Sunday, February 20, 2011
Florida's natural environment threatened by Rick Scott
When Gov. Rick Scott talks about Florida's environment, he isn't talking about our natural environment, our rivers and lakes, our wildlife, our beaches, our ecologically sensitive lands. He's talking about our business environment and he wants to make business a priority over our nature, including our water and air. He wants to help businesses so they might create jobs at whatever costs there may be to our natural environment, our quality of life and our future.
Read more about what Michael Goforth has to say...CLICK HERE
Read more about what Michael Goforth has to say...CLICK HERE
Bicycling in Lake Worth, Florida
Comment Up
June 2010 PB Post photo by Gary Coronado
Former Commissioner Cara Jennings who set the example for bicycling
Depending upon whose demographics you read, Lake Worth is anywhere from 5 square miles to 7, and an ideal city for riding bicycles.
June 2010 PB Post photo by Gary CoronadoFormer Commissioner Cara Jennings who set the example for bicycling
There are a number of ways you can reduce your consumption of energy that is generated from fossil fuels--Mark Parrilla installed solar panels on his roof. We all want to help protect the environment as civilization undergoes the transition from non-renewable to renewable energy. Riding a bicycle instead of driving your car is an answer and one that is inexpensive.
Why we need 287G
Comment Up
Davidson County Tennessee implemented a 287G Program in 2007. Crime has steadily been reduced and in fact, jail cells are emptying. They say that they have so much unused jail space that they are renting it out and have saved over $300,000 a week since 287G.
Florida spends $2.4 billion a year on incarceration. Gov. Rick Scott wants the Legislature to use privately run lockups and transfer about 2,000 inmates from state-run prisons thus saving $135 million in the first year. There are about 5,000 illegal aliens in Florida prisons. Read more at: The Miami Herald.
287G is needed legislation to take back our country. Read the Fact Sheet.
Davidson County Tennessee implemented a 287G Program in 2007. Crime has steadily been reduced and in fact, jail cells are emptying. They say that they have so much unused jail space that they are renting it out and have saved over $300,000 a week since 287G.
Florida spends $2.4 billion a year on incarceration. Gov. Rick Scott wants the Legislature to use privately run lockups and transfer about 2,000 inmates from state-run prisons thus saving $135 million in the first year. There are about 5,000 illegal aliens in Florida prisons. Read more at: The Miami Herald.
287G is needed legislation to take back our country. Read the Fact Sheet.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Snook Islands Recreation Project
Vice Mayor Suzanne Mulvehill has been an advocate for improving the quality of life for current residents, attracting new residents and increasing tourism. One priority besides the Casino/Beach redevelopment to achieve that end is the Snook Island's Recreation Project.
The project features include:
- new fishing pier
- artificial reef area
- kayak launch
- day docks for boats
- board walk through the Snook Islands Natural Area
- water taxi service to other waterfront communities
The Community Redevelopment Agency - A Success or a Failure?
Comment Up
For years now, all we hear about is slum and blight. Everyone cries about it, uses it in campaign attacks accusing this or that commissioner for the problem and has told the entire city commission that it has fallen down on its job. Most of the blight is in the CRA District. It has been the CRA's responsibility to tackle that problem that should have been its number 1 objective. Have you seen improvements over the last 22 years?
What we have seen is wasted funds and monies going to "special" friends. This video depicts, of course, one little drop in a very large bucket.
It is apparent that the CRA Board, comprised of appointed not elected members, has not eliminated slum and blight, its main objective since it was established in 1989. Through the years they have given away money to residents for sprinkler systems, air conditioning units and landscaping. They have given money to business owners to redesign their stores and repair outside facades such as giving Paridiso a $25,000 grant, a restaurant for which the average taxpayer in the CRA can NOT afford to dine. They have forgotten the main mission of its formation, that of eradicating slum and blight. They spend money like candy and continue to do so and reward its Director with a yearly raise and benefits in a City that is in a financial crisis.
