Commissioner Shoaf Voting Record
If you read the recent story on Commissioner Lambert’s voting record this story would give you the same information. Shoaf voted with Lambert on every issue presented by developers, against residents objections.
Commissioner Shoaf voted for:
Okeechobee Business District,
One Flagler, a Related project
Voted for approval the plan to narrow the car lanes on South Flagler, where many residents living in the area spoke up trying to explain how the change would affect their way of life.
Voted approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive. “The West Palm Beach City Commission this week gave initial approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive, paving the way for more high-end units on the waterfront just south of downtown and dismissing complaints the 300-foot-tall structure would be far bigger than city regulations allow on a site smaller than 1.4 acres.” Read entire story below. https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/news/20190131/flagler-drive-24-story-condo-gets-initial-ok-from-west-palm-beach
Voted to awarded a 7.9 million no-bid security contract to Professional Security Consultants (PSC) When residents and the media got involved Mayor James decided a do-over was necessary and set a “Special” City Commission meeting to cancel the PSC contract and request a RFP (Request For Proposal)
“Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants (PSC) Lambert, Shoaf and Peduzzi were no shows, and only Commissioners Neering & Ryles attended the meeting. Residents sat in chambers knowing the word on the street was the 3 would not attend to allow a quorum.
The population of WPB is over 111 thousand people who depend on a Mayor and City Commissioners to run their city in a professional and thoughtful manner. If they consider their responsibilities a part tine job they shouldn’t run.
At a recent City Commission meeting Shoaf told the audience she is “vehemently” opposed to replacing PSC, stating she has received many emails and phone calls praising PSC. She should have been “vehemently” opposed to voting for the no-bid contract, and then not appearing to cancel the contract.
One resident named Matt Chambers who has a business on Northwood Rd. generally comments to the Mayor and Commissioners and he stated at the last meeting that many of his customers have said how safe they feel with PSC patrolling the area. Appears he is in favor, along with Shoaf to keep PSC on the job. A little investigation and I found that Mr. Chambers is on her Campaign Treasurer’s Report Summary. Below is the City Clerk report for Dec. 2019. Please take the time to view it and note as with Lambert the Chamber of Commerce has made $1,000.00 donation. https://www.wpb.org/home/showdocument?id=231
Commissioner Shoaf is the Manger and Registered Agent of The Westley Group, LLC. It appears to be a business that renovates hotel properties. Could her position as a Commissioner help her family business? It certainly could if she is voting on hotel contracts for hotel companies her firm does business with. Something to watch for. http://thewestleygroup.com/
I recently ran across an article from the PB Post on Martina Tate Walker who is challenging Commissioner Shoaf. Here is part of the story published 9/1/2019.
“Palm Beach Rams Pop Warner football program saved by community.
When told they’d no longer receive funding from the Police Athletic League after last year, it was the community’s turn to support the team.
West Palm Beach’s Omnipotent Outreach Ministries has played a crucial part, giving the team financial assistance. Pastor Martina Tate-Walker, Evangelist Jeannette Jefferson, and the ministry provided the funds as an act of goodwill.” Obviously before the gangs reach these kids Ms. Walker would rather see kids on the field playing ball than learning how to load and shoot a gun. Hopefully the Police Athletic League will resume it’s financial assistance. Please take the time to read the story and see the age of children. This is when you reach them, not when their in their 20. https://www.palmbeachpost.com/sports/20190901/palm-beach-rams-pop-warner-football-program-saved-by-community
We need representatives who will represent the people, with no political agendas and too much attention paid to special interest. if you approve of the direction city leaders have taken us keep them in office, if your not happy, please vote to change the direction the city is moving.
I walked the city for 8 hours and asked over 1,000 residents if they preferred PSC or another security company. 850 people said they preferred PSC. That sentence is a total fabrication, and because I said it don’t make it true.
Commissioner Lambert’s Voting Record
WPB Watch stories are being posted early in an attempt to reach early voters to insure they know the facts before they vote their choice for City Commissioner. Many people vote because they recognize a name or know the candidate is running for reelection. I don’t believe either is a sound reason to give them our vote.
For me it’s easier to know how to vote if a candidate is up for reelection because I can better understand how they voted, and if they kept previous campaign promises. Most have not.
