North & South Flagler Drive
Let’s start this story with some history concerning North & South Flagler Drive.
There is a section of North Flagler Drive that is prone to flooding between 29th Street and 34th Street. This is the stretch of road that cars are often lost to deep water. The deepest flooding along North Flagler Drive is specifically at 34th Street, 32nd Street, and 31st Street.
Residents have complained about this stretch of road for 40 years. For 40 years they have requested and then begged city leaders for relief. It was not to be. So how many served as mayor for 40 years from 1979-2019? In 1991 residents voted for a “Strong Mayor” form of government of which 5 mayors could have made the difference—they didn’t. Total of 14 previous mayors who decided flooding on North Flagler was not as important as other issues. Below is the list of mayors.
Helen Wilkes 1978 – 1980 (First woman to serve as mayor,) James M. Adams 1980 – 1981, Michael D. Hyman 1981 – 1982, Eva W. Mack 1982 -1984 (First African American mayor,) Dwight Baber 1984 – 1985, Carol Roberts 1985 – 1986, Pat Pepper Schwab 1988 – 1989, James O. Poole 1989 – 1991, John F. “Jeff” Koons 1991 (Served for eight months)
Strong mayor (1991-present)
Nancy M. Graham 1991 – 1999 (First strong mayor,) Joel Daves 1999 – 2003 (Lost re-election.) Lois Frankel 2003 – 2011, Jeri Muoio 2011- 2019, Keith James 2019.
In 40 years there have been countless City Commissioners who along with the mayor’s did nothing. Looking at the commissioners on today’s dais I would guess a couple of them have not reached the age of 40. Think of this. The people who decide our fate weren’t born when residents first reached out for flooding relief. Yes, commissioners that’s how long they have been waiting.
North Flagler Drive is in City commissioner Kelly Shoaf district.
South Flagler Drive is in City Commissioner Christina Lambert district.
Present Day
On the agenda for 8/26/2019 item # 17 concerned South Flagler Drive and the city’s attempt to drastically change it’s appearance with a design which many consider to be dangerous to drivers, pedestrians and bike riders. The last line on the agenda item reads: “Fiscal Note: No fiscal impact.” Really? Below is a story in the Palm Beach Post and their story states “The project is being funded through the recent 1 percent sales tax increase.” So the city is spending tax dollars on the project. How much tax money will this project cost, and with people on South Flagler against the move, wouldn’t the tax money be better spent on North Flagler Drive where for 40 years flooding has impacted peoples lives?
If you can find time to listen to the meeting and hear people’s comments pay attention when Lambert started reading the resolution, and residents had the audacity to show displeasure and James responded with HEY, HEY, HEY, and threatened to clear the room, stating “you had your chance to speak.” Well, you did all of 3 minutes.
Then before the vote he asked commissioners if they had any more questions. Lambert went on for 5 minutes making a statement and I never heard a question. I believe she was attempting to justify the vote she knew was coming. Watch the meeting below.
https://vimeo.com/channels/781232
“Commissioners Neering and Joe Peduzzi voted against the change, while Christina Lambert and Kelly Shoaf voted for it. With Commissioner Richard Ryles absent, Mayor Keith James voted to break the tie, supporting his administration’s project.”
If Commissioner Ryles was absent, why didn’t they continue the item as it held so much importance to so many?
The people who voted in favor of the resolution, James, Shoaf and Lambert could bring it back for re-consideration, and they should.
Why didn’t Commissioner Shoaf fight for the tax dollars for her end of Flagler?
Both ladies are up for re-election, and my concern is they will retain their seat because they will not be challenged.
Controversial bike trail on S. Flagler Drive will narrow lanes, give waterfront street a new look. Read entire story below.
Was doubling the tax fee from $50.00 to $100.00 Necessary?
Former Mayor Muoio and every mayor before her managed to run WPB with a City Administrator and two Assistant City Administrators.
Keith James needs a City Administrator and five Assistant Administrator’s. Here are their names and salaries received from a PRR.
Rick Greene $180,000.0176
Faye Johnson $179,999.9968
Scott Kelly $187,460.00
Christine Brevik $180,000.0176
Armando Fana $180,000.0176
Total $907,460.0496
The figure above does not include City Administrator Jeff Green’s salary which has to be over $200,000.00. So the top six administrators earn more than one million dollars in salaries. How generous is Keith James with tax payer money? Is this where the term “top heavy” in government comes from?
My opinion: I couldn’t believe Scott Kelly’s salary. A man that constantly lies to the public, and has been fired from other cities If he’s not good enough for them, why is he good enough for WPB?
Faye Johnson I could write an entire story on her. Her maiden name was Faye Outlaw and if you take the time to Google her and see the awards she has won and praise she has received for her honesty and integrity, hiring her was the one good thing the city has done.
Below are 2 stories in the Palm Beach Post that relate to the Fire Fee. The excerpts below are from both stories, and my opinion are in italics.
