Dirty Business
The City Commission meeting held Sept. 25, 2017, three Commissioners Moffett, Materio and Neering voted to defeat Related “One Flagler” 25 story office building.
I have learned that Rick Greene, Development Services Director, holds a quarterly “Developer Outreach” meeting between the city and developers doing business in WPB. The last meeting was held November 9, 2017; and from that meeting rumors hit the street that if Related didn’t receive the backing from City Commissioners to build their 25-story office building named “One Flagler” on the waterfront, they would “draft” people to challenge Commissioner’s Materio and Moffett for their commission seat, and if they were defeated in the March election “One Flagler” would be brought back to the commission for reconsideration.
I did what I could to verify the story by sending a PRR to the city wanting information on the “Developers Outreach” program and received from Rich Greene almost a hundred pages of presentation’s made at the meeting.
What I wanted to know is if Related attended, and how the conversation went. I made a request for more records. Below is the e-mail exchange between Mr. Greene and myself.
“Thank you for the information. I also requested a copy of the recording of the meeting along with the minutes, and also would appreciate viewing the sign in sheet of those who attended the meeting.”
Thanks
Sandy
His response was immediate:
“This meeting is not recorded nor do we have a sign in sheet or minutes. This is a periodic update of what is happening in our Department and what projects have been approved or under construction in the City.”
Rick Greene, AICP
I can’t prove or disprove the rumor, but I believe where there’s smoke, there’s fire.
Here’s the question you should ask yourself:
Did Related “draft” Christina Lambert who is challenging Shanon Materio for District 5 seat and Kelly Shoaf who it appears has a clear run for District 1.
If these 2 women are elected, and the rumors are true, residents will live with “Flagler One” like it or not.
In any election I pay particular attention to who endorses candidates. It’s a tell all of where the candidates stand and how they could possibly vote on issues important to residents.
Chamber of Commerce
Their mission statement below was taken from their website.
Our Chamber Means Business
The Chamber is a proactive organization that achieves results and meets community needs. The association has always been on the cutting edge of the community’s critical concerns, working for new small business programs, representing business interests at all levels of government, promoting tourism and recruiting new business and industry to the area.
The Chamber’s strength is derived from its diversity and number of members. Both large and small businesses, from virtually every profession, are represented within our organization. These members make the Chamber one of the most effective and respected business associations in the state, providing both input and the manpower to see that the needs of area businesses are met by the city, county and state governments.
As a unified voice for businesses, the Chamber accomplishes collectively what no one business can do alone, dealing with the many issues that affect the community’s quality of life.
Governmental Affairs Committee
The committee reviews proposed area, state and federal legislation impacting the business community. The role of the governmental affairs committee is to accumulate information relative to candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission and West Palm Beach City Commission and convey it to members, along with recommendations for candidate selection in the City and County elections. The Government Affair Committee meets on an as-needed basis.
About Leadership West Palm Beach
The mission of Leadership West Palm Beach is to cultivate the leadership potential of those individuals who reside or work in the City of West Palm Beach and utilize their skills to foster the development of programs and opportunities that would enrich and improve the quality of life in the Palm Beaches.
Participants are exposed to a variety of aspects of the community including government, health and human services, education, economic development, arts, culture and festivals, neighborhoods and even the water catchment area. All of these areas are integral components of our community. Informing the class participants generates leaders with a well-rounded knowledge base to assist in future planning and decision-making for the betterment of West Palm Beach.
Dennis Grady President/CEO had his wife introduce Ms. Lambert at a recent event. So the Chamber is endorsing Ms. Lambert.
Good for Related, bad for residents.
The Chamber of Commerce did not endorse Materio, but 2 of my personal heroes for the city did, namely the PBC Police Benevolent Association along with the Association of Firefighters. Both organizations know Materio has their back, nice to know she has their support.
A story in the PB Post reported the following:
“Moffett was one of three commissioners who voted against Related Cos.’ plan to rezone the Okeechobee Boulevard corridor and allow a 25-story office tower in a 5-story waterfront zone.
Shoaf said she has not yet formulated an opinion on the controversial issue, which could come up again if elections create a commission more sympathetic to the developer.” Really!
Please consider everything, do your homework, and most important vote in the March 13,2018 upcoming election.
These are the people who make decisions that effect your everyday life financially and environmentally.
If your too busy to vote, OK, just please don’t complain about the direction the city is moving in.
Who Is Shanon Materio
In my opinion Shannon Materio is not the same woman she was in March 2015, and has evolved into a commissioner I can stand with in her bid for re-election for City Commissioner District 5. My eyes were opened when Commissioner Materio was one of 3 who voted against Zoning and Land Use Changes that would have allowed for the Related project “One Flagler” to move forward, and she was the most outspoken on the dais. If you were at the City Commission meeting held on Sept. 25, 2017 you witnessed a chamber full of residents both for and against Related Developer seeking approval for their 25-story office building namely “One Flagler” to be located on the waterfront, where residents twice voted for a 5 story height limit on any new building.