Bill Coakley says, "Just a few short years ago, the CRA Director Oliva proposed changes to the long standing CRA bylaws placing them on the consent agenda where unsuspecting board members might not easily grasp the big picture of what she was doing. She was right. The chairman was caught off guard and wasn’t aware of all the other clever changes that would reduce the board to a mere appendage of the director who would then control all the information flowing to and from the board. Only board members Shanon Materio and Wes Blackman voiced support for the director’s efforts which amounted to a clever rouse to gag the CRA board by preventing them from even speaking with the CRA attorney unless director Joan Oliva approved it."
Now with the NSP2 Grant money of $23 million dollars, they are buying properties all over the city to fix up 130 houses. They have bought them well over the appraised values (a total of $893,524 over appraised values) even paying $415,800 for a property at 26 S. "E" Street, $97,579 over appraisal. They have ignored local contractors such as Hector Cabrera who has built beautiful small houses here in Lake Worth and have hired out of town firms such as a property appraiser, a real estate broker, a contractor and a roofer. They have totally culled local businesses.
Following is Commissioner Golden's reasons why the City Commission should be designated the CRA and make the decisions that affect our residents in our CRA district. Fiscal responsibility is paramount in these financial times and an elected body should be the one to determine where tax dollars go. This will be on the March 1 meeting.
Designating the City Commission as the CRA.
For years now, all we hear about is slum and blight. Everyone cries about it, uses it in campaign attacks accusing this or that commissioner for the problem and has told the entire city commission that it has fallen down on its job. Most of the blight is in the CRA District. It has been the CRA's responsibility to tackle that problem that should have been its number 1 objective. Have you seen improvements over the last 22 years?
What we have seen is wasted funds and monies going to "special" friends. This video depicts, of course, one little drop in a very large bucket.
It is apparent that the CRA Board, comprised of appointed not elected members, has not eliminated slum and blight, its main objective since it was established in 1989. Through the years they have given away money to residents for sprinkler systems, air conditioning units and landscaping. They have given money to business owners to redesign their stores and repair outside facades such as giving Paridiso a $25,000 grant, a restaurant for which the average taxpayer in the CRA can NOT afford to dine. They have forgotten the main mission of its formation, that of eradicating slum and blight. They spend money like candy and continue to do so and reward its Director with a yearly raise and benefits in a City that is in a financial crisis.
Bill Coakley says, "Just a few short years ago, the CRA Director Oliva proposed changes to the long standing CRA bylaws placing them on the consent agenda where unsuspecting board members might not easily grasp the big picture of what she was doing. She was right. The chairman was caught off guard and wasn’t aware of all the other clever changes that would reduce the board to a mere appendage of the director who would then control all the information flowing to and from the board. Only board members Shanon Materio and Wes Blackman voiced support for the director’s efforts which amounted to a clever rouse to gag the CRA board by preventing them from even speaking with the CRA attorney unless director Joan Oliva approved it."
Now with the NSP2 Grant money of $23 million dollars, they are buying properties all over the city to fix up 130 houses. They have bought them well over the appraised values (a total of $893,524 over appraised values) even paying $415,800 for a property at 26 S. "E" Street, $97,579 over appraisal. They have ignored local contractors such as Hector Cabrera who has built beautiful small houses here in Lake Worth and have hired out of town firms such as a property appraiser, a real estate broker, a contractor and a roofer. They have totally culled local businesses.
Following is Commissioner Golden's reasons why the City Commission should be designated the CRA and make the decisions that affect our residents in our CRA district. Fiscal responsibility is paramount in these financial times and an elected body should be the one to determine where tax dollars go. This will be on the March 1 meeting.
Designating the City Commission as the CRA.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Anonymous Commenter - No balls
There is one citizen out here in the community who has denied "corruption" has existed in Lake Worth. He is always disrespectful and he always writes, anonymously of course. His favorite charge is, "prove it." He has no balls and hides behind the shield of anonymity so that he can cyber attack. Well, you don't have to prove it when you can see it before your very eyes. My eyes are opened and I suggest that this person open hers/his because he wouldn't know corruption if it hit him squarely in the face of justice.