“Rather than raise city tax rate, West Palm Beach commissioners voted Monday to double the fire fee, to $100 for residences.”
“Responding to objections that the regressive fee would hit hardest those who can least afford it, Mayor Keith James pledged to have staff devise a program hardship waiver for the city’s poorest homeowners.”
That lie forgotten soon after leaving his lips. Keith James has no problem with the fire tax, he doesn’t own a home, and never will until all unpaid tax liens are paid.
“Still others complained that the commissioners appeared to have made up their minds in advance, and questioned whether the money would be put toward its stated use.”
Commissioners minds are made up before any vote is taken, how do you think they always land on the same page most times?
“Supporters were few. They included Dennis Grady, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches.”
Dennis Grady’s comment was basically the board of directors of the Chamber voted that the city should accept the new $100.00 fee.
What I heard is. 3 commissioners up for re-election (Shoaf, Lambert and Ryles) if you want the Chamber’s support, meaning opening the money spigot, not finding a candidate to challenge you and most important our endorsement, you will pass this increase. Too many to count spoke out against the tax increase. They want to hear from us, but only if we are in agreement with their plans.
“Commissioners acknowledged that the city’s tax rate was among the highest in the county, and said they hoped the administration would hold the line on property taxes, as well.”
We are the highest tax rate @ $8.35 per $1,000.00. Enough said.
“Mayor James agreed, saying he hoped to reduce the property tax rate next year and hold the fire fee steady. “I don’t anticipate an increase in the fire fee next year that I would be in favor of, he said.”
If you believe his statement, I have beautiful ocean front property for sale in Arizona, which I must sell to pay my taxes in WPB. All reasonably offers considered.
Read entire story below.
2nd. story was an Editorial: “Enough with the fire service fee hikes on West Palm residents”
“Which brings us to West Palm Beach. City commissioners, who’ve been blessed with a building boom the last several years, have doubled the city’s annual fire service fee — again — to $100 on homes.”
Bristol Palm Beach smashes city’s condo price record with $18M deal.
Does that mean the owner of the newly purchased condo, and a homeowner owning a $150,000 dollar home both pay $100.00 fire fee?
Well, yes it does. The average taxpayer has alway’s carried the burdon, from the day Jesus overturned the tables on the money changes. That’s why the rich get rich, and the struggling class carry the burden. Why stop now?
“Yes, this is the same regressive fire assessment (a tax by another name) that former Mayor Jeri Muoio and company doubled for homes just last year — from $25 to $50.
Funny, that’s the same argument the city made last year for doubling the fee on homes. What’s to make residents think that the city won’t come back again next year or the year after for another hike “to balance the budget”?
The city’s answer: They can’t promise that won’t happen.”
The paragraph below is from the previous story.
“Mayor James agreed, saying he hoped to reduce the property tax rate next year and hold the fire fee steady. “I don’t anticipate an increase in the fire fee next year that I would be in favor of, he said.”
Was his lips moving when he made that statement? Did he forget what he said a few day’s earlier?
“Second, residents voted overwhelmingly in 2016 for a 10-year, one-cent sales tax increase to pay for long-neglected capital improvement needs — like replacing aging fire engines, and upgrading or replacing fire stations. Which sound suspiciously like the things that the fire fee is supposed to cover.”
Please read the above paragraph once more. This is a great example of why I never vote for any tax increase, and ask my readers to understand what they are voting for when they vote “yes”. Unfortunately the public has a short memory, and believe what politicans promise because they excell on knowing what the public wants to hear.
“West Palm officials should explain in detail why the higher sales tax that voters imposed on themselves along with an expanding base of property tax revenue, is not sufficient for the fire department’s needs.”
I would appreciate the Palm Beach Post explination of why they endorsed Keith James for mayor, when they watched 8 years of James as a City Commissioner.
I cant recall any religious organization endorcing him. What do they know that we didn’t? Read entire story below.
City wants to raise Fire Assessment–Again
Residents recently received correspondence from the city which states:
“West Palm Beach Seeks Citizen Input on Proposed Fire Assessment Rates.
Public Hearing Scheduled for August 26, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall.
City of West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James and City Commissioners want to hear from you”
Anyone who opposes this increase from $50.00 to $100.00 trust me they don’t want to hear from you.
Last year when Mayor Muoio pushed to raise the fee from $25.00 to $50.00 people who attended the meeting walked into City Chambers to be met with a room full of firemen, many in uniform.
Well, what do you do? If you speak against the increase, many firemen feel you are voting against them. I can only speak for myself and did speak against the raise, but took the time to tell them I was not against the fire department, but against the city and how they used taxpayers dollars.
What was not mentioned in the letter above was Resolution no.190-11.
The city passed Resolution No. 190-11 establishing fees to be charged for the emergency medical transportation services provided by the West Palm Beach Fire Rescue Department. Below are the fees the city charges.
