A Private Meeting Of The Minds
I received an e-mail on Monday, January 12th, from a neighborhood contact person who often shares informative information about city business, with many in the north end. The message in the e-mail was addressed to north end leaders, inviting them to meet commission candidates, Len Fintzy and Cory Neering, on Wednesday, January 14th, 7pm, at 3510 Spruce Avenue. Len Fintzy is a City Commission District 4 Candidate and Cory Neering, is a City Commission District 2 Candidate.
The invite stated, there will be a candidates platform and you may ask questions. It also stated, City Commission, District 2 Candidate, Katherine Waldron, was invited to “stop by” at 7:45pm. City Commission District 3 Candidate, Paula Ryan was currently unopposed so an offer to hold the event again If that changes, was extended to her. The event was held at a location referred to as “The 3510 House”, in Old Northwood. The announcement asked that attendees please make every effort to come and find out what the candidates stand for and have your questions answered. The e-mail was signed by Bob.
City Commission District 4 Incumbent Candidate, Keith James was not mentioned in the e-mail and I thought that was odd for north end leaders, who were invited to find out what the candidates stand for, to better school others on their opinions of the candidates, to not have access to all commission candidates. What was the purpose of the meeting? An inclusive invitation would have given all candidates an opportunity to be interviewed by their potential employers . . . the public . . . as opposed to District 4 Commission Candidate Len Fintzy getting a foot up on uninvited Commissioner James in that meeting.
It’s rather concerning why Commission Candidate, Katherine Waldron was given a time certain of 7:45 to appear, as opposed to arriving at 7pm, along with Cory Neering , since the both of them are running for the District 2 Commission Seat? Or better yet, why couldn’t all three candidates appear together, at 7pm?
I planned to attend the gathering but was not familiar with “The 3510 House” so I e-mailed Bob to find out where the home was located. Bob Beaulieu replied . . . “it is not a forum . . it is for a small group of people . . . don’t know how this got out . . . please let those who gave it to you know, too”. I apologized, I didn’t know It was private. Another recipient of the same e-mail requested information from Bob and shared his reply so that I may avoid a wasted trip. The answer she received was: “All . . . this is not a candidate forum . . and it is for a small group of people to meet some of the candidates . . . do not know how this got out . . if you did not get the original e-mail . . . you are not invited . . . the north end is currently putting together a candidate forum for all candidates in February”
I decided to take a look at the Historic 3510 House on meeting night but respected the request for all who were not invited, to remain on the outside . . . looking in. There were a couple of folks arriving, who I wasn’t familiar with and a few minutes later, Bob Beaulieu arrived. Mr. Neering wasn’t far behind and rushing in was Mr. Fintzy. Carl Flick arrived as well as Betty Starkey and Denise Smith Barnes. There were roughly 15 people in attendance. A well adorned Christmas Tree glistened in the night and the entrance to the lovely facility had soft lighting and the attendees chatted as the ceiling fan twirled. It all reminded me of a smoked filled back room with a portrait of Kimberly Mitchell on the wall.
Who are the north end leaders who were invited and attended? I live in the north end and I would like to meet and know the leaders that I didn’t recognize. The president of my north end association (North Shore) is Ron Dixon and he wasn’t invited. I can think of, at least, five other north end leaders who were not invited either. Will there be a venue for attendees to share the information gathered from the meeting? It’s almost 24 hours later and I haven’t heard a word or received one e-mail from any leaders who attended the affair, to help me familiarize myself with the candidates and city issues discussed. I’d like to make an informed decision when I vote in March so I could really use the information gathered at the meeting.
Commissioner and Candidate Keith James was not invited to the private event so what If I had questions about his position on certain issues? Did someone decide there needn’t be information offered to the north end residents on that particular candidate? So, no info on Keith James but Len Fintzy can be spoon fed to whomever is unaware and unsuspecting? These factors and the corrupt nature of too many politicians is a recipe that produces apathetic citizens towards voting and any involvement with politicians.