He/she wrote some of the following--the others were just "too, too" to bother with:
Is voting to increase water rates by 80% in the best interest of all citizens? Is cancelling the contract with PBSO when 99% of residents want to keep them in the best interest of all residents? The writer goes on to ask, "Isn't bending over backwards to make sure your political benefactors get favorable leases corrupt?"..."The other blogger has shot enough holes in your revionist(sic) history stories that you have no creditabilty (sic) and your posts are nothing more than fairy tales."...Funny you would bring up Drautz because any momentum the city had moving forward towards prosperity died when he got elected. And the "best commission ever" is now throwing the dirt but luckily there are enough people in town that care and have common sense that Lake Worth will ge (sic) turned around leaving you and your cronies and "the best commission ever" in the rear view mirror.
And there won't be any corruption or over developement(sic) or evil developers or any other of the boogey (sic) men you like to bring up to scare the uninformed.
Since this commenter loves to personally attack, and he is so informed, I have decided to answer a couple of the outrageous charges as follows:
The water rate issue: The water rate has been increased in order to pay for the Reverse Osmosis System. If we had gone to PB County water, we would have had to raise the rates as well and at the same percentage and for the same amount of time.
Canceling the Contract with PBSO: A Study has been contracted to provide options on our public safety service. The Contract with PBSO is unsustainable going forward as are the Union Contracts. If 99% of the people want the PBSO as the writer says, then they need to fully understand the cost of it and how costs will escalate now that we no longer have control over the rate of increase after 2012. They need to fully understand our financial picture. Do they need a Cadillac or will a Ford do? It will be up to Staff and the Commission to evaluate the final Study and make the correct choice.
Leases to the present beach merchants: This was already stated at a city commission meeting that the present merchants would have right of first refusal at the market rate. So no one is bending over backwards. What the commission is doing is giving the present merchants, some who have been here for over 3 decades, some common courtesy.
Fairy Tales: The only writer telling fairy tales here is the commenter above. My blogs are researched unlike his/her comments based on sheer emotion. Take a chill pill and do your homework.
Mark Drautz: Drautz was an honest and caring guy, more than I can say for a lot of those who preceded him or came after him. He tried to make a difference with a commission that voted against him going so far as to grab the Greater Bay contract out of his hands. He was on the other side of the 3/2 vote so don't go blaming Drautz for any problems in this City during his tenure or the slum and blight.
And as a parting note, I will be looking at ya, while you stand in the dust, out of my rear view mirror.
Message from Allen West
Dear Patriot,
Over this past week I have watched and listened to Members of the House of Representatives from across the aisle.
I am appalled at their arrogance, belligerence, and dishonest rhetoric filled with empty emotional platitudes. Have they no shame in realizing that their inept, incompetent failures are the reason why we are debating this continuing resolution? They failed to pass a budget during the 111th Congress.
Have they no honor in realizing that their fiscal irresponsibility over the past four years has resulted in our standing on the precipice of a fiscal canyon from which we may not recover?
Also troubling are the events in the state of Wisconsin which mirror those that happened in Greece several months ago. We are witnessing the abject hostility of a unionized entitlement class that is being lauded by the liberal left, seemingly to include our President.
It is such a critical time for our Republic, yet there seems no visionary leadership - it is as if America stopped producing adults. I have never seen a greater assembly of petulance and sophomoric behavior as what I have witnessed this week during debate on the floor of the House of Representatives.
To those across the aisle, please explain to the American people how your economic policies have created a better environment for long term sustainable growth. This debate is about jobs and the economy.
It begins with remedying the spending problem on Capitol Hill. It includes tackling the burdensome taxation and regulation policies strangling our country. It is the understanding that Keynesian tax and spend policies did not grow America’s economy, but the indomitable, entrepreneurial spirit of the American People.
Government sets the conditions for job and economic growth, it does not create jobs.
I am pleased that we are having open debate in the people’s house. However, there is clearly something lacking in this discourse - the recognition of the failure of the bureaucratic nanny-state liberal policies.
Rest assured that I will do everything in my ability to stand firm and lead on the principles that make America exceptional.