West Palm Beach effective October 1, 2011 Rates
ALS1 (Advanced Life Support 1) $700.00
ALS2 (Advanced Life Support 2) $750.00
(Specialty Care Transport) $850.00
Mileage Fee $12.00 /mile (If you live 1.1 mile from hospital you will be charged $24.00)
Waiting Fee $35.00 1/2 hour
Response to DOA (Dead on Arrival) $350.00.
Late Fee $3.00 / Month.
Figures City sent to me after a PRR for dollars collected.
FY 10/11 $2,034,461.86
FY 11/12 $1,956,560.31
FY 12/13 $1,911,861.02
FY 13/14 $1,886,757.58
FY 14/15 $1,873,849.88
Total $9,663,490,65
Below are the figures supplied by a city employee who asked to remain anonymous.
FY 2012 $2,723,993.00
FY 2013 $2,357,994.00
FY 2014 $3,144,304.00
FY 2015 $4,034,342.00
FY 2016 $3,365,000.00
—————————————
Total $15,625,633.00 Difference $5,962,143.00 Where is this Money?
Original story below posted July 23, 2016.
https://wpbwatch.com/2016/07/live-in-wpb-stay-healthy-or-pay-up/
Here are the Fire Assessment’s fee’s received from a PRR from the PBC which I received the day my request was submitted. Excellent service.
2019 $8,071,730.20 proposed (Ave$100 residential)
2018 $4,174,983.31 (Ave $50 residential
2017 $2,183,708.95 (Ave $25 residential)
2016 $2,180,241.30 (Ave $25 residential)
Total $8,538,933.56
Here are the Fire Assessment’s fee’s received from a PRR from WPB
2018 $2,090,940.91
2017 $2,087,772.73
2016 $2,033, 340.84
Total $ 6,212,054.48 Difference $2,326,879.08 Where is this money?
This is the 2nd. Time the city falsified records sent to me.
This will be a hardship for anyone on a fixed income, namely senior citizens, and don’t forget the $150.00- 200.00 that will be added onto the Non-ad valorem supposedly to be used for schools, solid waste authority of PBC $175.00. Homeowners can expect to pay $4-500 more on their tax bill. Why is it always the homeowner who pay’s? Guess who it won’t be a hardship on? Mayor Keith James, he isn’t a homeowner and rents a home from a homeowner who does business with the city, and James stated he paid “fair market Value” for rent.
Remember when James had his city commission check garnished? You forgot? Here’s a reminder.
Remember when James had liens placed against him for not paying taxes? You forgot? Another reminder.
Keith James Tax Lien 2009-2016
“If you don’t pay your property taxes in Florida, the delinquent amount becomes a lien on your home. (Fla. Stat. § 197.122). Once there’s a tax lien on your home, the tax collector may sell that lien at an auction. This is called a “tax lien sale.”
There will be an election for 3 City Commissioners Lambert, Shoaf and Ryles. Hopefully they will not take our vote for granted.
Personally I will not vote for any commissioner who uses Rick Asnani consulting firm Cornerstone Solutions, who is being sued by former Commissioner Materio, and after receiving another complaint
Voters please take the time to know the candidates, their issues and most importantly how they vote. The last Mayoral vote Mayor Muoio, Lois Frankel, Palm Beach Post, West Palm Beach Association of Firefighters, Police Benevolent Association, and the Chamber of Commerce all endorsed James for Mayor. That’s their opinion, have one of your own.
I believe the 3 commissioners will vote to approve the increase of the fire assessment fee for one reason. They want their endorsement for re-election.
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City Knows What Is Best For You, Stop Complaining!
As residents are well aware the city streets have been flooding for the last 2 weeks, with cars stranded in knee high water, hoods up waiting for help. How serious is this?
When you work all day, then plan to stop for groceries for dinner, Need to pick up your kids from the babysitter, visit a sick relative or just get home put your feet up because today was hell at work and you never thought your day would end.
Well your day ended when your car stalled out due to city streets flooding, wouldn’t start, and here you are waiting for a tow truck you didn’t budget for. Well tomorrow’s another day. Will it be better? If your car needs to dry out you spend your time looking for a friend to take you to work, a ride to the babysitter’s. If your auto has permanent damage you ask your friend to take you car shopping. One other thing you didn’t budget for.
“A total of 2.66 inches of rain was recorded in just 36 minutes today at Palm Beach International Airport. That amount of rain in 30 minutes happens about once every 10 years, the National Weather Service reports.”
Reporters are doing an excellent job bringing residents up to the date stories, and advising residents of area’s to stay clear of Flagler Drive, S. Flagler Drive, and Parker Avenue south of Okeechobee. Read the story below:
Heartbreaking are the stories people in the area are telling how it effects them, and tell us they have been complaining to the city about the situation for 40 years. Seriously?
Below was taken from the WPB City website:
“HOW IS THE CITY’S MONEY SPENT?”