The Property Appraisers Office has the 3510 Spruce Avenue address listed as charitable and Old Northwood Neighborhood Association, Inc., listed as owner of the property. The Historic House plays a part in Old Northwoods Candlelight Home Tours event, as a reception area for the food. It is also referred to as Old Northwood’s official meeting house and the neighborhoods community center.
If the historical address serves as a public facility for Old Northwood, I would question a clandestine meeting there, hosting choice candidates for public city positions, with restrictions on public access. If the historic building is indeed privately owned, It would be the owners right to have held a private meeting there. Many see’s the event as Divisive and suspicious to not include all candidates in each district race and a time certain for one and not others. I believe the north end of the city will fair a lot better when there is a show of solidarity and for all of us who reside here, to see the north end as a whole and not east or west of the CSX or FEC or east or west of Broadway being more or less worthy of recognition. We should be one.
What Cory Doesn’t Want You To Know!
Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell elected in 2002 has over the past 13 years attempted to establish a WPB Charter School. Former Mayor Frankel, and Commissioner Bill Moss put a stop to it with both officials stating the city should not be in the school business. Commissioner Mitchell continues to revisit the issue and as recently as 2014 it’s back on her agenda. There is an extremely important election coming in March 2015 and the issue has been placed on the back burner, but believe me, it hasn’t gone away. With 3 commission races and a mayoral race it’s too hot a topic for now, but Commissioner Mitchell has never, and will never cease in her attempt to establish the school.
Commissioner Robinson is retiring and that leaves his District 2 seat open. There is a contest between Katherine Waldron and Cory Neering. Ms. Waldron has stated publicly she would never vote for a charter school. Mr. Neering has stated publicly he believes parents should have a choice.
I have stated all along that Mr. Neering has proudly claimed that Commissioners Mitchell and Materio will back him in his run for City Commission. If you look long enough and dig deep enough you can find the answer as to why the support. Here is what was found.
The My Choice Inc. / Academy “Charter School Applicant Interview“ which can be read in it’s entirety below consists of 52 pages, Please feel free to read the entire document yourself, and for those who have busy lives I will refer to page 23 where it lists Cory Neering as an officer on the Founding Board.
Here you will find the “Article of Incorporation“ for “My Choice Inc.” Charter School. Please read Article VII where it lists Mr. Neering as an officer on the Board of Directors.
You may also recognize the founding president of the Board of My Choice — Gerald Adams. Mr. Adams is a former Republican City Councilman in Riviera Beach, who ran unsuccessfully against Congresswoman Lois Frankel for the Florida House of Representatives, District 83 in 1986. He was also the subject of a recall campaign over alleged corruption while on the City Council.
Here you will find 6 pages consisting of 264 Charter Schools that have failed and subsequently closed it’s doors in Florida. Please note listed under Palm Beach County #194. It shows My Choice Inc. being closed on Aug. 20,2013.
There is an excellent, and fairly long story written by the Sun Sentinel titled “Charter School’s Unsupervised“ and part of the story which can be found under “Missing Money” states My Choice Academy has not returned $56,000 to the Palm Beach County school district. That money, along with millions more, was removed from public schools and handed to charter schools. Who suffers? The taxpayer, but more importantly the children who attend public schools. They have been deprived of books and classroom supplies, and most important the loss of dedicated teachers who drive and motivate the leaders of tomorrow.
If Mr. Cory is elected to the City Commission does anyone believe he will not vote along with Commissioner Materio and give Commissioner Mitchell, now hoping to be Mayor, a second vote on Charter Schools? Now both commissioners are backing Len Fintzy against sitting commissioner Keith James. Mr. Fintzy refers to Commissioner Mitchell as like his daughter. There is Mitchell’s third vote.
Mr. Neering announced his intention to seek the District 2 commission seat in July 2014, and in 6 months saw no reason to disclose his involvement in My Choice Charter School.
Ask Mr Neering why, and then ask yourself the same question.