Development Services Director Rick Greene did all he could to move the project forward, and went out of his way to not mention 3 little words. (Related One Flagler) and continually referred to OBD (Okeechobee Blvd. District.) Mr. Greene and 3 others spent over one hour on their presentation in an attempt to convince commissioners and the public we needed this project to make West Palm Beach a great city. I didn’t realize we were not already a great city. I appreciated the city bringing this to my attention.
Commissioner Neering asked: “If Related didn’t bring this project forward, would we be talking about the OBD?” and later questioned if the project was “spot zoning.” Mr. Greene’s response to Commissioner Neering question was “Yes” we would be discussing OBD, and Mr. Greene denied it was “spot zoning” told a whopper and you could hear the whispering in the audience while the developers smiled.
Commissioner Materio called out Mr. Greene on his denial and said “I disagree with you Rick, we wouldn’t be here if Related didn’t want to build this building, it is “spot zoning, and the city is willing to give away it’s best asset, the waterfront.” When Commissioner Materio was finished, no one had to ask what did she mean, we knew exactly what she meant, they weren’t pulling the wool over her eyes.
I had to investigate the meaning of “spot zoning” and here is the definition.
“Spot zoning is the application of zoning to a specific parcel or parcels of land within a larger zoned area when the zoning is usually at odds with a city’s master plan and current zoning restrictions.– The small size of the parcel is not the sole defining characteristic of a spot zone”
Commissioner James requested that Related CEO be allowed to make a statement Mayor Muoio denied his request.
My thought was what the hell is he doing here, we were just told this meeting was not about “One Flagler”
Now it’s time for comments from the public, and the first speaker was former Mayor Joel Davis who stated he supports Related “One Flagler” and looks forward to it’s completion. 2nd speaker former CC Brandenberg say’s she supports “One Flagler.”3rd. speaker Adelson, another developer, Chamber of Commerce, Developers and Business community along with a few residents all support “One Flagler” Those mentioned above are considered by some to be “Big Hitters” in the city.
Those opposed were many residents along with attorneys for Preserve West Palm Beach Citizens Coalition and CTG. (Citizens for Thoughtful Growth)
Now the commission vote on the project.
Commissioners Ryan & James vote to move the project forward.
Commissioners Neering, Materio and Moffett investigated the proposal, did their homework, and looked at whether the proposed changes to City Zoning Code and the Downtown Master Plan met the standards required. They did not vote for the “Staff Recommends Motion” and most important to me–they listened to the people and looked at the legal requirements for such approval. All three commissioners voted not to move forward.
All three commissioners are the “Big Hitters” for the residents.
This should be the end of the story, but it’s not. Follow up story on Related’s next plan of attack.
Believe me there is one coming.
You Really Had To Be There
On Jan.29,2018 I attended the WPB City Commission meeting because of an e-mail I received concerning “Flagler Shores” and it rang a bell with me due to an article I had read the previous day in the PB Post. The story written by Alexandra Clough “Foes of Flagler Shore rally opposition.” was well written and informative.
When I approached the room outside the City Commission Chambers I encounter 10-15 people and everyone confused about the procedure to be allowed to voice their opinion on the city’s Flagler Shores experiment. I was asked if I was for or against the project, and my honest answer was I didn’t know enough about it to be for or against. Second question was did I know how to fill out the card? Pointing to the comment card I explained they were to sign their name here, and place the item no. here. Third question what was the item No? I picked up the agenda which contained 21 items and started reading. Arrived at #21 and thought hell I missed it, and started looking again, when the City Clerk came by and I asked her what the item # was. She replied Flagler Shores was not on the agenda. By now there are 20-25 folks waiting for answer’s when they heard the clerks response, they looked at me and I said it wasn’t on the agenda so the commissioners would not discuss it tonight. Do you have any idea how loud 25 people can groan in disappointment?
Now I’m thinking what was the e-mail I received concerning the project if it wasn’t on the agenda. At that point God slapped me on the back of my head, and whispered “General Comment” People started to leave when I said they all had 3 minutes to comment on any issue not on the agenda. The folks that had ripped up their cards thinking they wouldn’t be heard grabbed new cards and started over and people just kept coming.
Mayor Muoio made a point of reading the Civility & Decorum statement which in part reads “Unauthorized remarks from the audience, stamping of the feet, whistles, yells and similar demonstrations are strictly prohibited.” (I assume this also includes clapping)
The mayor recognized they were there to discuss Flagler Shores and wondered out loud why, when it wasn’t on the agenda. Well guess what happened? A hand full of people all at once attempted to answer her question. That’s when my giggles started. They stopped when the mayor pointed at them and asked if they wanted to be removed from the room.
