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"Call me anything you want...just don't call me a quitter."
Anonymous
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11/3:
3 New Citizen Editorials: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Lita Handy-Peters wrote to me to correct/clarify her position on the Mayor's office. She wanted it clarified “that Mr. Parrott indicated that staff would not misunderstand the chain of command and that if any Commissioner interfered in violation of the Charter, he would not hesitate to report that interference.”
I hope this clarifies Lita's position and I apologize if I misrepresented her viewpoint while discussing my stance on this issue - it was not my intention to do so.
Norm Erickson
***********************
11/3: FROM LEON CERANKOWSKI:
The League of Women Voters
of Volusia County
- Name: Leon Cerankowski
- Age: 76
- Contact address: 256 Adelaide St., Debary, FL 32713
- Contact phone number: 386-668-7175
- Contact e-mail address: Dcerankowski@cfl.rr.com
- Website, if available: LeonforDebarycitycouncil.com
- Office sought: Seat 4 Debary City Council
Biographical Data:
- Educational background: Graduated High School; Attended 2 years of College;
- Occupation, training & experience : Owned my own business for 50 years;
Questions asked of all candidates:
- Please answer the following questions as it relates to the office you are seeking.
A.
Now that the County Council has assumed responsibility for centralized emergency dispatch, do you see other services that should be consolidated?
B.
Please explain:
Answer: In the past the city has done a great job of contracting for various services. This helps hold down the cost and gives us a better chance to reduce our debt.
C.
In 2010, the Florida Legislature rewrote Florida Statute 163 regulating land use and growth management. What changes in local regulations of land use would you support for your municipality? Please explain why.
Answer: We need to map out where we want the commercial and residential zones. Then we need to do our best to stay within the plan.
D.
What steps would you support to revitalize and encourage reinvestment in neighborhoods that have deteriorated as a result of the recent economic recession?
11. The next questions are specific to your municipality.
A. What is your vision for the town of DeBary and the property surrounding the
SunRail train station including any additional infrastructure investment?
Answer: Debary is searching for an identity and that could be a good place to start. We need to review our zoning regulations and decide just how business friendly we are going to be. As an example: I have been critized for not having my business in Debary, but until last month the ordinances would not permit a store of my size.
B. What would you like voters to know about your vision of DeBary that we have
not asked?
Answer: I would like to review the sign ordinance and also review what could be done to make businesses want to relocate in Debary.
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
After reading both statements and checking out their web sites, voting for either one is like being between a rock and a hard place.
Why didn't Leon respond to the questionnaire from the League of Women Voters of Volusia County? It would be nice to know how he feels about consolidation of more county services, land use and growth management and the such. Saying he wants to continue to work on the storm water problem is pretty much like shooting ducks in a bucket.
Another thing that is bothering me was hearing his wife (I was shopping at Debbie's) talk about how passionate he is about certain things and how determined he is when he feels strongly about an issue. Even if he manages to be a thorn to the others, could we possibly be getting another Conley. Mr. Conley was passionate and often right to question but, his treatment of the citizens and staff of DeBary was disgraceful to say the least.
As for Lita, well she's a developer and real estate agent. No, that doesn't make her evil, just makes me look further when she talks about growth management. Also, when she was on City Council, the most important vote she cast turned out to be very unpopular with a small but vocal portion of DeBary citizens, not to mention the Mayor. Her very next vote, after several unkind articles appeared in the newspapers, was a flip flop. A member of my family sent Ms. Handy-Peters an email asking what new information had come to light that made her change her vote---the email was never answered--several weeks later my family member sent another email attaching the original email (in case it had been overlooked)---Lita never bothered to respond to a legitimate question by a DeBary citizen. What was the cost to Lita for not answering---the loss of four votes, not many in the grand scheme of things but Mr. Hunt is now (firmly) on the Council.
Friends and neighbors, remember due diligence is our friend not a waste of TV time.
Thanks for listening,
Fred K.
From Norm:
I will add that Lita did initially agree with the three other Council members about the Mayor's office issue because she thought that it might be confusing at it related to the "chain of command" within City Hall; it's something I had not thought about and I had actually typed up my notes and included them in the packet for the Council on that issue. To have a Mayor going around City Hall when there is a City Manager could be confusing. Plus, the City staff members are stuck: report the Mayor to the City Manager? What if the City Manager takes the side of the elected official? Would a City Manager tell the Council at a meeting that, indeed, the Charter has been violated? Then the elected official's friends go after the Manager or the staff member. How many times would a City staff member have to tell the Manager that their day to day duties are being interferred with before something is done? Are these questions even allowed? That Lita changed her mind and then people didn't show up to support her at the polls has always been confusing to me.
From Lita Handy-Peters:
Fellow DeBary Residents:
As a businessperson and resident of DeBary, I see first hand the difficulties and the pain that many businesses and families are experiencing in our community. As a Candidate for Seat 4 on City Council, I want to offer my unique combination of education, experience and leadership to continue the quality of our community.
I have always worked to give back to my community through works with private and public agencies. Just in the last ten years, I have served on the West Volusia Hospital Authority, West Volusia Tourism Authority, West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, City of DeBary Code Enforcement Board, City of DeBary Economic Development Committee and the City of DeBary City Council (Appointed to Seat 3). In addition to service to the community, I have a Bachelors Degree in Legal Studies and a Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida.
While contemplating a run for Seat 4 of the DeBary City Council, it became apparent to me that we are entering a critical phase in DeBary’s history. I believe the City has several crucial issues: stormwater projects that need to be funded/completed; the DeBary SunRail station that is scheduled to open in 2014 that could have a positive impact on economic development opportunities if properly managed; support for existing businesses; and continue critical services such as police, fire and recreation at the lowest property tax rates in Volusia County.
On September 13, I received over 47 percent of the votes in a four-way race. I believe those who voted for me recognize how my unique combination of education, experience, leadership and conservative fiscal principles will help guide our City into the future, and I appreciate your support in the General Election on November 8, 2011. For more information on where I stand on other critical issues, visit www.lwvvc.org/elections2011.html in the candidate profiles.
Lita Handy-Peters
386.668.2100
lita@litahandypeters.com
10/28:
Bob and JB in:
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
From Leon Cerankowski:
I have invested heavily in Volusia county with two health food stores (Debbie's Health Foods), one on each side of the county and chose to live in DeBary. I have owned various family owned business over the past 50 years.
I am running for office for many reasons one of which is to complete the drainage plan, so we don't have flooding issues as we have had in the past, another is to pay off the city debts and hold the line on new spending. I am a conservative who believes it is our responsibility to pay off this debt and not add to it . Now that we have Sunrail coming to DeBary, I would like to see the council be proactive in bringing new business and jobs to the area that will enhance the quality of life in DeBary, not just settle for any business that comes down the pipeline that we will regret having in our community years down the road.
I want also to improve the public safety for our school children and keep the family atmosphere we have in DeBary this is why we moved to this area.
I also have served our country by serving in the Air Force, I've been on Glen Abbeys' HOA and City of DeBary Certs program. I would like to invite my fellow citizens to call or email me and ask where I stand on issues that are important to you. I will promise you one thing, I will answer your questions and explain to you why I support the issue the way I do. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the citizens of the City of DeBary and would be honored to have your vote on Tuesday November 8th.
Leon Cerankowski
www.LeonforDeBaryCityCouncil.com
386-668-7175
FROM MORT:
Thanks to Leon Cerenkowski for writing in and explaining why he wants on the City Council.
If I am not mistaken he is the first to do so and we should appreciate the fact that he did.
It is better than just having cheap signs plastered all over town, at least we get an idea what this candidate thinks. He even gives up his e -mail which would seem the logical thing to do if he really is concerned about communicating with people
At least Leon addresses the debt the City has managed to get itself into and sounds like he is not for the giveaway mentality for county/municipal parasites and non profit bum organizations. Our current city council members like to give taxpayers money away and ignore the $12 million debt.
Perhaps he realises Debary is spending in roughly $2300 per day on it's questionable Parks and Recreation Dept. This does not include the good parks such as Gemini Springs or Lake Monroe, but only the fake parks such as Gateway with it's business enterprise disgused as a Arts Center. Gateway is the park near 17-92 & Saxon, the one that uses its fence for advertsing.\ and has a christian church with FREE rent.
Mr Cerenkowski also addresses Debary's "Family Atmosphere" whatever that is supposed to mean. Debary has more of an 'old folks home atmosphere' where anyone under 40 is considered a kid.
Anyway I think we should appreciate this candidate's effort to communicate what he stands for which is better than most city council members.
If our City government was not so retarded they would have a website like Debary POP so they could get a handle on the thoughts of their population. But why keep up with the times when you can waste money and call it government.
Morton C.
From Norm: I believe Bob Waldorf put stuff on POP when he ran for office. Why others do not - it's free - is a mystery and it's why I stopped creating a link for Elections: no one used it.
A new interactive website about how we are beyond "built-out" around the state of Florida. Click below:
THE PRICE OF SPRAWL
10/24:
Angie Dobies responds...and is responded to...
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Angie,
Just want to make certain that you and the citizens of DeBary get the right information regarding the Commission on Ethics.
One of Gov. Scott’s first changes was to have the Commission on Ethics stop everything submitted to the Commission being “shot down” because of “legal insufficiency”. The Governor asked the members of the Commission to immediately review everything and to, from this point on, be based on ETHICS, not legality. You were not given the right information.
I was preparing a letter to the Governor to let him know that my copy was based on Ethics but was graded on Legal insufficiency. Every item was based on ethics and facts – exactly what the Governor asked them to do.
I will be sending a letter to Governor Scott to let him know the filing code so he can get it quickly.
John Likakis
10/19: THE MAN WITH THE PEN IS BACK:
EVIDENTLY NOTHING HAS CHANGED
I've tried a variety of ways to wonder just what Councilman Carson has learned
from his original tenure on City Council. Alas he is no closer to working for the variety of the City’s needs than he was then. I listened with baited breath for
something new…
There is no question that he has a sufficient number of people ready to vote for him at the drop of his request. But is that how a Councilman should be elected? Because he's a nice guy or should it be because he has taken time to see what’s needed to keep the City going. Yet, try as I might I’ve heard nothing different than what he spoke about - some "private" matter at the end of a previous Council meeting some years ago. . At the next meeting I went to the podium and asked what "private" matter was discussed with the City Manager. His answer - after a silent Council looking at their paperwork - he asked "Do I have to answer that?" More silence. I asked only because there is "no privacy" allowed. Discussion with public present is the only way. I didn’t push it any further.
I'll keep it short. He is operating like he did in the past. One - and only one - subject is he interested in: Parks and Recreation. Do we need another Supervisor? It’s the biggest budget item already. Pick one.
Money to have all the "recreation" that DeBary should have was offered. "It
would be great for the public .Kids would love it.” How do we pay for it? His
solution is simple. Make everyone in DeBary pay $50.00 to the City.Is he aware of how many people are in the 18 to 24 or the 25 to 64 age bracket? Maybe $50 isn't a lot to Councilman Carson but in today's needs it's a lot to lot of people.“All this park activity will make things happen." "All worthy projects" That's what he sees in the future. Sure! I've watched Councils at work on their way
to bankrupt the City. They had their personal agendas ready and with a City whose thinking was and is limited to a few doors away from their place, just about anything can sneak through.
Ask what's happening before it’s cast in bronze. Read your Charter. Norm and I
worked on the Charter Review Commission and the first page says who is in charge: CITIZENS… Codes, Comp Plans and other documents that are written to protect the people.
There's more to playing in the park and showing up once a month.
There's another area the newer Councilmen might consider. Jack. Here's a wealth of information from earlier Councils that will be around just 2 more times. He showed that at the last meeting when he clarified a comment from Councilman Hunt. (Jack will probably be mad at me.)
Do your homework. Read the documents in your packet. They will help you be prepared to make sound judgments for the City and its citizens. And probably shorten some meetings. Don’t fall for special items that sneak into agendas from past items that were shot down- camouflaged only to reappear hoping no one will remember. . Ask questions. Find out if the request is something brought up in the past and shot down only to reappear hoping no one will remember, sneak it in and get it passed.
Let’s not be conned by fancy language that covers the costs of projects before anybody is aware of what the final $$$$ will be. It can happen. I know!
Thanks,
John Likakis
10/16:
Response to Mort and taking the people to task:
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
10/12: Sorry it's late, Mort: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Plus: It's still in there: 3900% increase in budget:
Community Events Sponsorship -
but how will they spend the money? for what? for whom?
And is it fair to have an advisor for a non-profit using his position as Council member (Carson) to put his item on the agenda? This was a bad idea from the start and the Council should drop it like a bad habit...because that's what it's getting to be as it relates to asking for money.
In addition, if we agree that 20 thousand dollars barely registers out of a 27 million dollar budget, my question is: Why did CM Carson run for office? Community Events and quality of life issues are his focus. Agreed and fine. But are those two issues to the exclusion of all other City issues? Growth issues? Preparedness? Due diligence?
I've come to this new conclusion: I wasn't an English teacher on the Council. Lenny wasn't an ex-fireman on the Council. Danny Tillis or Jack Lenzen aren't businessmen on the Council. No, we are or at one time were Councilmembers - period. That's what we ran for. Councilmembers have certain duties. Councilmembers not holding themselves to those duties and citizens not holding their elected officials to those duties are apathetic and it should not be tolerated.
You're there to make sure experts have it right. That's the burden you campaigned for. You're in the position to evaluate the City Manager and the City Attorney. If you don't know as much as they do about the issues coming before you, how will you be able to evaluate them? Unfortunately, the other position is taken too often: I'm just a "fill in current occupation" as some kind of "out" of Council member's duties.
Sadly, it's gotten so turned around, that a citizen demanding Councilmembers to do their due diligence in reading, researching and expecting members to actually read and understand the Codes, are looked upon as the exception not the rule to governing.
And these City elected officials go on to County, State and Federal level position and at those higher offices we wonder why they aren't accountable, prepared, and not following the Codes.
Accountabilty and just ability in governing: It starts in the City.
Norm Erickson
Wanting it both ways:
OrlandoSentinel.com
Wekiva Parkway, SunRail get big bucks as I-4 waits
By Dan Tracy, Orlando Sentinel
8:21 PM EDT, October 6, 2011
Interstate 4 carries nearly 200,000 motorists each weekday in downtown Orlando and — as anyone who drives it surely knows — often backs up in both directions.