Sincerely,
Allen West
Member of Congress
Mayor's Responsibilities
(Ord. No. 2007-11, § 2, 2-6-07)
Sec. 3. - Mayor, vice mayor, and vice mayor pro tem.
The mayor shall be elected as provided in this article, and the city commission shall elect from among its members a vice mayor, and a vice mayor pro tem to serve at the pleasure of the city commission. Election of the vice mayor and vice mayor pro tem shall be done annually at the first regular city commission meeting after the general election. The mayor shall preside at meetings of the commission, shall be recognized as head of city government for all ceremonial purposes, by the governor for purposes of military law, for civil emergencies, for service of process, execution of contracts, deeds and other documents, and as the city official designated to represent the city in all agreements with other governmental entities or certifications to other governmental entities, but shall have no administrative duties except as required to carry out the responsibilities herein. The vice
And to the AH who continues to try and comment over here and who has NO idea of what he is saying in his rants, please go back to 1st grade and learn how to 1) read and 2) comprehend. Get a sense of history before you personally attack me. And STFU.
L Street Parking Lot - Skinning the Cat
Comment Up
UPDATE 3-29-11
Mr. Ramiccio reminded me of the following--
From Tom Ramiccio:
For historical sakes, I served from 1995-2001. I was off the commission when the deal took place to Les Evans.
................
There is a history to this parking lot that now has yellow tape around it. It goes back to the days of R&R (Ramiccio and finally Romano). It goes back to the days when deals were cut for friends that brought on law suits and a total lack of trust of city government-- a little more than a handful of years ago. It goes back to the days of Jeff Clemens when he Chaired the CRA. Some of those who supported these candidates are the ones complaining today and continue to denigrate ethical people and commissioners trying to do the right thing, to make the correct decisions for all the residents of Lake Worth, not just a favored few.
Cory O'Gorman, former Director of the CRA, presented the parking lot to Leslie Evans. The City of Lake Worth sold this property in March 2005 to Evans, an attorney, and friend of the R&R's. Why would anyone sell a downtown parking lot? They hurried to get the Contract signed one day before citizens were to vote on a charter amendment (the ink was not even dry) that would require voter approval for the sale of parks, downtown property and waterfront land west of State Road A1A. This was corruption beyond anything experienced before in the city. Six months before in September 2004, the Commission did everything within its creative power and then some to get the initiative off the ballot, violating their own rules some say as well as Sunshine Laws, canceling the 2nd hearing using the excuse of Hurricane Frances.
It sold for $564,000 with Mayor Romano signing the Contract. Evans wanted to develop this piece and construct 9,000 square feet of retail space and nine lofts. He never did. Evans' development intent languished and the city residents started using it for parking.
On December 3, 2010, two women from Palm Beach bought the property from Evans for $375,000 for investment purposes, and formed a corporation, Lucerne Holdings LLC. They roped off the lot and no one is allowed to park there. They're investors and want to make money.
The new owners have now finalized negotiations with City Manager Susan Stanton for the City to lease the parking lot, length of lease uncertain although eventually it will all come out in the Sunshine, as they want to sell it within 5 years. Quoted as saying, "We never should have sold that parking lot," Stanton will install a parking pay station on the lot to recoup the money being paid on the Lease.
As this lot is owned by a private entity, there always seems to be other ways to skin a cat when it comes to getting your way--paid parking downtown. This is opening the door and just the beginning for pay stations on city parking lots. The Finance Advisory Board voted 6/1 against paid parking downtown and so did the City Commission. But the City Manager's Budget called for it.
The Commission has abdicated its responsibility and power to the City Manager, so
From the latest City Manager's Report:
601 LUCERNE PARKING LOT UPDATE.
The parking lot lease has been sent to the owners for execution. Staff is proceeding with making necessary arrangements for improvements to the site such as resealing and re-striping of the lot and installation of the parking meter and a sign.
UPDATE 3-29-11
Mr. Ramiccio reminded me of the following--
From Tom Ramiccio:
For historical sakes, I served from 1995-2001. I was off the commission when the deal took place to Les Evans.
................