She told the group the road would be reopened on 3/1/18 and they would have their 4 lanes back. Audience clapped, and the mayor thanked them. She also said the city intended to “Redesign” Flagler and after the road was reopened the engineers would come in and start the planning process, and the city will decide if it will be made permanent. The Boat Show and Sunfest will be the first to let the city know their needs. A meeting would be scheduled and residences input would be welcome. The audience claps, and the mayor thanked them again and I’m thinking Boat Show & Sunfest, aren’t they businesses? Think about it, needs of business vs. residents. Oh Oh.
Mayor Muoio had the cards in front of her and she said when I call your name please step up to the podium. People started walking to the podium and she repeated “when I call your name”
I had the impression many of the residents have never attended a city meeting and were confused about the procedure and the mayor may have shown a little more patience with them, but honestly it was funny. Roberts Rule of Order went out the window.
I listened to a few speakers who were very professional, spent their time wisely and when they said something profound the audience started clapping, the clock kept running and they lost valuable speaking time. Mayor Muoio brought this to their attention, but it did continue.
One speaker brought with her a petition signed by 650 residents living along Flagler, who are opposed to the road closing and redesign.
By the time I left the meeting I had an understanding of the problem and residents complaints and decided to drive down Flagler and see for myself.
Flagler Drive is a 4 lane road running North & South with a medium strip in between The city has closed a section of Flagler eliminating 2 driving lanes on the east, and made two way traffic on the west side.
It appears the city wants to permanently remove the two eastern lanes and sidewalk and grass it in.
While I was driving I saw people on the sidewalk walking dogs, people strolling or sitting on the seawall looking at the water, and many, many barriers stopping people from driving by.
Mayor Muoio wants more people in the downtown area to do more walking and bike riding, and leave their cars at home to help with the traffic problems. There seems to be more cars than road, and the city helped create the problem allowing developers to build 20 & 30 story condo’s and office buildings along the waterfront.
The day Ford introduced the Model T Americans have had love affairs with their cars and trucks and will not give them up–ever.
This is going to be another battle between residents, businesses and city government. I told the residents if they lost the battle they could still have the last word. I told the woman that arrived at city hall with 650 names on the petition to march them and others down to the polling booth and vote their commissioner out of office. Time will tell.
Just Tell The Truth–Please
This story is one example of why American’s have a problem trusting government. They lie! Not everyone with a government job lies, but enough do so we become suspicious of them all. Here’s my story.
I live in Spencer Lakes which is located on the corner of 45th.& Village Blvd. There are 187 homes and most residents are a 2 car family, and if their children live with them add more cars to the equation.
Village Blvd. is a four lane road and many children exit the development on Keats Grove walking across 4 lanes of traffic heading for Palm Beach Lakes High School. There are hundreds of cars exiting and entering the development daily.
Village Boulevard is a race track, and the police have been present where they have ticketed 40 speeders between the hours of 6:30 to 9:30 AM; and they are still ticketing speeders. Ongoing since May.
5/24/17 I sent an e-mail, and included pictures, to Assistant City Manager Scott Kelly detailing the problem residents were having leaving the development.
Driving North on Village drivers enter a curve and many don’t realize/care they are approaching an intersection where a traffic light exists, and they blow right through the red light endangering exiting residents.
6/5/17 Mr. Scott responded he was forwarding my e-mail to “our Transportation Engineer for consideration.” Uyen Dang is the city’s Transportation Engineer.
6/6/17 I forward the entire package including the pictures, previously sent to Mr. Kelly to Uyen Dang. Then I wait for a response. FYI. My computer confirmed Uyen opened my e-mail the day she received it and the IT department can also confirm.
8/10/17 Over two months later another e-mail to Uyen asking for update. Received no response.
8/30/17 Sent another e-mail asking when she is going to respond to me, with a Cc to Mayor Muoio.
8/31/17 Uyen responded with an apology “I apologize for my delay in response, this e-mail was in my spam mail box for quite a while.” The hell it was, she opened it on 6/6/17; and who doesn’t check their spam folder for over 2 months? That was the 1st. lie.
She continues “Our speed study shows that the 85th Percentile of speed on this roadway is traveling at 42MPH and is consistent with the 40 MPH posted speed.”
I don’t care what her speed study shows. Check with the police department who issued the speeding tickets.
Then she recommends “Advanced Warning Flasher” which along with a flashing light has a sign stating
“Be prepared to stop.” We will coordinate with PBC to get this system installed”
8/31/17 E-mail from Uyen to PBC “We would like to request a quote from you to install this system at Village and Shiloh NB and SB.”
OK now were getting somewhere.
