City Worker Loses Job Over Pot.
Want a law passed that voters will find acceptable it better be worded just right to insure passage.
The lobbyist stepped up and here’s what voters were told. People suffering from Cancer found that marijuana was a tremendous pain/stress reliever.
Our American soldiers coming home suffering from PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) and marijuana helped relieve the overwhelming stress/tension they felt.
So what were the magical words used to legalize marijuana? Medical, Medical, Medical marijuana.
Florida voters approved a measure legalizing medical marijuana in 2016. The word Medical was enough to get their foot in the door and the law on the books.
Soon after the voters approved Medical marijuana the City of WPB Mayor & Commissioners met and approved opening a marijuana shop on Clematis St. which of course was recommended by staff and a new business was formed. Double click pic. to enlarge.
“US cannabis industry’s economic impact could hit $130 billion by 2024.” Read the entire story below.
https://mjbizdaily.com/chart-us-cannabis-industrys-economic-impact-could-hit-130-billion-by-2024/
The lobbyist did a great job, and look how we have grown in a few years. It really is all about the money.
Below are excerpts from the PB Post written by Tony Doris and the entire story can be read below. My comments in Italic.
“West Palm employee learns the hard way: You can still get fired for smoking pot even if you have a medical marijuana card”
WEST PALM BEACH — “Shortly after noon on Feb. 4, Jason McCarty went to his car in the city hall garage.
The city’s deputy chief of Information Technology wanted to buy his co-workers lunch — it was a birthday, for one of them — but he’d left his wallet in his car, so he took the elevator up to retrieve it while they stood downstairs.
When he went to take the elevator back down, two other city employees passed by, walking out.
He seemed “anxious and avoidant,” one thought. As the two Risk Management staffers continued into the parking area, they caught a whiff of pot near McCarty’s car.
That impromptu smell test led Safety Officer Tim Scott and Risk Analyst Alexis Galvan to report McCarty to city management without delay.
And no, he didn’t grab a quick hit in the garage, he insisted. As he divulged before taking the urine test, he smoked at home the night before for anxiety and insomnia, rather than take a sedative that would leave him groggy the next day. His elderly mother is extremely ill and he has been unable to sleep, said his attorney, Russell Cormican Jr.
“The next day McCarty, a 50-year-old father of two, a five-year, $121,000 employee without a ding in his record, was banished from city hall. His days of keeping city computers running come hurricane or COVID were over.” In my opinion James found a way to cut staff from the budget without laying off people. Remember the uproar when it was suggested layoffs were needed to balance the city budget?
“A city spokesperson said West Palm Beach has caught five employees violating its substance abuse policy since 2019. All five were fired.” The five fired also helped balance the budget and was the first year of James term as Mayor.
“City updated its marijuana workplace policy in January”
Medical marijuana isn’t illegal under Florida law. But as of Jan. 28, 2019, the city updated the policy, “given the conflicting information in the public sphere about the use of marijuana in the workplace”
“The use of marijuana by city employees, including medical marijuana, with or without a prescription, is prohibited” and a prescription is not accepted as a valid explanation for an employee’s positive drug test result, the paragraph states.”
“Another potential defense for a lawsuit: In Cormican’s view the policy violates Florida civil rights law because McCarty didn’t violate state law. Also troubling, he said, is that the city policy seems to contradict itself, and at the least is obtuse rather than transparent, indicating one thing higher up in the policy and burying the update at the bottom.”
“Jason McCarty got plenty of support from his co-workers
Five co-workers, including those who waited below while he ran up to his car, submitted letters of support for his personnel file.”
If you have time to read the story, letters written by Mr. McCarty’s co-workers can be read in the story, and I fear for their jobs as in my opinion the city can be extremely vindictive.
“Medical marijuana use has been legal in Florida since 2017 for specified conditions, including cancer, epilepsy, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s Disease, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, chronic nonmalignant pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and comparable conditions.