Let me remind you how Christine Lambert voted, and for the record Kelly Shoaf was in lock step with Lambert. That’s another story coming soon.
After the Okeechobee Business District (OBD) was voted down by the previous commissioners, who listened to residents concern about the project which was the gateway to One Flagler, a Related project, Mayor Muoio brought it back for reconsideration, and with the votes of Lambert and Shoaf, it passed and One Flagler is definitely in play, with PB County, Palm Beach and residents still against the project. Read the story below. https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2018/08/13/west-palm-beach-officials-to-give-downtown-office.html
9/2019 Lambert voted to awarded a 7.9 million no-bid security contract to a firm whose regional chief, Willie Perez, who socializes with the mayor, city manager, police chief and deputy chief and a city commissioner (Peduzzi). The city was in an uproar, and James decided a do-over was called for.
10/2019 “Resolution No. 328-19 canceling the Security Services Agreement with Professional Security Consultants. Lambert, Shoaf and Peduzzi were a no show. No quorum, meeting cancelled, contract stayed in effect.
10/ 2019 Lambert voted to approved a plan to narrow the car lanes on South Flagler and create wider bike lanes separated from traffic. Commission Chambers were full with residents from her district asking the commissioners to not pass this resolution. Did she listen? She did not.
The day after Lambert voted to pass the changes on South Flagler, she was seen with her husband, Monty an employee of WGI, who does business with the City, on So. Flagler. Was she envisioning how her vote would change the area? Lambert on Flagler with hubby
1/ 2019 Lambert voted approval to a 24-story condominium complex at 1309 S. Flagler Drive, while dismissing complaints the 300-foot-tall structure would be far bigger than city regulations allow on a site smaller than 1.4 acres.
Lambert’s having her first Annual “South of Okeechobee Neighborhood Community Update” on 2/8/2020, with invited guests James, Police & Fire Chief, Code Enforcement, Parks & Recreation. She also wants to teach you about the 30 million dollar Park Referendum, which of course she voted for. Why the first annual Community update one month before the election? Attempting to show she cares? Don’t be fooled.
Rick Asnani from Cornerstone is her Political Advisor, and below are a few of the contributions she has received.
Mark Foley Political committee $1,000.00, Chamber of Commerce $1,000.00, Rick Asnani $1,000.00. My 2 favorites Fla. for Economic Leadership and Citizens for Law Order and Ethics, both are located at 9200 Belvedere Rd. Suite 202 Both Pac’s are registered to Rick Asnani and both gave $1,000.00. In fact Ms. Lambert has collected $58,115.00 as of 12/31,2019.
Do you expect Lambert to be loyal to the people who put her in office? She isn’t even loyal to her political party. Lambert was a Registered Republican until she decided to run for City Commissioner, then changed her affiliation to the Democratic Party. See the PBC Supervisor of Elections below. Lambert SOE Change History From Rep. to Dem.
Lambert has a challenger named Stephen Sylvester. Here’s what you need to know about Mr. Sylvester. He is not welcome by Related, other developers, Chamber of Commerce, James and businesses who want to tear up our streets to control traffic and gridlock which Lambert’s vote helped create. A quote by Mr. Sylvester says it all.
“City Commissioners must take the time to listen to our residents – the very people who elected them to office! Unfortunately, the residents and their concerns have taken a back seat to political agendas and special interests.” I believe he gets it. I’m willing to give him a chance.
Why would we reward Lambert with our vote for a second two year term to create more problems for the City.
NO on 30 Million Bond.
Who doesn’t want decent parks for kids to play in, somewhere to take the family for a picnic or just enjoy the outdoors. I know I do. Do I trust James and the City Commissioners to make this happen? I do not. Why? History tells us why. Walk with me down memory lane.
Joel Davis was the mayor in 2000 when residents voted for 20 million dollar bond for park upgrades throughout the city. Residents voted for the bond. The repayment of that bond expires Sept.2020. In 20 years what improvements have been made?
12/2/2019 The City Commission approved Ordinance No.4884-19 for approval of bonds in the amount of 30 million dollars for the improvement of City parks and recreational facilities. What’s the difference between 2000 and 2020? Actually 10 million dollars along with the same promises which didn’t happen the first time voters approved the bond. Do you remember?