But the state is hundreds of millions of dollars short of the $2.3 billion needed to widen the spine of Central Florida's road network.
The money is there, or soon will be, for two other major transportation projects potentially affecting far fewer people: the $1.2 billion SunRail commuter train and the $1.8 billion Wekiva Parkway.
Orlando's main road-building agency and the state are close to financing the parkway, which could attract only about 3,700 vehicles daily when the first section opens in 2017. And the state and local governments already have set aside the money for SunRail, which during its initial trips in 2014 is supposed to carry just 4,300 passengers daily.
From Norm: Oh, boy. Far fewer people...haven't read that in the Sentinel ever before. "...carry just 4300 passengers" - "just"? What's going on here? Interesting.
10/6:
Although John Likakis retired two Augusts ago,
he still has something left in the basement...
CLICK HERE FOR POP EDITORIALS
Correction to a recent POP Posting.
Source: Florida Dept. of State Divisions of Corporations; www.sunbiz.org
Changes to the Community Partnership Program, Inc (CPPI):
Removed: Lorraine Koval; New President: Marcia Steele of DeBary
Removed: Barbara Sipler; New Vice President: Robert Rinaldo of DeBary
Removed: Susanne Lombardi; New Secretary: Teresa Marcks of Lake Helen
New Registered Person and Address:
Alexander Rolinski
EUSTIS FL 32736
Changed 09/26/2011
Why there was such a change is not known. But the record has been corrected.
**********************************
Two stories on the Beacon website: The splitting of DeBary and the Bear problem in DeBary. 19 responses about the Bears and 4 responses about DeBary being split and having two different representatives. That about says it all, right? Right? Right? And that being said...
LINKS:
Split DeBary
De-Beary Story
10/2:
Maybe it's the Mayor -
A POP Editorial by Norm Erickson:
CLICK HERE FOR POP EDITORIALS
9/25: Flashback to August 5th, 2010: The real M. Garcia:
From the Deland-Beacon:
Garcia said, "If I had the authority, the power, I would get rid of them all and hold a special election."
"I don't need that council for direction of the city," Garcia said. "I preside over that council."
For another flashback to a classic from 8/10/10: CLICK HERE FOR POP EDITORIALS
Citizen Editorial on Mayor's meeting mishaps
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Beacon Articles on Debary
Read more at the Beacon: Article 1
Article 2
&
THE ART OF FUNDING: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Here is a quote that I found the other day.
" Any form of government that required the repression, imprisonment and execution
of those who disagreed with it was certainly not a government of the people".
My first thought was of DeBary. Not that imprisonment or execution occurs. But libel
and citizen discourtesy are rampant. The fiasco over the city manager candidates two
years ago is a prime example.
The Council sets a dismal example of courtesy for the the citzens of DeBary. Now that
you are not preoccupied with stormwater (until the next storm), LEARN your adopted
version of Robert's Rules of Order, FOLLOW your adopted codes and plans and LISTEN
to your citizens outside of Council meetings. Everyone will be better for it!!!
In a few months, I will be one of the people whom the Council will answer to for its
behavior. I will be a DeBarite, just like you.....
Anita
IS OUR COUNCIL SOLIDIFIED? WILL ANYONE HELP CM KOVAL?
DeBary is NOT Split Yet!!!
I am not saying that it will not eventually happen, there are certain people in Deland
and the east side who seem intent on dividing DeBary. If they would have stuck with
the, (quote form CM Joyce Cusack) "Open and Transparent Process" this would not
have been petitioned to the courts. I love how chrm Bruno is trying to blame his inept
leadership on allowing the citizens to speak, albeit after the vote/fix was already in. I
bet he has learned his lesson, next time he will not allow us to use our first
amendment rights. However, there is hope and maybe time to get your opinion heard.
Maybe you could be the first DeBary resident to get the DELAND beacon to cover a
DeBary residents point of view on redistricting. See following article;
DeBary councilman seeks court help on districts - News
Source: news-journalonline.com
Rich Gailey
9/18:
Naysayers and Haters
A POP Editorial by Lenny with a comment from Squiggy
CLICK HERE FOR POP EDITORIALS
&
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
9/20:
How about it Nick Koval and Chris Carson?
How much taxpayer money have YOU two politicians wasted on a damn rotten 4th of July fireworks
show? What should our nation celebrate...it's $15 trillion debt, rampant corruption and wars?
What is your stinky relationships with members of the bogus 'Events committie'....how much will your
two make, what is your angle? What is the deal? Why is Chris ' firecracker' Carson so intersted in Events? Why not be interested in being fiscally responsible for a change?
Maybe you guys can follow the lead of the non profit scam Gateway Center for the ARTS and suck more
blood from the taxpayers. The founding fathers would not be stupid enough to waste that kinda money on fireworks and arts crap.
Both of you are a disgrace to your offices if you had anything to do with with manipulating even one cent
from the under represented taxpayer for firecrackers and arts garbage.
The City of Debary should give NOTHING to non-profit scammers like Team Volusia, GCA or your
ridiculous EVENTS COMMITTIE scammers.
You and the rest of the imbeciles on the City Council should be figuring a way to pay off Debary's $12
million DEBT. Of course that would mean being RESPONSIBLE!!!
We have too many empty expensive parks, needless events and a dead beat BUM Arts Center.
Why don't you people GROW UP.....we need to quit wasting money on superficial 'feel good' political crap.
We need a city council with guts enough to slam the purse on non profit BUM organizations and get REAL businesses into the city.
Real Businesses pay taxes......Our rotten municipal government and it's non profit BUM friends just devour taxes.
Morton Culligan
Debary Voter
From Norm: Listen to the August 17th budget workshop at around 14:15 part of the meeting to listen to
Activities Director (AD) Carson talk about the 20 thousand for fireworks, Gateway Center, etc,. Just four months
after Mayor Garcia assured us that no taxpayer money would be going to the fireworks event. These public/private, non-profits that say they want economic growth and activity like the Fireworks AND Team Volusia only end up costing the taxpayer money.
I hope Leon Cerankowski continues to speak out against this...
On the agenda for Wednesday's workshop (9/21): How to run a meeting...but the Mayor and AD Carson would have you believe they know how to govern a City when they can't govern a meeting. Warning: Don't be surprised if they move to erase Robert's Rules because things used to run much more smoothly without Rules...How to run a meeting? Clue: Read a book on Robert's Rules. There are several good ones out there believe it or not...
9/17: Has anything changed from 1961? CLICK HERE: POP EDITORIAL
Bob Waldorf in: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Maybe the 624 that voted this week should each get a key
to the City as they are the ones that "git-r-done!"
Just a thought...
Just for the record, I voted. And, was really ashamed of the residents of DeBary when I saw the pitiful
turnout. Although, in defense of some, the powers that be in City Hall dropped the ball when they
inadvertently (??) omitted the date for this election from the very recent Newsletter!
Now, don't you think that would be something of great significance and warrant being published in the
City Newsletter? I do. After I voted, I went to City Hall and spoke with Barbara to point out this fact.
And, guess what ... oh my gosh ... they forgot!!!! WHAT A WAY TO RUN A RAILROAD!
WAY TO GO DEBARY!!!!!!!!
Shirley Horchler
Debary is Splits-ville:
CLICK HERE TO READ THE STORY AT THE BEACON
From the News Journal:
"After the meeting some county officials were appealing to DeBary Mayor Bob Garcia in hopes
that his city would see the advantages of having a say in two district elections."
DeBary Citizens aren't that interested in their City elections
much less County elections...
&
When it goes sour in the City, you've got nobody to blame but yourselves...
This just in: My friend's friend at NBC just cross-referenced the DeBary Registered Voters List with the names of DeBary Citizens who voted in last night's America's Got Talent television voting.
Result: 47.6% of DeBary registered voters voted in last night's television election. More as story develops...
This past July 4th, 10,000 DeBary citizens came out to celebrate the founding of our country and see some fireworks, but nine weeks later only 624 DeBary citizens came out to maintain that same country through the process we call voting - which I'm sure received much favorable lip service just nine weeks before. I didn't make it to the fireworks, but I did get to the polls...which is preferred if given the choice?
Maybe we need a non-profit organization that is propped up with citizen's money to launch a "Get out the vote" campaign and then be presented with an award.
No, I'm not in favor of solving the problem by giving an extra year to Council members as is being proposed this November.
APATHY
Dead-Bary: City of Shame
Was the George and Cindy Anthony interview with Dr. Phil too much?
I hope Dancing with the Stars was worth it...
I'll ask the people what I asked of Car 54: Where are you?
From the Deland-Beacon:
"DeBary posted a dismal 4.7 percent (624 ballots) voter turnout in the Sept. 13 election for City Council Seat 4, resulting in a runoff for Lita Handy-Peters and Leon Cerankowski."
Some synonyms for dismal: miserable, gloomy, depressing, dreary, dull, murky, bleak, cheerless, and, of course, grim.
BUT THAT WAS A HELL OF A FIREWORKS SHOW, WASN'T IT?
One synonym for "fireworks show": 20 thousand dollars
9/11: Taking it to the people:
I sent this to the Council on 9/9 and in the past unless and until I send something twice, I get no response. So I am sharing this with the bosses of the Council: the people. This CRA issue is a real issue with real costs. The Council only wants to discuss softball questions...speaking of which, the Council is moving fast on creating a co-ed softball team...
Dear Council,
The EDAC is moving forward on the CRA issue.
This means a study for a Finding of Necessity will be required at some point. The one the City paid for to have GAI do in 2004 cost 30 thousand dollars. CM Carson ended up voting against the CRA - thank you, CM Carson.
Is the Council agreed to spend 25-45 thousand on another study for a CRA? Give the EDAC a line item because if you pull the rug out from them they will become, deservedly, frustrated. Frustration at voting against the Race Trac came up last night. You guys need to determine if this is something you really, really want to pursue.
Calling the businesses blighted and slum? We're going down that road again? Taking property for tax assessed value? Do all of you really know what you're getting into? If not, stop the EDAC before it's too late or give them the money.
This has been explored before and with the brand new Car Wash on the avenue - that's not blighted. The Genuine restaurant that put 300 thousand in renovations - that's not blighted. Think about this one and discuss it. EDAC needs to know.
Thank you for your time and your service to the City.
Norm Erickson
9/9:
Bob Waldorf in:
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
&
Article in the Deland-Beacon about DeBary election.
During the "Additions, Deletions, or Amendments" the Council had a full blown discussion on Redistricting...Robert's Rules anyone?
How is DeBary handling the re-districting?
9/7: From the Podium at the meeting:
Debbie Cerankowski to Council:
"Don't spend 20K on fireworks..."
Will Mayor Garcia flip-flop...AGAIN?!
Read them in: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Sent in by a citizen: For those of you who would like to find out what the Tea Party is all about without the national media filter it does not get any easier than this. The Tea Party Express Bus is pulling into DeBary and our neighborhood this Sunday (9/11). The TPE Bus is going to park and setup at the park and ride right next to our neighborhood right next to the boiled peanut guy. They will be setting up their stage around 11:30 am and there will be some Senators and state and local officials and Deltona's own Lloyd Marcus the man who created the TPE theme song. president of the NAACPC (National Association for the Advancement of Conservative People of all Colors) and the leader of the Deltona Art Society. You do not have to apologize for being an American at this event. Again, I do not know how extensive this email is so please forward to people who are not on this list.
Norm, I understand your situation almost 100% because mine is almost identical except that I am not running the only DeBary exclusive media outlet. I appreciate your commitment to our community through this website. I will not go into my local ommunity issues involvement which are not limited to your website and have been expressed before the council's in which you were a member. I prefer standing up in public when I have the opportunity however I am pleased to have this as a backup as I have commented on other topics through your site. The reason I sent the second email was the lack of any major west side city citizen commentary in the other media outlets and DeBary Pop does get our views out in public. I personally can attest to Pop's ability to get the word to people/leaders in our community.
I do have to differ with you on one point you made in your response. You will probably not hear me say this very often in the future, our local ciites including DeBary, Deltona and Orange City did have public votes in favor of Map 10 in a open timely way and only 2 county representaives Northey and Smith (both Dist. 5, ours) have publicly supported our three cities interests. I am saying all this after I really pushed them hard in direct communications to see if they were "Straw Voters" and I feel comfortable with their votes. Wow, I cannot believe I just wrote that about local govt. leadership. I have talked to all of the main representative all over the county except for representatives who live in the Deland area and I have tried multiple ways and times. I wonder why that is?
I would like to apologize for my implied accusation which was driven by the emotions of another impending vote after a labor day weekend reminiscent of 2 years to the day of the DeBary Downs vote where Stetson (Deland) students packed our town hall wearing the same t-shirts along with the infamous pizza party people. I get worked up some times when I see similar tactics used against the will of the tax paying citizens of our communities.
Rich Gailey
SO WHAT??
Much Ado About Nothing:
The Land Management Act of 1985 (that no County or City
was ever really following anyway) has been gutted.
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
Labor Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the first Monday in September that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.
In that spirit let us celebrate the economic and social contributions of DeBary’s very own:
Million Dollar Man:
Leonard Marks
Lenny Marks cares about this City…he worked really hard to save us money yesterday, today and tomorrow by being a strong advocate and leading the fight on the following 2 issues:
From the Daytona Beach News Journal, 7/4/11: Most weekdays, eight inmates from the Tomoka Correctional Institution near Daytona Beach are bused to DeBary, where they mow grass and keep roadways -- primarily U.S. 17-92 -- clean. Though the state prison houses violent criminals, the work program involves inmates who have earned positions of trust, and saves the city an estimated $260,000 in labor, according to City Manager Dan Parrott.
From the City Budget: 55,870 dollars for ADA Improvements to Nature Park. In 2008 City Manager Courson had recommended not to stay with the CDGB Fund but go with State Small Cities Grant Block Program that is now defunct – no money for the City to make improvements; that is to say, the improvements would either go unimproved or the money to come out of the budget. The EDAC at the time did not like our decision. Lenny Marks was strong in his remarks about staying with the money and the improvements they paid for. The EDAC at that time was being used by the City Manager to try and circumvent the Council so that the issue could come to us with their blessing thus making it harder, perhaps, to say “no”.
Now that the management issue has been resolved, some are saying we’re having similar kinds of issues of ability with some Council members.
These savings have been occurring for at least the last three years. The grand total for both: 947,610 dollars - soon to be a million dollars…and the savings continues. It’s been suggested that a presentation or certificate of honor, or perhaps another key to the City should be given to Leonard Marks for saving the citizens of DeBary what will soon be a million dollars.