There is a history to this parking lot that now has yellow tape around it. It goes back to the days of R&R (Ramiccio and finally Romano). It goes back to the days when deals were cut for friends that brought on law suits and a total lack of trust of city government-- a little more than a handful of years ago. It goes back to the days of Jeff Clemens when he Chaired the CRA. Some of those who supported these candidates are the ones complaining today and continue to denigrate ethical people and commissioners trying to do the right thing, to make the correct decisions for all the residents of Lake Worth, not just a favored few.
Cory O'Gorman, former Director of the CRA, presented the parking lot to Leslie Evans. The City of Lake Worth sold this property in March 2005 to Evans, an attorney, and friend of the R&R's. Why would anyone sell a downtown parking lot? They hurried to get the Contract signed one day before citizens were to vote on a charter amendment (the ink was not even dry) that would require voter approval for the sale of parks, downtown property and waterfront land west of State Road A1A. This was corruption beyond anything experienced before in the city. Six months before in September 2004, the Commission did everything within its creative power and then some to get the initiative off the ballot, violating their own rules some say as well as Sunshine Laws, canceling the 2nd hearing using the excuse of Hurricane Frances.
It sold for $564,000 with Mayor Romano signing the Contract. Evans wanted to develop this piece and construct 9,000 square feet of retail space and nine lofts. He never did. Evans' development intent languished and the city residents started using it for parking.
On December 3, 2010, two women from Palm Beach bought the property from Evans for $375,000 for investment purposes, and formed a corporation, Lucerne Holdings LLC. They roped off the lot and no one is allowed to park there. They're investors and want to make money.
The new owners have now finalized negotiations with City Manager Susan Stanton for the City to lease the parking lot, length of lease uncertain although eventually it will all come out in the Sunshine, as they want to sell it within 5 years. Quoted as saying, "We never should have sold that parking lot," Stanton will install a parking pay station on the lot to recoup the money being paid on the Lease.
As this lot is owned by a private entity, there always seems to be other ways to skin a cat when it comes to getting your way--paid parking downtown. This is opening the door and just the beginning for pay stations on city parking lots. The Finance Advisory Board voted 6/1 against paid parking downtown and so did the City Commission. But the City Manager's Budget called for it.
The Commission has abdicated its responsibility and power to the City Manager, so
From the latest City Manager's Report:
601 LUCERNE PARKING LOT UPDATE.
The parking lot lease has been sent to the owners for execution. Staff is proceeding with making necessary arrangements for improvements to the site such as resealing and re-striping of the lot and installation of the parking meter and a sign.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Ya'll come to Lake Worth, hear?
The Libertarian Party wants our City Commission to decriminalize the use of marijuana and recognize its medical use.They want our City Commission to consider the benefits of an illegal substance, as if the Commission is qualified to make that sort of decision. This is one little quirky city but that's all we need is everyone walking around "stoned."
Read more at The Examiner.
E-Verify in the Legislature now
WE NEED A STAND ALONE BILL---NO CONTROVERSIAL ADD ONS.....
Call House Speaker Dean Cannon 850/488-2742 and 407/623-5740
Call Senate President Mike Haridopolos 850/487-5056 and 321/752-3131
E-VERIFY FACTS
The E-Verify program is an effective tool for employers to use to check the eligibility of new hires to be employed legally.
E-Verify is a partnership effort between SS and DHS. Companies can use the system directly or through a designated e-verify agent if they wish or should they not have a computer system.
In 2005 the employment verification program went national with a tiny number of only 1,533 companies voluntarily participating in the free, fast and highly accurate program. Growth of the program has been dramatic as today there are over 243,000 companies with over 834,000 work sites voluntarily using the system; an increase of 158 fold in just five years.
In 2010 there were over 16,000,000 employment queries submitted. Most responses are within seconds of a query. The current system is powerful enough to handle every company in the U.S.A. needs if they enrolled on the system today.
In 2010, One in four new hires in the nation were processed through the E-Verify employment verification system. 1,400 companies weekly enroll in the voluntary program nationwide.