“Just like our personal budget, the City’s budget is divided into two types of expenses: operating and capital. For us as residents, operating expenses are the costs we pay to live—like our electric and water bills. For the City, it means paying for the services we all use like street cleaning, police and fire. It also means keeping each department and facility up and running. Capital expenses are one-time purchases or upgrades. For us as residents, this might mean buying a car or fixing up the house. For the City, it means paying for new fire stations, road development, or improving a tired out area. How the City spends money comes from decisions made by the City of West Palm Beach Mayor and City Administration, with approval from your City Commission. They make those decisions based on a number of things: The City’s long-range plans, local data, future forecasts and—most importantly—feedback from you! Your opinions are important because they listen to you throughout the year before final decisions are made. So, tell us what’s important for you, your business and your family!”
Million’s spent on Clematis St; with million’s more to come. Mayor Muoio visited Copenhagen, came home and made the decision to spend our tax dollars on one particular area of the city. The line above “The City’s long-range plans, local data, future forecasts and—most importantly—feedback from you.”
Resident’s have complained about flooding for 40 years do you truly believe our feedback is most important to city officials? They have mastered the art of telling us what we want to hear.
The story below has Mayor Muoio bragging about how much money the city has collected. To bad the city is spending our tax dollars where they deem important, not in critical area’s where it’s needed.
So here is my prediction: Official’s will pick the one line that states “That amount of rain in 30 minutes happens about once every 10 years.” No problem let the future Mayor and Commissioners worry about it, not our problem because in a few months the rain will cease and we can all forget about the flooding.
Thoughts to ponder: Did you ever notice asphalt and cement won’t absorb water? Keep building those Related projects, you know the ones that are not “spot zoning” and the Class A office buildings that WPB so desperately needs. Please ignore all the Class A office space that is empty.
Words of wisdom by Thomas Sewell.
Another 28 Story Building
WEST PALM BEACH — The Community Redevelopment Agency approved a letter of intent Monday that calls for a luxury office tower about 28 stories tall to be developed at the vacant tent site astride the Okeechobee Boulevard entrance to downtown West Palm Beach. At roughly 388 feet, the building would be among the city’s tallest. The letter of intent includes unusual phrasing as far as building height goes. It says the maximum 40-foot height of the lobby “shall not be included in calculating height or story restrictions for the project, and may include a mezzanine level. The non-binding plan calls for Cohen Brothers Realty Corp. to build up to 490,000 square feet of office space, with ground floor shops or eateries and up to 1,800 parking spaces. The building’s 24 office floors would sit atop a lobby as much as 40-feet high. The project would include public art, energy efficiencies, “distinctive landscaping/green space, distinctive architectural elements, double-wide sidewalks and community-serving retail.” Read the story below.
WEST PALM BEACH — “City officials hope a world class architect will turn the dusty tent site into a defining structure, a tower that provides much-needed top-flight offices, while serving as a landmark entry to West Palm Beach’s downtown.
Developer Charles Cohen hopes to fit that bill by assigning to it architect Cesar Pelli, whose firm has designed some of the world’s tallest and most notable skyscrapers, from the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur to New York’s World Financial Center.”
“Architect César Pelli, designer of NYC’s World Financial Center, dies at 92.”
https://ny.curbed.com/2019/7/22/20703980/cesar-pelli-architect-world-financial-center
So here we are another mega building being build in WPB. Does the city have an alternative? One resident believes so, and I like the idea.
“A Cultural Center and Public Park in the heart of our city are needed to fill the gap between the library and the convention center.” Please read the entire opinion below written by Harriet Janensch of WPB who was allowed 200 words and wanted to mention the disruptive construction that would continue in our city. Two words too many, so I am happy to add them here.
I had a conversation with Ms. Janensch and she mentions Mizner Park in Boca Raton. When I googled it I was very impressed with the area and what Boca had done for it’s residents. I am posting a picture and there are many more I hope you take the time to view them at the link below.
Story below concerns Jon Ward who oversees the WPB CRA and will sell this development to City Commissioners
Single District Vs. at large
Nancy Graham was elected as WPB first strong Mayor and served from 1991-1999. In 1997 the city moved away from Single District voting to at large. Here’s the story.
BALLOT QUESTION
CHANGING ELECTION OF CITY COMMISSIONERS FROM FIVE SINGLE MEMBER DISTRICTS TO AT-LARGE.
Shall the City Charter of the City of West Palm Beach, Florida, be amended to provide that the election of City Commissioners be on an at-large basis rather than by five single-member districts?
Outcome:
The City Commission of the City of West Palm Beach, Florida, hereby finds and declares the results of the general election held on March 11, 1997, in said City as follows:
On the referendum question proposing an amendment to the City.
Charter to provide that the election of City Commissioners be on an at large basis, attached and incorporated hereto as Exhibit “A,” the following votes were cast by the qualified electors residing and voting within said City:
1,897 Yes – For the Amendment
647 No – Against the Amendment
As important as this vote was 2,544 people bothered to vote on the issue. Shame on us.
