Cory vs. Katherine
Here are the differences between the two candidates running for District 2.
Charter School:
Katherine: Has stated publicly she would not vote for a WPB Charter School.
Cory: Has recently stated he would not vote for a WPB Charter School.
What he neglected to tell residents was he was a Founding Father and sat on the Board of Directors of a failed Charter School named My Choice Academy. A story was previously written on 1/12/15. For more information please refer to the story below to view documentation.
Reminder: Commissioners Mitchell and Materio have pushed for WPB Charter School.
Outsourcing City Water & Sewage Plant:
Katherine: Has stated publicly she would never outsource city water or the sewage plant., and believes the plan is not in the best interest of the city or its residents.
Cory: Has stated publicly he would not outsource city water or the sewage plant.
Reminder: He is running on the Mitchell ticket, and Commissioners Mitchell & Materio have been pushing for the city to do just that. I personally believe he will vote yes on the issue. You decide for yourself. Read the story below published 12/21/14
Tent Site:
Katherine: Is in step with Mayor Muoio and want’s the land put out to bid.
Cory: I have no knowledge of Cory’s opinion on how he would vote.
Reminder: Commissioner Mitchell and Materio both want the land sold to Michael McCloskey (no bidding) along with a sweetheart deal consisting of his buying the land (appraised at 16 million) for 13 million, and then Mr. McCloskey wants the city to return 8 million to him for creating jobs. What jobs?He’s a developer?
There may be a bright side to the problem. If the newly elected officials vote not to accept the Michael McCloskey proposal, the process would be restarted and hopefully put out to bid, which I believe would be a win-win for the city and taxpayers.
Business Experience:
Katherine: Retired as VP of Sprint where she ran a nationwide sales force that grew from 40 million per year in sales revenue to 400 million a year.
She has co-founded Gamxing Inc. a software development company located in WPB and has three patents pending. A proven business woman.
Cory: Since graduating college Mr Neering has worked for non profit Planned Parenthood for 16 years and advanced to VP of Education. Mr. Neering has no business experience, although his wife has a small business located in Palm Beach Gardens.
Residents are not the problem, but the solution. Please take the time to vote on Tuesday 3/10/15.
Muoio vs. Mitchell
Here are the basic differences between Jeri Muoio and Kimberly Mitchell.
Charter Schools:
Jeri: Has listened to the public, and has committed to helping public school system.
Kimberly: Has attempted to bring a WPB privately run Charter School to the city since 2002.
Outsourcing Water & Sewage Plant:
Jeri: Not on her watch—-ever. Backed by Keith James,Sylvia Moffett, Ike Robinson.
Kimberly: Has directed staff to look into the possibility of moving the water plant, and insist the mayor and city commissioners look to Poseidon for privatization. Commissioners Mitchell and Materio, unknown to the commissioners or mayor, met privately with the ECR board with a request for privatization. Poseidon Lobbyist, Richard Pinsky, her ex. Commissioner Materio is her strongest supporter for outsourcing.
Please view Channel 5 “To the Point” interview below.
Police:
Jeri: The city has successfully negotiated with police dept. give and take on both sides.
Police fully staffed. Police have been issued body cameras. City is in the process of ordering 19 new cruisers. Painting of the police building, and other repairs. All cost are budgeted, 70 million in the annual budget and approved by the commission.
The Police Benevolent Association has endorsed Jeri for 4 more years.
Kimberly: Said in the interview this was all news to her, never heard about new police cruisers being ordered. She has heard about the body camera’s. Did she read the budget, and approve it?
Tent Site: Health & Wellness Campus to be built on the land.
Jeri: Is in favor of sending the property out to bid. The highest bidder win’s the property. She is very outspoken concerning the sweetheart deal that Kimberly is pushing for.
Kimberly: This deal must be OK with her, because she has not denied otherwise.
Wants the land sold to Michael McCloskey , a strong supporter of Kimberly’s, who is by her side at all forums and debates, while his daughter works on her campaign.
