now on the beach redevelopment and casino leases. I can just imagine what an unpleasant experience it is to be constantly subjected to harsh, severe, sarcastic and sometimes even hostile questions and/or rhetoric from the King Inquisitor who now has powers he never dreamed thanks to two who just go along.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Get out of Afghanistan before another life is lost
Letter to the EditorPalm Beach Post
By: Hank Goodman, Boynton Beach
Get out of Afghanistan before another life is lost
I'm furious! Another four Americans killed over a book. We now total over 1,900 deaths, plus who knows how many injured servicemen and women. They are not heroes, just sacrificial lambs.
Why are we there? To ferret out Al-Qaeda? Drone baby, drone. Get the troops out now. Every American life is precious, not to be wasted on a country that is still mired in the 10th century and controlled by Islamic fanatics.
The White House says we will stay the course to give the Afghans a better life. The military says we are making progress. Hogwash.
They offer the world nothing but poppy seeds. It is bad enough that we are involved with so many Arab countries that hate us but happily take our money. Apologies are not an option. War is hell, not a board game.
There has been no accounting for the over 75 billion we have given to Afghanistan and no results. It is still and always will be, a barbaric nation full of religious fanatics. It is time to give them their final kiss goodbye. No more American lives lost. No more of our precious Treasury wasted on a corrupt and backward Muslim nation. No more apologies from the Whitehouse.
Lantana Bridge soon to be Demolished and Replaced
Comment Up
The 1950 Lantana Bridge will be replaced with a taller, wider span. The first bridge on the site was built in 1911.
Demolition to begin March 19 on 62-year-old span
More "team work" by the Mayor and Vice Mayor - in the Sunshine, of course
Comment Up
A couple of these candidates for Lake Worth's city manager must have the most gigantic egos or they just don't realize that Lake Worth is one of the most complex cities in the State of Florida... the second guess is, they don't care. Perhaps it was just encouragement from some sitting commissioner that prompted a few candidates to send in an application to be Lake Worth's next CEO.
On the night of December 6, Ronald Clare, former Interim Human Resource Director of Lake Worth, employed for about 5 months, was out in the parking lot waiting for the Stanton ax to fall. Clare had been replaced by Mark Farrington who became our permanent Human Resource Director.
Many people in the chamber were well aware in advance as to what was going to happen to our city manager, Susan Stanton. It was not coincidental that the chamber was packed and that there was even someone with a camera at the back of the room.
I don't know what Clare's gripe was with Stanton, but we can well imagine as he included instructions to Mark Farrington in his application packet about certain Union violations of the City. He is a psychologist but this probably was bad psychology if you are seeking a job. Rumor had it that he gave Stanton a continued hard time never using that psychology degree when it came to communicating with her or understanding that she was the boss.
Clare has no city manager experience. He has never run a Utility. I am rather sure he has never run a budget of $172 million buckeroos or even $30 million for that matter. When he submitted his application and resume, he was working as a motivational speaker. He does have oodles of experience as a Human Resource Director and knows our State laws when it comes to personnel and Union bargaining.
Although he is not in the top 5 candidates, I point this out because both Scott Maxwell and Pam Triolo gave him a vote of confidence to be our city manager. Now why is that? Do you think that they both coincidentally saw his lack of city manager experience and said "That's what we need in Lake Worth--someone with absolutely NO experience to run our city"... or was it just that great minds think alike syndrome? Perhaps it was the simple fact that Clare talked nasty to Maxwell about Stanton and that was a turn on for him? Did both the Mayor and Vice Mayor get mesmerized by Clare's psychological hex?
A couple of these candidates for Lake Worth's city manager must have the most gigantic egos or they just don't realize that Lake Worth is one of the most complex cities in the State of Florida... the second guess is, they don't care. Perhaps it was just encouragement from some sitting commissioner that prompted a few candidates to send in an application to be Lake Worth's next CEO.
On the night of December 6, Ronald Clare, former Interim Human Resource Director of Lake Worth, employed for about 5 months, was out in the parking lot waiting for the Stanton ax to fall. Clare had been replaced by Mark Farrington who became our permanent Human Resource Director.