As you are aware, and for those who aren’t, WPB has 5 districts and are represented by 5 City Commissioners.
Kelly Shoaf, District 1 Up for re-election in March 2020
Cory Neering, District 2
Richard Ryles, District 3 Up for re-election in March 2020
Joseph Peduzzi, District 4
Christina Lambert, District 5 Up for re-election in March 2020
There are two paths for returning to Single District Voting.
1: A super majority of commissioners (4 of 5) can place it on the ballot, and we don’t believe that will happen although it would benefit them because they would campaign in their district only.
2: The more difficult route is what we will attempt.
What is needed to make this happen?
An attorney to draw up the paperwork and guide us on our journey, who may take this on Pro Bono, and be a hero to residents.
Another 6 volunteers needed to speak to voters and gather signatures.
$$ needed for copies, advertisement and possible Attorney costs.
We may be back and ask for contributions to make this a reality.
Palm Beach County, Supervisor of Elections
A recent trip to the PBC Supervisor of Elections we were advised we would have to gather 5% of 69,000 registered voters in WPB for a total of 3,450 signatures. She suggested we gather a minimum of 4,000 signatures. (People will tell you they are registered voters and are not.)
Signatures are then sent to the WPB City Clerk, along with a check. To verify signatures cost $.25 ea; and when they verify 3,450 signatures the count stops and hopefully placed on the ballot.
Single District Vs. at large.
“In a single member district the voters elect one of the candidates for a seat in that district. While “at large” is when the commissioner is elected from the city as a whole rather than by a district. All of the seats are never up for election at the same time.”
Why return to Single District voting?
It holds Commissioners responsible for their district and they can be re-elected or defeated in the next election. He/She will pay attention to their districts needs, and not worry about developers needs/wants.”
Heavy voter turnout can be found in the Western Communities, (District 4) and they vote to protect their interest and way of life. Example: the expansion of State Rd.7 which they oppose and officials have spent millions fighting to insure it wont happen.
If false political fliers are mailed to voters and state a commissioner is in favor of the expansion, they are voted out of office. Doesn’t matter if it’s true or not.
Another example is the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) and Commissioners Moffett, Materio and Neering who voted against the Related project. What was the outcome?
Moffett retired from politics, Materio was defeated by Lambert and Neering wasn’t up for election so he was safe for the moment. Below is an excerpt from the PB Post on a comment made by Commissioner Neering, and the entire story can be read below.
“He was one of three commissioners who last September shot down the plan to create an Okeechobee Business District. Despite heavy pressure, including threats that development interests would run candidates against him, if he opposed the plan because he felt there wasn’t enough information on how the plan would address the issues of traffic, spot zoning and how the plan could benefit the entire city and not just one parcel, coveted by developer The Related Co.”
I don’t want District 4, the Chamber of Commence, Cornerstone Political Consultant or Related choosing my commissioner in District 1,2,3,or 5 and I don’t want developers threatening my commissioner if they don’t vote their way they will find a candidate to run against them while throwing untold thousands of dollars, from unknown sources, to insure their defeat.
One argument I heard against single district voting is all Commissioners vote on all the issues and should be campaigning in all districts. Well we have been doing that for the last 22 years and what has it done for residents? And what happens when a commissioner runs unopposed? It is a win for developers when threats and money flows to commissioners with a “My way or the highway” attitude.
We are looking for volunteers willing to speak to their friends/neighbors and gather signatures in the North and South end of the city. The Western communities are gated and if a reader lives there and is willing to help we will have needed petitions delivered.
I want commissioners to vote in the best interest of their constituents, not in the best interest of one particular district or developer. I hope you feel the same.
Questions-Comments
Don’t Fix What Isn’t Broken!
“Cops and Scholars’ Program” This program was started by Sargent William Nealy “We’re placing all our resource on the kids that were getting into trouble, but we’re not doing anything for the kids NOT getting into trouble. So this evening was all about Darshayla, Trenasia, and Ruben. The three kids got a free meal at Brother Jimmy’s courtesy of CityPlace, and a full meet and greet with the mayor and police chief.” The three kids above had dinner with Sargent Nealy and other officers. Heartwarming story that can be read below. https://www.wptv.com/news/region-c-palm-beach-county/west-palm-beach/cops-and-scholars-program-attempts-to-bridge-the-gap-between-kids-and-police-in-west-palm-beach
West Palm Beach Police Department in Southern District of Florida to Receive Project Safe Neighborhoods Award won in 2018. “The West Palm Beach Police Department’s community engagement initiatives are extensive, and include not only national programs, but also local programs like “R.I.P.” program that interacts weekly with juvenile offenders arrested for gun and violent crimes, and “Cops and Scholars,” which champions kids in vulnerable communities. West Palm Beach Police Department also serves as a partner to many outside organizations and programs. All of these efforts are contributing to the success of PSN in local West Palm Beach communities.” The PB Post conveniently left this story out of their editorial. Read the story here. https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdfl/pr/west-palm-beach-police-department-southern-district-florida-receive-project-safe
Coffee with a Cop program. Where kids and parents meet with officers at McDonalds while parents drink coffee and kids eat ice cream and discuss whatever is on their mind.