Employer satisfaction with the E-Verify system is over 90%. Florida currently has 10,000 companies with over 39,000 statewide locations currently enrolled. Mandatory E-Verify in Florida means all new hires will be legal workers. Wages earned in Florida will be spent in Florida and not sent out of the country. Denied employment, illegal aliens will self-deport dramatically reducing the costs currently to educate, medicate and incarcerate them. Without job opportunities, illegal aliens will stop coming to Florida.
Pass SB 518 and the house version, HB 691 this session. Floridians have waited over a decade for the illegal immigration chaos and anarchy to end.
GEORGE FULLER
Call House Speaker Dean Cannon 850/488-2742 and 407/623-5740
Call Senate President Mike Haridopolos 850/487-5056 and 321/752-3131
E-VERIFY FACTS
The E-Verify program is an effective tool for employers to use to check the eligibility of new hires to be employed legally.
E-Verify is a partnership effort between SS and DHS. Companies can use the system directly or through a designated e-verify agent if they wish or should they not have a computer system.
In 2005 the employment verification program went national with a tiny number of only 1,533 companies voluntarily participating in the free, fast and highly accurate program. Growth of the program has been dramatic as today there are over 243,000 companies with over 834,000 work sites voluntarily using the system; an increase of 158 fold in just five years.
In 2010 there were over 16,000,000 employment queries submitted. Most responses are within seconds of a query. The current system is powerful enough to handle every company in the U.S.A. needs if they enrolled on the system today.
In 2010, One in four new hires in the nation were processed through the E-Verify employment verification system. 1,400 companies weekly enroll in the voluntary program nationwide.
Employer satisfaction with the E-Verify system is over 90%. Florida currently has 10,000 companies with over 39,000 statewide locations currently enrolled. Mandatory E-Verify in Florida means all new hires will be legal workers. Wages earned in Florida will be spent in Florida and not sent out of the country. Denied employment, illegal aliens will self-deport dramatically reducing the costs currently to educate, medicate and incarcerate them. Without job opportunities, illegal aliens will stop coming to Florida.
Pass SB 518 and the house version, HB 691 this session. Floridians have waited over a decade for the illegal immigration chaos and anarchy to end.
GEORGE FULLER
Quote of the Day
Comment Up
"A Man Must Stand for Something or He Will Fall For Anything!"
~Allen West
"A Man Must Stand for Something or He Will Fall For Anything!"
~Allen West
More from Rand on Unions
Big Labor's political corruption costs all of us:
*Hundreds of billions of dollars in bailouts and bloated government spending suck the life out of our economy, rewarding failed businesses like GM and letting union-boss featherbedding and rigged contracts rocket the cost of schools, hospitals and roads through the roof.
*Millions more good-paying jobs destroyed or driven overseas as union czars cripple America's bedrock industries with wasteful work rules, hate-the-boss propaganda and violent strikes.
*You and all Americans robbed of your wealth as the economy stays in recession and the price of cars, gasoline and groceries climbs upwards.
*Small businesses strangled with red tape and bureaucracy designed by greedy union flunkies to kill companies too small for so-called union "organizing."
That's why it's crucial you sign the petition today.
Message from Rand Paul on the Unions
Comment Up
Dear Concerned American,
They snickered when I said I came to the U.S. Senate to change Congress.
But their laughter stopped when I sponsored the National Right to Work Act to free U.S. workers from forced unionization and break Big Labor's multi-billion dollar political machine forever.
President Barack Obama and Big Labor allies in the Senate are now feverishly scheming to bury the National Right to Work Act without a vote. So I have a question for you.
Will you be my sledgehammer?
Your signature on the petition to your Congressman and Senators is what is needed to bust through the opposition and force a vote on the National Right to Work Act. SIGN THE PETITION.
This is an opportunity you and I cannot afford to miss.
As you know, the right to decide freely whether or not to join a union was taken away from American workers by Congress almost 75 years ago.
A result of back-room deals between union bosses and their tax-and-spend Congressional puppets, compulsory unionism provisions in federal law currently empower union officials to:
And here's the thing -- the National Right to Work Act is wildly popular with American voters.
In fact, for years polls have shown nearly 80% of Americans think it should be against the law to force workers to pay money to union bosses just to get or keep a job.