Have a wonderful Labor Day.
Update: On Sept. 7 th the Council will vote “yes” or “no” to re-authorize the use of inmates to mow the lawns…
A CLASSIC NEVER DIES
DeBary Business Owners on 17/92: In 2004 you alerted the residents about the CRA coming to their neighborhoods. Bob Gorman led this discussion. We've come full circle as the Council and EDAC are now discussing the same thing again but only for the 17/92 corridor. CRA's create agencies for over 20 years where developers can come in and take properties for their tax assessed value not their market value.
Email, call or visit your Council members to discuss this issue.
This from CM Carson: My understanding is that the ECAC is interested in presenting a CRA for the business sector of Highway 17-92.
CLICK HERE TO READ AN ARTICLE ON THE LATEST EMINENT DOMAIN DEBACLE IN NEW YORK
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From Norm: I received this at 3pm on Wednesday, 8/31:
I wrote this title so people will pay attention. I know most of you think this does not matter, but why does the east side of the county care about the representation of Lake Helen, Deleon Spgs. over the representation of Deltona, Debary and Orange City? Could it be that they want a 9th performing arts center or beach front parking garage funded by Debary tax payer dollars from the prostituted echo grant program. I do know that they want to run Sunrail through a new rail station (not current station) closer to Deland downtown and then over to the east side, see West Volusia Summit article in beacon and NJ.
If you care about your representation over the next 10 years show up to Thomas Kelly bldg. (Training rm. 1) in Deland next Tues. Sept. 8th at 9am wearing a blue shirt in support of Map 10(yes I know that is the morning after labor day weekend, but isn't that a good time for those who want to support govt. employee central Deland's interests over the interests of Debary, Deltona and Orange City)? See the following link to see what happened at the last meeting nad if you can find the following posts from Mayor Strickland's brother that were pulled off site you will find more context to what is going on. Call the other county council members and school baoard members who do not represent our district because they are the ones teaming up for quote "Any other map than map 10". I wonder why that is???
http://beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/4042
Rich Gailey
From Norm: Mr. Gailey then sent me the following on Friday, 9/2 at 8:30AM:
Did you not get my last post regarding Redistricting meeting slated this Tuesday after labor Day Weekend, or does POP not care what happens to DeBary's representation fate over the next 10 years, or is POP also in collusion with Deland and the east side. There are other avenues to get the word out if you are choosing to support the political manuevering of Deland by suppressing posts. If you did not receive I will except responsibility. If there is another reason I would like to know.
Dear Mr. Gailey,
The last post in Citizens' Editorials is 8/30 because I've been busy. I work full time for a living. I have a wife who works full time for a living and a baby daugther as well as two teen age step daugthers to tend to. I had open house at Winter Spring HS where I teach on Thursday until 9:10 at night.
Thank you, Mr. Gailey for clearly and exactly personifying the problem of DeBary and too many of its citizens: You vigorously question and find suspect the actions of a website, yet outside the issue of the Race Trac gas station in your back yard, how many times have you with equal vigor questioned the actions and thinking of the City Council?
Where were you as it related to the CRA issue that is now back, City Manager Courson, GAI and its inability to do the job, the fact that we didn't know how much cash we had - and that's just off the top of my head.
This is just a website that I pay for with my money to host. I don't have to post anything if I don't want to. I've been doing this for going on 7 years simply as a way for people to discuss things in DeBary. John Likakis and Lenny Marks have contributed literally over a hundred editorials on DeBary issues - over the past nearly 7 years. I served three years on the Council. Lenny served three years on the Council. Where can I find some commentary from you beyond the Race Trac matter about DeBary issues for the last 7 years? John's involvement goes back 12 or 14 years as of this writing where he is on record at the podium standing up for the City and its citizens - the man deserves a Key to the City.
What has the Council done to address the topic you raise? The Beacon newspaper did a great article on the topic you raise which IS important; I didn't see any DeBary Council member quoted or asked. Why? Have they discussed this in public? Maybe they have...good. If they haven't, why? Have you asked them? You certainly have no problem asking me why something isn't posted.
I sent an email well over a week ago asking the City Council members about how the CRA is once again an issue in this City on EDAC. No, I won't explain the acronyms. I've yet to receive an answer. I expect you to write each member an email expressing your outrage.
I asked months ago about the Gateway Center for the Arts. I received NO reply until two months later when I brought it up again and again and then finally there was some discussion. If I were you, I would be more concerned about the Coucil giving lip service to wanting to hear from the "people" when in reality, they want to hear from "certain people".
We have a Council that can't run a meeting or use the codes as they should - where are you on that? Sadly, as too many citizens in DeBary once again personify: It's all ok as long as they vote my way.
Norm Erickson
HUH?
From the News Journal:
He (Mica) recently came out in favor of allowing the state to charge tolls on new interstate lanes. The idea is part of a larger strategy to get more out of dwindling federal transportation dollars, Mica said in explaining his six-year transportation spending bill that's already been dubbed by critics as "Mica's Road to Ruin."
Those who don't like Mica's plan (why not use the word "naysayer" here, News Journal?- Norm) say it doesn't spend enough. Just two years ago, he was criticizing President Barack Obama for not supporting a six-year, $500 billion transportation spending plan. Now Mica is pushing a proposal that would spend less than half that. Current legislation runs out Sept. 30.
The problem, he said, is that the feds don't have as much to spend. Federal transportation dollars come from an 18.4-cent-per-gallon gas tax, and revenues are down as Americans drive less in more fuel-efficient cars. The fund figures to see $35 billion a year, Mica said, and his plan calls for spending no more than that.
From Norm: If Federal dollars are down solely from fuel-efficient cars, what's going to happen to those Federal dollars when a lot of cars get off the road to ride Commuter Rail? More tolls and taxes because too few cars because Mica wants us to ride Sunrail...Mica is causing his own problem - it's ok...the taxpayer will pay.
From 8/28: The one to watch: CLICK HERE TO VIEW SPAGHETTI MODELS
CLICK HERE FOR A DIFFERENT SPAGHETTI MODELING OF WHAT COULD BE KATIA
3-5 DAY CONE MAP OF KATIA...
8/30:
4 editorials by citizens
Read them in: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
8/28:
Big article on Sunrail in the News Journal. Well written and it covers all the facets of Sunrail excluding the original reason why it was sold to us: reduce traffic congestion. It seems it's mostly or all about economic development now. The title of the article is "Ready or not"in the newspaper...it's more like "Want it or not...here it comes." This thing had been voted down two times? Three? But they kept bringing it back...the South end of town will never be the same...whether that will be a good thing or not...only time will tell...but this was sold to us as a way of reducing traffic.
As for me being called a naysayer in the article...well...first..isn't it interesting that if you question something you're called a "naysayer"? I am as it were a "thought criminal" - I should not be having those thoughts...much less utter them. The herd is saying, "That's baaaaaaaad, Norm".
Further evidence? When the Mayor brought up at a meeting who was going to pay for the fireworks show, CM Carson called people who asked questions "naysayers and haters".
If you have a contrary opinion you are personally attacked. It's intimated that you're a racist, like Jack Wilson did at the podium concerning the Mayor's office. You're threatened in public as the Mayor did to me. Question the capability of a sitting City Manager with lots of friends in DeBary and you'll be attacked not on the points raised but because you're saying nasty (however true) things about my friend - and in PUBLIC! Ask legitimate questions about a much-loved person, entity (GCA) or issue (Sunrail) and you'll be personally attacked not your points or evidence. Raise a question...raise a contrary position and you are personally attacked...it's a repeating theme in this City and in the newspaper. Proves Adams right: Facts are stubborn things.
Lastly, if I'm a "naysayer" for questioning the Sunrail project, what does that make everyone else saying yes to it? Mindless followers repeating talking points given to them by Mica, LaHood, etc,.? Groupthink: The practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. Groupthink is a concept that was identified by Irving Janis that refers to faulty decision-making in a group. Groups experiencing groupthink do not consider all alternatives and they desire unanimity at the expense of quality decisions.
But getting back to my point...if everyone read the information I've read on Commuter Rail in other cities around the country - what was promised and what actually happened - maybe we would have more, not naysayers, but informed citizens speaking out against Sunrail citing facts and stats. Roads serve 87% of the people and Commuter Rail will serve anywhere from 1-3% and cost billions. In addition, those open-canoped platforms at the rail station for the business person in July, August and September...it just doesn't compute to commute. We were never asked to approve this - it was done to us even after being voted down two or three times.
Click here for the article in the News Journal
8/27:
Did Mayor Garcia violate Sunshine Law?
Read about it in: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
8/25:
A POP Editorial
by Lenny Marks
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
POP HAS THE BEST WEATHER MAPS:
NOAA'S GREAT RADAR LOOP OF IRENE
CLICK HERE: FOR A TIME LAPSE SLIDESHOW OF HOW IRENE'S PREDICTED PATH HAS CHANGED
LIVE RADAR OF IRENE
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE MAPS...
2nd SPAGHETTI MODEL
8/25: The debate continues...
CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Thanks to POP for keeping us advised on any pending hurricanes. It's nice to go to your maps and find out the latest on the progress of these storms. Also for the great work keeping us posted on what is going on in our City. If it was not for POP we the people would know little of City current events. Keep up the good work. R. Clark
&
City gives Team Volusia 25K to bring in jobs and then denies Race Trac...
CM Carson said "No" to Communications Tower on the second reading - No to jobs
CM Carson said "No" to Race Trac - no to jobs
CM Carson looked CM Hunt right in the face at the last workshop and said that he, CM Carson, is right with CM Hunt in wanting to bring in jobs and businesses. He's "right there with you." If we're only going to say "yes" to business when they already have the zoning, usage and absolutetly no protest, then get the 25K back from Team Volusia, re-think your EDAC, re-think your Chamber of Commerce dues, VCOG dues, League of Cities dues, and all that talk over coffee about bringing businesses and jobs to DeBary. People thought this new Council was about the economy, incubators, jobs, jobs, and then jobs. A broader tax base.
Lastly, CM Carson asked the question at the last workshop: "Would the previous Council even discuss increasing the square footage from 5,000 to 10,000 sq ft in the Overlay?" CM Carson, we did discuss it and we CHANGED it in the Comp Plan. So you're wrong on this, wrong on the 17,000 you said we spent on the audit when we spent 8,000. And yet you complain about bad information "out there" as though you're always right.
Now, when POP gets it wrong, we apologize and correct it - we just did that recently.
Will you apologize and correct the bad information you put out there, CM Carson?
We'll see.
8/16
The discussion continues...good.
CLICK HERE: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
8/10:
Citizens on Race Trac
CLICK HERE: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
&
Where will the City get the money to pay for this unfunded mandate?
A Cautionary Tale
California's High-Speed Rail Draws $179 Million in Federal Aid as Cost Soars
Published August 09, 2011 | FoxNews.com
The Obama administration announced this week it's giving California $179 million to fill in portions of a high-speed rail that will travel from Los Angeles to San Francisco, but the project is increasingly being portrayed as a local transportation boondoggle, with the cost for building the first section billions more than originally estimated.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, while governor, said the total $43 billion cost was too prohibitive to create the 220-mile per hour system, but his successor, Gov. Jerry Brown, has accepted federal cash, in what will now be divided between three areas.
“California voters and train passengers have said it loud and clear, they want access to a world-class rail system in California,” Secretary Ray LaHood said Monday. “These projects ensure passenger rail is built to support a thriving California economy in the 21st century, while creating thousands of new construction and manufacturing jobs today.”
Across the country, 32 states and the District of Columbia are laying the groundwork for high-speed rail corridors. President Obama’s controversial stimulus package along with annual spending bills have provided $10.1 billion for the project.
But in California, a cautionary tale is emerging.
A 2009 business plan developed for the California High-Speed Authority, the entity overseeing the project, estimated costs at about $7.1 billion for the equivalent stretch of tracks in the first section. Officials say those estimates were made before detailed engineering work and feedback from communities along the proposed route.
Now the cost is $2.9 billion to $6.8 billion more than that original estimate.
The rail authority's chief executive, Roelof van Ark, said planners anticipated the higher costs as more information about land acquisition and other details related to actual construction became known.
"We've had cost increases, but I believe the costs are now realistic and fair," he said.
Van Ark also said he expects the estimated total cost of the project, originally pegged at $43 billion, to rise.
Construction of the first stretch of tracks -- as much as 140 miles from south of Merced to just north of Bakersfield -- is scheduled to begin by September 2012 using $3.5 billion in federal money and an estimated $2.8 billion from the sale of state bonds approved by voters.
The higher cost estimates already have been factored into the federally funded construction, van Ark said.
The decision to start the planned 800-mile system in the Central Valley, linking relatively small towns, has generated criticism that the project could become a high-priced "train to nowhere." In a critical report earlier this year, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's office said the rail line should start near coastal population centers and recommended moving control of the project from the largely independent rail board to the state Department of Transportation.
Critics say the higher cost estimates contained in the environmental reports, the first detailed look at the project, is another warning sign that the rail line should be halted until cost and routing questions can be worked out.
State Sen. Doug La Malfa, R-Willows, said he is preparing legislation that would ask voters to reconsider the project in June 2012. Voters authorized $9 billion in bonds for the project in 2008, although most of those bonds have not yet been sold.
"This thing is well on its way to massive cost overruns," La Malfa said.
Supporters of the rail project, the nation's most ambitious, said the private sector will be a significant source of funding and that the money will start flowing once work begins.
La Malfa and other critics say the fiscal problems facing the federal and state governments, and the likelihood that Congress will continue to cut federal spending as it tries to reduce the nation's debt could choke off funding.
"The costs are starting to escalate, and we need to take a time-out," he said.
Federal transportation officials remain supportive of California's project. The per-mile cost for the Central Valley segment is expected to be less than or in line with international averages for high-speed rail projects, said Roy Kienitz, undersecretary for policy with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
"Our goal is to help the state's decision-makers choose a design that avoids unnecessary costs, and we're pleased the authority has embraced many of the recommendations from the high volume of public response," he said.
Moving the initial section of tracks from the Central Valley would jeopardize federal money received for construction because it was granted with a strict timetable and requires that the work be done in the valley.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
8/8:
The Council needs to do their homework - Citizen Editorial by Bob Waldorf as well as two other editorials about the recent Race Trac denial.