This is Kimberly’s deal. A piece of land that has been appraised for 16 million, she wants sold to him for 13 million, and, are you ready?, she wants the city to give back to McClusky 8 million dollars for creating jobs, leaving the city with 5 million. Can you imagine giving the developer 8 million dollars for creating job’s. The developer does not, repeat, does not create jobs. Business creates jobs, and if incentives are given it goes to business, and not, repeat, not, 8 million dollars.
I attended the Mayors debate 3/2/15 sponsored by the Economic Forum and the moderator was none other than retired PB Post editor Randy Schultz. One of the questions was concerning the tent site.
Here is what Kimberly Mitchell said. The City Commission has already passed the Health and Wellness Center. Mayor Muoio, appearing stunned, said Commissioner it has not been passed by the commission, Kimberly arguing back said it was.
Randy asked if there were any City Commissioners sitting in the audience, and Commissioners James and Moffett stood, and was asked if it was passed. Both replied it had not. Commissioner Mitchell’s reply. “I wish I had “my” commissioners here.
Here is what the commissioners, acting as the CRA board passed. 90 day’s for negotiations with Mr. McCloskey to come up with a proposal. No other developer invited.
Now is the time to mention Richard Pinsky, lobbyist, and ex husband of Ms. Mitchell.
Taxes:
Jeri: Budget proposal has not raised the Millage in 3 years, and she has pledged it will not be raised in 2015.
Kimberly: Also pledged not to raise taxes, while failing to mention in 2013 she voted to increase Millage 15%, and voting to raise the non-ad valorem assessment for the WPB Fire Protection 240%. That is not a typo, it’s 240%.
Writing Letters:
Jeri: Wrote 1 letter to the parole board stating the many programs that would be available to Michelle Lennon (convicted of murder) should she be granted parole, and relocate to WPB Fl.
Kimberly: Wrote 2 letters on behalf of Michelle Lennon, 1 letter on behalf of former City Commissioner Jim Exline who pled guilty to cheating the IRS, and 1 letter for Mr. Vigliotti, who pled guilty to helping mastermind $8.5 million mortgage scam. Also reported to have mob ties. Kimberly used her influence as a commissioner to appear before the judge on behalf of Mr. Vigliotti with a request to not revoke his bond. Mr. Vigliotti was arrested 2 weeks later at the Miami airport, with a one way ticket out of the country. Read the story, and the judge’s remarks to Kimberly. Read the story below.
Mitchell court letters latest salvo in bitter mayor’s race | www.mypalmbeachpost.com
If Commissioner Mitchell is chosen as WPB Mayor, along with her sure votes namely Len Fintzy and Cory Neering, and let’s not forget Commissioner Shanon Materio, who always votes with her BFF Mitchell, say hello to WPB Charter Schools, Outsourcing of city water, the Tent Site and Michael McCloskey deal, along with higher taxes.
Please take the time to vote, this election is to important to ignore. City government shapes the city and your pocketbook.
PS
Just arrived home from the Northend Coalition of Neighborhoods Debate. Commissioner Mitchell, in her final remark made a comment “No body died on my watch” referring to Mr. Herminio Padilla, who died when a grate he stood on gave way and he fell to his death. You could have heard a pin drop in the room. Ms. Mitchell used Mr. Padilla’s death from a tragic accident for political gain, and that’s just plain wrong. Shame on her.
A Political Hustle!
In the Northwood Hills area, there are Kimberly Mitchell Campaign signs that look a slight bit different than her other signs so I took a closer look. There were a row of the signs, in front of distressed properties on Greenwood Avenue, between 35th & 36th Street that read, “Don’t Worry Jeri, Kimberly Will Fix This, Vote City First, March 10th”
Ms. Mitchell, is entering into her 13th year as the District 3 City Commissioner and after 12 years, I would be very comfortable in saying, Kimberly has not set foot in the north end areas where her campaign signs are plopped any and everywhere. She has employed, indirectly or directly, a team of salesmen, running around African American neighborhoods, churches and homes, selling Kimberly Mitchell, who will be a detriment to, not only them but progressive movements in WPB.