10/6/17 I e-mailed Uyen asking for an update. No response
10/12/17 Another e-mail asking for update and included a Cc to Mayor Muoio.
10/12/17 Uyen responds “The request was sent to PBC Traffic. We are waiting for them to respond and give us a quote. I don’t have a status because the ball is not in our court. Thank you for your patience.” (ever hear of follow up?) She responds when mayor is Cc’d a copy of the e-mail.
10/12/17 I respond “Thank you for responding. Can you give me a time frame when you will follow up with the county to see if progress is being made”
10/12/17 Uyen responds “I can give them a call tomorrow and see where were at” That message was the last I heard from Uyen, and the 2nd.lie
11/13/2017 I sent a PRR (public records request) to the city clerk requesting all correspondence between the city and county regarding the “Advanced Warning Flasher” Below is the response dated 4 days after my PRR request. Notice Kelly Cc on e-mail.
Re: TRANSFER: Public Records Request Khanh Uyen Dang to: Kevin C Volbrecht 11/17/2017 01:43 PM
Cc: Erik Ferguson, Hazeline Carson, Jomekeyia McNeil, Scott D Kelly
Kevin,
We had a teleconference with the County to request flashing lights to be installed on Village Blvd. The outcome of the meeting was for the County to add this work request in their list. The County to perform a traffic study at that location to determine if flashing lights warrants. Once the study is complete, they will send us an estimate for us to issue a PO. At this time, we do not have anything to provide for the PRR.
Thank you,
Uyen Dang, PE Engineering Services 401 Clematis Street, 4th Floor P.O. Box 3366 West Palm Beach, FL 33402
11/20/17 I attended the City Commission meeting where I had 3 minutes to explain what you have read so far just giving dates and hi-lites. Of course I didn’t have time to finish.
When I was leaving the meeting Scott Kelly spoke to me and said “the sign was approved.” I repeated it was approved. He said “yes,” now all we have to do is find the money.” 3rd. lie.
What did I do? I talked to many of my neighbors and told them the city came through for us and the project was approved. It was a feel good moment knowing they and their children would finally have a fighting chance leaving the development. I was lied too and passed the lie onto my neighbors.
11/30/17 While attending the Internal Audit meeting I saw Scott in the mezzanine, and he said “Good morning Sandy”
I responded with: “Scott you lied to me about the light being approved”
He responded with: ” I don’t know what your talking about.”and raced into the meeting room like I had leprosy. I followed him in and took my seat. That was the 4th. lie.
He sat for approximately 5 min. and left the meeting room not to return.
So finishing this story my conclusion is:
Uyen Dang, PE Engineering Services, fails to follow up with projects and ignores e-mails.
Scott Kelly, who oversees the dept. can’t be trusted because he also lies and fails to supervise employees. The city can do better!
Brightline We told you, You didn’t listen.
Brightline Train Speeds to 125 MPH
Every city along the route held meetings including WPB. Residents appeared before the commission with their opinions both pro and con. Residents were concerned with 2 issues noise and safety. The powers to be were concerned with insuring the train made a stop in WPB. It does.
Let’s talk safety:
If you recall the horrific accident that occurred in Seattle when the train derailed, left the tracks, went down the embankment killing 3 and injuring over 80. The data recorder had the train traveling 80 MPH in a 30 MPH zone while approaching a curve.
This train was not equipped with a safety device called “positive train control” which is technology that can automatically slow or stop a train. Sounds like excellent technology.
For years regulators have requested the device be installed on all trains. What is wrong with these regulators, don’t they know that would be expensive and hurt the bottom line? Here is how I imagine the conversation went.
(Lobbyist for RR.) Good morning Senator Numnuts, how are you this fine day?
Senator Numnuts: I’m good how about yourself, what can I do for you?
Lobbyist: Were having a little problem with the regulators concerning the installation of a positive train control, and were hoping you can assist us by pushing it out for a year. By the way don’t you have an election coming up?
Senator Numnuts: “Well, as a matter of fact I am running for re-election.
Lobbyist: I thought so. Don’t let me go without writing you a check. So can you help us out with the regulators so we can postpone upgrades for a year.
Senator Numnuts: Only for a year, sure I can help you with that, what can go wrong in a year? Don’t forget the check for my campaign. Senator Numnuts was re-elected.
The above conversation continued and the technology has been extended for years at the behest of the industry. The Brightline in Florida will be equipped with automatic train control — a similar technology that monitors the train’s speed and notifies the engineer if the locomotive is going too fast. Why can’t we have the upgrade that slows and stops the train automatically? Was the check bigger than expected?
With the horrific train accident in Seattle I imagine extensions are finished. Unfortunately death and injuries have a tendency to open eyes, and get attention.