CLICK HERE: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
"The previous council voted it down," Councilman Nick Koval said Thursday. "I kind of objected to (the investor taking) two bites out of the same apple. I don't see why we had to see the same thing again."
Answer from Norm: Because if you had read the LDC, it allows the applicant to re-apply after 180 days. And it wasn't the same application...things had been changed. Read the Codes...
8/7:
I've been asked - I don't know the answer(but I could venture a guess)
Will Race Trac sue?
I thought only Norm and Lenny said "No" to growth...
Where were the other 19,920 residents?
Where were the businesses?
Chris Yacenda was there...
I cannot believe the city council has again passed up a golden opportunity to bring business to Debary.
The area in question has four model homes that are no longer used and are in foreclosure. The residents says they are afraid of homeless people 'hanging out' at the proposed location for the Race Trac. No business allows that to happen however there will be no one there to prevent the homelss from breaking into those houses and setting up house keeping. Is that really want you want next to your 'beautiful community'? Beautiful community? Have you even driven over there? Some areas are nice but beautiful it is not.
The 'vocals' even had their children voicing opinions which were clearly written statements. How sad. Councilman Koval sounded like he was still campaigning when he blasted the Race Trac representatives for even coming to the council to ask for approval citing they were taking 'two bits of the apple'.
Does that mean Mr. Carson is taking too bites of his agenda out on our city. As soon as these guys are sworn in they start looking for support for the next election. Well you definitely lost mine.
Koval says he 'represents the people'. BULL. He represented a few but definitely not the many. I cannot believe that Mr. 'talk down to people' Garcia was swayed by less than 100 residents and just totally ignored the other 19920 residents. Shame on you. It is quite apparent that we, the voters of Debary, have made a bad decision with Mr. Carson, Mr. Koval and Mr. Garcia.
Thank you Mr. Hunt at least you are smart enough not to be swayed by a few emotional statements and turn your back on the rest of the community. The primary is September 13th let's get someone that understands business for Debary and not for more votes.
Debra H.
From Norm: Um, what if 101 people had shown up and said, "We want the Race Trac!" For Council members citing the "people" as a basis of denial, what would their reason then be? For CM Carson this question is moot as he provided no basis for denial. After 3 hours of testimony he spoke for 2 minutes and 14 seconds...I don't know what he said as it related to the issue and his denial...but he spoke for 2 minutes and 14 seconds after 3 hours of testimony...Race Trac lawyers will call this "lack of due process". Wait a second...didn't the Mayor bring up the importance of HIS due process one time? I thought so...
8/6:
Mort raises some good points...in a style that only Mort can exude
CLICK HERE: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Oy vey!!
A ferdrayt Council bumbles through the meeting to deny the Race Trac 3-1 with dissenting CM Hunt voting Okurat.
DEBARYPOP FOR THE LATEST WEATHER MAPS...
TROPICAL STORM EMILY
If this Emily makes any kind of mess like my Emily makes in the living room...we'd better be ready
Both Tropical Storm Emily and my Emily leave their worst messes behind them...
CLICK HERE FOR FIVE DAY CONE MAP FOR EMILY
CLICK HERE FOR ACCUWEATHER FORECAST EYE PATH
CLICK HERE FOR TS EMILY SPAGHETTI MODELS
CLICK HERE FOR THREE DAY CONE MAP
Update: Norm is a little heavier because he just ate a big plate of crow: the 50,000 dollars for the City Council actually was also in last year's budget at 100,000 dollars. I don't know if this was spent or not but it is not new. The record has now been corrected with apologies to all.
Update: The line item marked "art league, community events" that was recently increased by 4000% in the proposed budget (from 500 dollars to 20, 500 dollars) is NOT for the Gateway Center for the Arts. I talked to the City Manager to confirm this.
In last year's budget it was clarified with "Youth Celebration" in parentheses next to "Art League". What other community events - whether it's the July 4th Fireworks show or not - is not known.
Hopefully the Council will clarify this line item in their budget talks.
And now, folks, the weather. Keep an eye on this developing storm by clicking on the link below:
CLICK HERE FOR INVEST STORM 91 SPAGHETTI MODELS
8/1:
Mort Culligan on GCA...'nuff said
CLICK HERE: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
7/31:
There are two line items in the budget in the City Council section, One is for $50,000 to spend as a contingency as determined by council" and the other is for $20,500 for Art League/community events also as "contributions as determined by council", totaling $70,500. There are better things to spend this money on such as giving some help to the people who live near the river for there dirty water problem. NO, better give it to the DeBary Civic Center, NO, the Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts NO, the Little League. How about a little help for the Senior Citizens? Gee, there are so many other things the money could be used for. How about fire hydrants? What about a splash pool for the city's children? How about adding another City worker to serve the citizens better? There are so many better things to invest the taxpayer’s money in than just for a single entry, the GCA.
Lenny Marks
From Norm: It’s amazing (or perhaps not) how in the last week or so I’ve realized how ignorant (unaware) I was as to the real nature of the relationship there is between the City and the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA). The lease agreement issue of renting it out was explained cogently to me by the Vice Mayor and CM Hunt as ways of bringing in revenue without coming to the City asking for money. In these discussions with these two men, I came to the conclusion that while it was probably not the original intent of the GCA to rent itself out, they at some point came to that conclusion in order to pay the light bill and other bills coming in. Fine. But now, it seems to be the position of the Council to give some amount of money to the GCA perhaps 20,500 dollars as proposed in this budget. In the past I voted to reduce the amount going to the GCA and wonder why I even did that instead of giving them zero, but I wasn’t aware at the time that there shouldn’t be any subsidizing of the GCA whatsoever. Not for utilities. Not for programs or activities. What’s sad is that other individuals did know what I didn’t know and said nothing – which is all that is required for this stuff to not only continue but increase, literally, 4000%.
Now that I know better, I intend to do better by stating that no money should be going to the GCA. Lenny raises good points above as to other entities to which the Council could give money.
“Mission creep” is when an entity – be it a Committee or the VGMC in the most recent example – goes beyond its mandate. It’s when things start sliding down that slippery slope. We are at that point with the GCA. The City gave the GCA 100,000 dollars. We allow them to rent out their building for uses other than what is allowed for in the lease agreement so they can take in more money. We waived fees when they built the building. We give in-kind services literally 24/7 on the website with advertisement of numerous activities. We put them in our newsletter. We sell their art in the City Hall. We do a lot for them. But enough is enough when it comes to money from the taxpayer’s pocket.
The current City Council needs to ask themselves these questions: Are we going to subsidize the GCA? If so then how much will it be and will it be for facility operations or activities or both? And if it is only for activities, who will police it to make sure the money is only being spent on activities?
It’s my hope that this City Council will do a better job than I did on this issue. I would think the thought of doing that and then waving it in my face would be reason enough and tempting enough for them to have the conversation about this relevant issue – an increase of 4000% for an entity that was to be a one time only endowment – not subsidization.
7/29: Budget Talks...
I believe strongly in the importance of the Arts in our community and fully support the concept of having an arts center. As a musician and founder of the Gateway Orchestra my affinity is naturally to the musical arts.
I do have an issue with the $20,000 that the Council is giving to the Gateway Center for the Arts since that money does not buy me or any DeBary citizen an admission ticket to any of their events. We must still pay the standard at the door price to participate in the events.
How has the DeBary residents' quality of life relative to participation and enjoyment of the arts been enhanced by the Council’s financial contribution. It seems that the taxpayer is burdened twice if they want to attend an event. The first burden is their share of the $20,000, and the second burden is the price of admission. The DeBary resident is paying twice to attend the event, and paying once even if they do not attend.
I feel that the Council’s contribution should have been conditioned on free admission to the events for all DeBary residents up to an amount equal to the contribution.
Rick Dwyer
From Norm: I agree with all of Mr. Dwyer's points. The good news is this: this is a proposed budget so the Council can still change it; the money has not been given to the Art League yet. Secondly, the line item is not the Art League alone; it also says "community events". Which means the Council might not give all the money to the Art League. VM Lenzen is on record at the last workshop (7/20) saying that the City never took the stance of being a partner with the GCA. It was a one time 100,000 dollar contribution or "seed" money to build the building and that's it. Given VM Lenzen's words, the Art League should never have a line item in the budget other than the 300 dollars a year they pay to us for the lease. I think in last year's budget the Art League was in there for 500 dollars - I should have asked to remove that. But a 4000% increase? Did the City Manager do this? Did a Council member or two or three ask for that increase? I admit I did not attend all the budget workshops.
But there is time to ask the questions and perhaps the first should be this: Since no Council member contravened VM Lenzen's statement about the City not being in partnership with the GCA, why is that line item in the proposed budget and what individual(s) put it there? The GCA can't have it both ways: rental hall and money out of taxpayer's pockets.
Let’s see if I get this right, the Gateway to the Arts gets $20,000 at the discretion of the Mayor and Council. That’s a 4,000% increase over last year and it seems the Council hasn’t any problem with that. They are also on the verge of raising our taxes, yes raising our taxes. How did we vote these people in office? It seems we never learn!!
D. Thalburg
From Norm: The 20,500 dollars line item says, "art league, community events" just to be clear. We want to avoid putting out bad information. Also, it's 160,000 for new lights at Rob Sullivan Park. So 20k for the art league/community event (perhaps Fireworks show 2012), 50K in the City Council Dept. and 160K for lights at Rob Sullivan. 230K total. Mr. Chapman where are you? You used to be so vocal on budget issues before Mr. Conoley quit...ooops...I guess I just answered my own question.
7/27:
Two Citizen Editorials:
Race Trac and Bob Waldorf talking DeBary issues on his online radio show...
Proposed tax hike to 2.99 mil rate...
$HAZAM!!
Contribution to the "Art League, community events" increased by 4000%...this is not a typo
7/25:
Budget Time
Was Norm Erickson right?
Bad information? Hardly...
10K for each Council member
In the current budget the Council has access to 50,000 dollars "as determined by Council". That comes out to 10K each and if that pet project comes up each Council member is entitled to spend their 10K on that project. This was not in last year's budget.
I wrote about this 7 months ago and people dismissed it...when will you people learn not to doubt me?
ADDENDUM: Page 8 in the current proposed budget. Item 56. Contingency: 50,000 dollars "As Determined By Council". This item was not in last year's budget in the City Council Department section of the budget. Of course, to look at the long view of it, the Council has at its discretion the spending of roughly 24 million, but this is a first where they have a discretionary fund within their Department.
When I was on the Council, the Mayor was collecting money to pay for the Strategic Planning Committee; when CM Marks brought this out, the Mayor voted against the Committee while the Council voted for it. With this line item in the Council's Department, the Mayor could have and I believe he would take the money and pay for that project or some other project that he believes strongly in for his people and his City and the people that he loves and the people that love him. He could use 2K to pay for that canopy at the Rob Sullivan park. CM Carson could spend his 3K on cleaning the restrooms at the GCA that he wants so badly. Two Council members could spend 20K on a project of their liking which does an end run around majority rules. Is this a good thing? Bad thing? Should that specific line item be left in the proposed Budget for the Council's department? I'm simply raising questions...heretical questions, I'm sure...but questions nonetheless.
FLASHBACK:
1/28/11:
THE NEXT STEP?
I hope the following issue does not become public because I am against it.
No Mayor or Council member should ever have access to discretionary spending. I don't care if it's 1000.00 or 2500.00 dollars. This completely subverts our form of government, but then again that's what I thought about offices.
I know you may hear: "I can serve my people better with access to a small amount of money" but don't fall for it.
Whether this issue will be pursued publically or privately I don't know. I'm simply saying I'm against any council member having their own discretionary budget.
RACE TRAC COMING TO DEBARY?
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AUGUST 3RD
&
FINAL SITE PLAN MODIFICATION FOR THE COMMUNICATIONS TOWER IN GLEN ABBEY
7/20:
Sorry it's late, Bob
CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
7/12:
The Return of a Jedi:
An Editorial by John Likakis:
CITIES HIT BY TORNADOES
Bernie, NC – Smithville, MI - Hacklesburg, AL – Lakeland, FL
Quiet, Nice, Happy, Pleasant
Typical Cities…until 2011. But Mother Nature doesn’t play favorites. She even took a shot at Deland in 2007. Joplin found out what she can do when 154 citizens lost their lives before they knew what hit them. No warning. There were 1066 tornadoes this year. Hurricanes and thunderstorms yet to come.
How complacent should we be?
In 2007 the Mayor and City Council said they had gathered information on sirens and said they would cost about $20,000 a piece for 5 units to cover the City with an adequate warning system. The Council and the Public Safety Committee did not take any action. Why was this idea left behind?
What are we waiting for?
What is even 1 death worth?
Costs too high?
What if it’s your family member?
Now is the time to prepare DeBary for any potential dangers. Mr. Marks, Councilman at the time, had presented information then and now has once again gathered information costs from experts who can put in warning systems that can alert the entire City at a reasonable cost. Will this information go the way of the first one? Are we going to learn from the other cities? Isn’t proactive safety the best kind of quality of life we want in DeBary? Are we going to play the “shoulda” game…” “We shoulda done this sooner” while the people gather their things and themselves together?
There is no valid excuse for not preparing for the safety of our citizens.
I started paying attention to what was going on in 1996 and continued attending just about every Council meeting up to and through August 2010. I thought I had enough and the City was in good hands with Mr. Parrott. Alas, the warning signal has started to ring again. Now I see some of the old problems beginning to rear their heads.
I haven’t been on POP or appeared before the Council for almost a year. For good reason. The operation of the City under the guidance of Mr. Parrott and the opening and reading by Council of City Codes, the Comp Plan, laws, zoning and other requirements of running a City. The Council that took it seriously for the good of the City. Not for personal agendas.
I also see what’s better – more citizen editorials appearing on POP. Question the Council and make sure you get an answer.
Here are some examples of what is happening: Yes, the Gateway Center for the Arts has received hundreds – yes hundreds of thousands of dollars from DeBary and County taxpayers – you – over the past years. Do you see the name “DeBary” in its name? Are they operating the facility under the Lease Agreement? NO. They charge for almost everything. Farmer’s Market. Exhibits. Parking (see Norm Erickson’s editorial below as he goes into these issues more specifically). And for a non-profit organization they have a very healthy kitty. Yet, they ask the City to be responsible for cleaning their toilets. But, no one has questioned their breaking of the Lease Agreement. How come? A citizen wrote in for some information and after two months without a response wrote again. Still no answer. Why? Are they above us all and don’t want to be bothered? Wake up folks. It’s YOUR money they’re playing with.