In November 2016, Palm Beach County voters approved raising the sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent. This 1-cent sales tax increase took effect January 1, 2017
“On November 8th, Palm Beach County voters decided to enact a one-cent sales tax to pay for needed improvements to public infrastructure, parks, and public” Below is the City website with information the city wanted voters to know how their taxes were spent. if you take the time tp open the link you will see the message Page Not Found. https://www.wpb.org/News-Video/Archive-News/Penny-Sales-Tax-Projects-in-West-Palm-Beach
Now James, who has no problem with his hands in taxpayers pockets wants another 30 million dollars with another promise to improve parks. What park improvements were made from the penny sales tax in the past 3 years? We have new parklets, which the city considers “parks” So what’s a parklet? Here’s the description. “a small seating area or green space created as a public amenity on or alongside a sidewalk, especially in a former roadside parking space.” In other words plant a bush or tree and place a bench next to it and there you have a parklet. I imagine this is a fortune in upkeep.
On Jan. 28 I attended a meeting of the Northshore Association with Board President Carl Flick leading the meeting. For those of you who haven’t heard of Carl he is extremely knowledgeable, does his homework and is a wealth of information on the history of his neighborhood, which he has lived for 30 years, and includes Currie Park. He mentioned at the meeting when the bond in 2000 was suggested that one million dollars was to be spent in Currie Park. He then told the group 100,000.00 was spent. Not much changed in 20 years. Currie Park is to receive millions more if this passes.
Recreational Parks is anywhere a ball field is located including baseball and soccer. Are you aware permits are required to play in these parks? So parents are paying their share of the 2000 bond, and pay again if their kids use the facilities. How much money has been collected, and where were the dollars used? We’ll never know.
Now Former Mayor Muoio is involved opening a PAC to pay for the flyers and yard signs that will be seen all over the city urging voters to approve the referendum. The City wants this 30 million and will move heaven and earth to once again dip into your pockets.
A reader reminded me that a majority of the residents are millennials (under 40) and they will vote yes not knowing the history of the previous bond and broken promises of City Leaders, who in my opinion are not capable of handling taxpayer dollars. Remember the 7.9 million dollar no bid contract given to a drinking buddy of James?
The following referendum question will also be on the ballot on March 17, 2020.
CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS FOR PARKS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND NATURAL AREAS
To improve public health and protect natural areas and public green space by renovating parks and recreational facilities including playgrounds, safety features, upgraded efficient lighting, park trails, sports courts, athletic fields, community centers and improved accessibility to amenities, shall West Palm Beach issue general obligation bonds not exceeding $30,000,000, bearing maximum lawful interest rates, maturing within 30 years of their issuance, payable from ad valorem taxes, with independent annual audits and citizen oversight?
FOR BONDS ______
AGAINST BONDS _____
I don’t believe the dollars will be audited annually, and if there is citizen oversight they will be citizens hand picked by the mayor like all committees are. Citizens who will do the mayors bidding.
2020 Election Off To A Bad Start!
I had a phone call from a reader asking if I received a telephone poll questioner from Christine Lambert campaign. I did not, but was told some of the questions asked.
I personally find it totally irresponsible that her poll included his young children and former wife. The candidate must approve all mailers and information sent to voters. Is she not aware his children will eventually have access to this material? Parents will talk about it over the dinner table. Their kids will ask who their talking about and they may say Mr. Sylvester, don’t you go to school with his kids? There it is. Shame on you Mrs. Lambert.
Today I received a flyer from Stephen Sylvester’s campaign referring to the telephone poll. Below are excerpts from his flyer. The entire flyer can be read below.
“Last night, City Commissioner Christina Lambert’s re-election campaign team launched a “Push Poll” and began calling registered voters in West Palm Beach.
It is an early indication of the type of negative campaign Mrs. Lambert plans to run.
The poll was full of outright lies and attempts to mislead voters with half-truths and misinformation.
Even worse, the poll asks questions about Stephen Sylvester’s ex-wife and his minor children.
With this email, I am publicly calling upon Christina Lambert to pull her offensive poll from the field and issue a public apology to my children and me for her reprehensible actions.