Noise Control
On a recent trip to city hall I was stopped at the lights waiting for the Brightline test ride to pass. I can’t possible describe the intensity of the train whistle and my heart goes out to the residents who reside along the track corridor who will listen to 4 trains hourly, from early morning to late evening and as many as 16 round trips daily.
So with all I have written, I have one question. Who allowed the permits to be issued before the safety devices were in place, and there was no train whistle as promised.
No devices, no permits, no permits train stays parked.
Who is Deyshia Hargrave?
Veering away from city politics for this story which absolutely infuriated me.
Deyshia Hargrave who won “Teacher of the Year” award is a language arts teacher in Louisiana, who had the audacity to appear before the School Board and voice her objection to approving a new contract for superintendent Jerome Puyau which included a $38,000 raise.
She is quoted as saying:
“I have a serious issue with a superintendent or any person of leadership getting any type of raise. I feel like it’s a slap in the face to all the teachers, cafeteria workers and any other support staff we have. We work very hard, with very little, to maintain the salaries we have.”
After Ms. Hargrave’s comments, board president Anthony Fontana ruled that she was out of order and warned her that the public comment section was not a question-and-answer session. (These arrogant,elected officials truly believe they don’t answer to the lowly public. I mean really, who the hell are we to question their authority?)
When the board ultimately voted to approve superintendent Jerome Puyau new contract with the $38,000 raise Ms. Hargrave raised her hand, was recognized, stood once again and spoke on the issue of teachers raises. (Teachers in Louisiana have not had a pay increase in a decade, a decade, that’s 10 years without a raise. Thank God bread, milk and tuna prices haven’t increased over the years.)
After Ms. Hargrave began asking more questions about the raise, she was interrupted by Mr. Fontana the school board president, saying that her question was not related to the agenda which was the superintendent’s new contract, and a number of teachers in attendance shouted in unison “with a raise.”
OK Here is where it really get’s interesting.
In my opinion when Ms. Hargrave was interrupted by School Board President Lord Fontana, that was the signal for her removal and a city marshal approached her and warned, “you are going to leave or I am going to remove you. Take your things and go.” while he is trying to remove her Superintendent Puyou is addressing her, but the cop pay’s no attention. In the video it appears Ms. Hargrave picked up her purse and started to leave.
When she and the cop were out of sight in the hallway Ms. Hargrave could be heard shouting “What are you doing, your hurting me.” The video shows her on the ground and the cop placing her hands behind her back while applying handcuffs then she was placed under arrest, and later bonded out of jail.
If you see the video the cop is well over 6′ and she looks like she may reach 4′. The unidentified cop is a prime example of why people distrust cops and paint them with the same brush. He sure showed her, smart enough not to throw her on the floor where folks could see what was happening but in the hallway with no one watching. Oops, is that a camera up there? Hell of a way to treat “Teacher of the year.”
The school board members aren’t making comments but Ike Funderburk, city attorney and prosecutor viewed the video made this statement: “I have reviewed the video and I am not going to approve any charges against the teacher, I talked with the attorney for the school board, and they do not wish to pursue any charges against the teacher.”
Ya think?
OK teachers who spend more time with our children than some parents do are not receiving the respect they deserve from the children they oversee, can’t go a week without hearing of a teacher attacked by a child, parents refusing to back them, my Johnny/Janie wouldn’t do that and the total lack of respect by the Louisiana school board and a city marshal. You have to wonder why they choose teaching as a profession.
I hope she sues and receives enough money her great, great grandchildren will be set for life. When a politician have to pay out–then they get it.
Bless them all
PS
Just read the school board has received death threats.
“What did you expect, what did you reasonably expect?”
“What did you expect, what did you reasonably expect?”
If that line sounds familiar to you it is a quote from a prosecutor starring in Law & Order.
Prayer In Schools:
The ongoing contention started when Steven Engel, a Jewish New Yorker, came together with other parents in 1958 to sue New York State over state-endorsed prayer that was being recited in schools. The Supreme Court inevitably sided with Engel and the decision was issued on June 25, 1962.
The invocation in question was one that had been approved by the New York State Board of Regents. The prayer, which read, “Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our Country,” was relatively benign in nature.
Madalyn Murray O’Hair is best known for the Murray v. Curlett lawsuit, which led to a landmark Supreme Court ruling ending official Bible-reading in American public schools in 1963.
What was the outcome when we banned God from schools? Below are a few example’s.