Ms. Mitchell has done absolutely nothing for distressed areas in her own district and one example would be, Westward Park, that poses a danger every day because that city park has a canal and is located next door to Westward Elementary School. The conditions of that park was brought before Commissioner Mitchell in January 2012 and here It is, more than 3 years later, and parts are finally on order after a District 2 commission candidate, Katherine Waldron, noticed the park and immediately contacted the city.
For the past 3 years, in any commission meeting, workshop or work session, there has been no concern voiced by Commissioner Mitchell, regarding small children being subjected to dangerous conditions, which means, she doesn’t care”. If she was responsible or cared, she would have addressed the issue and insisted on immediate action. She could have placed Westward Park as an agenda item and pushed for dangerous conditions to be addressed in her district or anywhere in the city. She is very outspoken but spoke not, in defense of defenseless children around Westward Park. She never even attended their Roosevelt Estates South Neighborhood Association Meetings to hear from residents. She doesn’t care because of who the children are and where the problem is. If she argues that she does care then why haven’t she addressed the issue that’s in her District 3?
Let’s think back 3 years to recall what Ms. Mitchell’s agenda was that took priority over the safety of small school aged children. Digital Domain, FSU Motion Picture Academy in downtown and the WPB Charter School were her priorities and all were financial failures for tax payers. Small children with little back packs are still crossing and walking by a dangerous canal with no railings, to get to and from school and Mitchell’s campaign slogan is “City First”? Isn’t Roosevelt Estates South and the City’s Westward Park, part of the city?
It is a fact that Kimberly Mitchell “rarely” attends meetings or events outside of downtown and the western gated communities, she has missed an overwhelming amount of city commission meetings and Agenda Review Meetings, she often rushes into meetings late and was even late for the mayoral debate at Presidential Estates, She is constantly looking over her shoulder, watching the clock in work sessions and work shops, she texts throughout public meetings and these are all habits that are engrained in her and will not change with a title of Mayor.
Kimberly Mitchell is a commissioner who disingenuously sympathizes with the underdog but votes to the contrary, she is an outsourcing commissioner who pushed to outsource the city’s Sanitation Department, ECR Plant, Internal Audit Department and recently attempted to privatize the city’s water, along with Commissioner Materio, under the guise of a Public Private Partnership where Poseidon Resources Inc proposed to build a WPB water plant in the City of Riviera Beach, run 5 miles of under ground pipes from Clear Lake to Riviera Beach and place two 50 foot holding tanks at 23rd and Tamarind and Poseidon would then “sell” water to West Palm Beach! The seller would be in control of the price of their product. The majority of the commission rejected Mitchell & Materio’s insistence on a presentation by Poseidon Resources and voted January 12th, to build a new plant on it’s current site at Banyan & Australian, by the 2018 Health Dept. deadline. I might mention, Ms. Mitchell’s ex- husband, Richard Pinsky, was a representative of Poseidon Resources
There is an aggressive hustle now to become mayor and If Kimberly Mitchell becomes Mayor, could she re-visit that project and give control of our water to this private company, Poseidon Resources Inc, with the right commission in place?
It is not in the best interest of our city to be run by the Trifecta of Kimberly Mitchell, Richard Pinsky and Anita Mitchell.
Fishing For Votes
On Feb.19,2015 I attended the SENA (South End Neighborhood Association) Debate between the Commissioners and Mayor Muoio & Commissioner Mitchell running for election. Here are the hi-lights of the debate.
Upon arrival we were presented with an invitation to join a newly established PAC called “SEPAC” and it contained a “Preference Poll” asking our preference on candidates.
During the debate a question was asked concerning 8111 So. Dixie Hwy. The city spent 2.9 million dollars for the land in order to prevent Walmart from building, money that was not budgeted for the purchase.
Commissioner Mitchell pointed to her BFF Commissioner Materio,(sitting in the audience, and on home territory) and stated Commissioner Materio was familiar with the plans for the land and on March 11, after she was elected Mayor, she was “going to cut her lose” What does that mean? Cut her lose with more of our tax dollars? I was surprised to hear Commissioner Materio was familiar with the plans, I wish they would educate the taxpayers on their plans.