And this will be the outcome if Mitchell win’s the Mayor seat. Now picture her sitting in the center chair, and she wants a Charter School. Commissioner Materio will make the motion, Fintzy will second it, the mayor will call for a vote and you will have 3 aye’s. Materio, Fintzy, and Neering. As simple as that, and there will be a WPB Charter School.
And as unbelievable as it sounds, Mitchell wants to outsource our city water. Can she do it? Please re-read the above paragraph, as it will be the same situation, the same outcome. The only difference between the two is Mitchell wants Poseidon to run the city water. Reminder: Richard Pinsky, Commissioner Mitchell’s ex husband, is the lobbyist for Poseidon. It appears to me that Commissioner Mitchell, as a city commissioner, spends time on the dais pushing Mr. Pinsky’s projects through to completion. Just imagine what they can accomplish if she is the next mayor of WPB. The thought scares me to death. See where this is going? You OK with that?.
If you need more proof please be aware that all three candidates, Kimberly Mitchell, Cory Neering and Len Fintzy are all using the same political consultant Beth Kennedy. They are all on the same page, and it’s not your page.
So if you want a WPB Charter School, and you want outsourcing of city water, here’s what you do.
Vote Mitchell in as mayor, and Fintzy and Neering, and you won’t recognize your city in a year.
If you are not in favor of a WPB Charter School, and you don’t want to outsource your city water, you have a decision to make. I have made mine, and it’s to retain Mayor Muoio, City Commissioner Keith James, and I trust Katherine Waldron to keep her word to residents that she would never vote for either.
Privatize/Public Private Partnership/Splitting Hairs
Whether West Palm Beach Elected Officials agree to enter into a contractual partnership with a private sector company, to provide water service to the residents of this city or to hand over ownership or control of our water to private enterprise, will earn It’s rightful place among the construction of an excessive city hall and FSU Digital Domain, as some of the most egregious, costly and stupid moves any municipality can make.
A private firm, Poseidon Resources, is a New England based firm, who wants to be the water provider for WPB, building a new plant to replace the city’s 110 to 120 year old complex. Poseidon says they will design, finance, build, operate and maintain the new facility and would then sell the water to WPB. Poseidon Resources is the company that both Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell and Shanon Materio are pushing hard for a presentation before the commission. Neither one of the two commissioners wanted a special city commission meeting scheduled prior to the water presentation, on January 12th. Votes can be taken in a special city commission meeting and the opportunity for the commission to vote, prior to the presentation is what the two commissioners appear to be adamantly against. Maybe the tag team are afraid the majority commission might vote Poseidon out prior to the much anticipated presentation from Poseidon.
In the Jan 5th Commission Meeting, during commission comments, Commissioner Mitchell seemed puzzled regarding talk of her wanting to privatize the city’s water. She suggested it might be a political move and she’s not sure where the accusations are coming from. As a matter of fact, Mitchell said, “I want to talk about water for a second, and just so It’s clear to everybody here and everybody who’s watching. I have never said I would like to privatize our water . . ever. In fact, , nobody’s ever asked me . . . would you like to privatize your water?. So I’m not sure how that started but just in case there’s any confusion, I’m not supportive of privatizing our water.” Ms. Mitchell goes on to say, “I am part of a voice on the commission that is not promoting one version or another” So maybe . . . just maybe, the loop hole for her spiel, assuring the public that she is not in favor of privatizing our water is the word “Privatize”? Does PPP (Public Private Partnership) sound a little better? Now this is beginning to smell like politics indeed.
Ms. Mitchell also stated in her comments that she sometimes don’t get It right but when you don’t get It right Ms. Mitchell, the responsible and honest thing to do is acknowledge failure and atone. Digital Domain was a publicly funded train wreck that Kimberly Mitchell was largely responsible for and instead of her stepping up to the plate like city leaders in Port St. Lucie did, the moment they realize they had been duped, Ms. Mitchell say’s she would do It a million times over. If Digital Domain were a private investment of hers, I doubt her response would have been the same. Heck, It’s just tax payers monopoly money . . . there’s more where that came from. In the meantime, some of our residents are struggling to keep their water running.