Many people in the chamber were well aware in advance as to what was going to happen to our city manager, Susan Stanton. It was not coincidental that the chamber was packed and that there was even someone with a camera at the back of the room.
I don't know what Clare's gripe was with Stanton, but we can well imagine as he included instructions to Mark Farrington in his application packet about certain Union violations of the City. He is a psychologist but this probably was bad psychology if you are seeking a job. Rumor had it that he gave Stanton a continued hard time never using that psychology degree when it came to communicating with her or understanding that she was the boss.
Clare has no city manager experience. He has never run a Utility. I am rather sure he has never run a budget of $172 million buckeroos or even $30 million for that matter. When he submitted his application and resume, he was working as a motivational speaker. He does have oodles of experience as a Human Resource Director and knows our State laws when it comes to personnel and Union bargaining.
Although he is not in the top 5 candidates, I point this out because both Scott Maxwell and Pam Triolo gave him a vote of confidence to be our city manager. Now why is that? Do you think that they both coincidentally saw his lack of city manager experience and said "That's what we need in Lake Worth--someone with absolutely NO experience to run our city"... or was it just that great minds think alike syndrome? Perhaps it was the simple fact that Clare talked nasty to Maxwell about Stanton and that was a turn on for him? Did both the Mayor and Vice Mayor get mesmerized by Clare's psychological hex?
House Bill 391- Jeff Clemens
Comment Up
HB 391 has just passed in the Energy and Utility Sub-Committee. Jeff Clemens is the co-sponsor of the Bill.
Essentially the Bill requires retail service stations that charge different prices ( cash sales & credit sales) of motor fuel to display the highest price on their signage that draws the consumer to their gas station. If it passes in the State Affairs committee, it will go on to the entire House within two weeks and be law by July 1.
Jeff Clemens (D - Palm Beach) says, "Many stations are not making it clear what the actual price is going to be," a practice he believes is deceptive to consumers just to get them in the door. "That's why I have introduced a bill that requires stations to post the higher price instead."
HB 391 has just passed in the Energy and Utility Sub-Committee. Jeff Clemens is the co-sponsor of the Bill.
Essentially the Bill requires retail service stations that charge different prices ( cash sales & credit sales) of motor fuel to display the highest price on their signage that draws the consumer to their gas station. If it passes in the State Affairs committee, it will go on to the entire House within two weeks and be law by July 1.
Jeff Clemens (D - Palm Beach) says, "Many stations are not making it clear what the actual price is going to be," a practice he believes is deceptive to consumers just to get them in the door. "That's why I have introduced a bill that requires stations to post the higher price instead."
Friday, March 2, 2012
Susan Stanton lands Temporary Job
Comment Up
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale has hired fired Lake Worth City Manager Susan Stanton as an accountant in its Housing and Community Development Division.
Stanton, formerly Steve Stanton, was previously city manager in Largo, but was fired in 2007 after announcing plans to change genders. Stanton was then hired in 2009 in Lake Worth, where she served for 2 1/2 years before being fired on a 3-2 vote in December.
Her position with Fort Lauderdale is considered “temporary full-time,” city spokesman Chaz Adams said. Her annual salary works out to $58,739.
“She’s going to provide some management assistance to the Housing and Community Development Division,” Adams said. Her first day on the job was Thursday.
Sun Sentinel
Fort Lauderdale has hired fired Lake Worth City Manager Susan Stanton as an accountant in its Housing and Community Development Division.
Stanton, formerly Steve Stanton, was previously city manager in Largo, but was fired in 2007 after announcing plans to change genders. Stanton was then hired in 2009 in Lake Worth, where she served for 2 1/2 years before being fired on a 3-2 vote in December.
Her position with Fort Lauderdale is considered “temporary full-time,” city spokesman Chaz Adams said. Her annual salary works out to $58,739.
“She’s going to provide some management assistance to the Housing and Community Development Division,” Adams said. Her first day on the job was Thursday.
The Ridiculous Manipulation
Comment Up
At 46 minutes and 44 seconds into the meeting, the second motion was made to accept the top 5 candidates to be interviewed for the city manager position. The vote was 3/2 with McVoy and Mulvehill dissenting. Mulvehill had made a previous motion to accept the top 3 as candidates with the other 2 as alternates. Even this was somewhat different than the original plan that they voted upon on February 7 which was to accept the top 3 candidates period. This vote failed on a 2/3 at 36:10 into the meeting.
