After the Sunset 3-3-15

Benjamin Netanyahu

City Clerk gives explanation on Special Election request

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From: Pamela Lopez <PLopez@LakeWorth.org>
Date: March 3, 2015 at 10:49:15 AM EST
To: Andy Amoroso <aamoroso@LakeWorth.org>, Christopher McVoy <CMcVoy@LakeWorth.org>, John Szerdi <jszerdi@LakeWorth.org>, Pam Triolo <ptriolo@LakeWorth.org>, Scott Maxwell <smaxwell@LakeWorth.org>
Cc: 'Eliot Kleinberg' <Eliot_Kleinberg@pbpost.com>
Subject: Purpose for the City Clerk's Letter re special 2015 election

There has been some inquiry into a letter I sent to the Supervisor of Elections regarding a request for a possible August 25, 2015, special election.  Attached is my letter.

I wish to clarify that I was not asked to send this letter of inquiry by anyone and that the elected officials had no prior knowledge of this letter.  My purpose in sending this letter was to explore options available to the City due to the lead time needed to schedule and prepare for any election.  I was performing my due diligence in inquiring about the possibility of a special election and asking the SOE for her consent or to provide an alternate date, as required by FL Statute.  As you can read from my letter, this issue would have been scheduled at a Commission meeting for public discussion and further direction by the elected officials.

I apologize if this letter has caused any confusion.    

Lake Worth requests Special Election

Pam:

I find it unfortunate that we are unable to conduct the City of Lake Worth's Special Election on May 12, 2015 while we are working on the Village of North Palm's Special Election. 

As you are aware, it takes months for our office to prepare for any election. Because this is an off election year, we have many maintenance and other projects already on our calendar.

We have looked at our calendar for Aug. 25, 2015, and our key personnel will not be available during that week; therefore, please provide an alternate date. Thank you.



On Wed, Feb 25, 2015 at 11:41 AM, Pamela Lopez wrote:
The City is requesting consent for an August 25, 2015 Special Election.  To move it 3 months earlier is not realistic for us.   

From: Susan Bucher [mailto:susanbucher@pbcelections.org]
Sent: Wednesday, February 25, 2015 11:15 AM
To: Pamela Lopez; Charmaine Kelly; Jeff Darter; Tony Enos
Subject: Special Election

Pam:

Unfortunately, we have been notified that a Councilman from North Palm Beach has passed away and they will require a Special Election on May 12, 2015.

I am in receipt of your request of February 13, 2015 requesting consent for an August 25, 2015 Special Election.

Since we will be making our books available on May 12th for North Palm Beach, and there is plenty of time for noticing, would the City of Lake Worth consider having their Special Election on May 12, 2015, in order to minimize your costs and share expenses with North Palm?


--
Susan Bucher
Palm Beach County
Supervisor of Elections
(561) 656-6200

Lake Worth Crime

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DISTURBANCE--15044568100 BLOCK N F ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 11:15:00 PM

DRUNK DRIVER--15044541--200 BLOCK N DIXIE HWY--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 9:29:00 PM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE--15044513--500 BLOCK S D ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 7:24:00 PM

BURGLARY - VEHICLE--15044486--700 BLOCK LAKE AVE--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 5:50:00 PM

SHOPLIFTING--15044459--1900 BLOCK LAKE WORTH RD--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 4:21:00 PM

STOLEN VEHICLE--15044375--500 BLOCK N D ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 11:26:00 AM

VANDALISM--15044348--500 BLOCK S B ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 9:57:00 AM

STOLEN TAG--15044325--300 BLOCK N B ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 8:40:00 AM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE--15044319--1100 BLOCK S K ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 7:45:00 AM

DRUNK DRIVER--15044310--500 BLOCK N B ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/1/2015 7:36:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY--15045005--1100 BLOCK S FEDERAL HWY--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/3/2015 5:23:00 AM

ASSAULT--15044926--100 BLOCK AKRON ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 7:38:00 PM

DISTURBANCE--15044843--1400 BLOCK S D ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 4:11:00 PM

THEFT/LARCENY--15044809--300 BLOCK S K ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 3:13:00 PM

VANDALISM--15044752--700 BLOCK LAKE AVE--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 12:22:00 PM

BEVERAGE VIOLATION--15044727--1400 BLOCK S DIXIE HWY--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 11:51:00 AM

BURGLARY - VEHICLE--15044720--000 BLOCK LAKE AVE--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 11:03:00 AM

BEVERAGE VIOLATION--15044696--1400 BLOCK S DIXIE HWY--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 10:53:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY--15044704--200 BLOCK N K ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 10:25:00 AM

STOLEN VEHICLE--15044676--400 BLOCK S F ST--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 9:57:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY--15044659--2200 BLOCK 2ND AVE N--Palm Beach County Sheriff--3/2/2015 8:38:00 AM

Quote of the Day - John Szerdi

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"Someone broke the Code of Silence"

~ Commissioner John Szerdi

Aside from Ryan Maier telling us that the Supervisor of Elections has been approached by the city about putting the general obligation bond back on the ballot in August, Szerdi's comment was the most telling quote of the candidate debate at the Lake Worth Playhouse last night.