West Palm Beach deserves a city commissioner who holds themselves to the highest standards. Mrs. Lambert’s race to the bottom is truly disappointing.”
https://mailchi.mp/d805074f2b8b/meet-city-commission-candidate-stephen-sylvester-6199921
Lambert’s political consultant Cornerstone Solutions, run by Rick Asnani, apparently intends to run her campaign along the same lines he did 2 years ago when she challenged former Commissioner Shanon Materio with half truths and outright lies. Materio didn’t take it lying down, but fought back with a lawsuit, and so far she has won them all. Walk back with me 2 years ago, and below are the hi-lights from the PB Post. Entire story below:
WEST PALM BEACH -” An appeals court has denied political consultant Rick Asnani’s effort to shoot down a defamation suit by ex-city commissioner Shanon Materio for a mailer she said contributed to her loss to Christina Lambert in 2018.
The Fourth District Court of Appeal ruled Oct. 30 that Asnani and affiliated organizations Cornerstone Solutions Florida and WPB Residents for Integrity in Government failed to show Materio’s suit caused irreparable harm, as required to declare it a SLAPP suit.
SLAPP is an acronym for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation. Florida law bans such suits, considering them baseless efforts to intimidate or silence critics and hinder free speech.
A circuit court judge in March denied Asnani’s motions for dismissal or summary judgment, though, and ordered the firms to pay Materio’s legal fees.
The appellate court now also has denied his anti-SLAPP motion.
Commissioner Lambert declined comment.”
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20191105/new-court-denies-political-consultantrsquos-move-to-kill-shanon-materio-suit-over-campaign-flyer
The campaign 2 years earlier was ‘dirty” to say the least. When Cornerstone was found to have violated campaign laws they were fined a whopping $950.00. With fines so low, and millions at stake for developers no wonder their repeating history. Below is an excerpt from the PB Post. Entire story can be read below.
” A nonprofit run by political consultant Rick Asnani has been fined $950 for failing to register as a political committee that should have filed campaign treasurer reports with the state.
Last June, former West Palm Beach City Commissioner Shanon Materio filed complaints with the Florida Elections Commission against three nonprofits she said Asnani ran as shell corporations to collect campaign donations anonymously.
The FEC dismissed the allegations against two of the nonprofits, which channeled money against Materio’s run for re-election versus victor Christina Lambert. But in a Consent Final Order released Tuesday, Asnani’s Taxpayers for American Jobs, Inc. acknowledged the state could prove that the nonprofit operated as an unregistered political committee that deliberately failed to file required campaign treasurers’ reports.
Materio on Tuesday called for an end to loopholes that allow anonymous contributions.
“Asnani and his Cornerstone companies have been doing this for years,” she said. “These entities are not formed for greater transparency for voters and the public but just the opposite.
https://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/20190522/west-palm-consultant-asnanis-political-committee-fined-for-elections-violations
Related Property: The Flats at Rosemary Square
When residents become frustrated with city officials we have the right to appear before them and have 3 minutes to express our grievances. Most of the time it doesn’t help and turns out to be a waste of time. What do you do? You write about it, and that does help.
I was made aware of a new website written by a concerned citizen and he writes about Rosemary Square formally City Place and he tells of “The Flats at Rosemary Square” a review written by residents who live there and he posted pictures to make his point. I hope you take the time to read his story below and I feel his frustration when he writes about a building that constantly floods, apartments full of mold and mildew, a fire alarm that goes off day and night, and other problems with possible stealing of electricity and water. He writes:
“As a current tenant I feel it is my duty to warn other potential renters about why they should not rent from The Flats at Rosemary Square in West Palm Beach, Florida.
This property is owned by Related Group and is managed by TRG Management Company.
The fact that this website even has to exist is a testament to the lack of interest of the management of this property.
I made many attempts to resolve my concerns with the on-site management, the district manager, and the TRG group who is the property manager, but the same issues continue to happen week after week, and month after month.
Sadly, I am not the only one who feels this way. There are many reviews on the internet warning people to stay away from this rental property. Also, I have spoken to many current tenants, all who have their own unresolved issues and concerns with this property.”
If that isn’t enough reason to be grateful you don’t rent an apartment at The Flats, here is 1 more story concerning Related and Condo’s they sold.