Conversation with a cop program. I attended this program in May and parents discuss problems in their neighborhood while cops take notes and explain what the police can and cannot do. One grandmother impressed me when she said all her grandchildren are involved in either sports or programs and are not allowed to run the streets.
Chief Mooney has a Master’s degree in social work, experience in community outreach, and years of experience as a hostage negotiator, police trainer, field operations supervisor, patrol division shift commander and internal affairs commander. What I find admirable is her common sense approach to problems in the Northend.
From all I read troubled teen’s are looking for acceptance and a place to belong and the gangs are more than willing to accept them as members of their families, and once they are in impossible to leave.
It appears to me that Chief Mooney concentrates on the younger generation in an attempt to keep them safe and free from these welcoming gangs with programs she approves and encourages her officers, like Sargent Nealy. to contribute possible ideas to aid the community.
One new program involves volunteer’s who are willing to travel to crime scenes after a death in an attempt to help family members remain calm and explain why they cannot approach their loved one. Police officers and Detectives are on the scene looking for the perpetrators and evidence that may have been left behind. Law enforcement depend on DNA, and when hysterical family member praying the police are wrong and it’s not their family member. If it’s a parent I can’t imagine the pain they endure and just want to hold their child which could very well contaminate the scene and evidence will be lost. No parent should ever bury their children.
There is a City Commission meeting Monday night (6/3/19) at 5:00 PM and Mayor James will ask the commissioners to approve Frank Adderley as WPB new Chief of Police.
If you support Chief Mooney please take the time to appear at the meeting and let your thoughts be known. If you decide to attend please be on time as it is the first item on the agenda and bring your parking stub with you to be validated. Commissioners please don’t fix what isn’t broken.
Here you can find a story on Frank Adderley, the mayors choice to lead the WPB Police Dept. https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/new-broward-sheriff-gregory-tony-fires-agency-leader-and-scott-israel-ally-frank-adderley-11047087
How Lucky Is Florida?
I am going to start this story with an admission. I want President Trump to build the wall.
Former Mayor Muoio declared WPB a Sanctuary City, until Trump said no Federal Money for Sanctuary Cities. What did she do? Changed the wording. WPB will be a “Welcoming” city. Wasn’t necessary because courts ruled Trump couldn’t withhold federal funds.
Listening to the news this morning President Trump is sending 500 immigrants a month to Palm Beach & Broward County. Read the story below.
“The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) says there are between 11 million and 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. Read the story below.
“WASHINGTON — The number of undocumented immigrants crossing the southern border last month was the highest total for February in 12 years, according to statistics released by Customs and Border Protection on Tuesday. In 28 days, and in the same month President Donald Trump declared a national emergency in order to build a border wall, 76,103 immigrants without the needed documentation to enter the U.S. either presented themselves at legal ports of entry or were apprehended by Border Patrol between ports of entry.” Read the story below.
Below are the leaders of the Democratic Party who will not fund a border wall. President Trump needs to spread the wealth and send immigrants to California, Maryland and New York.
Leaders of the Democratic Party are listed below.
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA)
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD)
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (NY)
Closer to home Former Mayor Geri Muoio has a 5 bedroom and 3 full & 1/2 bathroom. I figure she can “welcome” 1 large family (mom, dad and 3 children or 2 smaller families mom, dad with 2 children. If any reader does not want the wall please contact PBC Sheriff Rick Bradshaw and let him know how many you can welcome into your home.
I am all for legal immigration, but want to know who is entering my country and believe they should have sponsors.
Do you remember the 1980 Mariel boatlift when Castro opened Cuban prisons and mental health facilities and 10,000 refugees became our problem.
Do you remember 9/11/2001 The September 11 attacks were a series of four coordinated terrorist attacks by the Islamic terrorist group al-Qaeda against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11, 2001. They were here legally.
Big Changes, Many Not Good For The City
As Mayor of our city, Keith James is off to a rough start removing key people from postilions they excelled in and a few that retired immediately after the election.
Lets look at a few.
A staff member who for years kept the Mayor’s office running smoothly retired right after the election.
Dorritt Miller who “knew where the bodies were buried” and people reporting to her worked in fear of being fired and in my opinion she should have been replaced years ago, there are two stories circulating city hall. She retired or she was fired. Important fact: She’s gone.
Christine Brevik who brought the IT Department into the 21st Century was fired, but I am told she is being rehired next week. That is excellent news for the city and she never should have been fired in the first place.