Well, anyway SEPAC was born and within the week they made their first endorsements.
SEPAC endorsed Mitchell for Mayor, Neering for District 2, Fintzy for District 4.
On Feb. 23,2015 I attended the Downtown Neighborhood Association Debate between the Mayor and commissioners running for election. I sat first row, center, best seat in the house.
At all previous debates here were the seating arrangements. Commissioner Keith James sat next to Len Fintzy (District 4) Mayor Muoio sat next to Kimberly Mitchell, and Katherine Waldron sat next to Cory Neering (District 2)
Commissioner James took his seat on the left side of the stage, Katherine Waldron took her seat on the right side of the stage, leaving a chair for their opponent. That left Mr. Fintzy and Mr. Neering standing. (Did they forget they were to sit next to their opponent?)
I sat in total amazement as Commissioner Mitchell pulled out the chair next to Ms. Waldron and directed Mr. Fintzy to sit down, she then pointed to Mr. Neering and told him to sit next to Commissioner James. Now is the time to tell you the moderator was occupied with directions to the folks keeping track of time candidates were allowed to speak. When he finished he turned and asked if everyone was ready.
Ms. Waldron questioned the new seating arrangements, and explained the District Commissioners should be sitting together. Commissioner Mitchell stood and unfortunately I didn’t hear what she said, but the moderator requested Mr. Fintzy and Neering change seats and sit next to their opponent. Ms. Mitchell appeared disappointed. Here’s where I need reader’s input. Why was it important to Commissioner Mitchell to have Fintzy & Waldron and James & Neering seated next to each other?
Fishing For Votes
Commissioner Mitchell, along with Mr. Neering & Fintzy visited Joseph’s Village, an African American retirement home, located in the northend of the city. All three were thoughtful enough to bring fish dinners with them to pass out to residents. While they were there they did ask seniors for their vote. I can’t help but wonder if they would receive the support of the residents if Commissioner Mitchell drove them by Westward Park, located in her district, and allowed them to witness the corroded railing sitting in the canal, that children walk by daily on their way to school. It is by the Grace of God no children have fallen in, and hopefully will live to see their own retirement.
In closing I would tell readers that I am a senior citizen, and we are not so easily fooled. Amen!
Keith James vs. Len Fintzy
In 2011 when Commissioner Keith James won election to the WPB City Commission, I must admit he was not one of my favorite commissioners on the dais.
I noticed a change in Commissioner James during his second term in office and he became more attuned to the residents and their concern. He “broke” from the controlling members of the commissioners, became much more independent, and free thinking.
Today Commissioner James is among my favorites on the commission due to the fact he has “led the charge” in stopping Commissioners Mitchell and Materio with their attempt to outsource our city water to a private company. With the backing of Commissioner Robinson and Moffett the issue has been put to rest, for now.
If Commissioner Mitchell is victorious in her bid for mayor the issue will be back on the table, and I am confident knowing if he were reelected he would once again lead the charge. Commissioner Moffett is voting with James on the issue, but with the retirement of Ike Robinson James would need another Commissioner to stop the project.
Katherine Waldron has stated publicly she would not support outsourcing.
I have no knowledge of where Paula Ryan stands on the issue, and she will be the new commissioner for District 3.
Commissioner James’s challenger, Len Fintzy is close enough to Mitchell I am convinced he would back her project, along with Materio.
Cory Neering is campaigning along with Mitchell and Fintzy as a team, so how do you think he will vote?
2015 will be a crucial time for WPB and I respectfully ask you to consider retaining Commissioner James to the District 4 seat. He is the best choice to keep balance on the City Commission, ensure our city water is not privatized and provide much needed experience on the City Commission.
Mitchell’s Letter’s Keep Popping Up
Former WPB City Commissioner Jim Exline sat on the dais from 1999-2007.
June 8,2007: Judge Kenneth A. Marra sentenced City Commissioner James Exline to prison for 10 months, followed by one year probation, and a $3,000.00 fine.