“Their condos were missing a room — so they’re suing real estate giant Related Group The biggest real estate developer in Miami-Dade has been accused of stiffing customers who bought condominiums marketed as “one bedroom + den” in size — but the den never showed up.
Read more below:”
https://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article232733807.html#storylink=cpy
This is the same Related that City Commissioners unanimously voted (1/13/2020) allowing another 21 story building containing 325 additional rental apts.
Story written by PB Post reporter Tony Doris on the City Commission meeting held 1/13.2020.
“City say’s “yes” to 21-story apartment tower site plan on Rosemary Square ex-Macy’s site.”
Read the story below:
Three items on the City Commission Agenda for Jan. 13, 2020
#5. “Resolution No. 10-20 establishing the salary and other compensation for the City Administrator and amending the pay grade information for the City Administrator job classification. Based on Ms. Johnson’s extensive qualifications and experience, the Mayor is recommending to the Commission a starting salary of $249,000 for consideration, which is within the General Management Salary Rate Schedule for the City Administrator Pay Grade, GM20 ($174,303-$261,454). Upon successful completion of a six (6) month probationary period, Ms. Johnson’s salary will increase by 5% to $261,450, also within the current salary rate schedule. Ms. Johnson’s current salary as Interim City Administrator is $220,000.”
In my opinion as soon as Jeff Green left the city James should have appointed Ms. Johnson as City Administrator, and I’m happy he finally made the move. I am not in favor of James suggesting Ms. Johnson reach the top of the pay grade in less than a year. I would suggest her salary of $220,000.00/year, and a 5% increase in 2021. If the Commissioner’s pass this Resolution they should start every employee at the top of their pay grade. The President of the US earns $400,000.00/year.
#7.” Public Hearing and First Reading of Ordinance No. 4868-19 approving the Real Property Lease Management Policy for the purposes of providing a framework governing the leasing and rental decisions of real property owned by the City of West Palm Beach.”
The City owns property at 401 N Flagler Dr; and the PBC Property Appraiser has appraised the property at $12,050,272.00. The city, for years has rented the building to Dennis Grady, Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Commerce for $1.00/year. The Chamber is joined at the hip with Related and Grady appears at Commission meeting and declares his Board of Directors had a meeting and voted unanimously to approve Related projects. Quid pro quo? “Favor or advantage granted or expected in return for something.”
#8. “Public Hearing of Resolution No. 362-19: Regarding a request by Harvey Oyer of Shutts & Bowen LLP, on behalf of CityPlace Retail, LLC, for the approval of a Level III Site Plan Review within the CityPlace Development of Regional Impact (DRI) to construct a 21-story mixed use building containing 325 residential units, approximately 34,000 square feet of retail and approximately 57,000 square feet of office at 575 South Rosemary Avenue.”
Publix and Macy’s are known as anchor site’s meaning it is a “draw tenant”, or “key tenant.” When a Publix is built it draws other stores to the shopping center. Well both stores are gone from CityPlace and the City Commissioners will vote tonight to replace Macy’s, a 5 story building with a 21 story building with 325 residential units.
If a unit is rented to a couple we are looking at approximately 650 additional cars + office and retail traffic. The residents of WPB are concerned about the gridlock and amount of cars on the road. The city solution? Approve every project coming down the pike. This may turn out to be no problem at all if residents and shoppers ride a bike to get around Rosemary Square. My guess, the Commissioners will approve the 21 story building. Lambert and Shoaf need the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce for re-election in 2020.
Below are recent changes made at CityPlace (Rosemary Square) Owner, Related, WPB.
Blue Martini CityPlace has closed it’s doors. This is a problem for the city. Blue Martini, affectionally called “Little City Hall” is where Mayor James, City Administrator Jeff Green, Police Chief Frank Adderley, Assistant Chief Richard Morris, City Commissioner Peduzzi and the famous Willie Perez, friend of the Mayor and PSC’s Senior Regional Director who received the no bid contract of nearly 8 million dollars. The city waste so much of taxpayer dollars I wouldn’t be surprised if they purchased the “Table of Corruption” and moved it to the real City Hall where they could meet and reminisce about the good old days.
Recent changes to Cityplace.
