FLCGA (Florida Center for Government Accountability)
Who is Cheryl Steckler? She was the first PBC Inspector General (IG) who did an outstanding job investigating government waste and corruption until County Administrator Robert Weisman, along with County Commissioners slashed her budget and made her and her small staff ineffective. The County expected cities to contribute to the IG budget, and WPB led the fight,along with 10-12 cities who refused to contribute. County employees were warned not to contact the IG office. Ms. Steckler resigned her position. Story can be found below.
Who is John Carey? He is the second PBC Inspector General. “Despite documented success at ferreting out, and drawing attention to questionable government actions, county commissioners last week decided not to grant Inspector General John Carey’s budget request for $500,000 for additional staffers.” County Administrator Verdenia Baker agreed with Commissioners. Like Steckler, Carey won’t get the funding needed to hire staff to do investigations of corruption in PBC. See how it works? We’re not going to pay you to discover our shenanigans.
PBC Commission on Ethics (COE) I filed a complaint against a WPB Commissioner who voted yes on a project that would enrich her husband employed by the company doing business with the city. The COE found no probable cause. I enclosed a picture of the commissioner sitting on the lap of a member of the COE at an event and asked if this influenced their decision. I received no response.
Everything written above is “old news” why write about it? I had to refresh my memory and am sharing with new readers and folks who need a reminder also.
Both the Inspector General and the COE depend on PBC financing and when it is denied how much can be done with no staff, and how do you investigate the politicians who control the purse strings? Easy answer, you don’t.
FLCGA
Now comes FLCGA (Florida Center for Government Accountability) and for the first time in years I have hope once more.
Who is Barbara Petersen? “For 25 years, Barbara Petersen has been Florida’s defender of First Amendment rights” Until her retirement. Ms. Petersen was my hero for many years, and I was heartsick with the news of her retirement. Read the story below, as she has led a fascinating life, and her work is not done. Barbara’s back.
Barbara Petersen Executive Director, FLCGA. “Formed by a group of concerned citizens, investigative reporters, and open government experts, FLCGA is a non-partisan not-for-profit organization based in Tallahassee. Its mission is to produce well-sourced quality reporting that illuminates complex issues, holds government accountable to its citizens and enhances civic engagement in the democratic process.”
FLCGA is self supporting, won’t depend on any government for support, won’t accept special interest groups or PAC money. How will they survive? People who care about government and want to see change will support them. All donations made to FLCGA, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, are tax deductible. Registration #CH64626.
People who care about cleaning up government corruption can’t do it without FLCGA, and they can’t do it without our help. Please consider donating. Let’s get it done.
Below is their website, and I encourage readers to sign up to receive news on latest investigations, and they are reaching out to the media. The media know their city and report on what officials are doing behind the scenes. I signed up and received information on House Bill HB991 and it can be found below. Terrible bill and may pass unless residents speak up and tell their Representatives in Tallahassee they are not pleased.
https://flcganews.org/government-accountability-investigative-journalism-flcga-p198-111.htm
Barbara Petersen Executive Director, FLCGA and staff members can be found below.
Jan. 1, 2020 Petersen retires.
Dec 05, 2012 Cheryl Steckler
June 22, 2017 Carey
HB991 “Bad for Florida, bad for America” This bill was added to FLCGA website, and I believe they are doing their due diligence and warning Floridians how far government will go to silence any citizen who is critical of their behavior.
“Imagine that while some television and radio news shows still exist, they only feature endless stories about cats and dogs, and fawning coverage of those in power.”
https://flcganews.org/hb-bad-for-florida-bad-for-america-p428-115.htm
Email address to use to alert FLCGA about issues: https://flcga.org/
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West Palm Beach wants to boot the Photographic Centre
Pat Beall is a former senior investigative reporter for The Palm Beach Post and USA Today Network
Carolyn DiPaolo, who was senior editor for news at The Palm Beach Post.
Joel Engelhardt is an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor, including 28 years at The Palm Beach Post.
Below are excerpts from a new media group, called Stet Media Group, and you will find the three reporters mentioned above responsible for bringing us the stories below. If not for them WPB residents would be left in the dark without knowing the newest antics of Mayor Keith James and City Administrator Faye Johnson.
If you are interested in receiving honest news concerning our city, I strongly recommend you subscribe to the new media group and have the news delivered to your in box. Link in the story allows you to subscribe. These reporters are on our side and are doing what needs to be done to shine a light on city leaders.
“Is West Palm Beach getting enough economic oomph from its decision 15 years ago to give a chunk of prime Clematis Street storefront to the Palm Beach Photographic Centre?
Someone at City Hall doesn’t think so.