Peter Bieniek, Director of Public Works. Peter was hired by Muoio 2 years ago and it didn’t take long for him to prove himself worthy of the job. Peter put new procedures in place, and had other ideas that would have improved the efficiency of the process, eliminating unnecessary steps, using modernizing techniques, or taking other approaches. So what happened? Scott Kelly happened. As I have been told by numerous insiders who watched the interaction between the two men. After hearing different versions I can only conclude Kelly was in fear of his own job due to the fact Peter was doing an outstanding job, and may one day replace him as Assistant City Manager. After the election Kelly went to James and complained, and James fired Mr. Bieniek, I can tell you honestly that Scott Kelly has personally lied to me on certain issues, along with residents of the city when he makes presentations concerning developments. Scott Kelly was one of five executives fired from the city of Jacksonville, Fl. in 2012. if he was not good enough for Jacksonville what makes him good enough for WPB? James definitely fired the wrong guy. Read the story below.
https://www.jacksonville.com/article/20121210/NEWS/801242052
When the IA (Internal Audit) completes an audit of different departments the head of the department appears and answers any questions whenever the committee member or staff need clarification.. I attend all IA meetings, and have heard Ms. Brevik and Mr. Bieniek on occasions when committee members and staff commend them on the job they have done, and continue to do. Want to know how both managers handle the praise? “They couldn’t have accomplished it without their staff members.” Ask the guy who picks up your trash and yard waste what they think of James firing Peter, they will tell you. Both managers had the respect of the people reporting to them. Nuff said.
I am going to digress here and you will understand why if you continue reading. I watched a program where they asked middle school students grades 6-8 (ages 11-13), and high school grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) if they ever consumed alcohol. A shocking 20% said they had. The experts came in and spoke with the kids and they all left a little smarter than when they arrived. They were told of peer pressure and manipulation. The children thanked the experts and one young lady said she understood how she was manipulated and would not be again. So the experts came in and spoke to the kids with a hope of turning their thinking around, and it worked at least with one young lady. They reached out to the young and I believed were successful. Do you believe they would have had the same outcome with College age kids, who are set in their ways and know absolutely everything.
Police Chief Sara Mooney always reached out to the young children while making the rounds in the toughest neighborhoods in the Northend. She is reaching the kids because this is where change begins, with them, not the gang members who destroy and terrorize a neighborhood.
It’s my opinion the WPB Police Dept. is the finest in the state, led by the strongest Chief. I am not naïve enough to believe all police officers walk on water and some should never wear the uniform because they bring disgrace on themselves and their department. The remaining cops put their lives on the line every day protecting citizens who despise them for the uniform they wear. The PBA (Police Benevolent Association) President John Kazanjian endorsed James for Mayor. If a cop is accused or terminated they can turn to the PBA for protection, and they step up. The PBA did not step up for Chief Mooney, but defended Palm Beach Gardens police Officer Nouman Raja who was found guilty of manslaughter with a firearm and attempted first degree murder in the 2015 shooting death of Corey Jones. Thank God the jury made the right decision or once again police would be the bad guys painted with the same brush. How do you rid the departments of the bad guy’s when the PBA defends them? Corey Jones’s family finally received justice. Read the story below for the PBA reaction for finding Raja guilty.
https://www.wpbf.com/article/pbc-police-benevolent-association-reacts-to-raja-verdict/26751289
James is replacing Chief Mooney with Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Frank Adderley. Don’t know anything about Former Chief Adderley, but Neighborhood Scout is reporting on Fort Lauderdale, “We found that the violent crime rate is one of the highest in the nation, across communities of all sizes (both large and small). Violent offenses tracked included rape, murder and non-negligent manslaughter, armed robbery, and aggravated assault, including assault with a deadly weapon.” If you weren’t aware WPB have three excellent Assistant Chief’s West, Spatara and Kahil. Why does James constantly overlook excellent choices to look elsewhere when replacing people that are not replaceable? Now you know the reason why workers moral can be in the dumpster. Read the stat’s below.
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/fl/fort-lauderdale/crime
One of the best program introduced by Chief Mooney, and there has been many, is the “Community Response Team.” and Officer Courtney Sullivan is our neighborhood Community Officer. She reached out to a few residents and supplied her phone no; along with her e-mail address for any resident who wished to talk to her concerning problems in their neighborhood, like drugs. There are too many residents throughout WPB who are afraid to talk to police for fear of retaliation. If you ask Officer Sullivan not to park her police car in your driveway she wont and that is one way of protecting residents. Officer Sullivan reached out to the Board of Directors with an invitation to speak before residents to let us know she was in the neighborhood and approachable. That was approximately 6 months. The board has not accepted her invitation. I can tell you from experience I called her and her response was faster than white on rice, but that wont help residents who aren’t aware she’s in their own neighborhood waiting to assist them.