As most of you probably know by now, Michael Bornstein got 5 votes, with James Titcomb and Richard Gestrich getting 4 votes each. These were the top 3. Mark Farrington, Human Resource Director, put a crimp into the original intent of this commission by suggesting that they treat the top 5 all equally as candidates. Why did he do it? He said it was just in case one of the top 3 decided to pull out. When someone has 3 votes and someone has 5 votes, there is nothing equal about it unless, of course, it is Lake Worth's fuzzy math again.
After hearing dissenting opinion from McVoy and Mulvehill on Joseph Kroll, Mayor Triolo said that she would be doing a disservice to the hundreds of citizens and employees who sent her e-mails contacting her on Kroll...politics behind the scenes in action.
She also loudly and unjustifiably stated that "this commission has cost the taxpayers on overages," discounting McVoy's and Mulvehill's statements that Kroll has cost the city money while employed by the city as Public Works Director. Her implication was "so what"... we all have spent unnecessary money and it's not fair to present allegations without proof. The proof is there Mayor and you should be listening to your fellow compatriots, not playing politics. When someone brings this up, you should be putting on your running shoes to quickly determine the truth.
Mayor, you voted to spend $1.7 million more than the Bond money on our beach redevelopment. Why didn't you insist that the contractor reduce the scope of work and build within the $5 million bond? Truth is truth. Kroll did waste money. Kroll did go around his authority among other things. You, on the other hand, did spend money that was unnecessary. You chose to do it. Neither situation, whether it is a potential city manager candidate or you and the rest of the commission wasting millions, is acceptable.
At 46 minutes and 44 seconds into the meeting, the second motion was made to accept the top 5 candidates to be interviewed for the city manager position. The vote was 3/2 with McVoy and Mulvehill dissenting. Mulvehill had made a previous motion to accept the top 3 as candidates with the other 2 as alternates. Even this was somewhat different than the original plan that they voted upon on February 7 which was to accept the top 3 candidates period. This vote failed on a 2/3 at 36:10 into the meeting.
As most of you probably know by now, Michael Bornstein got 5 votes, with James Titcomb and Richard Gestrich getting 4 votes each. These were the top 3. Mark Farrington, Human Resource Director, put a crimp into the original intent of this commission by suggesting that they treat the top 5 all equally as candidates. Why did he do it? He said it was just in case one of the top 3 decided to pull out. When someone has 3 votes and someone has 5 votes, there is nothing equal about it unless, of course, it is Lake Worth's fuzzy math again.
After hearing dissenting opinion from McVoy and Mulvehill on Joseph Kroll, Mayor Triolo said that she would be doing a disservice to the hundreds of citizens and employees who sent her e-mails contacting her on Kroll...politics behind the scenes in action.
She also loudly and unjustifiably stated that "this commission has cost the taxpayers on overages," discounting McVoy's and Mulvehill's statements that Kroll has cost the city money while employed by the city as Public Works Director. Her implication was "so what"... we all have spent unnecessary money and it's not fair to present allegations without proof. The proof is there Mayor and you should be listening to your fellow compatriots, not playing politics. When someone brings this up, you should be putting on your running shoes to quickly determine the truth.
Mayor, you voted to spend $1.7 million more than the Bond money on our beach redevelopment. Why didn't you insist that the contractor reduce the scope of work and build within the $5 million bond? Truth is truth. Kroll did waste money. Kroll did go around his authority among other things. You, on the other hand, did spend money that was unnecessary. You chose to do it. Neither situation, whether it is a potential city manager candidate or you and the rest of the commission wasting millions, is acceptable.
Joe Kroll maneuvered into Top 5 for City Manager Lake Worth
Comment Up
REMINDER: This is what was decided, approved, voted upon, take your pick at the February 7th meeting on the city manager candidates--
Each City Commissioner will submit his or her selections of up to eight (8) applicants to staff (Mark Farrington) by February 23rd. Staff will aggregate the list and provide a master list to the Commission; and during a public meeting, the Commissioners would reduce the list of applicants, by a majority vote one by one, until the list of candidates to interview was reduced to three. The City Commission agreed to meet on March 1st in a Special Meeting to narrow the list of candidates down to three.