Lucky Brand Jeans closed it’s doors right before Christmas.
Diva Duck Tours has moved to the Palm Beach Outlets Mall by Forever21 because of construction and parking problems.
The Cheesecake Factory will no longer validate parking for the garages on weekends due to the new $5.00 flat rate.
LA Fitness will continue to validate garage parking.
Parking was free for the first 80 min. then $1.00/hr.
The valet rate has increased from $8 to $12.
Double click to enlarge picture.
April 2020 Recall of Keith James
The 2019 Florida Statutes: Chapter 100
SYNOPIS
100.361
Recall Petition
Petition shall contain the name of the person sought to be recalled and a statement of grounds for recall. (see below)
In a municipality or district of 25,000 or more registered electors, the petition shall be signed by 5 percent of the total number of registered electors of the municipality or district as of the preceding municipal election whichever is greater.
The Supervisor of Election provided a breakdown of voters:
As of November 2019. There are 71,508 registered voters in the city of West Palm Beach.
3575 signatures needed for Recall. (5% of 71,508)
All signatures shall be obtained within 30 days and filed all at the same time no later than 30 days after the date on which the first signature is obtained on the petition.
Each signature is to be witnessed at the time of signing to verify that the witness saw each person sign the petition.
All signed petition forms shall be filed at the same time with the Clerk of the municipality, (West Palm Beach).
Recall:
“Any member of the governing body of a municipality, may be removed from office by the electors of the municipality.” “This – is called a RECALL!”
A recall cannot begin until the targeted official has served at least one-fourth of his term in office. Mayor Keith James will have served one-fourth of his term this April! We can then RECALL Mayor Keith James.
Grounds for Recall:
One of the Grounds for a recall is Malfeasance:
Definition of malfeasance:
Wrong doing or misconduct by a public official!
We will be moving towards a RECALL of Mayor Keith James based on his Malfeasance:
Items to be Included:
1. Mayor Keith James Circumvented the City Bid Process guaranteeing a contract for 7.8 million to his friend -Willie Perez, Regional Director of Professional Security Consultants. The community was outraged, but Your texts to your friend Willie Perez, Which have been made public stated , that you were comfortable with the decision and were moving forward, Even though Mr. Perez has been reported in several media outlets as sending graphic sexual photos to city staffers.
2. Mayor Keith James Attempted to push through Commission on Consent, a Pay-off of $180,000 as Hush Money to silence the Sex Scandals which prevail in City Hall. Consent Items, are normally used for Non-controversial agenda items that need no discussion, thankfully the commissioners stopped this – and pulled the item off of consent– not blessing this Hush Money Pay-off by our Mayor.
3. It is alleged that some of the participants involved in this sex scandal, are from the highest ranking city employees.
4. Mayor Keith James your City Manager, Mr. Jeff Greene and members of the Mayor’s Blue Martini Cigar Club,(which included the awardee of the 7.8 million dollar contract, Mr. Perez) have been accused of sexual harassment; ménage a trois with several city employees ; even rape; but yet by the public admission of the City Attorney no inquiry or investigation was undertaken by City Administration, much less any law enforcement investigations were conducted.
5. It was not until Rep. Matt Willhite wrote a letter to the Governor asking for an independent investigation- that any of these matters were discussed to be investigated by an independent agency.
Be assured come April, we will be ready.
complete Florida Statute chapter 100.361
Seems like Deja vu
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2007-08-08-0708070604-story.html
When the OBD was first presented 3 Commissioners, Moffett, Materio and Neering voted against it.
This was not acceptable, and money was poured into the campaign to elect Kelly Shoaf and Christine Lambert. If they were elected the developer had Commissioner James in their pocket corner which was enough to give Related what they wanted. Well as you know they were elected, and 4 months after they were sworn in Mayor Muoio put the OBD back on the agenda and of course it passed. Win-Win for Related.
How Lambert won: Easy just have Cornerstone, Rick Asnani as her political consultant defame Commissioner Materio with false mailers and lies. Materio didn’t roll over.
Materio: Rick Asnani was sued by former Commissioner Materio for defamation and the lower court ruled she had the right to sue. Asnani appealed the ruling, and back to court where the 4th. District Court of Appeals has denied Asrani’s effort to shoot down a defamation suit. Materio won again and was awarded her attorney fees. Asnani is appealing the ruling once again. Now you understand why the courts are backed up.