Eight months ago, the city sued to evict the center from its 26,000-square-foot space at the base of the city library at 415 Clematis St.
For Art and Fatima NeJame, the couple who started the Photo Centre in 1986 and accepted the city’s overtures to move to Clematis in 2008, there’s little the city could bring to the site that could do more to draw outside visitors.”
Please take the time to read the story below to understand the full impact of how James and Johnson are attempting to further damage WPB. Another lawsuit, but what the hell It’s only taxpayer dollars. My opinion the site has been promised to a “friend” of the city.
Read the entire story to discover what mayor agreed to the lease and what excuse James and Johnson are using to break the lease. These two are in lockstep with each other, and has damaged the city, which will take years to undo.
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Dialing For Dollars
Campaign Treasurer’s Report 12/1/2022 to 12/31/2022
A total of 47 donations went to Mayor Keith James for re-election.
$1,000.00 is maximum donation allowed.
27 donations were out of state while 20 donations were in WPB area.
12/6/2022 #25, #26 and #27, 3 towing companies each gave $1,000.00 donation to Mayor Keith James campaign for re-election.
12/12/2022 # 35 Sean Reynolds, SVP/Marketing, & #36 Leah Reynolds, Homemaker, both gave $1,000.00 donation, both list same address Mt. Airy, Md.
This does not pass the smell test for me. “An informal method for determining whether something is authentic, credible, or ethical, by using one’s common sense or sense of propriety.”
Campaign Treasurer’s Report found below.
https://www.wpb.org/home/showpublisheddocument/5659/638090243530770000
12/12/2022 City Commission Meeting held 6 days after receiving donations from 3 towing companies.
Item 8.1 “Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 4999-22 amending Chapter 86 of the City’s Code of Ordinances to establish the City’s Wrecker Operator System.”
“Originating Department: City Attorney’s Office.”
“Ordinance/Resolution: ORDINANCE NO. 4999-22: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AT CHAPTER 86 (TRAFFIC) BY AMENDING AND RESTATING ARTICLE I (IN GENERAL) TO AMEND SECTION 86-1 (DEFINITIONS) TO ADD NEW DEFINITIONS AND ADDING A NEW SUBSECTION 86-9 TO CREATE A WRECKER OPERATOR SYSTEM; PROVIDING A CONFLICTS CLAUSE, A CODIFICATION CLAUSE AND A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”
Background Information: Reads in part:
“The City previously provided for the towing or storage of disabled vehicles or vessels by entering into franchise agreements with towing companies selected through the City’s procurement process. The franchise agreements, among other things, charged the towing companies a franchise fee, payable to the City, for the privilege of operating within the City.”
The first thing I noticed was “Originating Department: City Attorney’s Office.” Why not the Parking Administration Edward Davis Office? Read the agenda below.
Below you will find a story written by Pat Beall, for the Sun Sentinel on 2/14/2023 and reads in part:
“A contest becomes a cakewalk, and voters are the losers”
“Don’t blame Rodney Mayo’s dogs. It was a lawsuit by West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James, not Mayo’s seven Lantana-housed pups, that robbed West Palm voters of a choice for mayor.
After Mayo filed to run against James last fall, the mayor sued the downtown businessman to make sure he would have no competition on the ballot on March 14.
Mayo did not live in the city, James argued. He lived in the Lantana house where he was getting his mail and keeping his dogs, and he had only recently changed his driver’s license to reflect a downtown Clematis Street address.
Of course, Rodney Mayo lives on Clematis. He practically created it.”
Read the entire story below.
Had enough? Below you will find the link that will allow you to download, print and sign the petition to recall Mayor Keith James. If you decide to help us be successful the petition must be signed and your signature witnessed. Only Registered WPB voters recall petitions will be accepted by the PBC Supervisor of Election Office.
Example: Mary and John Smith both want to recall Mayor James. They can witness each other signing and witness each other’s signature. Please send signed petitions too.
Committee To Recall Keith James
PO Box 1988
West Palm Beach, FL 33402
http://tocb.org/uploads/1/4/4/6/144601362/final_keith_james_recall_petition_1.29.23.pdf
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Mayor James Record 2022
Who is Mark A. Parks, Jr.?
CFO (Chief Financial Officer) MBA (Master of Business Administration) CGFO (Certified Government Finance Officer) CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
DEFINITION: “The Chief Financial Officer serves under the administrative direction of the city administrator.
The CFO is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing budgeting, accounting, auditing and financial reporting functions of the city.”
Below are excerpts from the PB Post. Link below.