School Shootings
8/1/1966 Charles Whitman, murdered 17 and wounded 31
12/30/74 Anthony Barbaro, murdered 3 and wounded 11
2/24/84 Tyrone Mitchell, murdered 2 and wounded 12
5/16/86 David & Doris Young, murdered 2 wounded 74
9/26/88 James Wilson, murdered 2 and wounded 9
1/17/89 Patrick Purdy, murdered 6 and wounded 32
5/21/98 Kip Kinkel, murdered 4 and wounded 23
4/20/99 Eric Harris & Dylan Klebold, murdered 15 wounded 21
3/21/05 Jeffrey Weise, murdered 7 and wounded 7
10/2/06 Charles Roberts murdered 5 and wounded 5
4/16/07 Seung-Hui Cho, murdered 33 and wounded 17
2/14/08 Steven Kazmierczak murdered 5 and wounded 21
4/02/12 One L. Goh, murdered 7 and wounded 3
12/14/12 Adam Lanza, murdered 28 and wounded 2
10/24/14 Jaylen Fryberg, murdered 4 and wounded 1
10/1/15 Christopher Harper-Mercer, murdered 9 and wounded 9
Church Shootings
2015 Emanuel AME Baptist Church in South Carolina: 9 murdered–3 injured
2017 1st. Baptist Church in in Texas: 26 murdered–20 injured
Concert
2017 Las Vegas: 59 murdered over 500 injured
Below are examples of the Ten Commandments ordered removed from court houses and public land. There are many cities being sued by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) to remove them from other cities.
July 18, 2011 Federal Senior District Judge Maurice Paul ruled Friday that Dixie County has 30 days to remove a granite monument of the Ten Commandments from atop the steps of the county courthouse in Cross City, where it has sat since 2006.
July 2, 2015 Oklahoma’s high court made a stir of its own in a ruling that had a group of self-proclaimed Satanists and an ordained Baptist minister celebrating.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state must remove a 6-foot tall granite monument of the Ten Commandments from its capitol because it violates the state’s constitutional ban against the use of public funds or property to benefit a religion.
October 16, 2017 WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Monday sided with a lower court that ordered a New Mexico city to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lawn outside City Hall.
The Christian Cross
A federal judge reluctantly ordered the removal of the Bayview Cross from a public park in Pensacola, Florida. Senior U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson gave the city 30 days to remove the cross, which has stood in various forms in a corner of Bayview Park for about 75 years.
A federal judge has ordered a Pennsylvania county to remove the cross from its seal, saying it violated the Constitution.
“So help me God”
A few years ago I was called to testify in court and was asked to raise my right hand and the clerk said “Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth.” I stood there waiting for her to finish with ‘so help you God, which never happened. It was then I realized I wasn’t asked to place my hand on a bible. My thought was when this change?
Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, contains the remains of more than 400,000 servicemen/women who died defending the United States of America. Every grave contains a cross. How soon before the ACLU sues to have them removed? Think it can’t happen—wait.
I was raised a Catholic, and I believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, and Christians recognize the Son as Jesus Christ. That’s my belief, and you are certainly entitled to yours.
Christmas is coming and Christians celebrate the birthday of Jesus, and people afraid of appearing to be seen as “politically incorrect” will be greeting friends and family with the greeting “Happy Holidays.
“Politically Correct” has gone over the edge and no matter what you say you will offend someone.
So with that said I don’t care if I am P/C or not. Merry Christ mas to all.
So ending this story here are my thoughts: We threw God out of schools, out of courthouses and out of government. Were removing every symbol that reminds us of Him. So ask yourself:
“What do you expect, what do you reasonably expect?”
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Three stories in the Post
Three stories written by the Palm Beach Post in Sunday’s paper certainly grabbed my attention.
An editorial titled “Troubling rise in West Palm slaying needs quicker action.”
The story continues “About a third of this years killing’s have been on the city’s North End, in the impoverished neighborhoods inhabited mainly by African- Americans. Almost a third of the victims were males younger than 24.
It is naive to believe that police can stop every shooting in the troubled North End. But it’s also unacceptable to concede that this terrible cycle of killings can’t be mitigated – faster.”
Note to the Post: If you know of a way to “mitigate- faster.” please contact Mayor Muoio of Chief Mooney. I guarantee both will listen.
Everyone has opinions but no ideas or solutions.
It is my opinion these streets are run by gang members selling their drug products to our kids, and God help you if you get in their way, or try to sell your product in “their” neighborhood. What happens? The death rate rises.
I have walked these streets for over a year with public officials and police officers in a monthly “Peace Walk” and have seen neighborhoods with mounds of trash in yards and on city sidewalks and in the streets. I understand ” impoverished” but it doesn’t take money to have pride in you neighborhood and keep yards and the surrounding area clean of debris.
By allowing a neighborhood to deteriorate to this degree residents are sending the message I don’t care, I don’t see what’s going on. This type of neighborhood is exactly what people who don’t obey the law are looking for and they move right in and take over, and hold onto a neighborhood with fear and intimidation.
Please take the time and Google the “Broken Window” which will explain the situation better than I am able too.
The Post continues in part “With the death toll rising, it seems a strange time for city leaders to tout progress in long-term efforts to reduce violence, but that’s just what Muoio and Mooney did on Thursday. They held a press conference.”