He said it in reference to Hudson Holdings wanting our beach on a long term lease and the meeting that Hudson had at the Glasshouse last week in Bryant Park. Szerdi works for Hudson Holdings. 

It is everything that we have been complaining about for 3 years--NO transparency and business conducted out of the Sunshine.  No city manager reports, EVER, from this administration and the commission approves. They must believe that the less the residents know, the better off the city will be  They want to grab your money but they don't want to tell you about it until it's too late to even think about it.  A few continue to complain that our Casino and pool are losing money and they must think that it's A-OK to outsource the most valuable asset we own.

This is not the representatives that we deserve in Lake Worth, not by a long-shot.  It's time to retain McVoy and vote Ryan Maier in who says it's "people not politics."  John Szerdi admitted last night that he didn't know what that meant..

Mcvoy and Maier get Palm Beach Post endorsement

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Read about it...

Lake Worth commission attend Palm Beach County Day in Tallahassee

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Palm Beach County Day, Tallahassee

Well, the City Manager and City Commissioners were scheduled to leave for Tallahassee at 7am this morning in order to rub shoulders with legislators. Their excuse for this excursion is to see if they can get any money for our poor city. What does our lobbyist do? After generations  (Lake Worth is only 101 years old)  of total road neglect, according to the Vice Mayor, we are in desperation for road and infrastructure repair.  He forgets that it was he and this commission that reduced the budget in half for street maintenance. As we found out last night, the least transparent commission in history once again is placing the general obligation bond for infrastructure and roads on the August ballot. And don't forget those poor dirt roads that have never been paved that is "criminal" in the mind of Maxwell.

The only one flying up will be Commissioner McVoy who hasn't spent one dime of his travel budget this past budget cycle going on 5 months now. The rest of the crew, who don't have bosses to report to, will be taking a long seven hour ride.  We are to assume that they will be talking about the weather, the scenery and how much gas per mile they will get in that rented van. Talking about city business is verboten--Sunshine Laws you know.

To date, the initial expenses are as follows:
$750 for registration fees
$758 for Bornstein's room and van rental
$$485.30 for Triolo room
$485.30 Maxwell room
$485.30 for Amoroso room
$974.20 for McVoy flight and room

$3,398.10 with more expense sheets to be turned in.

 

Rick Scott's State of the State today

Today is the day that Governor Rick Scott will deliver his State of the State Address.  The big difference in his State Address and the Mayor of Lake Worth, Pam Triolo's City Address is the obvious--it is about the entire State of Florida and 2) it's not two weeks before an election...he's not using it for any political gain or any subtle push for his preferred politicians.

As his speech is well after the election, his address will be on actual promises fulfilled or on their way of completion.  He won't be taking credit for anything in the works prior to his being governor.  Here are a few things he has done:

• He has reduced unemployment from 11 percent to 6 percent.

• He rejected federal  money for the high speed rail

• He reduced the deficit from $5.2 billion to $3.6 billion.

• He cut taxes 24 times.

• He reduced property and business taxes.

• He reduced over 2000 state regulations in order to attract businesses.

• He has visited many states trying to recruit top companies to locate in Florida,

• He created over 400,000 jobs.

• He has reduced testing in schools and has brought $124 million into a school recognition program

• He increased tourism in 2014 by 3.9% up to 97.3 million visitors

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/01/13/4929371_gov-rick-scotts-list-of-achievements.html?rh=1#storylink=cpy

Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to AIPAC

“Ladies and gentlemen, the purpose of my address to Congress, tomorrow, is to speak up about a potential deal with Iran that could threaten the survival of Israel."

Commissioner McVoy Accomplishments

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Commissioner Christopher McVoy accomplishments

Lake Worth Utilities
• Lowered price of electricity: our residential rate is now within 7% of FPL rates.  Editors note:  It was said by CM Bornstein on October 20, 2014 that LW was within 6.7% of FPL's rate)

• Lake Worth Electric reliability better than FPL; among the best in Florida

• Major improvements made to deliver better customer service

• Secured new energy purchase contract with Orlando Utilities. This has lowered rates since January 2014.