All you and I have to do is force an up-or-down roll call vote on the National Right to Work Act ... And the American people will do the rest.
Many Democrats and more than a few Republicans elected with Big Labor's over $1 billion in forced-dues political cash cower in fear of casting a vote against the National Right to Work Act.
What will they do when forced to vote?
It's a win-win situation -- either they pass the National Right to Work Act and free American workers or they pay in 2012.
It will be a marathon battle. But I will not flinch in the face of opposition and insider attacks. I believe, with your help, this is a fight we will win. And I know it's a fight worth fighting.
More later from Rand.
Dear Concerned American,
They snickered when I said I came to the U.S. Senate to change Congress.
But their laughter stopped when I sponsored the National Right to Work Act to free U.S. workers from forced unionization and break Big Labor's multi-billion dollar political machine forever.
President Barack Obama and Big Labor allies in the Senate are now feverishly scheming to bury the National Right to Work Act without a vote. So I have a question for you.
Will you be my sledgehammer?
Your signature on the petition to your Congressman and Senators is what is needed to bust through the opposition and force a vote on the National Right to Work Act. SIGN THE PETITION.
This is an opportunity you and I cannot afford to miss.
As you know, the right to decide freely whether or not to join a union was taken away from American workers by Congress almost 75 years ago.
A result of back-room deals between union bosses and their tax-and-spend Congressional puppets, compulsory unionism provisions in federal law currently empower union officials to:
>>>Force nearly 11 million Americans to pay tribute to a union boss to get or keep a job ...
>>>Brazenly loot union treasuries to fund the election of their hand-picked political puppet candidates like Barack Obama, Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid ...
>>>Terrorize workers and communities with violent strikes -- where they get away with beatings, arson -- even murder.
The National Right to Work Act strikes at the foundations of the union bosses' power.And here's the thing -- the National Right to Work Act is wildly popular with American voters.
In fact, for years polls have shown nearly 80% of Americans think it should be against the law to force workers to pay money to union bosses just to get or keep a job.
All you and I have to do is force an up-or-down roll call vote on the National Right to Work Act ... And the American people will do the rest.
Many Democrats and more than a few Republicans elected with Big Labor's over $1 billion in forced-dues political cash cower in fear of casting a vote against the National Right to Work Act.
What will they do when forced to vote?
It's a win-win situation -- either they pass the National Right to Work Act and free American workers or they pay in 2012.
It will be a marathon battle. But I will not flinch in the face of opposition and insider attacks. I believe, with your help, this is a fight we will win. And I know it's a fight worth fighting.
More later from Rand.
I mow Grass and pick up Trash but I want $50,000 a year
Someone commented yesterday on this Blog regarding Unions-- their point was that the elected commissioners would not stick their necks out regarding the Unions and that Stanton was virtually alone to solve the problem. I want to assure you that there are bigger fish in the sea who are trying to do something. These are people for whom I admire like Rand Paul. His message will be up very soon.
Ronald Reagan went head to head with the Unions. Air Traffic controllers demanded a whopping raise back in 1981--13,000 out of 17,500 of them walked off the job, did not end the strike and were fired and replaced by people who would work. The public sided with the government and exhibited little sympathy for individuals whose earnings were already well above the national average. AFL-CIO president Lane Kirkland accused Reagan of "brutal overkill" in firing the strikers, and another union leader complained that the president was engaged in "union-busting."
Our employees can not walk off the job--it's in the rules, but they are squawking every chance they can get. Most all of them are all paid more than the average worker in Lake Worth. Certainly their benefits are more. There is always the exception depending on the job description. How much do you think someone should make per hour who mows grass or picks up trash?
If the President of the United States can take a stand, so can our City Commissioners, the ones with principle over politics. Reagan took the lead and our commissioners can follow. City Manager, Susan Stanton, should not be doing this alone.
Ronald Reagan went head to head with the Unions. Air Traffic controllers demanded a whopping raise back in 1981--13,000 out of 17,500 of them walked off the job, did not end the strike and were fired and replaced by people who would work. The public sided with the government and exhibited little sympathy for individuals whose earnings were already well above the national average. AFL-CIO president Lane Kirkland accused Reagan of "brutal overkill" in firing the strikers, and another union leader complained that the president was engaged in "union-busting."