Instead of responsible leadership and being good stewards of tax payers dollars, In an effort to make ends meet, our city leaders are choosing to allow developers to have their way. From violating their own master plans and allowing over development to contemplating handing over control of public services to private corporations, under the premise that private corporations are often able to run operations more efficiently than governments. Why is the city strapped for cash and pimping itself? A contributing factor would be the unbudgeted purchase of the 8111 S. Dixie property that commissioners agreed to pull $2.9 million dollars out of reserves to pay for It and have been sitting on It since October 2012.
Commissioner Mitchell is no stranger to talks of outsourcing city services, like our Sanitation Department and our Internal Audit Dept to the Inspector General’s authority. Commissioner Mitchell seems to think different opinions is an indication of a lack of understanding on another’s part. It Couldn’t be her who misunderstands or get’s It wrong, It just has to be somebody else.
Ms. Mitchell states she doesn’t want to be a part of $700 light bulbs and I am sure, the public would much rather pay for $700 light bulbs than the millions we had to pay for Digital Domain or the $7,325 fleeced out of the public to resolve her home cable service. No Punch Line, No Spreading of Fear and No Politics Here!
Democratic Women’s Club of PBC
Let’s start with a little background.
City Watch is made up of neighborhood presidents from various WPB western communities and candidates seek their endorsement when running for office or reelection.
The City Watch Board of Directors at their Sept. 29,2014 meeting, voted unanimously to endorse the candidacy of City Watch President Len Fintzy, for the office of City Commissioner, District 4.
Also endorsed for reelection to the position of Mayor is Jeri Muoio.
So in essence Len Fintzy, as president, endorsed himself. Nice work if you can get it. I am still of the opinion that Mr. Fintzy is running to help the woman he describes as being like a second daughter to him. That would be Commissioner Kim Mitchell. Now, lets jump ahead.
Jan. 3,2015 the Democratic Women’s Club of PBC held a forum with Candidates from Lake Worth, Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. With no disrespect to Lake Worth and Riviera Beach, I will direct my comments and view to West Palm Beach. In attendance along with 50-60 residents were: Commissioner Keith James, challenged by Len Fintzy (Dist. 4) Cory Neering and Katherine Waldron (Dist. 2) along with Paula Ryan who is running for Commissioner Mitchell’s seat in Dist. 3 and so far unchallenged. Mayor Muoio was in attendance. Commissioner Mitchell was not present, as stated previously this was a Democratic Club, and Commissioner Mitchell is a Republican.
Each candidate gave a presentation and it is the answers to the questions I would like to bring to your attention. So here goes.
A resident asked Len Fintzy who he supported for mayor of WPB and Mr. Fintzy stated he is supporting Kimberly Mitchell (his other daughter). Really? What about the City Watch endorsement of Jeri Muoio on Sept. 29? What did Jeri do to offend the City Watch group?
Actually she did nothing wrong but Kim M. is running for mayor now, and desperately needs City Watch and Len Fintzy. After Mr Fintzy announced support for Kim M. there was a sudden intake of air and a few boo’s from the audience. Mr. Fintzy responded with the question “What, I can’t have Republican friends?” Sure you can, as you obviously switch friends along with endorsements in a New York minute you must have a few around. Asked why he was running he stated City Hall had a “virus” on the dais and he wanted to clean it up. 1/2 the “virus” hopefully will be eliminated with Mayor Muoio winning a second term.
Commissioner James along with candidate Katherine Waldron came out strongly against the privatization of city water of which Commissioner Mitchell and Materio are in strong favor. Can you imagine letting an outside business (Poseidon) manage our water? You think your city bill is high now? Wait and see how high it can go if Commissioners Mitchell and Materio have their way. Reminder: Richard Pinsky, Commissioner Mitchell’s Ex husband is the lobbyist for Poseidon. Millions to be made here. What benefit to residents?