In 2019 the Florida legislature repealed its ban on smokable medical marijuana.”
That was all it took. Suspicion.
A heavy heart, a puff of marijuana and Jason McCarty lost his job in a wisp of smoke.”
The city receives federal money and are required to follow Federal Government rules and the fed’s are poised to decriminalize marijuana, so what the city has done to Jason McCarty does not pass my smell test. I would love to see all WPB elected officials receive random drug testing.
Legalizing marijuana will put drug dealers out of business. Right? Wrong! Look for a spike in cocaine and heroin laced with fentanyl coming to a neighborhood near you.
Below is the PB Post story.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/story/news/local/westpb/2021/03/25/medical-marijuana-user-fired-west-palm-beach-city-hall-job/4754584001/
Along with the city’s water bill a flyer was enclosed with a suggestion “Plant a Tree for you and me” The city is giving free trees to residents, but there not really free. Don’t forget your permit.
“Application fee: Single family residence– $25.00
Multi‐family residential and /or non‐residential ‐ $50.00
IMPORTANT: The application fees indicated above provide for the removal/relocation of one (1) tree–an additional fee of $5.00 (per tree)will be charged for each additional tree proposed to be removed/relocated.”
Take one city tree and plant it in your yard without a permit and the fine will be 4 times the cost of the permit or $100.00. Love the play on words. Went from Permit to Application
The end
Do you need a permit?
Information below is from the City of West Palm Beach website.
“Do I need a permit?
The most likely answer is yes, but there are exemptions. As a best practice, you should email us and ask. Include your property address and describe the scope of work of your project in the email. An associate will respond to you as soon as possible with an answer and how to proceed. If you are unsure, do NOT start work. If you commence work without a permit you may be responsible for penalty permit fees.”
A permit is now needed if you change out your air conditioner or water heater. See the application here: AirConditioningChangeoutFo
Want to plant or remove a tree, you need a permit. See the application here: TreeAlterationPermitApplic
I recently had my AC unit replaced and my AC guy told me I needed a permit. I said “since when” He replied “since the new city administration.” I checked and he was correct, I needed a permit.
Here is what readers should be aware of.
My permit for a new air conditioner unit.
Value of unit: $3,850.00
Permit fee: $132.27
Penalty for no permit: $529.08 (4 times the cost of original permit)
A neighbor of mine was recently cited for installing his AC without a permit. Due to Corona Virus he hasn’t worked for the last 6 months.
The swale is the area between the city sidewalk and the city street, and this area belongs to the city.
You are allowed without a permit to mow the grass, and fertilize to keep it looking great. If the grass has a fungus and the sod must be replaced the cost belongs to the homeowner not the city.
I don’t know what other changes the city (James) has made concerning permits, but if you are in doubt call the city or you will be penalized.
The city (James) has placed code enforcement under the umbrella of the WPB Police Dept. I have been told, but could not verify code enforcement does not work weekends when homeowners take advantage and working without a permit. As you are aware the Police Dept. work 24/7 365 days a year.
When residents receives their water bill there is an insert included. Why wont the city include changes they have made concerning permit changes, instead of going for the gotcha.
I can’t wait to see how James finds other ways into our pocket.
NewDay Coming to WPB
The previous story “WPB to Receive Windfall” Mayor James stated.
“Mayor Keith James said during the pandemic the city experienced revenue losses of $7 million and spent about $2 million on testing, PPE and overtime. He said the city is $10 million short of its projected 2021 budget.”
The story by Alexandra Clough, Palm Beach Post, wrote a very informative story on Mortgage lender NewDay USA, and may explain why as James has stated the city has a shortfall of $10 million.
Below are excerpts from the story, and the entire story can be found below. The city did not release the name of the company and I’m betting they didn’t want people to google NewDay USA and learn about their record. The company’s identity was revealed by the Palm Beach Post last month.