It is my understanding city hall has received complaints concerning Chief Mooney’s removal as Chief of Police and after the uproar from Mayor Muoio and others James offered her a position as Chief of Police for Emergency Management. Now this is just my opinion, and take it for what it’s worth. James never expected Mooney to accept the job, but accept she did. Mayor Muoio knowing how Keith James felt about Chief Mooney gave him her endorcement after he told her he would leave Mooney in place as Chief. James lied. Was Muoio that nieve? Hadn’t she learned how strong women intimidated him? Again my opinion.
If you didn’t know, Keith James is a Harvard Graduate. My wish is had common sense and used it.
Channel 5 ran a story on Mooney and Muoio’s response. They mentioned 2 commissioners who were basically OK with James decision, but didn’t name the commissioners. Again just my opinion it was commissioner’s Peduzzi and Lambert. I believe those 2 because I have heard Commissioners Neering, Shoaf and Ryles defend the chief.
What would happen if those 3 commissioners didn’t confirm a new chief of police for WPB?
Hear news 5 report below.
I Have A Questions—But No Answer
I live in a community with retired teachers and a few starting their careers. I had a conversation with a new teacher and asked how much homework she sent home with her kid’s and her answer was “my kids don’t do homework.” I was shocked remembering how much homework I had as a kid. My next question, which I regret asking (sometime ignorance is bliss) was why. Her answer was shocking. There aren’t enough books to go around. I spoke with her recently and she informed me she did receive 3 1/2 % pay raise, and no the school still doesn’t have enough books to go around.
Let’s do a small bit of history:
January 1988 Fl. voters approved a Referendum approving the lottery to benefit schools. I voted approval, brought billions to the state, and I learned a lesson.
January 2017 “When county residents voted two years ago to hike the county’s sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent, the move was supposed to raise $2.7 billion over a decade for the school district and the county’s municipal governments. Palm Beach County’s 10-year “penny tax” may last for only nine years, thanks to higher-than-expected sales countywide since the tax took effect in January 2017.”
Please read the entire story below. The state beat expectations of 2.7 billion and in 10 years they will ask voters to approve an extension for another 10 years. Hope I live long enough to vote no.
Nov. 2018 Once again homeowners were called upon with a new Referendum. “The tax would add $1 for every $1,000 in taxable value, contributing $800 million to the district’s coffers over four years. The owner of a $225,000 home with a $25,000 homestead exemption would see a tax increase of $150 per year.” This tax will run for 4 years. Read the entire story below. In four years they will ask for another extension.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-ne-voter-guide-palm-referendum-20180925-story.html
If you voted for this tax increase, below is the Referendum wording on the ballot.
REFERENDUM TO APPROVE AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL SAFETY, TEACHERS AND OPERATIONAL NEEDS
Shall the School Board of Palm Beach County have authority to levy 1.00 mills of ad valorem millage dedicated for operational needs of non-charter District schools to fund school safety equipment, hire additional school police and mental health professionals, fund arts, music, physical education, career and choice program teachers, and improve teacher pay beginning July 1, 2019 and automatically ending June 30, 2023, with oversight by the independent committee of citizens and experts?
Seems pretty clear to me, so why are folks demonstrating at the PBC Supervisor of Elections office? Charter schools are suing and want a piece of the pie, and the media’s attention is the way to go. I only hope they are protesting at the State Capitol also.
“One area that opponents of charter schools largely take issue with is their management by for-profit companies. In the state of Florida, a higher percentage of charter schools are run by for-profit corporations than are nationally. About 45 percent of Florida’s charter schools were managed by for-profit corporations in 2017-18, according to the report, significantly higher than the national rate of about 15 percent.” Read the story below.
“A tax package approved by a Florida House committee Thursday seeks to settle the dispute by requiring school districts to share revenue generated through property tax increases with charter schools.” Read the story below.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-tax-plan-school-funding-20190411-story.html
“March 2019 – Florida falls in national teacher pay ranking to 46th. The Sunshine State swapped places with Arizona, now 45th. Florida teachers got some bad news this week that bolsters their case asking for better pay: The state dropped from 45 to 46 on the National Education Association’s annual report of average teacher salaries.” FYI Florida is short 2200 teachers.
Is Florida a third rate country? Read the entire story below.
Below is one more example of how the Florida Legislature respects what voter’s approved.
Nancy Graham First strong mayor 1991-1999 And the beginning of the end for WPB
March 1996 Voters pass 5 story limit on Flagler. Part of the story reads.
“If the referendum passes, no skyscrapers could be built east of Olive Avenue or in the Government District along Banyan Boulevard. New towers would be allowed only along Okeechobee Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue, east of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.” Read the story below.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1996-03-11-9603110072-story.html
When we voted for the second time to keep the building height at 5 stories, officials ran to the Tallahassee Florida Legislature’s and they ruled against voters, and WPB can and did go as high as developers wanted and have no problem spending millions of dollars in lawsuits.
My question, with no answer is. Why do we keep sending these guy’s to Tallahassee?