Our employees can not walk off the job--it's in the rules, but they are squawking every chance they can get. Most all of them are all paid more than the average worker in Lake Worth. Certainly their benefits are more. There is always the exception depending on the job description. How much do you think someone should make per hour who mows grass or picks up trash?
If the President of the United States can take a stand, so can our City Commissioners, the ones with principle over politics. Reagan took the lead and our commissioners can follow. City Manager, Susan Stanton, should not be doing this alone.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Tonight at Lake Osborne
The Moon is 97% of Full
A Mastiff named Jolie after Angelina said the owner
and a Limpkin trying to hide.
The Mastiff was going home to watch re-runs of the Westminster Dog Show (talk about a BIG dog!) and the Limpkin, along with mate, waded off to feed on apple snails.
Our wildlife has diminished out here. The County just cut all the grass and much of the marsh where the alligator hangs out was killed by the cold. We are hoping that the County re-stocks the lake for the Pelicans, etc. and that the wildlife returns.
ChamberLeaks
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What did the Chamber know?
In recent days, the release of thousands of emails hacked from the server of an online security company has revealed a plan to entrap and discredit prominent foes of the US Chamber of Commerce.
Last night, Rick Tourville, Vice Chair of the local Chamber and Chair of Government Affairs, wants our city to raise the height limits in Lake Worth. But Rick, haven't you been listening? Park of Commerce, yes; the rest of the city, no.
What did the Chamber know?
In recent days, the release of thousands of emails hacked from the server of an online security company has revealed a plan to entrap and discredit prominent foes of the US Chamber of Commerce.
Last night, Rick Tourville, Vice Chair of the local Chamber and Chair of Government Affairs, wants our city to raise the height limits in Lake Worth. But Rick, haven't you been listening? Park of Commerce, yes; the rest of the city, no.
Crime in Lake Worth
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Reported by the PB Post--
Reported by the PB Post--
Sheriff's Office, Lake Worth
CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
A woman reported that her boyfriend got into an argument with another man in the 1000 block of South F Street. The man broke a bedroom window with a bottle, then left. Damage was estimated at $250.
Four windows of a home in the 200 block of Ocean Breeze were shot at with a BB gun, leaving 15 holes in the glass. Damage was estimated at $400.
A group of kids were playing in the 900 block of South B Street, when one of them picked up a rock and threw it, breaking a window on a nearby home. The kids ran off. Damage was $250.
VEHICLE BURGLARY
A woman left her car unlocked for a few minutes while she went into a business in the 500 block of South Dixie Highway. When she returned, her cellphone, makeup and $200 in cash were missing.
A shaving kit bag containing a driver license, a courtesy badge from a police department and a cellphone was taken from an unlocked car parked in the 1200 block of North K Street.
BUSINESS BURGLARY
Two men forced open a door at a business in the 700 block of South Dixie Highway between midnight and 2 a.m. and stole a carton of cigarettes valued at $28.
THEFT
A woman placed her cellphone on the dining room table at her home in the 1700 block of South Federal Highway. She left at 9 a.m. and returned at 3 p.m. to find the phone gone. She told a deputy she believes her nephew, who lives with her, took the phone. The nephew denied it.
Two people walked into a business in the 100 block of North Federal Highway at 2:22 a.m. They each grabbed an alcoholic beverage and ran out.A woman set a small change purse on a counter in her home in the 1000 block of 12th Court South. Her grandson and his four friends were in the house at the time. When she went to get the purse a short time later, it was gone. So were the grandson's friends. The purse contained her driver license and $5.
A tailgate was stolen from the rear of a vehicle parked in the 1900 block of 10th Avenue North in the overnight hours. The value of the missing tailgate was $150.
The owner of a rental property in the 100 block of South K Street discovered that when a tenant moved out, the refrigerator and air conditioning unit were gone. Both items had been installed new in 2010 at the request of the tenant.
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