Please look at the picture accompanying this story. If you don’t know their names let me help. From left to right Katherine Waldron, Commissioner Keith James, Len Fintzy, and Cory Neering. See the distance (space) between Len and Cory? (they both look like team players) They want Kim Mitchell in that spot. Along with Commissioner Materio the dais will be a slam dunk for whatever they want, which will include what Mitchell and Materio want. Outsourcing city water, and a brand new City of WPB Charter School, where the Republican governor cut over a billion dollars on public school funding which leads to teacher’s job loss and over crowed classrooms which led to public school failings. When the damage was done the Republican legislator’s said let’s try Charter Schools. You good with that?
Please think then vote.
Where is Cory Neering?
Cory Neering is a man who has thrown his hat into the ring in the race for Commissioner Ike Robinson’s, District 2 seat. Mr. Neering has stated publicly that Commissioners Mitchell & Materio are backing him in the race. We believe if he wins the district he will be Commissioner Mitchell & Materio’s third vote on the dais and support them with his vote for a WPB Charter School & their new endeavor to outsource city water. Yes, you read that right, both commissioners want to outsource our city water. You good with that?
If I wanted to run for a commission seat and sitting commissioners reached out and offered assistance, by guaranteeing me they could swing the western, southern, and black vote and I accepted their offer and was elected would I be reminded that I owed them? Yes, I would. Would I be obligated to repay them by voting their way? Yes, I would. Could I possibly forget the people who trusted my word and placed their faith in me to vote with the city’s best interest in mind. Quite possibly.
When Gregg Weiss ran for Commissioner in District 5 campaign I was happy and eager to offer assistance wherever I could. We walked neighborhoods throughout the city as he spoke to voter’s and explained why he believed himself to be the better candidate, and answered all questions put to him. Mr. Weiss had lists of what is referred to as “super” voters. These are list of voters that show up in city, county, state and federal elections. These are residents, black, white, and brown that take their civic duties seriously, study the issues, and vote. They care about their government and want the best possible representation, and a candidate who will be honest and forthcoming with them.
One of the neighborhoods Mr. Weiss campaigned in was where I have resided and called home for over 28 years, Spencer Lakes. I still retain the list of “super” voters, and they are still consistent in their voting habits because I see them at the polls, and we often discuss the outcome of the election.
Here is what the story is leading to. The picture posted with this story is Cory Neering, and I’m told his son, standing at the entrance to Spencer Lakes taken on Saturday Dec. 6th when Mr. Neering supposedly canvassed the neighborhood, speaking to residents, explaining his views on different issues, and most importantly answering questions that concerned citizen’s had. Voter’s need assurance you are who you say you are.
I first met Mr. Neering when he appeared at our Spencer Lakes Homeowner meeting and made his presentation, and then took questions. The only question I had was where he stood on WPB Charter Schools. Mr. Neering explained he was a parent with children, and believed parents had the right to choose to send their children to public or charter school.
I was surprised to receive Mr. Neering’s picture in an e-mail, and wondered why he neglected to ring my door bell as I am on the list of “super” voters. When I canvassed my neighbors and asked if they received a visit from any candidates, or was any literature left (in case they were out) I was assured no one had visited or left any material.
What does this tell you? It tells me Mr. Neering stood on the sidewalk, had his picture taken, jumped in his car, drove home and placed his picture on face book. Does this sound like a man who is taking his campaign and issues seriously?
Does Mr. Neering care about what concerns the residents of Spencer Lakes, after all we are in district 2, which he will represent? Was Mr. Neering being deceitful with his actions? I’ve answered the question for myself, you have to answer for yourself.
David vs. Goliath …And Wins!
If you have been following the news stories concerning the Chapel by the Lake site and the City of WPB you have learned a 3 judge appellate panel has ruled if favor of Citizens for Thoughtful Growth (CTG), led by Ms. Nancy Pullum, President. Please read the court decision below.
CTG V City of WPB and Flagler Investors
The story written by PB Post reporter, Tony Doris, can be read below, and I urge you to take the time to read it. I thank Mr. Doris for his work and appreciate his sincere efforts to provide balanced reporting on this news story. Mr. Doris is a breath of fresh air.