March 2020 Election
Lambert has a challenger, Steve Sylvester. I met him and like him and will vote for him. WPB knows Lambert’s voting record and decisions she has made, and I don’t want 2 more years of Lambert and her love affair with Related and Flagler One.
How Shoaf won: The day Moffett’s re-election papers were due, she dropped out of the race too late for anyone with name recognition interested in running. Martina Tate Walker was also running for Moffatt’s seat. Ms. Walker has no name recognition today except by the people she serves. Ms. Walker also has no political consultant or money from PAC’s, developers or the Chamber of Commerce. In fact she’s broke. You will not see political signs with her name on it or receive political flyers. She will not be endorsed by the Post, any past or present Mayors or commissioner. Know what that tells me? Means she doesn’t owe anyone her vote. She has not been bought. She is her own woman. You have a choice between Shoaf and Walker in March 2020. What are you gonna do?
Richard Ryles has a challenger namely Christy Fox a woman who worked for Related. Not much to report here as without the election, Fox is the new commission for District 3. How did that happen? Appears Ryles “forgot” to submit his papers for re-election. He forgot; I have a hard time believing that. He will not respond to calls from the media, or the people who trusted him and willing to work for his re-election. How could he not make a public announcement? Big disappointment, and he has given us a Fox in the hen house.
If Lambert and Shoaf are successful there you have it. Three ladies who have proven they will support the Chamber and Related, what are you going to do? Suggestion: Know your candidates and vote wisely.
I must leave this story on a good note.
Rep. Matt Willhite has requested Gov. DeSantis assistance in an investigation of James, and the Governor has the authority to remove him from office. If that doesn’t happen, we have another choice.
At the 12/16 meeting resident Alan Levine stood at the podium and gave James a heads up. Mr. Levine who keeps track of city funny business announced he has been asked to lead a recall of James and remove him from office. Mr. Levine has accepted the challenge, and he will need help in moving forward. Here is the process.
Around 1,155 signatures of registered voters are needed to start the process.
30 days to obtain them, once the clock starts, which begins with the date of the first signature obtained, which cannot start until the March date James was elected but I think it could be from the date he was actually sworn in which was in April. (One more item to verify)
If successful, the process will eventually require one more petition, filed by the Clerk, which needs 15% of all the city’s registered voters, gathered within a 60 day period.
15% of approximately 38,000 registered voters is around 5,700. No doubt harder, but very doable. Just starting the process may be enough.
Once this all happens a new election is decided and most often the person being recalled quits. Let’s assume James won’t. The person that will run the city at that point is the city manager if the Governor decides not to appoint a temporary Mayor.
There is a municipal recall document that can be had on the County supervisor of elections site.
What Goes On Behind The Scenes at City Hall
Wednesday I attended the am DAC Meeting. Thursday it was the am IA Meeting. Thursday pm back to City Hall to meet with the Department of Housing and Community Development. Rode the elevator to the 3rd. floor, walked up to the window with my mouth hanging open not believing what I was seeing. The department looked like a miniature Disney World at Christmas time. 
I met 4 amazing women named Luz Rivera, Lucy Joseph, Michelle Tymes and Lisa Kemp. This story is about them and the entire department.
Luz Rivera, 18 years with the city: The dept. has 3 decorated Christmas Trees, with wrapped gifts underneath. One wall was decorated with wrapping paper with more gifts underneath. The trees were beautifully decorated, and my mind went to the cost of it all. Luz explained everything I was looking at was donated and she walks her neighborhood and said I would be amazed at what her neighbors discarded when the holiday was over. They don’t want it, as luck would have it Luz does. She does all the decorating.
Michelle Tymes, 9 years with the city: I was shown the third tree which is located down a hallway. I glanced into one office pod, stopped, backed up and looked in. Someone had a home away from home. First thing I noticed was a large tack board and pictures of dogs and 2 Yellow Labs had center stage. Michelle pointed to one and said this was her newest pup and the other pup had a grey muzzle and I knew it was an older dog. She then mentioned how much she loved Samson and was so sad when he passed over the Rainbow Bridge. I looked over and noticed her eyes filled with tears. Michelle will see Samson again. He’ll wait for her and greet her with all the love and devotion he’d always shown her.