Parks and Recreation. Largest budget in the City after Fire and Police. How come? It’s been questioned by Council members, myself and some citizens over the past years. It continues to grow. Why? How about an audit? How many bodies are really needed to get the job done?
A suggestion was made by the Council to place night lights in Rob Sullivan Park. How many games will be played? What’s the cost? Beautification spending can wait. Wouldn’t it be better to improve the placement of hydrants? Or tornado, hurricane and thunderstorm alerts to protect the citizens?
Who’s watching the store? Who’s checking to see that contracts are being followed? This isn’t a Council for social meetings and popular project expenditures. This is a great City with great people. Let’s take care of the necessities first.
If I can see what’s happening, imagine if you all looked at what the Council is doing on your behalf!
WAKE UP DEBARY
John Likakis
EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON REFERENCED ABOVE:
7/2:
When the DeBary Art League, Inc. incorporated in July of 1998, they created Articles of Incorporation. Article III is Purpose and this is what was written:
The purpose of the corporation is to encourage and perpetuate appreciation of artistic endeavors including, but not limited to, production, preservation, conservation and viewing of the fine arts and the educational support of the arts in the community.
In November of 2007 Debary Art League, Inc changed their name to Gateway Center For The Arts, Inc. There is a place on that document to change anything else; they did not. That is to say, their purpose as quoted above stayed the same.
I contend that the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA) is as much a rental space to generate revenue as it is a place for artistic endeavors. Evidence: A recent editorial in the Deland Beacon newspaper by a supporter of the GCA confirms this. Look at the list of activities that seem to run contrary to Article III:
I would think Mr. Culligan would be glad our community was awarded a grant based on relentless efforts to provide a place of…political debates, health seminars, Scout meetings, literacy help, local business expos and pageants, and a place for weddings, private parties and other community needs.
Shirley Marshall, DeBary
From GCA’s website:
Cost to rent space:
Expense to rent the space is $125/hr. for receptions
or $1000 per day. Includes long tables and chairs.
Is this why the City Council gave 100,000 dollars of tax money to the GCA – to build another DeBary Civic Center? I’ve written before and I’ve sent it to the current City Council TWICE that the lease agreement between the GCA and the City is not being adhered to by the GCA. This City Council will do nothing about this but the GCA is quick to try and enforce/expand the lease agreement to get their restrooms cleaned – they are willing to talk about the lease. The GCA is subleasing the building as rental space. If you rent an apartment, can you turn around and sub-lease it to another entity? This is what the GCA is doing to the City.
Take note, I am NOT saying do not allow GCA to do what they are doing – I’m simply saying address it as the leaders that you claim to be sitting in leadership positions. You can re-write the lease allowing all the current activities or not but to do nothing is to act like children believing that if we ignore the issue, ignore Norm, it will go away. Adults address issues. But then again, in thinking about the management problems of the past and the inability and unwillingness…etc…etc…
I know some Council members can’t face this issue as it will put them at odds with their friends, constituents and/or campaign contributors, but that’s the position for which you ran.
Lastly, if the GCA filled out grant applications at the County and State level and cited Article III of their Articles of Incorporations as to what the funds would be used for, there seems to be some inconsistency given that space built with taxpayer money is being used as rental space for any and all occasions not having to do with artistic endeavors. The space built with taxpayer money can be rented by the taxpayer for a fee in addition to the taxes that were used to build the space in the first place by the same taxpayer.
I never would have known about Articles of Incorporation had not a citizen directed me to the website concerning the Community Partnership Program, Inc. which was brought to the Council by CM Carson initially as only a Committee. In Article III of their incorporation articles it is stated:
The Community Partnership Program, Inc will provide the community with sponsored events which will provide scholarships for students pursuing careers in performing arts or the science displine (misspelling is repeated here – Norm).
None of what is cited above is what CM Carson brought to the Council back in January of this year. And a demanding precedent of in-kind services has now been set as it relates to non-profits in DeBary. Just what was the Council asked to support in January and what is it now that they are supporting? It never was clear from the very first meeting that I attended. But if the Council isn’t going to address a lease agreement, then they will be mum about this as well.
The City has given in-kind services to this non-profit organization so any other non-profits in the City may want to ask for their full page announcement on the City’s newsletter as well as a place to meet such as City Hall.
Actually, isn’t that what Rick Dwyer asked of the City concerning an orchestra and he was told to go kiss the ring of the GCA? From Mr. Dwyer’s editorial: “…when I asked to give a performance in the DeBary Town Hall, I was denied the opportunity and was furthermore notified that any performance would have to be given at the Gateway Center for the Arts and for whatever fee the Gateway Center for the Arts chooses to charge.” He just wanted a place to jam for free concerts and was given the run around. Now he’s up in Orange City playing to standing room only audiences – good for you.
I understand why the Mayor, Vice Mayor and CM Carson do not address these issues. CM Koval and Hunt – I’m at a loss.
I’m filling out Articles of Incorporation for DeBaryPOP to become a non-profit as we speak and will soon ask for my in-kind services from the City – I’m sure I’ll be granted every request.
Norm Erickson
7/11: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
7/10:
Mr Culligan I would have to agree with you,when did the Parks and Recreation ADMINISTRATION Department get so large ? We a have Recreation Director,Recreation Coordinator and they have a Recreation Parks Assistant. Like yourself no reflection on the personnel,its only common sence. If our council would look into this Departmnet we are spending unnecessary executive salaries a year on these folks with titles, cutting can definitely be done in this area. It was one of those deals who knows who,a previous assitant manager came from a much large city and brought with them that bigger is better. This is how it started.
That parks bring growth and prosperity ie young executives and families. Do we have that much property for development to house these imaginary residents that supports a Administation department of this size. We are supporting a bloated Parks Department our property tax rate continues to rise. Executive Salaries $$ for a city of our size is ludicrous. Maybe we need more attention into this matter. You might be suprised or maybe you won't.
F. Sasser
From Norm: Interesting as I was going to speak to this issue Mort has brought up for years but didn't. But now I will. As I understand it and correct me if I'm wrong, when DeBary first became a City, one of the first things it did or the first thing was to create a Parks and Rec Dept. I heard this echoed by Asst. CM Blissett in public. Not a Dept. of Public Works or really any other entity as we still contracted with the County many or all of our services - but not Parks and Rec. We didn't put much into the Comp Plan as it was cut and pasted from the County. The City Codes were just put together in 2007, left much to be desired and again was cut and pasted from County codes, which didn't cover all of our needs in DeBary and included needs that were absent in DeBary.
My point is, the focus was from the very beginning and still is on Parks and Rec and the budget supports that. Budgets are collective committments to various interests. That we spend so much on Parks and Rec might be, once again, a discussion had by citizens. I don't know what kind of discussion will be had by Council. I did not address this issue of the budet in Parks and Rec while I was on the Council. I was looking more at management issues and the process in which decisions were being made and trying to get the books in order. Those issues have been resolved.
But now the Parks and Rec budget could be re-visited. It could start with, "Why is the budget what it is?" "Can we reduce staff in that area?" "What impact would that have?" "How many citizens are served by Parks and Rec?" etc,. We might, after asking these and other questions, come to the conclusion that we want to keep it the way it is. We like it. We enjoy the benefits. But to not even have the...will...the ability...to question and affirm or tweek or, yes, possibly reduce these services means, to me, that it's not being done right. This would be a great workshop discussion.
We're raising taxes to break even - understandable. If we're going to bring in additional revenues through taxation will any of the capital improvements go to Parks and Rec and if so, why? Wants are different than needs. Capital improvements in this economy should deal with, not recreational quality of life, but quality of life as in Ft. Florida Rd paving or, of course, safety capital improvements where there are dangers lurking. Not additional lights. Not now.
This is ultimately up to the Council. Ask them for their opinion. Go to meetings or email them, Citizens of DeBary - not just when your ox is gored but for any and all issues.
Mort has been talking about this issue for years. He's asked some good questions that deserve, now more than ever, reasonable answers.
7/8: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
My Word: SunRail and the Soviets
By Beth Dillaha
July 7, 2011
Remember the first U.S. loss in Olympic basketball? It happened in 1972, during the Cold War. The U.S. led the Soviets 50-49 with three seconds left after Doug Collins sank two free throws.
Then, with a full court facing them, the Soviets inexplicably were given three in-bounds plays. They scored on the third try — and won. The U.S. protested, and rightly so. But three of the five-member appeals panel were from Communist bloc countries, which voted together to deny the U.S. appeal and instead certify a "victory" that any objective observer would categorically refuse to affirm.
The appeal decision was wrong, it was politically motivated, and the Communist bloc interests smugly celebrated.
Fast-forward to July 2011. We just change the game — yet produce a similar mind-boggling result.
SunRail comes to its first vote in the Florida Legislature. It is defeated. The citizens — who would be stuck with a huge, unknown bill for decades to come — win. CSX and Florida Hospital lose.
CSX does not get $641 million for 61 miles of dilapidated track and risk-free use of it. Florida Hospital does not get the station required for its massive expansion.
A second vote is called. SunRail is defeated again. The citizens win again. CSX and Florida Hospital lose again.
Finally, a third vote is called in a special session. Legislative minds suddenly change. SunRail passes. This time, the citizens lose and CSX and Florida Hospital win.
Now, when SunRail faces operating shortfalls, the needed money will come from our roads budget.
Get ready to pay for realignments and worse for your cars. The times, they are a-changing, and the potholes, they are a-coming. And so are higher taxes, which some cleverly call "dedicated funding sources." Make no mistake. Your wallet will be tapped, even if you never ride SunRail.
But wait. The citizens have an appeal. It's Gov. Rick Scott. Alas, he listens to the special interest bloc, and SunRail goes forward. The citizens lose.
We can't boycott the new taxes we'll see and we can't boycott the new potholes we'll drive through.
But U.S. Rep. John Mica and State Rep. Dean Cannon have their pet project, their special interest campaign contributors have their prizes, and Gov. Scott has shown those who supported him and his supposed fiscal conservatism that he's just a political hack like the rest of them.
Florida. I've lived here a long time. Some things never change.
Beth Dillaha is a former Winter Park commissioner.
7/6:
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
FROM THE NYT ARTICLE LINKED JUST BELOW:
But skeptics question whether Mr. Mica’s real goal is to give a taxpayer-financed gift to CSX, the freight rail giant and a generous Mica campaign donor, which would get $432 million for its tracks and for upgrades to tracks it owns elsewhere in the state. Other Florida businesses close to Mr. Mica also stand to benefit if the project is built.
The federal grants, approved in 2003, effectively forced Florida officials to buy experimental rail cars — now temporarily in use in Miami — from a Colorado company whose top executive has been a campaign contributor to Mr. Mica.
An amazing New York Times article on Mica's pet project:
CLICK HERE: SUNRAIL AT YOUR COST
In what could be an ominous decision for the future of federal transportation funding, Florida Governor Rick Scott got out of the way of SunRail, a costly commuter-rail project in Orlando. While his Tea Party supporters strongly opposed the project, Scott said that he didn’t have the authority to kill the project.
As reported in the New York Times a few days before Scott’s decision, the main backer behind SunRail is Representative John Mica, who chairs the House Transportation Committee. Mica has a history of supporting pork barrel for his district, but after the 2010 election he at least paid lip service to fiscal conservatism. When Governor Scott killed the Florida high-speed rail, which Mica had supported, Mica got with the program and quietly joined the Congressional coalition that effectively killed the entire high-speed rail program.
The SunRail project will eventually cost $1.2 billion, more than a third of which will be spent buying right of way from CSX. CSX is one of Mica’s big supporters, and the Times openly accuses Mica of supporting the project as a favor to the railroad. By vetoing the project Scott could have given Mica cover for its failure.
As it is, Mica will now have a hard time convincing other members of Congress that they shouldn’t include earmarks or otherwise promote pork barrel in their states or districts when Mica himself is gobbling such a large piece of pork for his district. This will make the debate over the 2011 transportation authorization bill a bit more intense.
The Times states that SunRail will cost $1.2 billion and “is expected to serve just 2,150 commuters a day when it starts operating.” That’s not quite fair, as the 2,150 commuters (that is, round trips) is for the initial operating segment whose cost is expected to be “only” $357 million for the first half of the project. When amortized over 30 years at 4 percent, and using the long-range ridership prediction of 1,850 “new” round trip riders who are not already riding transit, this represents an annualized cost of $11,000 per commuter — enough to buy every new daily round-trip rider a brand-new Toyota Prius every other year for the life of the project.
While the Times may have made the wrong comparison, the project’s backers have made totally outlandish claims about its benefits. “Over the next 25 years, SunRail will create more than 250,000 jobs,” claims Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. It is possible that he means “250,000 person-years of work,” meaning 10,000 jobs a year, but even that is unlikely.
As for SunRail’s impact on central Florida transportation, can you spell “insignificant”? Table 4-4 on page 4-17 of the environmental assessment admits that building the commuter-rail project will increase delay-times at four grade crossings by an average of 38 percent. Amazingly, the assessment dismisses this deterioration of traffic conditions by stating that the intersections would have been rated F with or without the project.
Pages 4-20 and 4-21 of the assessment proudly state that, since so few people will be using the train, there will be very little new traffic around the planned train stations. “The project will shift a small amount of traffic away from existing roadways to origin stations,” says the assessment. “The project will not adversely impact the major roadway movements at the station driveway locations.” I am sure that will be a big relief to anyone living near one of the stations.
Despite the negligible effects on transportation, the assessment claims that the project “provides substantial transportation benefits.” Too bad it never says what those benefits are other than a small increase in total transit ridership.
The real cost of the project is the precedent it sets for the rest of the nation. If the chair of the Transportation Committee in a supposedly fiscally conservative House of Representatives can work behind the scenes to make sure a pig like this is funded, there will be every incentive for other members of Congress to promote their own pieces of pork.
With the Kennel Club withdrawing from Orange City and Sunrail coming to DeBary...how long will it be for gambling to resurface in our fair City?
7/2:
An essay about articles
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
7/1:
7 editorials from citizens on various issues:
CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA
July 4th 2011
America will be celebrating its 235th birthday on July 4th. This is the most important American Holidays we celebrate each year. We call it Independence Day, because, on July 4th, 1776, we claimed our independence from Britain by an act of the United States Congress when they adopted the Declaration of Independence. Democracy was born.