See: Citizens group claims court victory over South Flagler condo tower
The developer tried an end run around the Planning Board approval, and presented the plan directly to the City Commissioners, who gave approval on January 21,2014 after being told by former City Attorney Claudia McKenna that Planning Board approval and review was unnecessary. Commissioner Mitchell on the dais since 2002, and Commissioner Robinson since 1999 never challenged her statement. Were they “stuck on stupid”?
Mr. Rick Greene, Director of Development Services, reports to Mayor Muoio, and it’s apparent to me the “city” wants this project to go forward. How much pressure will be placed on Mr. Greene, and City Attorney’s to insure it does. Let’s not forget the mayor has the authority to hire and fire all city employees.
It has not been reported if the city will appeal the 3 judge appellate panel decision, and if they do decide to appeal, it will be more tax payer dollars wasted. Your money.
The folks who bring you WPB Watch have asked nothing of it’s readers except to exercise your right to vote. I will now ask one more thing for you too consider with an explanation of why I feel this to be so important.
You have funded, with your tax dollars, the lawsuit that CTG has initiated against the city, in an attempt to force the city to follow their own comprehensive plan for growth. The courts opinion favors CTG argument. CTG depends on contributions from it’s members, and strangers, to help fund their legal fee’s.
I don’t live in the part of the city where Chapel on the Lake is located, but I am well aware that the city could have an interest in my neighborhood or yours, and you could have a battle on your hands just like CTG. What do you do then? This city must unite and come together for the betterment of all. City government can’t ignore it’s residents and rules that they themselves have set. You, as taxpayers, had no say when the city decided to spend your hard earned money, but you do have a choice now. I am asking you to assist the Citizens for Thoughtful Growth with a contribution to their legal fund. I ask nothing of you that I wouldn’t do myself, and my check is going out today. Please send your contribution to:
Citizens for Thoughtful Growth
P.O. Box 3281
West Palm Beach, FL 33402
Checks may be earmarked for legal expenses.
It’s easy to stand with the crowd; it takes courage to stand alone. ~Unknown
Privatization of WPB Water? What Do You Think?
There is a subtle move by two West Palm Beach City Commissioners, Kimberly Mitchell and Shanon Materio to outsource the operation of our city’s water to a private company. During the city’s December 15th Work Session, there was an open discussion, on the dais about outsourcing our water department. The public meeting was contentious as the two commissioners aggressively pushed their desire to hear a presentation from a private company, Poseidon Resources, on the possibility of providing water to WPB by building a water treatment plant outside of our city limits.
The two commissioners said Poseidon Resources has been engaged in talks with the city for a year and a presentation has been in place for 6 months. Scott Kelly is the city’s Assistant City Administrator and the point man for the water project. He allowed a single commissioner, Ms. Mitchell, to request his study on the long term water supply to include the possibility of moving the water treatment facility from its current location on Banyan & Australian Avenue to the City of Riviera Beach, near Florida Power & Light Co., where Poseidon Resources proposed to build a new plant. Mr. Kelly never should have considered a request from a single commissioner but instead insisted on a memo from the commission board as a whole, before venturing into possibilities other than what he was directed to consider by the commission. The mayor should have corrected Mr. Kelly for acting on a individual request from Commissioner Mitchell and then asked all commissioners If they would like to entertain the possibility of moving the water plant.
Privatization of our city water is a false solution for municipal budget shortfalls. The two pro-business commissioners, Mitchell & Materio, seems to have decided, water isn’t so much an essential entitlement as a commodity to be traded like grain or crude oil. That mindset is prioritizing cost concerns over human rights. If citizens don’t put a stop to this move to privatize our water it will be corporatized and injustice will flow wherever they want it to go.
We can see the results of cities such as Lansing and Detroit Michigan, and Stockton California outsourcing their water with disastrous results. The Concerned Citizens Coalition of Stockton California waged a grass roots campaign that culminated in a legal victory to defeat the privatization of their municipal water utility that was outsourced by their short sighted city council. OMI-Thames water had to return control of the utility to Stockton as of March 2008.