It appears Mr. Exline failed to pay income tax on $50,000.00 dollars he received from a PBC land developer,Sansbury Realty. Mr. Exline directed the developer to pay a third party who would pass it on to him.
Read the story below.
FORMER WEST PALM BEACH CITY COMMISSIONER EXLINE SENTENCED FOR …
If that were not bad enough, how’s this for protecting the taxpayers. The “Opinion Zone” in the Palm Beach Post asked readers their opinion on The Employee Defined Contribution Administrative Committee that voted to allow Mr. Exline to keep his city-paid (taxpayer)retirement benefits of $16,000.00. It appears the WPB taxpayer is extremely generous in donating $2,000.00 a year per commissioner. Keep in mind the taxpayer contribution was two thousand in 2007. Think they gave themselves a raise in the last 8 years?
Read the “Opinion Zone” below.
Jim Exline | The Opinion Zone – The Palm Beach Post
May 11,2007 Commissioner Mitchell wrote Judge Marra asking for leniency for her friend, Mr. Exline. She didn’t use WPB letterhead, but couldn’t resist writing she was a WPB City Commissioner, and went so far as to recommend his punishment. Read the letter below.
It was also noted that Mr. Exline is a new member of City Watch and voted to un-endorse Mayor Muoio, and endorse Kimberly Mitchell. If Mitchell is elected, did she make any promises to her friend?
He has already contributed to Len Fintzy’s campaign.
How to cheat an Election
This story explains the steps necessary to win an election in WPB Fl. and fool the voters into believing you are the right person for the job.
2/10/15 The Mayor’s debate @ Baywinds between Muoio & Mitchell.
2/11/15 Debate @ Baywinds between District 2 candidates Waldron & Neering and District 4 candidates James & Fintzy.
Both event’s were sponsored by City Watch, President and founder Len Fintzy.
I attended both debates so readers are not receiving second hand information.
9/29/14 City Watch unanimously endorsed Mayor Muoio for re-election, and Len Fintzy for district 4 City Commissioner.
Now enters Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell who Mr. Fintzy refers to as a daughter.
Professionally, she serves as a Managing Director for Loop Capital Markets, responsible for the firms public finance efforts in Florida for the past 10 years. (good job, good money)
Commissioner Mitchell, a sitting commissioner since 2002 has never been challenged for her seat. She has four more years she can serve before being term limited out. In 2019 the mayors seat would be wide open, and the race would be on.
Dec. 2014 Commissioner Mitchell, resigns as commissioner, to enter the mayor’s race.
2/10/15 She disclosed, at the Mayor’s Debate, she no longer was employed at Loop Capital and her job was terminated in December 2014. See where this is going?
Now we have a major problem. Len Fintzy’s City Watch, has already endorsed Mayor Muoio for re-election. How are they going to fix the problem? This was their solution.
We must have folks sign up to become a voting member of City Watch, which will cost $20.00/ year, and you don’t even have to reside in the western communities to join.
Below is a partial list of new City Watch members with voting rights, who rescinded the Mayor Geri Muoio endorsement, and endorsed Kimberly Mitchell for Mayor.
- Beth Kennedy, Campaign Manager for Mitchell, Fintzy & Neering.
- Kimberly Mitchell, City Commissioner. (She endorsed herself)
- Anita Mitchell , Mother of Kimberly & registered lobbyist.
- Len Fintzy Founder & President of City Watch. (He endorsed himself)
- Shannon Materio, Commissioner Mitchell’s BFF on and off the dais.
- Taylor Materio, Commissioner Materio’s daughter.
- Michael Carter, Organizer for the Mitchell campaign.
- Ed Oppel, Friend & Supporter of Commissioner Mitchell & Materio.
- George Singer, President HOA Baywinds.
- David Keiser, Interim President City Watch, Baywinds resident.
- Bob Beaulieu & partner, Friends & Supporters of Mitchell & Materio.
- Vinny Munnelly, Friend & Supporter of Mitchell & Materio.
People I didn’t recognize may have been from the southern district, supporters of Materio.