“West Palm Beach’s chief financial officer has been placed on administrative leave pending a management and operational review, leaving the city without its top accounting expert as the annual budget process kicks into high gear”.
“Multiple sources told The Palm Beach Post that the CFO, Mark A. Parks Jr., was escorted by security out of City Hall on Tuesday.”
“The city is crafting its fiscal year 2022 budget, a process where, in most municipal governments, the chief financial officer is heavily involved.”
When you have been placed on administrative leave, you are not walked out by security, you are fired.
I sat in the commission chambers during the budget discussions when City Administrator Faye Johnson left the dais and walked to the podium and began discussing the new budget. I was confused and wondered where Mr. Parks was, he always addressed the Mayor and City Commissioners on the new budget. A quick scan of the room and I spotted him in the audience and knew something wasn’t right.
Below are excerpts from The PB Post and Johnsons idea of a balanced budget.
“An earlier iteration of the budget called for 30% cuts to the Mandel Public Library and the Parks and Recreation Department. That meant the library would lose 12.5 full-time positions and 12 “on-call” pages. parks stood to lose 36 full-time workers. Members of the public, citing the importance of those public resources, urged the city to back off those cuts.”.
Under a new proposal, presented to commissioners Monday by City Administrator Faye Johnson, the library instead would lose one full-timer and seven pages, while the parks department would lose about 11 full-timers and five on-call part-timers.”
But other cuts would have to be spread among various city departments to make up for that, Johnson said. In all, 48 positions would have to go, including five layoffs and 43 vacant positions that would go unfilled.”
I asked a city hall employee, one who is familiar with Mr. Parks removal 1 question. Did James fire Mark? Response: “No, but he didn’t do anything to help him either”
It didn’t take Johnson long to climb to the top of the ladder, and Mr. Parks was one of her victims left behind.
Who is Dr. Philip C. Harris? Assistant to the City Administrator, Faye Johnson.
Assists the City Administrator in the annual budget preparation and presentation.
Dr. Harris was hired as a level GM17. The City’s pay scale salary for level GM17. “Min. $121,330.00 Mid. $151,663.00 Max.$181,995.00. Harris receives a starting salary of $152,000.” (Mid. Level)
Monday, May 24, 2021 “West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Philip C. Harris for the position of Assistant to the City Administrator. Dr. Harris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication degree from the University of South Florida and a Master and Doctor of Business Administration degree from Argosy University.”
On February 27, 2019, the US Department of Education stated that they were cutting off federal funding to Argosy University. According to Inside Higher Education, “The Education Department said that the roughly 8,800 students enrolled at Argosy campuses could seek to transfer their credits elsewhere or apply for loan cancellation in the event their campus shuts down.”
All Argosy campuses were officially closed on March 8, 2019″
Was Dr. Harris even vetted? Good to have friends in high places willing to fire the previous Chief Financial Officer and make room for a friend.
Who is Al Adelson & Stephen Ross?
PB Post reporter Alexandra Clough, wrote the article, and below are excerpts from the story. Entire story can be read below. My comments in italic.
‘Very powerful,’ ‘financially successful people’ create fund to back West Palm Beach police.
“Al Adelson, who launched the fund. Adelson is a developer of The Bristol, an ultra-luxury condominium at 1100 S. Flagler Drive.” Reminder, The Bristol is where Mayor Keith James sent the WPB Fire Dept. to issue the Covid vaccine to wealthy residents, before the neediest of residents.
“Among the people involved in the new police fund is Stephen Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins football team and chairman of New York-based Related Cos., developer of The Square (formerly CityPlace), and numerous office buildings.”
“Adelson said the money raised by the fund will be used to recognize police officers with awards, as well as purchase needed equipment, such as a new mobile command center van. The van costs $1 million, Adderley said.”
$1 million seemed high to me so I googled it and here’s the response.
How much does a mobile command center cost?” A well-equipped unit can range $100,000-$300,000 depending on options and features added.” Where’s the remaining $700,000 going to be put to good use?
Adelson said members of the fund are concerned about “street people” in the downtown who may be dealing with addictions. “That’s a different element, and I’m concerned that element will turn to crime,” Adelson said. “We want our downtown and the whole city to be safe. He stressed that he is not singling out homeless people who may be struggling economically.” All homeless people are struggling economically, step down from the tower!
2/7/2022 Palm Beach Post reporters Alexandra Clough and Kimberly Miller from the PB Post wrote:
“Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is a powerhouse real estate titan who helped transform West Palm Beach from a sleepy midsized city to a growing center of finance and business.
Along the way, his Related Cos. has become the dominant developer in the city, and Ross is known as a business leader who doesn’t take no for an answer when it comes to winning approval for his ambitious real estate projects.