The 4th of July means a lot of different things: A time to be grateful to those who sacrificed their lives, while fighting for our freedom. It’s a time to reflect there is a high cost to freedom, and the fact is that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.
It’s a time to reflect that everyday hundreds of people leave their homeland to come to the “land of the free and the home of the brave” so they can begin their American Dream.
They left their homelands to come to America because America offered them and their families a better way life. A better way of life that would include hope, safety and most important freedom that America had to offer. Perhaps your parents or grand parents came here for just that, freedom.
In past years we usually celebrated the 4 th of July as an occasion to enjoy the long weekend, the enjoyment of barbecuing, parades, concerts and of course, the fireworks, with a glancing acknowledgement of the meaning of the 4th of July.
So this year, Americans should stop the celebration for a few moments and pray or give thanks in the manner they deem appropriate. We should be ever thankful for the men/women who serve and served in our armed forces, from the birth of this great nation to the present.
We should thank God that we have the freedom to worship the way we want and speak our minds freely. We should thank God for the choices we are allowed to make everyday. We should thank God that our forefathers had the wisdom and vision to write the Declaration of Independence, especially when they wrote “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”.
Enjoy the 4th of July, but let us remember that freedom comes at a very high price, which costs way too much to give away. We must remain vigilant in maintaining the ideals of freedom and not lose the vision of our forefathers.
Happy Birthday America.
God Bless America,
DeBaryPOP
6/20:
CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Orange City Orchestra
Proudly presents
A Musical Tribute to America
June 25th @ 7pm
Dickenson Memorial Library
148 Albertus Way Orange City, Fl
Admission is Free
Contact Number: 386 668 9587
As conductor of the Orange City Orchestra, I wanted to pause for a moment and thank DeBary Pop for posting our upcoming “A Musical Tribute to America” performance.
As it should be, the performance is free and open to all.
Your readers may not be aware that I was the original founder of the Gateway Orchestra but departed to begin a new orchestra in Orange City. One of the catalysts for starting a new orchestra was based on my philosophy that a community orchestra is made up of members of the community and performs for the community. Additionally I believe that community orchestra events should be open to all and free to all inasmuch as they may be the only musical venue available to those with limited finances.
Unfortunately, the City of DeBary did not share my philosophy and when I asked to give a performance in the DeBary Town Hall, I was denied the opportunity and was furthermore notified that any performance would have to be given at the Gateway Center for the Arts and for whatever fee the Gateway Center for the Arts chooses to charge.
Orange City has welcomed the orchestra warmly, providing free rehearsal and performance space, and advertises the performances. Orange City recognizes that music is a treasure and one to be shared with everyone, even those with limited financial ability.
Thank you DeBary Pop, keep up the great work and may God Bless.
Rick Dwyer, Conductor – Orange City Orchestra
Blindly voting on the County Manager's contract. From the News Journal: THIS is how we do it:
This was the second time in the last seven months the council has amended Dinneen's contract without full public disclosure in advance of the vote. In November, the council reworked his retirement plan, allowing him to keep $14,040 he had been diverting annually into his 401(a) account, while agreeing to contribute as much as $45,225 each year into that account.
Neither in November nor Thursday was Dinneen's contract mentioned on the meeting agenda.
Councilwoman Joie Alexander on Thursday referred to the manager as "definitely the right man at the right time," but voted against the contract change because it was only handed to her minutes before the vote and she had not had time to review it thoroughly.
Likewise, Councilman Andy Kelly voted no.
"You've carried us well and I appreciate it," Kelly said to Dinneen, a few seats away. "I have a problem (in that) this is thrown at us."
Given this, how could the other Council members vote "yes" on something "thrown" at them at the last minute...indeed, why would they?
**********************************************
From the Orlando Sentinel:
We asked you: Should Gov. Rick Scott approve SunRail?
YES: 36%
NO: 64%
We'll see what he says in July...
Excuse me while I vomit. Watching TV this AM I heard that an actress had given birth to a son and that she and her 'boyfriend' were very happy. BOYFRIEND......what happened to husband?? I had to go to the '' WWW '' to research to see if anyone else was reporting the birth and much to my disgust I found, not only the Today Show, but MSNBC, MTV, TNT and many many more. Me, I am so sick and tired of this country glamorizing 'bad and immoral behavior' that is makes me sick. One of the reason we are in so much trouble is we lost our basic foundation to a 'politically correct' agenda. What happened to morally correct?? It is obvious to me that politically correct and moral responsibility don't go together. I don't know of any other country that changes or has changed, its core foundation and when you give up your moral values you cannot hold to much more. There is nothing wrong with getting married before having children, there is nothing wrong with showing you have manners by saying please, thank you, yes sir, no sir etc etc. Well that's my opinion....what's yours?
6/15:
Canceling Fourth of July Fireworks
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
FLAG DAY
Today, June 14th is Flag Day. It commemorates the adoption of our Flag, the Flag of The United States, by the Second Continental Congress in 1777.
The following is copied from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution handbook about the flag;
“The Flag of the United States is sometime called the Stars and Stripes, the Star Spangled Banner and sometimes (affectionately) “Old Glory.” Its seven red and six white stripes represent the first thirteen states; a field of blue with fifty stars represents the Union of fifty States. One star was added for each State when it was admitted to the Union”.
There is so much more history of our great Flag, and how it has held together for 224 years. From its birth, it’s has come through pretty tough times; our Civil War, Spanish American War, WWI (the war to end all wars), WWII, Korean Conflict, (the forgotten war) Vietnam War, Desert Storm and presently again in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Our apologizes if any wars or conflicts have been left out.) It’s been burned and spat upon all over the world including our own country, but it keeps on waving strong. So, on this Flag Day when you see “Old Glory” on some flag pole, take a few minutes to reflect what she means to you.
I will end by writing the first verse of the George M. Cohan’s award winning patriot song about our Flag.
You’re a grand old flag,
You’re a high flying Flag
And forever in peace may you wave.
You’re the emblem of
The land I love.
The home of the free and the brave.
Ev’ry heart beats true
‘neath the Red, White and Blue,
Where there’s never a boast or brag.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
Keep your eye on the grand old Flag.
Thanks Mr. Cohan. Keep waving with American pride; you are a Grand Old Flag.
From DeBaryPOP
DROUGHT: WHEN WILL IT END?
It’s so dry they’ve had to close two lanes at the swimming pool.
Its so dry here that the fire hydrants are chasing the dogs around.
It’s so dry the government has announced a water pistol buy back scheme.
It’s so dry that the cows are giving evaporated milk.
It's so dry the trees are bribing the dogs
Volusia County Drought Index INCREASES:
607... 629... 637 ...643...647...651...660...665...668...630
Link: KDBI
We've been told we want Sunrail...but...
So far, his office (Gov. Scott) has logged 3,755 calls and emails about SunRail, with fewer than 20 percent in favor, records indicate.
Decision to be July 1st...
6/8: Don't ask...they won't tell
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
Use of fireworks banned in Volusia County effective Monday, June 6
The City of DeBary is planning holiday festivities with a big fireworks display at Gemini Springs Park on Dirksen Drive, a county park. Whether the fireworks can proceed will be up to the weather and Chief Pozzo.
"There will be a celebration," DeBary City Council Member Chris Carson said.
Whether there will be fireworks will be up to the weather and fire officials, regardless of its location, he said. Continued dry weather would affect fireworks displays being planned in other cities, too.
Carson said heavy rain is forecast for Saturday, June 11, and it is hoped that seasonal afternoon rain showers will kick in, ending the drought before the Fourth of July.
Read the whole article at the Beacon website by clicking: HERE
Weather for DeBary for the month of June: JUNE'S WEATHER OR NOT
6/4:
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
WDBO Website:
Scott expected to make $unRail decision soon
Florida Governor Rick Scott is once again facing another difficult decision regarding the state budget.
Scott is expected to come to a conclusion within the next few weeks regarding the $1.2 billion SunRail commuter train project. The SunRail project would be a 61-mile commuter train serving the four counties surrounding Orlando. If approved, the new project is expected to be a change from Scott’s stringent anti-spending measures.
“I’m still going through it and I am going to make my decision by the end of June,” Scott said.
Orlando residents are concerned that SunRail is too similar to the federal high speed rail Scott rejected earlier this year. Many are also worried that funding for the railway will inevitably hurt the local economy.
“What I’m really focused on with SunRail is making sure it’s the right use of local resources,” Scott said. “The funding is going to come from the Department of Transportation and local Orlando communities.”
Scott said he will make his decision after a thorough examination of the project.
“I have listened to both sides and I want to make sure that it’s right for the state and right for this area.”
6/1:
WERE THESE THE ISSUES THEY TALKED ABOUT WHILE CAMPAIGNING?
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
Team and Green in: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Two current City Issues:
1. Wednesday night (6/1): Going back to one meeting per month. With the heavy lifting having been accomplished, scheduling one meeting a month is appropriate with the ability to also schedule another one or a workshop later that month. This was a good call by VM Lenzen.
2. Upcoming: Changing the terms of office from three years to four years. This would ultimately be decided by voters at the ballot box, but if enough voters turn out at the City Council meeting against it, maybe it won't even get that far. Of course, if you're in favor of it, you could express that sentiment as well.
Four years is too long. Perhaps three 2-year terms or leave it at three. This is being considered to save 22 thousand dollars on those special elections. The cost might go up to 25 thousand or more. But to change the terms of office simply to save money and extend it a year isn't good enough reason. There are other items in the budget that cost 30 thousand dollars or less that could be cut to keep the terms at three years. Two years is too short and four years is too long. A three year term for a Council member is the "Goldilocks Zone". Hopefully this won't be "popular" enough that it passes. The wording of the ballot language will be very important.
Also, this WILL NOT... REPEAT...WILL NOT extend the term of any current Council member. This would all be for the future so future candidates would knowingly be running and citizens would knowingly be voting for an individual for four years.
5/30:
Citizen's Editorial
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Remember and say Thanks
Let’s not forget the meaning over this Memorial Day weekend. Let’s not forget our brave servicemen and servicewomen who have served our country, gave their lives so we can live free. Let’s remember to take the time to say a prayer for them and their families, and to all the courageous men and women who serve today and are constantly in harms way.
We at POP would like to wish everyone a Great Holiday weekend and hope sometime during the next few days you will take the time to reflect on what you have, and the reasons why you have what you have.
Mayor Garcia awarded Silver Star Elected Official of the Year Award from the Volusia League of Cities.
From the press release:
"Bob Garcia became Mayor of the City of DeBary in 2009 and is dedicated to serving his community.
He has been working diligently and endlessly in bringing the SunRail to Volusia County."
Click here to read the press release scroll to page 6
5/29:
A response to Mayor Garcia's award
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
5/25:
Debary citizens,
Why is the City of Debary advertising for Pat Northey's 'Gateway Center for the ARTS' , on the City website?
Even their 4th of July celebration advertisement has a LINK to the Gateway website. When will the politicians at the GCA quit using the City?????????? Gateway gets free advertising for their commercial flea market as well from the City.
Debary taxpayers do not get any money from Gateway's Flea/Farmers market business nor do they get anything from Gateway's rental business activities. When the Gateway arts/BUSINESS charges for arts classes, memberships rentals , its gift shop or commission on arts sales, Debary taxpayers get ZERO.
Taxpayers got to give Gateway a brand new building with basically free rent. The Gateway BUSINESS gets a FREE non profit ride from taxes as it lets the City of Debary advertise for it. Gateway members brag about their nice building forgetting to mention the taxpayers are stuck with the bill as they use it as a business.
Pat Northey sits on the board of directors at Gateway even though it is a conflict in intrests because unfortunately she is also a County Council member. Can Pat Northey get MORE money from the county for the GCA thru the Echo giveaway system? Pat and 'Bossy BoB Garcia helped 'Team Volusia"walk away with Debary taxpayer money even though she pays no Debary taxes. Debary is now a member of TEAM VOLUSIA at $10,000 per year, thanks Pat & BOB. How much does the City give to non profit businesses like Team Volusia, GCA and others is anyone's guess.
Gateway Center for the ARTS is a non profit taxpayer funded BUSINESS that generates money yet pays no taxes. It represents a very political minority group of hundreds that dominates a city of 18,000.
Perhaps the Debary City Council will someday find the backbone to stand up to political husltlers like the GCA, Team Volusia and Pat Northey as they hound the taxpayers for even more money via phony non-profit , non taxpaying schemes.
We can all pray on the subject at the Heart of Christ church located in Gateway Park, they are just 1 of 3 non profits that will be makin money at the ARTS Center this week. The West Volusia Chamber of Commerce, the Heart of Christ Church and the GCA will all be collecting money tax free in Gateway Park this week. None of these organizations has ever given anything to the community and none pay taxes. Is Gateway a commercial business center or park?
I thank the folks at Gateway Center for the ARTS.....they have taught the whole community how it is possible to make money tax free and get the taxpayers to pay for your free building, free rent and free advertising.....all in the name of ARTS and Culture.
M. Culligan Debary,Fl.
From the lease agreement that the City has with the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA):
- Use of Premises. The premises shall be used and occupied by Sublessee (GCA – Norm) solely for the purposes of developing, constructing, operating and maintaining a Community Art Center and associated grounds and facilities, as set forth herein.
Section 9 explains that the GCA through its agents and employees should prevent unauthorized use of the Center.
From Norm: Mort, the Council has known about this since April 24th if they read POP and May 3rd since I sent them an email. While certain things, i.e. Facebook and shrubbery at DGCC get immediate attention, this issue will not really be dealt with. I doubt Council members will want to address the fact that the lease agreement between the City and the GCA has been violated more than the Statue of Liberty during a Fourth of July weekend.
5/20:
VM Lenzen answers Norm's question:
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
&
2 new citizen editorials
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Mica is trying to convince us that 2 + 2 = 5:
U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, has pushed for years for SunRail, but would not speculate about Scott's decision. But Mica, chairman of the powerful House transportation committee, contends Scott will be hard pressed to say no.
Scott is seeking $77 million in federal money to help deepen the port of Miami. Mica, who could be instrumental in helping Scott get the grant, said he will announce his support around the same time as the governor makes his SunRail decision.
Mica said he is not looking to influence Scott.
"I'm not playing a game," Mica said. "It's a coincidence."
FLASHBACK:
THIS IS HOW WE MAKE DECISIONS:
U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Maitland, and a longtime SunRail champion, said he believes Scott eventually will give the train the go-ahead.