These same group voted unanimously to endorse Cory Neering over Katherine Waldron.
Are these the people you want running your city?
Abuse of Power
I received an angry phone call from a woman who identified herself as Joanne. I don’t know her and questioned how she came to have my phone no. Said a friend gave it to her. She was upset that I claimed Commissioner Mitchell was attempting to outsource the city water plant, and I should retract the statement, as it simply wasn’t true. She heard it from the “horses mouth.” I couldn’t convince her differently, so after some research, I offer a two minute excerpt from a WPB Work Session held On Nov 3, 2014 where the topic was the Water Treatment Plant. The entire meeting can be seen and heard on the city web site, if you choose to watch. CLICK HERE for video.
Assistant City Administrator Scott Kelly gave a presentation and he mentions he received a request from a commissioner to evaluate off site options for the Water Treatment Plant. In other words move the plant.
Commissioner James questioned when as a commission did we decide to look at off site options? Mr. Scott stated that Commissioner Mitchell requested he look into it.
Commissioner James asked if the commissioners had voted on the issue, and Mr. Scott responded with a solid “no” and James wondered aloud if he had missed a meeting and questioned why at the request of a single commission they were now looking at off site locations. City meeting excerpt time 16:00-18:00.
If you refer back to the Organizational Chart you will see that the Water treatment Plant falls under the jurisdiction of the mayor and city administration, not the city commission. The city commissioners oversee the Internal Auditor Dept. I have attended the meetings of the Audit Dept; for over two years, and I have never witnessed either Commissioner Mitchell or Materio at a single meeting. This is their business, and they can’t be bothered to attend.
The WPB Charter Sec.2.04 (Prohibition of Interference by city commission with appointments and removals) reads in part “Except for the purpose of an inquiry, the city commissioners collectively and individually shall deal with administrative matters solely through the mayor or mayor’s designee, and shall not, collectively or individually give orders to any subordinates of the mayor either publicly or privately.”
It further reads: “Any violation of this section by a city commissioner shall constitute misconduct punishable by the city commission and grounds for removal as provided in section 2.07″ Read Charter 2.4 here.
I hope Joanne reads this post and understands why no retraction from WPB Watch is necessary.
Stooping To The Lowest Of Low
There is a comprehensive story, on this website entitled, “Killer To Inherit Part of Estate” and I am reporting on Dad’s city pal’s coming to the rescue with letters of support and intended influence as payback for the same personal, political gain The Fintzy’s accuses Commissioner James of engaging in. The knowledge of three of our WPB Elected Officials, using city letterhead to write personal letters to the NY Parole Board, to influence release of an inmate who committed a horrific murder and is the daughter of Len & Rita Fintzy, has been known to a group of citizens for about a year. After unsuccessful attempts to get confirmation of the stupid and irresponsible act, the information was taken to the media, roughly six months ago. Quite contrary to the blame being placed solely on Commissioner Keith James, because a member of his campaign staff, placed a public records request to the city, for e-mails, letters, memo’s, etc., having to do with Mr. Fintzy on December 17, 2014.
Commissioner James was one of three elected officials who wrote letters to the NY Parole Board in support of the release of Mr. Fintzy’s daughter, Michelle Lennon but he did not compose his letter on city letterhead and wisely, used his own stationary. The Fintzy Family issued a statement, for immediate release on January 16, 2015, in response to what they referred to as Keith James negative campaigning. The statement from Len & Rita Fintzy stated: “We are shocked and deeply hurt that Commissioner Keith James has chosen to stoop to the lowest of low by authorizing his campaign staff to politicize our family’s personal tragedy, for his personal political gain”.
What is really the lowest of low? Commissioner James campaign staff member, Jonathan Cooper, utilizing public records, is hardly the lowest of the low. The act and manner in which Mr. Fintzy’s daughter violated another human being that resulted in a death, would certainly qualify as the lowest of low. Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell using city letterhead and her title as a Commissioner, to compose two personal letters to the NY Parole Board, as influence to assist Mr. Fintzy’s daughter, Michelle Lennon, to be granted release from prison would be low on a scale of ethics and conduct unbecoming of an elected official.