Don’t get side tracked by the non stop red herrings on Clematis Street, in the forms of Screen on the Green, Ginger’s Dance Party, Thursday Night on Clematis Street and the Vegas Lights. We can live without cheap entertainment but we can’t live without water!
A Letter From The First Amendment Foundation To WPB
Commissioner Shows Temper at Meeting
Please read the PB Post story on “West Palm Beach commissioners: Don’t rush into water deal” then return to WPB Watch for the rest of the story.
I attended the City Commission Work Session on 12/15/14. The first item on the agenda was “Water Presentation.” presented by staff member Scott Kelly. Mr. Kelly presented 2 consultants who gave excellent presentations on water supply and treatment, which hopefully would end the city’s problem with our drinking water, and short supply in a drought season. So far so good.
When Commissioners Mitchell and Materio didn’t have their way, the meeting got embarrassingly out of control. Commissioner Materio was very unprofessional from that point on which included picking up her pocketbook and storming off the dais,not to return. The residents of her district would not have been pleased with their representative, and I question why Mr. Kleinberg omitted that fact from his story.
Commissioners Mitchell and Materio are extremely close with Commissioner Mitchell’s
ex husband Richard Pinsky, a lobbyist doing business with the city. How close, you ask?
Allow me to present some background, and how we got to where we are.
After the sudden loss of Commissioner Moss, 4 people along with Shannon Materio applied for Mr. Moss’s seat. Ms. Materio was appointed.
If you were fortunate enough to watch the commission meeting held on Dec.8 you would have heard resident, Paul McCullough, state he had a golfing date with Mr. Pinsky, and when he questioned the appointment he was told the decision was made over the weekend that Materio would be appointed. No sunshine here, just another back room deal.
Commissioners Mitchell & Materio are on the same page 99% of the time. One or the other makes a motion and the other second’s it. Now they want to outsource our water and they decided jointly that Poseidon could handle our water issues.
Now let’s talk commissioners and lobbyist.
Recent residents lawsuits against the city for two developments, Rybovich and Palm Harbor Hotel, claiming the city is not following it’s own master plan concerning height, density, and set back. Commissioner Mitchell and Materio strongly supported both projects. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Commissioner’s Mitchell and Materio joined forces to have the city purchase land at 8111 South Dixie Hwy. for $2.9 million in an effort to keep Walmart from building a Neighborhood Market. This taxpayer money was not budgeted. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Commissioners Mitchell & Materio, again on the same page, want a presentation by Poseidon Resources, and they want it NOW, so they can hopefully talk another commissioner into voting with them to have the issue pass, and there goes our water to outsourcing. Lobbyist: Richard Pinsky.
Remember Commissioner Mitchell’s Digital Domain fiasco, where the city lost well over 2 million dollars and nearly lost the land they so willing gave to John Textor? After a court battle we regained the land and the city has 3 offers to build on what is affectionately known as the “tent” site. One offer is from the Related Group. Want to guess which way this will go? I should mention the Related Group lobbyist is Richard Pinsky.
I would like to take an opportunity to thank Commissioners Moffett, Robinson, and especially Commissioner James for asking the tough questions, standing strong and taking the residents best interest to heart. Commissioner James appears to be coming into his own, and presented a strong argument for a special meeting which he received.
We have an election coming up and James is being challenged by Len Fintzy of Riverwalk. If you aren’t aware of who Len Fintzy is please read the story on WPB Watch titled “Who is Len Fintzy?” which can be found in Archives. If Len Fintzy is elected and replaces Commissioner James say goodbye to your water because Mr. Fintzy will always vote with Commissioners Mitchell & Materio. He will be their 3rd. vote. Always.
We also have a race in District 2 between Mr. Cory Neering and Ms. Katherine Waldron. Mr. Neering has the backing of Commissioners Mitchell & Materio and if elected he will be their 4th vote, and will be able to override any veto the mayor may make. At the start of the election cycle Mr. Neering’s campaign received $1,000.00 contribution from a Law firm titled Akerman LLP. Lobbyist Richard Pinsky firm.
