Terri Parker Exclusive 7-20-2023 & Tom Valeo
July 24, 2023
Terri Parker, Investigative Reporter for WPBF (25) has another Exclusive report on the Marina reported July 20,2023.
Below are excerpts, and my comments in Italic.
EXCLUSIVE: West Palm Beach halts negotiations with marina developer City Harbor pending protest
“The city of West Palm Beach has halted negotiations with City Harbor LLC on the marina proposal bid it won last month.
Cunningham filed an official protest after city commissioners and the mayor voted 5 -1 on June 5 to move forward with negotiations with City Harbor to build and operate a luxury marina on the downtown waterfront.”
Cunningham is the attorney who successfully sued the city over the Sunset Lounge. James continues to waste time and taxpayers money keeping the night club closed. My opinion: Makes James a poor loser, and has the power to keep the Sunset Lounge closed while the city continues to fight the judge’s decision.
“He (Cunningham) cited several irregularities in the process, including that Informa, the company which runs the annual boat show and who he says is a partner of City Harbor, improperly lobbied the commission and mayor ahead of the vote.
“City procurement official Donna Levengood denied his protest, saying he filed it after the seven-day deadline.” Where was City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg opinion?
“Cunningham appealed, saying he did not receive a letter from Levengood giving official notice of the bid going to City Harbor, and the clock didn’t start ticking until he received it.” Again, where was City Attorney Kimberly Rothenburg opinion?
“Levengood responded, saying several members of Safe Harbor were at the June 5 meeting where the rankings were announced, and denied his reconsideration.” Was it up to safe Harbor to spread the word? Sounds to me like the city dropped the ball—again.
“However, she has scheduled a special meeting of the city commission to address Safe Harbor’s appeal on July 31, and in the meantime, has halted negotiations.” Save the date and try to attend the Special City Commission meeting on 7/31/2023 @ 10:00 AM.
“It is unclear whether commissioners will go beyond discussing the protest at the upcoming special meeting, given the many letters, emails, calls and visits in opposition they’ve received since announcing the marina plans and bid award.”
I’m hopeful the commissioners to do the right thing. Three commissioners are up for re-election, Lambert, Ward and Fox in March 2024. Ms. Parker story contains more information. Please take the time to read it.
West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James Announces New Staff Appointment
“West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James announced that Tom Valeo will serve as chief of staff to the Mayor. With an extensive background in legislative affairs, Valeo brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role. What happened to the former chief of staff resigned or terminated?
Tom Valeo joins the City of West Palm Beach with a proven track record in leadership and a record of legislative accomplishments. Having served as a top aide in the Florida Legislature, Valeo has demonstrated a solid ability to drive positive change and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders.”
My dad’s voice is ringing in my ears, and I will share a conversation we had at one time. Dad told me when a business wanted a new law on the books, they start by donating money to a candidate’s election/re-election. The new law is discussed. I will use the marijuana amendment for an example.
A new amendment must be carefully worded in order to make it acceptable to voters. The TV commercials were coming fast and furious, showing elderly people in a hospital bed, and the wording was precise. This person is suffering from stage four cancer and the only relief they receive is if they are allowed to smoke marijuana cigarette. Who wouldn’t be touched by the story?
“Voters approved MEDICAL cannabis in 2016 with over 71% voting approval. Residents must have a medical marijuana card issued by the state after patients receive a recommendation from a certified physician.”
So far so good, the law is on the books so let’s see if we can advance it and make even more money.
“Florida voters will finally have the opportunity to legalize RECREATIONAL marijuana usage after a proposed initiative received almost one million verified signatures, allowing it to officially qualify for the 2024 general election ballot.”
There you have it. Took eight years but worth the wait if you own a dispensary in Florida’s Billion-dollar business. “Pot Shops” was the main attraction on Clematis St. in WPB. The City Commissioners passed a measure that bans any more medical marijuana dispensaries from opening in the city.
Mayor James issued the following statement after making the announcement:
Excerpts from James statement. Link has been added below. Please take the time to read in its entirety.
“As I begin my second term, I’m excited to announce Tom Valeo as my chief of staff. For nearly 10 years, Tom has worked at the state and local levels on legislative, community, and policy-focused initiatives.
As chief of staff, Thomas Valeo will work closely with Mayor James and the City’s leadership team to oversee and coordinate key initiatives and policies. He will play a vital role in supporting the mayor’s priorities” Is the marina a priority for Mayor James? I bet $45,000 it is.
“Tom Valeo is an accomplished professional in political and legislative affairs. He worked as a political and public affairs director at Cornerstone Solutions, where he implemented coalition-building strategies and executed legislative campaigns.” Cornerstone again.
“Tom also served as a Legislative Assistant in the Florida House of Representatives and gained valuable experience. Known for his dedication, expertise, and outstanding contributions, he is regarded as a competent professional in government relations, making significant contributions to community initiatives.” Is Tom Valero the man James is counting on to sell the marina project to residents. I honestly don’t know, but I’m very suspicious.
“Tom resides in Lake Worth, Florida.” Valero has something in common with City Administrator Faye Johnson. Neither live in WPB. Both make decisions that impact WPB residents, but not Lake Worth or Unincorporated PBC
https://www.wpb.org/Home/Components/News/News/3536/772
The end.