Once again the Visionaries' "boy" wasn't in the top three when they took a count last night but by the time the meeting was over, the "directive" had changed once again. Aside from the very serious flaw in Kroll's resume of not ever having been a city manager anywhere, Mr. Kroll hadn't even bothered to complete his employment application. The back-up says he submitted his application on January 9 but in actuality, his employment application is dated February 9, about the only thing that was filled in. In the corporate world, even in spite of an attached resume, if someone had not completed the formal application, his resume would have been moved aside and/or rejected. This may be part of Mr. Kroll's persona.
But why should he even bother? We have three people on the dais who are stacking the deck...a few of whom with no idea of what Mr. Kroll has "accomplished" while Public Works Director. They like him because he has always bit the bullet for them in spite of wasting tons of taxpayer money.
The Mayor, someone who never came to a city commission meeting until she was campaigning, believes that all the e-mails she has received is reason to put him on the Short List. Because she listens to her supporters, she does not know that some on the dais actually saved the city a lot of money and may know what they're talking about here. She lost her cool again last night, a standard, normal behavior that in her mind sounds authoritarian...her need for power and toughness over two commissioners she has been told are inferior, who like chickens.
Now instead of Top 3 it is Top 5. This entire process has been a sick game from day one by three commissioners who finally stated for the record that they haven't met with or colluded with any candidate or any other commissioner regarding this process. Not surprised are ya?
REMINDER: This is what was decided, approved, voted upon, take your pick at the February 7th meeting on the city manager candidates--Each City Commissioner will submit his or her selections of up to eight (8) applicants to staff (Mark Farrington) by February 23rd. Staff will aggregate the list and provide a master list to the Commission; and during a public meeting, the Commissioners would reduce the list of applicants, by a majority vote one by one, until the list of candidates to interview was reduced to three. The City Commission agreed to meet on March 1st in a Special Meeting to narrow the list of candidates down to three.
Once again the Visionaries' "boy" wasn't in the top three when they took a count last night but by the time the meeting was over, the "directive" had changed once again. Aside from the very serious flaw in Kroll's resume of not ever having been a city manager anywhere, Mr. Kroll hadn't even bothered to complete his employment application. The back-up says he submitted his application on January 9 but in actuality, his employment application is dated February 9, about the only thing that was filled in. In the corporate world, even in spite of an attached resume, if someone had not completed the formal application, his resume would have been moved aside and/or rejected. This may be part of Mr. Kroll's persona.
But why should he even bother? We have three people on the dais who are stacking the deck...a few of whom with no idea of what Mr. Kroll has "accomplished" while Public Works Director. They like him because he has always bit the bullet for them in spite of wasting tons of taxpayer money.
The Mayor, someone who never came to a city commission meeting until she was campaigning, believes that all the e-mails she has received is reason to put him on the Short List. Because she listens to her supporters, she does not know that some on the dais actually saved the city a lot of money and may know what they're talking about here. She lost her cool again last night, a standard, normal behavior that in her mind sounds authoritarian...her need for power and toughness over two commissioners she has been told are inferior, who like chickens.
Now instead of Top 3 it is Top 5. This entire process has been a sick game from day one by three commissioners who finally stated for the record that they haven't met with or colluded with any candidate or any other commissioner regarding this process. Not surprised are ya?
The Kingpin Maneuverer
Vice Mayor Scott Maxwell
The man who says he has had no conversation or contact with any candidate
regarding the city manager position
Vice Mayor Scott MaxwellThe man who says he has had no conversation or contact with any candidate
regarding the city manager position
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Watch Out First Amendment
The US House of Representatives voted 388-to-3 in favor of H.R. 347 late Monday, a bill which is being dubbed the Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. In the bill, Congress officially makes it illegal to trespass on the grounds of the White House, which, on the surface, seems not just harmless and necessary, but somewhat shocking that such a rule isn’t already on the books. The wording in the bill, however, extends to allow the government to go after much more than tourists that transverse the wrought iron White House fence.