When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.
When the government fears the people, there is liberty. ~~Thomas Jefferson
Are Public Officials Texting City Business During Meetings?
In the City of West Palm Beach’s Nov 1, 2010 CRA Meeting, the moment John Textor and his Digital Domain were given the green light to put the screws to the city, Commissioner Kimberly Mitchell’s cell phone lit up and she began to text as the meeting was still in session. Upon adjournment, all game players congregated on the floor of the chambers and Ms. Mitchell joined the celebration, with her head still down, texting. She more than likely was receiving congratulatory remarks on her success in further sinking the city financially with FSU Digital Domain.
In the city’s April 22, 2013, Commission Meeting, a citizen and former commission candidate, Greg Weiss, expressed concern that while public meetings are going on, commissioners are using text messages and communications are transpiring from outside of the chamber and conversations are being held electronically and he felt It was a violation of our Florida Sunshine Laws. Pat Gleason, Special Counsel For Open Government to Governor Rick Scott said, personal text messages, not related to city business are private however text messages related to city business are public record, even If It’s on a commissioners private cell phone. If one attends a city commission meeting that has an agenda Item which involves developers and Lobbyist, one can clearly see all indication of texting on the dais and even gestures directed at individuals in the audience. These violators are communicating electronically about city business and their communications are off the record and should not be.
When public meetings are in session, all cell phones, especially on the dais should be turned off. Public Officials should not be using cell phones for the duration of the meeting because if city business is being communicated through the device, It’s a violation of the Sunshine Law, as well as unprofessional behavior and a distraction. In the Mayor’s October 8th, Southend Neighborhood Meeting, Commissioner Shanon Materio is using an electronic device, whether cell phone or tablet, throughout most of the meeting and only looks up periodically or when she’s speaking. How much of the meeting is she really absorbing while operating an electronic device? If an elected Official is attending a public meeting, the public is entitled to their full attention. In the very beginning of the Nov 11th CRA Meeting, Commissioner Mitchell is holding her cell phone in hand texting and continues to text as the meeting goes on.
Another huge problem in WPB Public Meetings are inaudible discussions because commissioners fail to turn their microphones on, prior to speaking, resulting in their comments being off the record until the mic is eventually turned on. There is a simple solution to that problem and that is, once meetings are in session, city officials should turn on their mics and leave them on. What is the reason for turning the mic off after speaking? Only one speaker is suppose to be recognized by the mayor to speak at one time and all conversations on the dais should be audible to those in attendance and the viewing audience so there is no need to turn the mics off at all. The context of an individuals statement is lost when one is deprived of part of the communication because of the commissioners constant failure to turn their microphones on, prior to speaking.
Other inaudible communications are private discussions via whispers on the dais and passing notes. In an October commission meeting, Commissioner Materio got up from her seat and walked over to City Administrator, Jeff Green and whispered something in his ear while the public meeting was in session. Mr. Green whispered back and the commissioner walked back to her seat. Chances are, 99.9% that what Commissioner Materio said to Mr. Green was pertaining to city business and they don’t seem to understand, there are no whispers allowed in a public meeting If regarding city business and once the meeting is in session, everything spoken should be regarding city business. Whatever the comment was, to Mr. Green, It should have been over the microphone. Why didn’t Ms. Materio asked for the floor and directed her comment to Mr. Green over the microphone for the public to hear?
I have watched the different city boards in session, whether the Planning Board, Zoning Board, Downtown Action Committee or Audit Committee Meetings and I have not seen any board members, in any of those meetings, texting or using electronic devices when their meetings were in session. They all appear professional and very engaged in their meetings, from start to finish.
All individuals should have some level of moral compass and especially, elected officials who takes an oath of office, committing to do right by the people they were elected to serve and therefore should refrain from illegal and unprofessional behavior while in their capacity of representing and serving the public. Please citizens, register to vote If not already, participate in the voting process in all local elections and recruit qualified individuals to run for elected office.