“Mortgage lender confirms expansion to West Palm Beach, will bring 600 jobs; company’s average salary is over $90K”
“Mortgage lender NewDay USA on Tuesday confirmed plans to create a headquarters in West Palm Beach, bringing 600 new jobs in one of the largest corporate deals to land in Palm Beach County in years.”
“The NewDay USA location is a second headquarters for the mortgage lender, which originates refinance mortgage loans guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. The company is expected to maintain its Fulton, Md., offices.”
“In recent years, the company has tangled with national and state regulators of mortgage loans, on issues ranging from cheating to loan churning.The company surrendered its license in New York state in 2015 after it ran afoul of regulators for cheating on exams.”
“Rob Posner, chief executive of NewDay USA, said in a statement that the area was attractive because of its large population of veterans.”
“Last July, Posner paid $19.8 million for a home at 230 N. Ocean Boulevard, according to Palm Beach County property records.” It appears to me Posner was guaranteed a warm welcome 8 months ago when he purchased his Palm Beach home. James was mayor at the time.
“In recent years, NewDay’s business practices have netted the company heightened scrutiny, and sometimes action, from federal and state regulators of mortgage loans.”
“In 2015, New Day Financial, which does business as NewDay USA, was ordered to pay a $1 million penalty to the New York Department of Financial Services. The company elected to surrender its mortgage banker’s license to do business in the state. “
“This action came after NewDay USA employees, including senior executives, engaged in a scheme to cheat on state-required continuing education courses and exams, Housingwire.com reported.”
“Earlier that year, the Multi-State Mortgage Committee, a group that coordinates state systems of mortgage regulation, announced a settlement involving 43 state mortgage regulators and NewDay.”
“In 2018, NewDay and another Department of Veterans affairs lender also were temporarily restricted from participating in a Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securitization program due to loan churning, which is a form of refinancing in which the borrower appears to benefit but does not. Although an interest rate might be lower, the fees attached to the deal can increase the overall loan amount, meaning it could take years for a homeowner to reap any benefit from a refinance.”
“Housingwire.com reported that the move was part of the federal agency’s effort to control a rise in mortgage lenders that were aggressively targeting service members and military veterans for quick and potentially risky mortgage refinances.”
“The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency recently approved $1.8 million for the training of new hires at NewDay University.”
The WPB City Commissioners act as the CRA board and why did they approve a $1.8 million tax payer dollars for training new employees (600) at the NewDay University? Mortgage lender NewDay USA has opened a university, and the taxpayers will pay to train their new employees. Good deal for NewDay, not good for WPB taxpayers.
This deal is right up there with James & commissioners who approved a new contract with PSC Securities which rose from $8.9 million to $9.5 million dollars. When James was questioned about the increase his response was the cost of living increase was due to increase to $15.00/hour. WPB taxpayers paid to increase paychecks for PSC employees.
Good deal for PSC, not good for WPB taxpayers or the WPB Police Dept. who has worked without a new contract since Sept. 2020.
WPB to Receive Windfall
President Biden signs $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package.
Frankel said West Palm Beach will receive about $25.3 million.
Mayor Keith James said during the pandemic the city experienced revenue losses of $7 million and spent about $2 million on testing, PPE and overtime. He said the city is $10 million short of its projected 2021 budget. Hear the press conference below.
WPB will receive a windfall of $25.3 million which eliminates the $10 million shortfall for the 2021 budget, leaving $15.3 million dollar.
I have a suggestion. The city settle with our Police and Fire Fighters with a new contract, and fully staff both departments. No excuses now.
Pembroke Pines Police Dept. is hiring and offers:
$5,000.00 sign on bonus for non-certified applicant.
$10,000.00 sign on bonus to any Florida Certified Officer.
The benefits are generous.
Have to wonder why our first responders stay with a city where it’s city officials cant /wont give them a decent wage and benefits. Click the ad to enlarge then hold the control button while tapping the + button.
What is the WPB Police Foundation?