Note to the Post: Both women have earned and deserve the respect to be addressed by their title Mayor Muoio and Police Chief Mooney, not Muoio & Mooney.
The Post also neglected to mention when gunshots are heard, residents shut their doors and pull the blinds. When questioned most see and hear nothing. Decent people are living in fear of retaliation. Hell of a way to live–if that’s what you call it.
Second story: ” Killings, gunfire spark fear, anger”
This story concerns WPB neighbor Lake Worth where the fifth homicide this year occurred with the last two in the last week and a half. The Post reports “Residents who live and work in the area appear nervous.” See how the evil spreads?
The Post does not report any programs in the city or anything the residents can become involved. No Peace Walks, no initiatives at all.
Third Story: “Trump protesters march through West Palm Beach”
“About 100 protesters taking aim at President Donald Trump stormed the streets of downtown West Palm Beach on Saturday night in a fairly tense display, halting traffic and surprising bystanders.”
“I think we had more visibility than we’ve had in the past” says Star Fae, a Lake Worth
activist who organized the march a year ago. The story also states:
“West Palm Beach police directed traffic away from the marches, who commanded the downtown streets for about an hour. Crowd-control efforts did not come without discord though, as some officers ordered protestors to march on sidewalks.
They refused, and responded with the chant: “Whose streets? Our streets.”
A police SUV at one point hopped a street medium to get around protestors who blocked it’s path.”
Six protestors wore burgundy cloaks and white bonnets partially hiding their faces.
One Jupiter women made a statement, but refused to give her name.
Third story has a lot of irony to it, and leaves me with some questions, such as:
Why doesn’t activist Star Fae organize a march in her hometown of Lake Worth to combat the shootings and killings happening there? Remember–Charity begins at home.
Why did the protestors disrespect our police officers and march on the sidewalks as directed? We have a Lake Worth and Jupiter resident chanting “Whose streets? Our streets.” No, dears, I am a resident and taxpayer in WPB. It is my street and I have a right to drive downtown without being encumbered by your protest.
Why did the police officer hop a street medium to get around the protesters?
Was a call received to 911 with a report of a murder, rape, robbery, assault, and the protesters made it impossible for the officer to get to a victim?
When I awoke this morning I heard a story on President Donald Trump. Guess he is still president of the free world.
What Is It Going To Take? Answer, You
The third Thursday of every month the City of West Palm Beach holds a “Peace in the Street” march led by Pastor Jones and the October march was very encouraging due to the fact the folks marching outnumbered the police officers who escort the walkers through the roughest section of the city.
At the last walk many young children had conversations and questions for the police, and it was a joy to witness the give and take between young people and the officers.
While walking back to the cars and passing a large empty lot some movement caught my attention and I spotted Assistant Chief Spatara passing all the walkers on a full out run, and he kept looking over his shoulder at whatever was behind him.
I’m ashamed to admit fear set in and I’m waiting for someone to yell “gun” it all happened so fast. I stopped walking and froze. Chief Spatara stopped running also, turned and caught a football thrown by a young man. The Chief was playing football with a couple of teenagers. No fear, no intimidation just a couple of guy’s playing ball. ? Breakthrough.
There were many very young children who made signs and carried them the length of the walk. One young boy carried a sign that read “Kill Crime–Not Each Other”
I was encouraged by the attendance of the young and old until it was reported four people injured by gunfire in the Northend of the city. It just wont stop.
On Friday (10/27/17) Chief Mooney organized another march down Sapodilla where the gunfire originated within the last 2 weeks. Residents and seniors showed up and it was a decent crowd considering it was put together rather quickly.
There are so many decent, law abiding residents living in a crime infested area who along with City Hall and the Police Dept. are desperate to find a solution to the problem concerning shootings and drugs.
Someone-somewhere has ideas on how to make it better. Maybe it’s you. Do you think “outside the box”? Do you think you may have an idea that could improve the situation? Are you willing to share your ideas with the police dept. and together find the much needed solution to improve life in this area of the city?
Are you aware there have been 23 people murdered in WPB since January?
True Story:
I was shopping when I looked up and saw a middle aged black woman, and we made eye contact. It was obvious to me she was upset and had been crying. I asked her if she was OK and she said yes, and the tears started flowing again. I asked if there was anything I could do. She said she was having a problem with her son and was very upset with him.
This is her story as to why this mother seemed at her wit’s end.
He’s 23 years old, was raised to be respectful, God fearing, and independent. A year ago he was out with his friends when he was shot and left paralyzed from the waste down. If that weren’t bad enough he admitted to his mother he knew who the shooter was, and she begs him every day to tell the police who did it. He refuses. She told him give her the name and she will go to the police. He refuses. His mom told me he isn’t in a gang. I find it hard to believe.