Watch out all you Occupiers. Under the act, the government is also given the power to bring charges against Americans engaged in political protest anywhere in the country.
From RT
H.R.347
Latest Title: Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Rooney, Thomas J.[FL-16] (introduced 1/19/2011) Cosponsors (1)
Related Bills: S.1794
Latest Major Action: 2/27/2012 Resolving differences -- House actions. Status: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 3 (Roll no. 73).
Latest Action: 2/27/2012 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
House Reports: 112-9
Watch out all you Occupiers. Under the act, the government is also given the power to bring charges against Americans engaged in political protest anywhere in the country.
From RT
H.R.347
Latest Title: Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011
Sponsor: Rep Rooney, Thomas J.[FL-16] (introduced 1/19/2011) Cosponsors (1)
Related Bills: S.1794
Latest Major Action: 2/27/2012 Resolving differences -- House actions. Status: On motion that the House suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendment Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 388 - 3 (Roll no. 73).
Latest Action: 2/27/2012 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
House Reports: 112-9
Snook Island Grand Opening
Lake Worth Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill
Geese flew in for the eventBenefits
More seagrass beds in the Lagoon, providing a food source and nursery habitat for many species.
Improved habitat for birds using the open areas of shoreline and mud flats. Improved habitat for fish. Anglers report catching numerous large snook and other desirable fish species around the islands.
Project Partners
Palm Beach County, City of Lake Worth,Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Inland Navigation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
More seagrass beds in the Lagoon, providing a food source and nursery habitat for many species.
Improved habitat for birds using the open areas of shoreline and mud flats. Improved habitat for fish. Anglers report catching numerous large snook and other desirable fish species around the islands.
Project Partners
Palm Beach County, City of Lake Worth,Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Inland Navigation District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Palm Beach County CommissionerDistrict 3
Shelley Vana
The Fix Is In?
Comment Up
Only in Lake Worth do we elect people that promise to do the best thing for the people but rarely do we find any politician who is not self-serving. We have been lucky over the last few years to elect a few that have been highly ethical with nothing on their agenda but making the best decisions for Lake Worth.
Tonight at 6:30 there is a special meeting to whittle down the Commission's short list to three applicants for the city manager's job. The new "visionaries" all have selected Joe Kroll as one of their top 8 candidates, a man with absolutely NO city manager experience. 66 Resumes were submitted and 3 commissioners all in rapture with each other have selected Kroll.
We all have known from the very beginning of this exhausting enterprise what the intent was--hire Joe Kroll, the guy who was always available to fulfill their wishes at their beckoning call.
If you go by their tallies, the five Top Candidates on the Short List:
Michael Bornstein with 5 votes
Richard Gestrich with 4 votes (Amoroso was the only commissioner who did not have him on his short list)
TIED WITH 3 VOTES EACH:
Joe Kroll with 3 votes (On Triolo, Maxwell and Amoroso's short list)
James Titcomb with 3 votes (Triolo, Maxwell and Amoroso)
Bonnie Therrien with 3 votes
Only in Lake Worth do we elect people that promise to do the best thing for the people but rarely do we find any politician who is not self-serving. We have been lucky over the last few years to elect a few that have been highly ethical with nothing on their agenda but making the best decisions for Lake Worth.
Tonight at 6:30 there is a special meeting to whittle down the Commission's short list to three applicants for the city manager's job. The new "visionaries" all have selected Joe Kroll as one of their top 8 candidates, a man with absolutely NO city manager experience. 66 Resumes were submitted and 3 commissioners all in rapture with each other have selected Kroll.
We all have known from the very beginning of this exhausting enterprise what the intent was--hire Joe Kroll, the guy who was always available to fulfill their wishes at their beckoning call.
If you go by their tallies, the five Top Candidates on the Short List:
Michael Bornstein with 5 votes
Richard Gestrich with 4 votes (Amoroso was the only commissioner who did not have him on his short list)
TIED WITH 3 VOTES EACH:
Joe Kroll with 3 votes (On Triolo, Maxwell and Amoroso's short list)
James Titcomb with 3 votes (Triolo, Maxwell and Amoroso)
Bonnie Therrien with 3 votes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)