"I think he is going to be hard pressed to veto this," said Mica, who as chairman of the House transportation committee has been asked by Scott for $75 million federal money to dredge the port of Miami.
Mica has said he will decide what to suggest on the port project about the same time as Scott announces what he intends to do with SunRail.
ARCHIVES 2011
CLICK HERE FOR ARCHIVES 2011
&
5/18:
2 new citizen editorials
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
&
In the last election, how did they decide?
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
5/12:
No $unrail, No DeBary Downs...
Putting our Congressman under a Mica-scope
5/11:
$UNRAIL = TAX?
5/10:
Public and/or Private: Whichever is most convenient
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
Another new editorial on DeBary Downs...
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
When CM Carson stated in the Deland-Beacon that he doesn’t remember talking about the gambling and horse track, that’s interesting. I’ve talked to Kelly Joyce the Fox reporter who did the story and she absolutely remembers him talking in favor of it. I watched the report and CM Carson, it was reported, agreed that the application for the DeBary Downs should be brought back.
But don’t take my word for it or the reporter’s; look at what Mark Meister wrote on his blog: “As for the Track issue, Carson has given his opinion and I still agree with it because we do have to find ways to pay for the rail in the future.”
Shirley Horchler and Mr. Meister agree CM Carson has already stated his opinion on this issue even before an application has been put in. Before the contract has been written or the PUD has been read. Citizens will not have the benefit of a fair and impartial hearing should this issue come before the Council.
Norm Erickson
VETO SUNRAIL WEBSITE:
THIS IS HOW WE MAKE DECISIONS:
U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Maitland, and a longtime SunRail champion, said he believes Scott eventually will give the train the go-ahead.
"I think he is going to be hard pressed to veto this," said Mica, who as chairman of the House transportation committee has been asked by Scott for $75 million federal money to dredge the port of Miami.
Mica has said he will decide what to suggest on the port project about the same time as Scott announces what he intends to do with SunRail.
4/24/11
An Open Letter to the DeBary City Council
From the Sublease Agreement with the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA):
- Use of Premises. The premises shall be used and occupied by Sublessee (GCA – Norm) solely for the purposes of developing, constructing, operating and maintaining a Community Art Center and associated grounds and facilities, as set forth herein.
Section 9 explains that the GCA through its agents and employees should prevent unauthorized use of the Center.
The GCA is available as a “space for rent” on their website for any function. Here is their language online as of 4/24/11:
Need to rent space for your next function?
Cost to rent space
Price includes set up and take down time
Expense to rent the space is $125/hr. for receptions
or $1000 per day. Includes long tables and chairs.
Is the GCA allowing wedding receptions? Have they allowed wedding receptions or other uses prohibited by the lease agreement? There are church services for Heart of Christ on Sundays. I fail to see how this is maintaining a “Community Art Center” whether the Church pays money or not.
Perhaps the Farmer’s Market and Yard Sale should be addressed in the Agreement as it is not in keeping with the uses as stated in the Agreement, yet it is not within the facility itself. This would be up to the Council to decide.
The Council can amend the Agreement to allow the current uses and be more specific in the language to allow further uses and also preclude certain uses the Council does not want to allow. The Council can also give thirty days for the GCA to terminate such activities as stated in section 30 of the Agreement.
However, to do nothing is to allow the lease agreement the City has with the GCA to be repeatedly violated. I would hope that that is not acceptable to either party involved. While my name is at the end of this letter, Mort Culligan is credited with asking me the questions that resulted in this information and letter being written.
Norm Erickson
4/24:
Tampa Bay: The Buzz: Sunrail
CLICK HERE TO READ THE LATEST
WHEN HURRICANE SEASON STARTS,
REMEMBER THAT DEBARYPOP IS YOUR SOURCE FOR WEATHER MAPS AND TRACKING CHARTS
4/23:
History and Context: What do we remember about the Town Center from 2004-2005?
Click here: A POP EDITORIAL
As it relates to Sunrail:
These bozo's have no choice but to push for useless rail because the wasted so much money already on this useless project. They should have learned their lesson when they were about to eminent domain all the houses to extend Saxon Blvd to the original train station site. Although they didn't have the money to construct the road back then they were ready to bulldoze those houses and mayor Coleman at the time turned his back on the residents and said it was a done deal. Luckily the residents had a good attorney who knew what he was doing and held things up otherwise a lot of families would have been forced out of their homes and their houses destroyed for a road project that never happened.
The only thing good about DeBary city hall now is the new city manager who seems to be doing a standup job for the citizens. Coleman, Garcia, and Carson were all puppets being manipulated by Marianne Courson when she was manager and she was only all about Marianne.
Hilton Head
Kelly Joyce from Fox 35 reported that CM Carson said that now is the time to reintroduce the plan (Debary Downs).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWS STORY WITH CM CARSON
4/22:
Thank you, Mr. Meister
A POP EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON
Bob Waldorf writes in: Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Gambling coming back to DeBary
Kelly Joyce from Fox 35 reported that CM Carson said that now is the time to reintroduce the plan (Debary Downs).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW NEWS STORY WITH CM CARSON
Fortunately, two previous councilmen, Lenny Marks and Norm Erickson, along with Mayor Coleman, had enough sense and concern to realize the horse track/card room was not wanted by the residents of DeBary. Back then, Jack Lenzen and Chris Carson were the two councilmen who voted FOR the horse track/card room.
We now have two new councilmen and Mayor. I already know where Mr. Lenzen and Mr. Carson stand on the issue. Chris Carson has, again, publicly stated his desire for the card room and horse track. I also have a sinking (or should I say stinking?) feeling that Mayor Garcia is leaning in that direction. So, what we have left are the two new councilmen, Dan Hunt and Nick Koval. Are they wild cards? (Ack!)
DeBary Real Estate Holdings, LLC (a fancy name for: Michael Goldstein and Greenbridge Company out of Iowa), has been “waiting in the wings” just for this opportunity, and you can be sure they have all their ducks in a row and both barrels loaded. I think we can be certain it’s going to be a real battle this time around.
Every resident of DeBary needs to closely monitor the council meetings for this issue, plan on attending the meetings AND LET YOUR VOICES BE HEARD IN OPPOSITION TO THIS HORSE TRACK / CARD ROOM !!!!!
S. Horchler
*************************
Chris Carson was on Fox-35 evening news yesterday (18 Apr) espousing the virtues of Debary Downs [Horse track, card-parlor, and Hotel] and Light Rail. How in the heck did this buffoon get re-elected to city council? (oh-right ... See BHO). How many of Mr. Carson's "connected" constituents stand to profit from these two boon-doggles; with the tax-payers of Debary picking up the $ tab when light rail revenue fails to materialize?
Perhaps Mr. Carson should engage in a "Listening" tour of the citizens of Debary before he espouses his support for these two controversial projects. Sadly it appears that Mr. Carson is only interested in listening to his small circle of "Connected" constituents.
jb
Debary
4/21:
COUNCIL TO DEBARY ARTS: STICK TO THE AGREEMENT AND CLEAN YOUR OWN BATHROOMS
CM CARSON TAKEN TO TASK BY CITIZENS FOR HIS PREMATURE EXCLAMATIONS ABOUT DEBARY DOWNS ON FOX 35 - SEE ABOVE
Check it out: Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
One Way Relationships, Partnerships, and Neighborliness
On April 20th at the Workshop from 6-7PM the Gateway Center for the Arts (GCA) has asked that the lease contract we have with them be modified: they want the City to clean their bathrooms. This is not a typo. Why not, we already provide the cleaning supplies – I’m serious…it’s in the lease passed by the Council back in 2004 - that CM Carson was on. Mayor Coleman voted against the lease agreement in 2004.The GCA pays the City 150 dollars a year for that building – that also is in the lease that was passed.
GCA maintains that the restrooms are utilized mainly by the people using the Gateway Park. Yes, and it is in the agreement that the GCA agreed to. #18 of the Lease: “Sublessee, (GCA), at its cost, shall design, build, and maintain restroom facilities that are accessible to the public using Gateway Park…” Now the GCA is wanting the City to clean the bathrooms because too many people from Gateway Park are using the restrooms designed and built for the people of Gateway Park to use.
The argument continues that the City maintains public restrooms at all of its parks except Gateway – yes, because it’s in the agreement that the GCA agreed to back in 2004 that they would maintain them.
Does the City cut the GCA’s grass? I think I want the answer to that question. Who maintains their property such as weeds, insect control, fertilizer and other measures beyond just mowing?
Facts: The City gave GCA 100,000 dollars under Mayor Rosamonda. Swallow that. We gave them waivers on fees. We leased them the land and then provided supplies to clean the building.
What has the GCA done for this City in return without charging money? They charge admission to DeBary City Residents for their shows and charge for parking. On Saturday mornings they charge vendors 12$ to use the parking lot that has been paid for with taxpayer’s money.
DeBary Citizens have given money to the GCA as City Residents, County Residents with ECHO grant money and as State residents in more grants. Now for a quadruple hit they charge DeBary residents for plays and musical shows. DeBary residents should be given free admission upon proof of residency: driver’s license, power bill, valid ID from the DMV, etc.
The City displays artist’s paintings in City Hall and those paintings may be purchased. Does the City charge a fee for displaying the art or share in the sales? Does a percentage of the sales come back to the City for displaying the artwork?
If I were to put a painting in the GCA, would I be required to share a percentage of the sales price with the GCA? Yes, 30% would go back to the GCA – I called and asked.
If the City can host art exhibits at City Hall and assuming there are no fees for the display, why should the City fund the GCA and then let the GCA charge us fees over and above the price of funding the program?
We’ve given so much so many times…what have we gotten back? What was the original deal here? We should be asking for three free - totally free - shows a year: Spring, Summer and a Winter Holiday show.
All of this really validates Mort Culligan’s comments about GCA for years and I know I’ve been lax on following through in looking into this stuff.
What will our Council do? And saying “no” to cleaning bathrooms isn’t enough; we should be getting something in return given all that we’ve done and our City’s name isn’t even in the organization’s name. It’s not the “DeBary Art League” as it is stated in the lease agreement. And it's not the "Debary Art Center" as stated in Mr. Gray's letter to the Council. If it's in the letter and on the lease, why not on the building?
When politicians say, “We need to have good working relationships, partnerships and be good neighbors”, is this what they mean? I usually interpret that as, “Taxpayers, you all just turned 40 and you’re about to get a very special test as a part of your overall physical exam.”
Hopefully on Wednesday night I’ll not hear the snapping of the rubber glove again…
Norm Erickson
DID YOU KNOW?
The Freedom and Fireworks show this July will not be the first time business leaders and volunteers have provided fireworks for DeBary.
DeBary had a fireworks show in 2008 put on by Swamp House Grill...the business stepped up when fireworks were cut due to budget restraints.
Read some of the story by clicking here: POP EDITORIAL
Or read the full story online, to avoid any misinformation, by clicking here: BEACON
4/17: A Reminder...
Just a reminder to enjoy DeBary's landscape while you can. Political season is coming up and last year the City was, in my opinion, truly littered with signs. We had some really large ones as did other cities and counties.
Yes, when I ran, I put up signs as well; I wouldn't do it again - is there anything that could be written on a sign to convince you to vote for or against someone? I'm convinced that signs do nothing but litter our fair City. Enjoy the grass and sights now because soon they will be gone.
Norm Erickson
4/14:
Beacon newspaper discusses Strong-Mayor form of Gov't for Deltona. This issue has been on POP for almost a year. Check out the story and the blog:
Strong-Mayor form of government discussed
4/10: Mort writes in and Bob Waldorf kicks his radio show up a notch with a guest to talk about an important topic
Check it out: Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Why isn't this on Mr. Meister's blog?
He's on the committee!
FREEDOM AND FIREWORKS
GEMINI SPRINGS
JULY 4TH, 2011
4-9PM
The Independence Day Celebration will take place on July 4th at beautiful Gemini Springs Park. The event’s festivities include: Live Entertainment featuring regional acts as well the showcase “DEBARY HAS TALENT”, an Interactive Kids Area featuring various activities and games, a great variety of vendors and exhibits and Volusia County’s Best Firework Display. The events are scheduled to begin at 4:00 pm and carry on until 9:00 pm. This is a partnership between the Community Partnership Program, Inc., City of DeBary, and County of Volusia.
Please contact Anna France, Community Partnership Program, Inc. at aprilgar_2000@yahoo.com; (386) 668-9958 for questions, suggestions, and information on becoming a Community Partner for our Independence Day Celebration.
For vendor application or additional information relating to vendor opportunities, please contact Robert Rinaldo at (407) 443-6965 or via email at rrinaldo@comcast.net. Spaces are still available.
Wondering how our tax money is being spent?
You're a "naysayer" and "hater" so says CM Carson
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
4/9: WHAT ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS?
Here's what is happening in Winter Springs:
W.S. votes to end task force
By Maya Lazarovitz
April 06, 2011
On March 28, the Winter Springs City Commission voted unanimously to terminate an interlocal agreement between the cities of Winter Springs and Oviedo related to a joint economic task force.
As such, the task force members thought they could do better as an ad-hoc committee, rather than as a city-sanctioned committee subject to Sunshine laws, Brown said.
"We came to the conclusion that economic development activities are better conducted by the private sector," said Mayor Charles Lacey. "The city of Winter Springs is committed to economic development, and we encourage independent groups to take up the banner. We will continue to work with Oviedo and Seminole County, as well as the other cities in the region, and UCF. Each of these has committed their support."
4/7:
A new Citizen's Editorial
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
GOING TO A MAYOR-STRONG FORM OF GOVERNMENT?
IT'S STILL IN THE WIND...IN DELTONA
Deltona gives attorney a break
posted Apr 7, 2011 - 9:13:52am
Two weeks after he publicly voiced his displeasure with the city's chief legal officer, Deltona Mayor John Masiarczyk declared April 4 the feud is over — but a new controversy over the charter and the attorney's residency has split the City Commission.
The argument even sparked a call for a complete overhaul of Deltona city government, possibly replacing the city-management form of government with a strong-mayor system.
"We need to make it clear so that this issue does not rise again," said Commissioner Heidi Herzberg, endorsing the idea of a charter amendment.
Herzberg followed up with a political bombshell.
"What would be the possibility of changing the charter to become a strong-mayor form of government?" she asked.
Masiarczyk did not want the commission to stray from the topic at hand.
"We could appoint a charter-review committee," he replied. "That could be brought up at a later date."