Lake Worth Beach
• Completed the popular new Casino building, including a wooden-floored Community ballroom

• Fought to keep our beach 100% public

• Completed the beautiful, native landscape Beach re-development (funded by the County)

Parks and Recreation
• Snook Islands project completed

• Bryant Park boat ramps completed

Neighborhood Improvements
• Paved 10th Ave South, completed Greenway at 9th Ave South

• Pushing hard to address vacant and abandoned properties

• Pushing hard for traffic calming

RE-ELECT CHRIS MCVOY

 COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 2

Negative Outlook for Chicago but everything is rosy in Lake Worth

Read about Chicago's pending Doom all brought on by the unions and unfunded liabilities to the tune of $20 billion as well as general obligation bonds worth $8.3 billion. Moody's has now cut their credit rating to right above Junk.

Yes, Vice Mayor, other cities do issue general obligation bonds for roads and infrastructure. Many cities have unfunded liabilities, as do we, that are astronomical and unsustainable and take huge chunks from operational budgets. In our city, little money is left-over to fix potholes.

And yes, Mayor,  you all need to work hard for sustainable growth. We realize our potential but we also recognize the horrendous debt on the books. You deny we even have debt because it is not in our operational account...but it's there...unfunded liabilities of over $80 million. You have a Revenue bond still outstanding of over $54 million with a Utility upgrade NEVER COMPLETED.

I doubt seriously that even Chicago ever worried about spending millions on unpaved roads. How come you never talk about our unfunded liabilities and massive debt? Instead, it seems that all of you on the dais (Maxwell, Triolo, Amoroso and Szerdi) want to go the same route as 47 other municipalities across the country--bankruptcy. Bankruptcy happens when you spend more than you have or can ever hope to make. Ask a third grader.  You blame every past commission in  Lake Worth for our state of affairs when you have contributed to the problem by approving more affordable housing than any commission in past history.

Good luck in Tallahassee.  Can we get a full-report upon your return  that will coincide with all these "grown-up decisions" like the $63.5 money grab that you're still itching to get a hold of, the possible out-sourcing of our beach park with a company at the Negotiation Meeting on November 4 who admits they have been working on everything for the past six months and wants to build a 20,000 s.f. convention center--or why unpaved roads are such a priority (calling it "criminal") in our city that you even have to include it in the mix.

You are the only ones singing Gypsy Rose Lee's song--Everything's coming up Roses never mentioning that you can't live within the revenues generated by taxpayers who live in a poor city where few roses are seen.

Obama hell bent on destroying our country

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Whistleblower Reveals How Obama Plans To Transform America Through Immigration (Audio). It won't just be 5  million illegals, which is bad enough, but 13 to 15 million illegals all getting social security and other US benefits.

Read the story here

NAPC candidate debate tonight

My dictionary defines "moderator" as "the nonpartisan presiding officer of a town meeting."

In Choosing a Moderator:

2. Select a moderator
The moderator should be someone who is well-respected and viewed by the public as politically neutral and nonpartisan. Ideally, the moderator should be someone who lives outside of the voting district. The perceived objectivity of your moderator is crucial to candidates, the media and forum-sponsoring organizations. A journalist is a good person to choose as the moderator due to their experience with being objective and nonpartisan. Actually, he should not just be viewed as non-partisan, he must be non-partisan.

It is your job to prepare your moderator well (give them questions in advance if possible, review process and format with them, help them to shape conversations, and do practice runs).

The League of Womens Voters says:
The Moderator
A well-qualified moderator is essential for a successful candidate meeting. Look for a poised and assertive individual who can maintain control over the meeting's progress without stifling audience and candidate participation. The person must be impartial. The role of the moderator is essential; an alternate should be designated in advance to be ready in event of illness.

When you consider the candidate forums that have been held at the Lake Worth Playhouse by the political NAPC organization, it is a circus event; it is a show and usually the best one in town.  You never know what will come out of the mouth of a candidate or out of the mouth of a moderator.  I'll never forget candidate John Jordan or John Rinaldi as moderator.  The audience is packed with partisan politicos-- banging on walls is not unusual.  It's bad enough with the partisan "enthusiasts" who attend for the one night but a PARTISAN moderator?  You can't beat that with a stick.

See you tonight at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 6:30 pm.

Sunset 3-1-15

Shocking terminations in Lake Worth

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Chris Kibben is gone. He was in charge of our Grounds & Cemetery Maintenance Division.
His job is being advertised on the City's web site:
1). GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR JOB CODE (3180)
Salary Range: $16.80/hr - $26.05/hr DOQ

He was given a 5 day suspension back in 2013 for cutting down the Ficus tree at the Cultural Plaza.  Some say that he was the fall guy and higher ups wanted that tree to be felled.  There could be something to all of that. The Ficus/Banyan that was cut down to the ground with only a stump remaining--cutting down the tree was a mistake said City Manager Bornstein but NO one ever really believed it. Some people swear that the city wanted it cut down.