Related’s presence in downtown is pervasive, from the company’s mixed-use project known as The Square, formerly CityPlace, to its ownership of the downtown’s top four Class A office buildings, and to a new waterfront office tower under construction that won city approval despite vocal public opposition.
But real estate brokers mindful of Related’s power privately refer to West Palm Beach by a different name: “Relatedville.”
If you read this far is there any doubt Stephen Ross doesn’t have the “pull” to make things happen in WPB? How about Mr. Ross builds one less Class A office buildings and replace it with a Class A building to house the homeless, and he along with Mr. Adelson can rest easy, not seeing homeless people in their little corner of paradise.
WPB Parking Rates Increased:
My 1st. PRR (Public Records Request)
Mon, Mar 21, 2022, 5:52 pm “On the agenda for the City Commission meeting 3/21/2022 item # 8.4 concerns change to the city parking fee. No explanation of what the changes are. Please send me the documentation explaining what the changes are.”
City’s Response Tue, Mar 22, 2022, 10:19 am “I will provide the resolution approving the fees once signed by the Mayor.”
My 2nd. PRR Tue, Mar 22, 2022, 10:19 am “One more request for the agenda for the City Commission meeting 3/21/2022 item # 8.4 concerns change to the city parking fee. I did not notice this item on the Draft agenda. Please tell me the date and time it was added to the 3/21/2022 City Commission meeting.”
City’s response “This item was approved to be added to the final agenda at agenda review on March 17th, and was published with the final agenda on Friday, March 18th.”
Here lies the problem. It was added to the agenda on 3/17/2022 (Thursday) and put on the final agenda 3/18/2022 (Friday) for a meeting to be held 3/21/2022.
Not enough time for downtown businesses, residents and employees to respond. Good planning, now the mayor and city commissioners won’t have to listen to residents complaining about an out of control rise in parking fees.
Rate increase. Want to park on Clematis St. Parking meters went from $1.25 to $2.50/ hr. and parking is limited to 2 hours.
Sunday and Holiday parking in a City Garage was free, now it will cost you $5.00, along with Saturday.
Once upon a time the city gave you the first hour of garage parking for free, just enough time to run in and pay your water bill, or check out a book from the library. No More!
$1.00 First two Hours, $2.00 Each Additional ½ hour after the 1st Two Hours” Wording it that way instead of sticker shock of $4.00/hr. with the maximum charge of $20.00 doubling the price from $10.00.
James commented the hike would keep traffic flowing. He was right, less people traveling to Clematis, can’t afford it anymore, so less traffic. Double click picture to enlarge.
Who Phyllis Brooks?
I received a phone call asking if I was aware that City employee Phyllis Brooks was terminated from her job after 38 years of service to the City. That’s not possible, is it?
Ms. Brooks was hired by the City Of WPB in 1984 and was terminated in Feb.2022. How did this happen? How could a city employee work under 11 mayors, (Dwight Baber, Carol Roberts, Samuel A. Thomas, Richard V. Reikenis, Pat Pepper Schwab, James O. Poole, John F. “Jeff” Koons, Nancy M. Graham, Joel Daves, Lois Frankel and Jeri Muoio) Mayor James gets elected and Ms. Brooks loses her job. Did I mention she worked in the City Commissioners office while Keith James was a commissioner for 8 years. Was she to busy one day to genuflect when he walked by? Mayor James will not understand the harm he has done until he loses his job. Let’s get those petitions signed to recall James. Clock is ticking.
Resolution # 87-22 amending the Comprehensive Fee Schedule for Sidewalk Cafe permits between downtown businesses and Northwood Village.
The examples used to determine a rate for downtown West Palm Beach is greatly skewed. The 3 rate comparisons used were among the top 3 per square foot rates charged for sidewalk cafes in Florida. The examples used was Lincoln Road in Miami Beach at $325 PSF (per square foot) Las Olas at$125 PSF and Atlantic Ave in Delray Beach $115 PSF.
Residents and business owners attended the (1) CRA and (2) City Commission meeting, held back-to-back, and spoke on the issue, claiming they weren’t given enough notice concerning the raise hike and presented a petition for a postponement.
One resident, from Delray Beach, spoke against the hike and when she was through Mayor James said “Delray Beach” I took his 2-word statement as this was not her concern. In his infinite wisdom did James ever consider people traveled from surrounding cities to dine on Clematis St?
Staff reported Clematis lease rates were at average of $50 PSF This is not correct. Rates are $30-$35 PSF. Staff neglected to list the dozens of Cities that do not charge a PSF price and similar fees as we currently have in WPB for sidewalk cafes.