My opinion:
Here is a woman who raised her son, clothed and fed him, educated and changed his diapers and prepared him for the world he would enter.
Now it should have been her time to relax a little, maybe do a little traveling, enjoy her life. She will always be his mother so she moves her son back home, and the ritual starts over. She once again cooks his meal’s and changes his diaper’s.
I can’t help but wonder if the person who shot him also shot and killed others. More mother’s in pain over the loss of a loved one when a simple phone call may have prevented more heartbreak.
The world has changed and not necessarily for the better. You have heard many times “See something–Say something. Please make that phone call, it could save a life. As the young man’s sign read “Kill Crime–Not Each Other”
The police can’t fix crime without residents help, and the residents can’t fix crime without the police. Work together and make life better for all.
Residents Win/ Developers Lose
On Sept. 25,2017 the residents won a battle with developer Related, and while residents celebrate Related must be in shock due to the fact elected officials historically have done whatever necessary to insure their projects are approved.
City Hall was filled to capacity and the overflow watched the meeting in the Flagler Room which lasted until 11:00 PM. Many young, not old enough to vote residents wore t-shirts endorsing the OBD (Okeechobee Business District) project and sat in chairs in the commission chambers. When a resident came into the room they were asked which side they were on and if they were in favor of OBD a seat magically became available to them in the packed Commission Chambers.
Related sent residents 3 very impressive and expensive in appearance fliers promoting “One Flagler” and asked residents to check the box if you would approve the project. There was no box to check if you would NOT approve the project. Related’s second flier boasted “Endorsed by 2,500 West Palm Beach residents.” Now would be the time to mention WPB has over 107,000 residents.
The city spent over half a million dollars on a Mobility Study, and it’s not been completed or approved by the City Commission for one project namely Related’s “One Flagler” a 25 story tower on the waterfront, a site residents voted on 2 different occasions the buildings were not to exceed 5 stories.
This was spot zoning at it’s worst.
Rick Greene, Director Development Services, gave the presentation telling residents how great the project would be for the city, followed by a longer presentation by the director of the Mobility Study who gave the presentation the city wanted residents to hear. No downside. Mr. Greene should be made aware he draws his paycheck from the city of WPB and not Related.
“Coalition for Reasonable Development” sent 1 flier which showed the other side of the coin and any resident who rides the Okeechobee corridor would be aware this was the more honest opinion. Here were their Key Observations:
25% of all crashes in WPB occur in downtown.
33% of all crashes in downtown occur along Okeechobee Blvd.
28% of all fatal or serious injury crashes in downtown occur along Okeechobee Blvd.
From 2014-2016, 2,714 crashes occurred in the downtown at a rate of 2.5 crashes a day.
The city has paid even more money for studies on how to correct the traffic situation downtown and sponsor bicycling, walking and taking public transportation to alleviate the situation, while approving more construction in the downtown area.
One project under consideration is the “One West Palm” to be built downtown on Quadrille Blvd; by developer Jeff Greene; (not to be confused by City Administrator Jeff Green). This project will include two 30 story buildings consisting of 209,000 square feet of office space, hotel, and retail, along with 328 luxury apartments. Now here I am assuming that 328 luxury apt’s. would be purchased by couple’s both having their own vehicles. Can you picture these couples dressed in formal wear, jumping on their Schwinn or Raleigh bicycles and traveling to the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts to enjoy a show or Opera Night? May very well get bicycle grease on their tuxes or mink coats.
I have an idea I would share with readers. How about instead of handing developers large tax breaks the city require a one million dollar fee for every floor they build over 5 stories. The project mentioned above would bring an additional 50 million dollars to the city coffers. The city put’s 1/2 into the general fund and 1/2 into a police/ firemen fund to purchase much needed equipment. The city has a fire ladder truck being held together by duct tape and a prayer. I just witnessed a police cruiser where the 4 rims were so rusted out I would be afraid to drive it, and the officer’s computer handle was broken which made it hard to carry. In the city’s lean years the police/fire department gave up benefits to help the city with it’s budget. Well times are better so lets give these benefits back, and give them the equipment they need to get the job done.
In closing I would like to thank Commissioner’s Moffett, Neering, and Materio for listening to the residents and the facts and voting against the OBD. Commissioner Moffett will be running for re-election in March, and I ask voters to remember her vote Monday night. I heard a comment from Commissioner Materio and couldn’t believe my ears. She stated she did not believe Mr Green’s comment that this was not a case of “spot zoning” Good for her and us.
Also a Thank you to Coalition for Reasonable Development along with Citizens for Thoughtful Growth and Preserve WPB Citizens Coalition for their over site, keeping residents informed. Last but not least, the many residents who took the time to call, write and appear before the city commission to let their thoughts and feelings be known. This was a true grass roots endeavor, and you are to be commended for your effort.