Kibben was the supervisor over landscape design and maintenance, parks, athletic fields, and right-of-way beautification.  He was also tasked with the maintenance of medians and right of ways, both inside and outside of the city limits.  He and his team also provided preparation assistance, clean up, and custodial services for all City sponsored/co-sponsored special events. The last time I ran into him was after a parade early one morning last year.  He was cleaning up the city streets along with his crew. His name is still on the city web site.

Chris Kibben was never written up in the 15 years he was with the city other than the tree and it was said that he was out of town when it was cut down.  He loved his job. He has a wife and family with a home in Lake Worth and he is now seeking employment.

There are a lot of people no longer with us:  According to a source, Barbara Hillier, the Assistant Finance Director was terminated. Sarah Vinci in Finance was terminated.  She was on the Negotiation Committee for the ITN at the Beach and Casino. Debbie Jackson in our Utility Department was terminated but she fought it and got her job back. How many more?

What is going on in Lake Worth?

Lake Worth Crime

Demographic data is sourced from census, 2014.
For some reason, some people, including the mayor, just do not want to believe stats on the crime in Lake Worth. They blog and give State of the City speeches telling us that crime is down and everyone cheers like crazy.  Where have these people been living? Under a rock? It is NOT down. They want to paint everything rosy and diss anyone pointing out the facts. Why can't they tell the truth?

So this one is for the blogger and the mayor who both live in College Park.   The crime there is higher than the city average and out of sight when it comes to the national average. How are the crime walks working out? Are you making the call, ya'll?  I still say that this should have been a campaign issue and not one neighborhood association has asked the question...not one resident, apparently, is concerned.

Crime Index for College Park 2014

Ryan Maier, Candidate District 4

Click to enlarge

Crime Lake Worth

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ASSAULT-- 15043478-- 500 BLOCK S PALMWAY-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 1:21:00 AM

ASSAULT-- 15043457-- 2500 BLOCK 10TH AVE N-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 11:01:00 PM

SHOPLIFTING-- 15043404-- 1000 BLOCK 10TH AVE N-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 8:27:00 PM

BURGLARY - VEHICLE-- 15043392-- 800 BLOCK S PALMWAY-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 6:59:00 PM

ASSAULT-- 15043363-- 600 BLOCK S E ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 6:39:00 PM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE-- 15043331-- 2700 BLOCK 2ND AVE N-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 4:40:00 PM

BURGLARY - VEHICLE-- 15043283-- 300 BLOCK N LAKESIDE DR-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 3:45:00 PM

BEVERAGE VIOLATION-- 15043166-- 200 BLOCK N DIXIE HWY-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 11:48:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY-- 15043144-- 1400 BLOCK S H ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 10:58:00 AM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE-- 15043105-- 600 BLOCK S LAKESIDE DR-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/26/2015 9:30:00 AM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE-- 15043905-- 500 BLOCK S L ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/28/2015 12:22:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY-- 15043828-- 1600 BLOCK S DIXIE HWY-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 8:26:00 PM

THEFT/LARCENY-- 15043792-- 400 BLOCK S B ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 6:55:00 PM

ASSAULT-- 15043785-- LAKE WORTH RD & ERIE ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 5:54:00 PM

BURGLARY - RESIDENCE-- 15043744-- 100 BLOCK N M ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 4:35:00 PM

STOLEN TAG-- 15043553-- 300 BLOCK S K ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/27/2015 9:15:00 AM

VANDALISM-- 15044245--1400 BLOCK BARTON RD--Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/28/2015 11:58:00 PM

ASSAULT--15044189--600 BLOCK N D ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff--2/28/2015 8:34:00 PM

ROBBERY - PERSON--15044074--1800 BLOCK LAKE WORTH RD-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/28/2015 2:21:00 PM

VANDALISM--15044009--1700 BLOCK SOUTH RD--Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/28/2015 11:47:00 AM

THEFT/LARCENY--15043965-- 300 BLOCK N DIXIE HWY-- Palm Beach County Sheriff--2/28/2015 9:24:00 AM

VANDALISM--15043942--1100 BLOCK S H ST-- Palm Beach County Sheriff-- 2/28/2015 7:06:00 AM

Quote of the Day - Rev. Franklin Graham

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“...I think it’s important for Muslims that are watching this program to know that we love them and pray for them, and I want Muslims everywhere to know that God loves them and he sent his Son from Heaven to this Earth, Jesus Christ, for them.”

“...one of the problems that we have in the West is that our governments, especially in Washington, have been infiltrated by Muslims who are advising the White House who I think are part of the problem. And we see this also in Western Europe. They have gotten into the halls of power and they are an influence.”

~ Rev. Franklin Graham


Read more...  Rev. Graham was asked on the Bill O’Reilly's The Factor why he thinks “the world will not unite to stop ISIS, the Islamic State."