Staff told the dais this was discussed in March 2021 and Commissioners approved the motion on first reading, so downtown businesses were aware of the rate hike that was coming. Commissioner Warren mentioned she was not an elected officials at the time, and this was the first she heard of it. Commissioner Cathleen Ward was recently elected so she may be hearing it for the first time also.
Mayor James worked as hard as staff members to convince the Commissioners the resolution was needed.
Commissioner Christy Fox asked that the item be brought back to give downtown businesses a chance to respond, as did Commissioner Warren.
A frustrated James said, “I’ll entertain a Motion” Meaning he wanted either Commissioner Fox or Ward to approve the resolution. The deafening silence was much appreciated by me and people in the audience. Finally, a voice speaks up. Commissioner Joe Peduzzi who represents District 4
“Mayor, I move approval of resolution 87-22.” “James, do I hear a second?” More glorious silence. James, “Motion dies for lack of a second.”
The entire Commission meeting lasted 1:46:25. If you are interested in viewing the meeting scroll to beginning time 9:48 to end time 42:46 discussion lasted 33 minutes. For some reason the City has decided to run an ad before the meeting comes up. Please be patient. James raised rates for parking and now outside dining. Is he trying to destroy downtown business?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iOZC6gcDUNU
Sunset Lounge: Has significant meaning to the African American community, and the history and memories belongs to the children, their parents and their grandparents. At a time when the only thing they could claim was the Sunset Lounge, a place to meet with friends and family, have dinner, and dance the night away with famous black artist performing. Below you will 4 stories written on WPB Watch. Inside you will find links for other media stories and pictures dating back decades. Unfortunately there will be at least one more story when the courts decide which company will operate the lounge. The choice is between Vita, a black owned business operating out of WPB, or Mad Men, a Hispanic owned business operating out of Miami who has asked the city to withdraw their proposal, as they are no longer interested in doing business with WPB. They also stated the city has been unfair to Vita.
7/20/2022 https://wpbwatch.com/2022/07/sunset-lounge/
7/28/2022 https://wpbwatch.com/2022/07/sunset-lounge-cra-meeting-7-25-2022/
8/12/2022 https://wpbwatch.com/2022/08/sunset-lounge-starting-over/
10/9/2022 https://wpbwatch.com/2022/10/sunset-lounge-open-house/
WPB Loses Two More Valuable Employees!
More fallout from the Sunset Lounge, this time the City has lost two valuable employee’s Procurement Official Paul Bassar, and Kathleen Walter, Communication Director.
Keith James was sworn in as Mayor in 2019 and Frank Hayden was the City Procurement Officer for many years until he was re-assigned to the Office of Economic Opportunity.
James & Johnson then hired Nathaniel Rubel, who worked for WPB for 1 year and left for a position as Assistant Director, Procurement at the City of Port St. Lucie.
Shortly after they hired Paul Bassar, who held the title as procurement Official for 1 year before moving on. An employee who wishes to remain anonymous mentioned “they were pushing Paul to do something with those bids he didn’t want to do so he just resigned and from what I understand went back to work for the Federal Government.” Mr. Bassar recently gave testimony in the Sunset Lounge lawsuit. Vita VS. WPB
In three years, the City has had three Procurement Officers, now looking for a fourth. What is the function of a Procurement Officers?
“Procurement Officers are responsible for assessing products, services and suppliers and negotiating contracts. They are also responsible for ensuring that approved purchases are of a sufficient quality and are cost-efficient.”
Kathleen Walter: Former Mayor Geri Muoio hired Ms. Walter as Director, Communications at City of West Palm Beach, FL. She resigned her position in Nov. 2022. She was the voice of the city. How do you explain the leadership of Mayor James with one scandal after another? I wish her well.
Mayor James 2nd. Attempt To Change FCOE Outcome!
This is a story on the no-bid contract to PSC Security
The Florida Commission on Ethics, rejecting its investigator’s recommendation, found probable cause that Mayor Keith James “misused his position to urge the award of a no-bid security contract to a company operated by one of his friends.”
The decision is not a finding of guilt but it means the commission found the case merited further review, trial before an administrative judge or settlement talks with the board.
No additional action along those lines has been scheduled yet, said C. Christopher Anderson III, executive director and general counsel of the commission. If James is found to have violated state ethics law, he could face fines of as much as $10,000 per violation or removal from office.”
Where is the FCOE decision on James? When is the lawsuit to begin? Was scheduled to start the end of November 2022.
Read the story below, it contains links with more information.
https://wpbwatch.com/2022/11/mayor-james-2nd-attempt-to-change-fcoe-outcome/
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