Prior to entering the District 4 Commission race, Mr. Fintzy headed the Political Action Committee, Citywatch and he has been helping Ms. Mitchell remain in office since shortly after she won her first election in 2002. Ms. Mitchell has worn a physical and verbal path, back and forth through the years, to and from Mr. Fintzy in Riverwalk, to get Citywatch’s endorsements to keep herself in office. She also uses that resource to get her cherry picked recruits in office or get ones who crosses her, out of office but this carousel might be coasting to a final stop. Commissioner Shanon Materio was also reeled in by the man who delivers the votes. She wrote a letter addressed to two superintendents, dated January 9, 2014, stating in that letter, she had written a previous letter. She proudly boast, “as an elected WPB City Commissioner”, to the NY agency. Her second letter seems to be a mystery so far. Both Commissioners Mitchell and Materio used nothing but the highest level of praise for Len and Rita Fintzy, as their supporting statements for the release of the Fintzy’s daughter, whom they have not even met. Mitchell admits she does not know the incarcerated Michelle Lennon personally but yet she speaks of the progress the woman has made over the years.
Commissioner Mitchell, stressed, in her letter, “we – the collective we – are ready to embrace Michelle”. She goes on to assure that Michelle will thrive with “our” collective guidance and it would be nice to know who is “the collective we”? Our city letterhead represents the citizens of this city and city resources should only be used for a public purpose and for the public good and our elected officials soliciting for the release of a woman who committed a heinous murder and who none of our elected officials even know, is not for a public purpose or a public good. Apparently, It wasn’t enough that Commissioner Mitchell got away with the previous misuse of her position and city services in November 2011, when she used city resources and personnel, to gain an advantage that was not available to the general public by allowing our emergency operator, to take care of a personal problem she had with her home Comcast Cable Service.
The concern was taken to the five PBC Ethics Commissioners and three found no probable cause to move forward with the investigation and It just happened to be the three acquaintances of Ms. Mitchell. After crossing that hurdle, Ms. Mitchell requested reimbursement of the $7,325 she said were her expense for her lawyer. Her colleagues, on the city commission, unanimously voted to issue the refund, in spite of admitting they knew of no facts surrounding the case but asking no questions either. I think It’s fair to say, this act qualifies as stooping to the lowest of low.
In a televised city budget meeting on September 25, 2013, Mr. Fintzy, stepped up to the mic, not to talk about the budget but to prematurely endorse both Kimberly Mitchell and Shanon Materio for their upcoming March 2014 elections saying, “these young ladies have shown an indefatigable sense of responsibility and in-depth analysis of issues facing the city combined with an awesome devotion to the needs of the many communities in our city” Mr. Fintzy evidently has not taken a walk through Kimberly’s District 3, Westward Park to see the dangerous conditions lingering for more than three years. That premature endorsement is the kind of disgusting back scratching that has been going on for a decade and the letters were a favor to someone who they can count on for endorsements and votes. Mayor Muoio also strongly recommended the troubled woman be released from jail and allowed to come to WPB. Kimberly Mitchell promises a job will be waiting for Ms. Lennon . . . . compliments of her long time friend, Rodney Mayo, who Ms. Mitchell pushed, in the August 19, 2013 commission meeting, to get him 3 months free rent for his new 509 Clematis Street business location.
Despite the glowing letters, the NY Parole Board wasn’t impressed at all with the official titles or the fanfare and denied parole until 2016.
Killer To Inherit Part of Estate?
This story will write itself by way of stories published by various newspapers and Public Records Request (PRR) received from various officials. I want readers to have the facts, and when possible provide documentation with my stories in an effort to provide credibility. The stories are in the format where a couple of paragraphs are followed by the following message:
Due to the fact WPB Watch does not subscribe to the various newspapers we are unable to allow you to “open” and read the entire story, but you have the option of opening the story yourself to read the entire text. We encourage you to do so. Toward the end of this story with a date of Oct.21, 2014 the entire story can be read by simply clicking onto the link. With that said let me start the story with a list of characters and how a story from New Jersey impacts WPB Florida.