Equipment, Technology and Training
Each year the Department discovers needs for equipment, new technology or training seminars which haven’t been budgeted or were rejected due to budget constraints which would be useful to aid the Department’s crime prevention efforts. In such cases, the Department comes to the Foundation to request possible assistance. See their web page here: https://www.wpbpolicefoundation.org/
Reporting for duty
How many times have you turned on the news to see an elderly person who has “wandered” away from home, or kids went missing? Can you imagine the panic these family felt? The police are called and Moose and his 2 legged partner are on the job finding “lost” people.
I hope residents never have use of Moose, but it’s comforting to know he’s here thanks to the Jimmy Rice Center who generosity donated the blood hound to the WPB Police department in October 2020. Double click to enlarge picture.
3/8/2021 City Commission meeting
Resolution No. 39-21 accepting donations from the West Palm Beach Police Foundation canine equipment and of safety helmets and underwater flashlights for the Dive Team, totaling an approximate value of $12,000.
Background:The West Palm Beach Police Foundation is forwarding a donation of canine training equipment they received from Crazy Tuff K9 Gear (Peter Swart). The equipment has been approved by the Police Department Canine Trainers and would help to keep expenses of the canine unit closer to earlier years, despite the increased number of dogs and handlers. The retail cost of the training equipment to be donated is approximately $6,500 ($600-$650 in equipment per dog). The Foundation also received a directed donation from Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, in the amount of $2,500 to assist with the expenses of retrofitting a vehicle for the Jimmy Rice Foundation sponsored bloodhound. The Foundation also became aware of um-met needs of the Dive Team and committed to purchase essential safety gear required for the team. The Foundation purchased underwater flashlight systems to assist with nighttime or dark water searches and has reimbursed a purchase made by the City to provide safety helmets for the newest of the Dive Team vessels. The safety gear has a total value of $2,905.40 ($940 for the helmets and $1,965.40 for the underwater light systems). A revenue account has already been established to accept authorized donations from the Foundation. Fiscal Note:The donations have an approximate value of $12,000.
A private company, Crazy Tough K9 Gear, a “mom & pop” small business located in WPB has donated some smaller equipment like leashes, toys, and harnesses. They are now developing their own brand of K9 ballistic armor and have offered vests for all police dogs. The city has received new 4 legged police officers and they will need the K9 vests to keep them safe. This is “Loki”, he’s a one year old Belgian Malinois, and currently in training for patrol, tracking, and explosive detection. Double click the picture to view this handsome boy. Loki is 1 of 4 new police dogs.
I have learned the K9 medical kits are due for replacement, a new “bite suit” officers use for training is 15-20 years old and they are in need of a new one. K9 dog vests are also needed. As you have read these 4 legged hero’s depend on donations from people and organizations for all their needs.
When these dogs are up for retirement they can be adopted out, but their 2 legged partners never give them up and they retire in the comfort of the home they shared with the officer who trained and loved them.
If you want to help please send donations to
WPB Police Foundation
P.O. Box 851
West Palm Beach, Florida 33402
I leave you with a poem: The Life Of A Police Dog
Author – Unknown
You brought me home One sunny day With you for years I would surely stay.
I met your pack Children and wife I began to love My new-found life.
I slept on your couch At the foot of your bed You looked at me lovingly While petting my head.
We trained for months And our bonding grew We were both partners Buddies in Blue.
We did school demo’s And I never did wrong Over all of the years My love for you grew strong.
How I loved to work To stand up and bark In the back of our car From light until dark.
We went call to call Having fun all the way Until the call came On that one fateful day.
A man with a gun The dispatcher did say I jumped from my car When it pointed your way.
Before leaving home I was told “keep him safe” by your wife I knew at that moment For you I would give my life.
The bullet struck hard Steady and true The bullet struck me instead Of striking you.
When you go home tonight Tell your wife I did good Strong, Tall and Proud On the ground that I stood.
I’m dead and gone now This much is true But I’ve done my job well Of protecting you.
Thank you Loyal partner, Faithful friend, You will be greatly missed.