Lucy Joseph, 6 months with the city: Lucy has a bubbly personality, outgoing personality. Her hobbies are art and calligraphy. She is responsible for the lettering wishing Merry Christmas next to the tree. She’s the type of employee I would be happy to work with. Double click to enlarge pictures.
Lisa Kemp, 4 years with the city: Lisa is the Community Resource Manager and oversees the Vickers House working closely with the homeless. She comes from a Non-Profit world and uses her knowledge and experience at times thinking outside the box.
For example the last 3 years Lisa and her crew “adopted” 15 children in the foster care system and each Christmas partnering with Friends of Foster Children. Prior to that, her “crew” sponsored a Pre-K and Kindergarten classroom at Northmore Elementary School to which they showed up with Santa Claus, Elves and gifts. Her staff pays for the gifs, wraps them and delivers them to the disadvantaged children in our area. The school honored them with an award showing their gratitude for their thoughtfulness.
This holiday season was no different. Under the office Christmas tree, the wrapped gifts had an extra paper attached that read “Foster Angel Wish List.” These packages actually had gifts in them donated by City Staff. Reading one of the attached papers containing a name and other info and I realized it was for a child and was told all the children were in Foster Care. These children will receive a visit from Santa. If you open the link you will find not much has change over the ages. A boy age 4 wants a dinosaur, and a girl age 7 wants a doll. After the toys they wished for shoes, and it included their size. Think about that! A child wishing for shoes. Now count your blessings.
This year the staff adopted 16 foster children in addition to 4 homeless children. I was simply stunned by their generous giving nature.
I have named 4 people from the department but there are actually 10 employees working in the Department of Housing and Community Development, and every one of them “adopted” a child to fulfil their Christmas wish. This is what one department started and it’s growing.
Not wanting to be left out of the Christmas giving this year, two ladies from Human Resources Department, Alisha and Theresa, asked to be included and were welcomed aboard. Also Lina and Uyen from the Engineering Department joined in the festivities along with Tywanna from Parks and Recreation. For the first time in a long time I left City Hall with a smile on my face and it’s all due to one department with a loving and giving nature. That is what goes on behind the scenes at City Hall.
PSC Security Wants to Kill Cops
You are about to read two different stories with one thing in common– PSC Security.
A few months ago a brawl broke out in CityPlace when a large gang of thugs caused extensive damage to the Burger Fi Restaurant tearing the place up, smashing tables, chairs and the cash register which caused the business to close for repairs.
Employees unable to find PSC Security guards called 911 and the real police showed up and I’m told the thugs had left the area. There were no media reports on the incident.
As you are aware Related owns CityPlace and the text between PSC Willie Perez and Keith James may explain why this didn’t warrant a news story, but a cover-up.
Perez writes in part “All those years of insulating Related from liability” Obviously protecting Related was Perez concern, not the safety of residents,
Double click to enlarge.
Breaking news 12/10/19
WELLINGTON, Fla. (CBS12) — A mall security guard is accused of threatening to kill police.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-year-old Jason Parkins on a charge of intimidation-written threat to commit bodily injury.
Investigators said Parkins, via Facebook messenger, posted in a public forum a statement that read in part, “stupid f—–g pigs i would literally drive my vehicle into them all killing as much as i could with my sig sauer and then proudly die myself or serve the life sentence.”
You can read the entire story below.
Is the Wellington Mall protecting it’s visitors well enough so they are comfortable visiting or shopping there? Is this the only PSC employee who dreams of killing cops?
https://cbs12.com/news/local/wellington-mall-security-guard-accused-of-threatening-to-kill-police
As readers may be aware from news stories the mayor has written Governor DeSantis a three page letter explaining his side of the story as to why Rep. Willhite has asked the Governor to investigate the happenings in WPB. I received a copy of the letter and sent it to a few readers who in turn asked me what could be done.
Honestly if I could fix it– I would, but I can’t. Below is the mayors letter, and the email address of the Governor. One question! What are you going to do about it?
Letter from Mayor Keith A James to Governor Ron DeSantis