- Michelle Lennon (formally Michelle Fintzy)
- Brooke Lennon, husband of Michelle Lennon
- Robert Tomassi, boyfriend of Michelle Lennon
- Len Fintzy, father of Michelle Lennon
- Geri Muoio, Mayor of WPB Fl
- Kimberly Mitchell, WPB Commissioner
- Shannon Materio, WPB Commissioner
In June 1994 Michelle Lennon and boyfriend Robert Tomassi murdered her husband Brooke Lennon, by hitting him repeatedly on the head with a baseball bat, placed a plastic bag over his head and tied it with a telephone cord, then attempted to hide his body.
WIFE, BOYFRIEND CHARGED IN KILLING OF HUSBAND
In Oct.1994 Ms. Lennon an admitted drug and alcohol addict decided after murdering her husband that she was entitled to inherit his estate which consisted of 2.9 million dollars along with his 2 homes and racehorses. Her attorney filed the necessary paperwork to claim what Mr. Lennon had worked for his entire life. Read the story here:
May 1995 After pleading guilty to murdering her husband, Judge William Nelson at sentencing angrily told Ms. Lennon “You are some piece of work” because she refused to take responsibility for the death of her husband. Judge Nelson sentenced her to 20 years to life in prison. She became eligible for parole in 2014. Read the story here:
WOMAN SENTENCED FOR KILLING HUSBAND
June 1995 Eight months after killing her husband, a judge approved a settlement in her husbands estate, and awarded Ms. Lennon $90,000.00. The attorney that defended her at her murder trial Alvin Spitzer, was to receive $30,000.00, leaving Ms. Lennon with $60,000.00.
Mr. Spitzer made the argument that his client Ms. Lennon would not benefit from the remaining $60,000.00, but it would be turned over to her father Mr. Leonard Fintzy. The newspaper article quotes Mr. Spitzer “None of the proceeds are going to Ms. Lennon and will not be held or used for her benefit,” Spitzer wrote. “She can in no way profit from the commission of the murder of Mr. Lennon.”
KILLER TO INHERIT PART OF ESTATE – The Record (Bergen County, NJ) | HighBeam Research
July 1995 District Attorney Michael E. Bongiorno is attempting to stop Ms. Lennon and her family from receiving funds from her murdered husbands estate, and he won an order from the court to place a hold on the $90,000.00 recently awarded her father Len Fintzy. Read the story here.
DA TRIES TO BLOCK CASH FOR CONVICT
Oct.19,1995 Prosecutor Michael Bongiorno insured that Michelle Lennon and her father Leonard Fintzy did not receive the $60,000.00 dollars from the husbands estate by using the “Son of Sam” law which states that criminals cannot profit from their crimes. The $60,000.,, went to the police dept, and district attorneys office to defray the cost prosecution. WPB Watch apologizes for not being able to supply the link for this story. The original story was written October 19,1995 by the Star-Ledger, Newark, NJ
Aug. 2013 Michelle Lennon became eligible for parole in Feb.2014. In an effort to insure her success her father Len Fintzy had no qualms about asking Mayor Geri Muoio, and Commissioners Mitchell and Materio to write letter’s to the Parole Board favoring her parole and relocation to West Palm Beach to live with her parent’s in Riverwalk. Len Fintzy, President of City Watch, which prematurely endorsed Commissioners Mitchell and Materio for re-election to the City Commission may have thought he was entitled to their assistance, and obviously he was correct. I have been writing all along how close he is with these two Commissioners. Read the letters for yourself here, and decide if he is the commissioner you want for district 4, in the upcoming election. Commissioner Mitchell wrote 2 letters, Commissioner Materio wrote 2 letters, but only released one, leading me to believe the missing document was on WPB city stationary. Mayor Muoio wrote one letter.
Feb. 4,2014 Here you will find the redacted minutes from the NYS Department of Corrections, Board of Parole interview with Michelle Lennon. Interesting reading.
Michelle Lennon denied parole; she beat her husband to death with bat in 1994