Miami Herald Editorial
Posted on Wed, Mar. 30, 2011
Sprawl invite
Every year, without fail, the Legislature takes up legislation that seeks to gut the state’s growth-management system. This year’s version is as bad as it gets.
The 283-page growth-management bill just released by the House and not yet formally numbered (the Senate version is SB 7204), would curtail citizens’ rights to appeal local government planning decisions, weaken the ability of local governments to charge developers for the costs of new roads and schools, placing that burden more heavily on taxpayers, and allow large-scale developments to proceed without guaranteeing that conservation lands will be preserved.
The bill would greatly limit the state’s review of local land-use plan amendments — further curtailing the authority of the Department of Community Affairs and other state agencies to put the brakes on local elected officials easily swayed by developers’ campaign contributions.
The tired excuse that controlling growth hurts the economy is being rolled out once again. That just won’t hold water — not when the state’s glut of new homes standing empty and unsold is no smaller than when this same ploy was tried during last year’s session.
Time and again Florida’s residents have told their political leaders — most often via votes to preserve land that taxpayers want to protect — that they want to curb sprawl. When, exactly, will Florida’s lawmakers get the message?
From Norm:
Perhaps the message to control growth was contained in Amendment 4 - an amendment the Miami Herald was totally against.
"You think your average juror is King Solomon? No, he's a roofer with a mortgage. He wants to go home and sit in his Barcalounger and let the cable TV wash over him. And this man doesn't give a single, solitary droplet of shit about truth, justice or your American way."
Rankin Fitch
Mort Culligan on our latest "kinetic military action"
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
From the Orlando Sentinel:
This latest development concerning SunRail could end up killing the train. It’s worse, even, than when Gov. Rick Scott on March 11 delayed till as late as July a final decision on the 61-mile commuter rail line’s fate.
When he put off his decision, ostensibly so he could review SunRail’s costs in more detail, Scott indicated the state would write language into the projects’ pending contracts, effectively locking in prices. In other words, the delay wouldn’t add to SunRail’s cost.
Except an Orlando Sentinel analysis of those contracts since Scott suspended them concluded that the delay has added $4.8 million to SunRail’s costs.
Scott said Wednesday that his review is ”well work it.” To whom? Before he suspended the contracts, he’d expressed his wariness about the amount of the state’s investment in SunRail. Now, because of him, that investment would grow another $4.8 million.
Unless, of course, Scott kills the project between now and July. Which he’ll be compelled to do now more than ever because his review caused SunRail’s price to skyrocket. The job of the train’s most powerful supporters to somehow get Scott to nevertheless back SunRail — supporters like U.S. Rep. John Mica, Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, Senate President Mike Haridopolos, Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner and others — just got a lot harder
3/25: This is the 3rd meeting after City Hall and Swamp House
DeBary Community Events Committee Meeting:
3/31/11 (Thursday) @ 6:30PM
Location: Florence K. Little Town Hall (the Old Town Hall)
3/24:
Response to Randal O'Toole by Mr. Waldorf in:
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
“One’s own tastes are rarely a sound basis for public policy,” says Harvard University urban economist Edward Glaeser. “For the government to mandate a single style of urbanism is no more sensible than for the government to enforce a single style of literature.”
To read more about New Urbanism and Smart Growth click below
CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE GROWTH PAGE
3/22:
Sometimes I feel like Chevy Chase proclaiming, week after week, that Franco, by which I mean Florida’s high-speed rail, is still dead. Yet people are still trying to revive Florida’s high-speed boondoggle. The latest is a just-released ridership projection showing that the rail line, if built, would earn an operating profit as soon as it opened.
The original projections (see page 9) estimated that the Tampa-to-Orlando train would carry 2.7 million riders in 2015 and 3.2 million in 2020. Based on fares of about $20 a ticket and operating costs of about $50 million a year, the line would initially require an operating subsidy but would cover its operating costs after 2020.
The new projections say the train would carry 3.2 to 3.6 million riders in 2016. That’s enough riders to cover its operating costs right away–assuming the cost and fare projections are correct. The new analysis uses the same costs and fares as the state’s.
The Miami Herald goes so far as to say the line would be profitable, but it isn’t profitable unless it covers its capital costs. Contrary to a belief popular in the passenger rail community, capital costs do count.
It sounds to me like, “keep throwing the dice until they come up with an answer you want.” But the numbers are totally not credible.
To start with, the corridor is just 84 miles long. As the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) itself says (see page 1), automobiles have a “comparative advantage” over high-speed trains in corridors less than 100 miles long. This 84-mile corridor has about 2.5 million people and attracts about 50 million visitors a year.
By comparison, the Boston-Washington corridor has about 35 million residents and attracts well over 50 million visitors a year. Yet Amtrak’s Acela carried just 3.2 million riders in 2010, and 3.0 million in 2009. So how is the Florida train going to carry this many or more people?
In order to achieve Florida’s original projections, the train would have to capture 14 percent of the traffic in the corridor. The new numbers up this to 17 percent. Amtrak’s Acela carries less than 3 percent of the traffic in its corridor, even though most of the trips are in the 100- to 600-mile range that the FRA says gives high-speed rail a comparative advantage. Just how is the Florida train, which will go only a little faster than the Acela, supposed to go from 3 to 17 percent?
A Florida U.S. Representative told the Miami Herald that “Private firms had been clamoring to bid on Florida’s high-speed rail initiative.” Sure, if by bid you mean “offer to accept $2.5 billion.” If someone offers to build the line at their own expense and fund it out of fares and whatever advertisements they can hang from the sides, I am sure the governor would be glad to go for it.
The real question is: if the project is dead, who paid for these new projections?
Randall O' Toole
3/19:
Bob Waldorf writes in
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
For Immediate Release
March , 2011
Deltona High Hosts “West Volusia Community Expo”
DELTONA —Deltona High’s campus, 100 Wolf Pack Run, Deltona, will come alive on Thursday, March 24, 4:30 p.m. –7:30 p.m. for the second West Volusia Community Expo, which was created last year to highlight various services provided to area residents and celebrate the accomplishments of Deltona High School students. The expo is sponsored by AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program designed to help underserved students achieve their academic dreams.
From 4:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m., a barbeque dinner will be available for purchase from the high school’s FFA organization. Booths from various community groups will also be on display, including:
· Athens Theatre Center |
· Gateway Center for the Arts |
· Auto Club South AAA |
· Journeys End Animal Shelter |
· CATYLIST mentoring “VCS” |
· Keiser University |
· Central Florida Blood Bank |
· Lowes |
· City of Deltona |
· Lyonia Environmental Center |
· City of Deltona Fire Department |
· Northeast Florida Health Services |
· Cora Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine |
· Premier Martial Arts |
· DeBary Hall |
· Rotary International |
· DeLand Beacon Newspaper |
· Sands Theatre Center |
· Deltona High School |
· Smart Source Tutoring |
o Reading (Free Books) |
· Sonic Drive In |
o Science |
· Sophie’s Pet Food bank |
o Academy of Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Management |
· St. Johns Water Management |
o Title 1 |
· Toastmasters |
o AVID |
· Tobacco Prevention Agency |
o FFA |
· “VIPS” Volunteers in Public Schools |
· Deltona Regional Library |
· Volusia County Fire Services |
· Deltona Spring Fest |
· Volusia County Health Department |
· Division of Forestry |
· Volusia County Sheriff’s Department |
· Everest University |
· Volusia County Parks and Recreation |
· Florida Hospital Fish Memorial |
· Volusia County School homeless program |
· Florida Kid Care |
· Waste Pro |
The Volusia County Health Department will be providing flu vaccinations to those 18 and older “while supplies last” and the Florida Blood Center will be collecting blood.
A variety of athletic events will be taking place, including baseball, flag football and tennis. In addition the following free performances will be presented in the gymnasium:
4:30 p.m. Deltona High School Dance team
5:00 p.m. Run-DMC “Deltona High School Marketing”
5:15 p.m. Academy of Dance Arts
5:30 p.m. STEP team from Heritage Middle
6:00 p.m. Premier Martial Arts
6:30 p.m. Belly Dance Etc
For more information, contact Ryan Rinaldo, West Volusia Community Expo organizer, at (407) 587-5353 or rrinaldo@stetson.edu or contact Rebecca Yurich, AVID sponsor, at (386) 575-4153 or ryurich@volusia.k12.fl.us.
3/12:
Decision on Sunrail? Not until July
Click below to see the story:
SUNRAIL IN THE SUMMER?
3/9:
Mort Culligan thanks the City Manager and relays some more information about DeBary
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
Having had some problems getting this email from Mr. Waldorf, I'm giving him front page status:
After not commenting for awhile I decided it was time. That being said here we go.
1st. I was impressed with the turnout at the Swamp House for the Event Committee. It was nice to see Mr. Marks and Mr. Erickson along with Mr. Carson and Mr. Koval. However if you want to know what I think about the Swamp House check me out at: www.talkaboutgov.org
2nd. Don't forget my radio show on Monday's at 1:00. You are all invited and it is casual dress.
3rd. I agree with Mr. Erickson. It is time to stop extending the sign exemption. Either change it once and for all or leave it as it is. Personally I think it needs to be change to allow small business to be found. Times have changed, the economy has changed and there are a lot of 'outdated' codes that need to be changed. Come on people....ya want more vacant buildings?
4th. I stand by the Governor's position on the Sunrail. Sure the Federal money would have been nice to get it started and sure it would have employed a bunch of people BUT what would happen when it started costing more than projected, and you know it will. Then the out cry would be about laying people off or raising taxes to cover the overages. A good example is that gas is going up NOW - how can we predict what is going to happen in the future especially with this spend spend spend federal administration. Don't stick your head in the sand because when you do you know what is sticking straight up when you do. Strong people make hard choices.
Bob Waldorf
Coming full circle
7 years ago many citizens became involved with their City's issues through three little letters: C-R-A. Today I wonder how many of the initial 450-500 people still show up. Regardless, here is what's going on in California and don't forget Daytona Beach: they lost 60 million dollars of their CRA over the last two decades.
Redevelopers to Jerry Brown: Let There Be Blight
Tim Cavanaugh | January 22, 2011
Reason Magazine
California Gov. Jerry Brown's long-shot plan to eliminate the state's redevelopment agencies has already provided one benefit to the public: It has revealed the essentially crooked and criminal nature of the RDAs.
On Monday the city government of Fremont voted to lock in $121 million in redevelopment funds before the state budget gets approved. San Jose is also trying to pocket $58 million in redevelopment funds.
And last week the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA/LA) responded to Brown's proposal -- which is expected to realize between $5 billion and $6 billion in savings for the state and local governments -- by trying to thwart it in a meeting that was called in violation of state law and may have resulted in an illegal business deal.
Ron Kaye has the full video of the CRA/LA meeting, which features a reliably unhinged performance from plaid-suited gadfly John Walsh:
California law requires 72 hours' notice of public meetings, specifically to prevent public agencies from doing what the CRA/LA did at this meeting, which was called with less than 24 hours' notice and ended in a transfer of about a billion dollars in funding to the city of L.A. and the creation of a new city-run non-profit that will maintain the agency's existing projects and hire its existing staff.
That non-profit deal has an even more dubious legal basis. In private business an attempt to transfer assets in this way would most likely be considered a fraudulent conveyance under civil law. While fraudulent conveyance does not necessarily require malice aforethought, in this case the CRA's action is also in violation of the governor's clear intent.
Of course, the budget has not been approved yet, and it's probable that the final budget will not include the redevelopment cuts because -- although redevelopment agencies are wildly unpopular among those citizens unfortunate enough to know about them -- they have broad support among Democratic legislators.
As is often the case, support among the Democrats also means support among the mainstream media. Dig the L.A. Times trying to claim the change will hurt California businesses. Even more hilariously, check out the Sacramento Bee lamenting how the cuts will "destroy a business that's vital to California's economic recovery,” one that the Bee claims helped revive the capital city's downtown and entertainment centers (a surprising description for anybody who has encountered Sacto's unpeopled downtown and rolled-up-sidewalk nightlife).
Whether or not the deals in L.A., Fremont and San Jose are allowed to stand, and whether redevelopment agencies survive, one thing is not in doubt: Redevelopment is a complete failure. Savor the vacant lots on a project the CRA/LA has been in charge of for 19 years. Read about how the CRA forced out a successful business in order to replace it with nothing. And allow me to repeat myself by describing the mechanism by which redevelopment manages to create urban prairie:
In at least two of these cases, the developer screwed up the deal in part by planning much larger-scale projects than the local market could sustain. As a result, large parcels of land that could support modest commercial and residential buildings lie fallow, while a rogues gallery of community activists, government flunkies, gadflies, absentee landlords with bickering family members, architects, labor leaders, public policy majors and reverends gather every fiscal quarter or so to debate projects that never pencil out. (I have not looked closely into the third case: the Broadway/Manchester project currently led by developer AMCAL Multi-Housing, where "'affordable' never means less." But I see the CRA's most recent Broadway/Manchester report [ pdf] has the developer "applying for Prop 1C funds for estimated project gap.")
Brown is pushing back against the sordid backstairs intrigue of the CRA/LA, and in his budget he cites a Legislative Analyst's Office finding that "there is no reliable evidence that redevelopment projects attract business to the state or increase overall economic development in California." He's right to keep fighting. For all the opposition from the media and the bureaucracies, eliminating redevelopment is both a political winner and the right thing to do. It would please the public, save billions of dollars and remove a bunch of thugs who prey on the poorest neighborhoods in the state. Go, Jerry, go!
In today's Sentinel (3/6) by Mike Thomas:
Mike: He (Gov. Scott) needs a larger staff after disbanding the Legislature and Cabinet. The Florida Supreme Court saved itself by ruling in his favor on high-speed rail. Next to go will be SunRail. In bygone days, you wouldn't kill the pet project of the speaker of the House, but Scott is going to do it. And then he's going to put his foot on the corpse, beat his chest and yell like Tarzan.
Why is Florida going to be last in recovering from the collapse of the housing market and have we learned anything?
Anywho...
The plan (Farmton)calls for 25,000 homes and 4 million square feet of commercial space.
Farmton gets the green light
It's about jobs:
In the Volusia case, Barbara Herrin and the Edgewater Citizens Alliance for Responsible Development intervened. They were on the same side as the department during last year's hearing. But as the case moves forward, the environmental group would be on its own, with the department now taking the side of the county and the company.
Herrin said Friday the department's turnabout wasn't "unexpected."
"It's not about the law anymore, it's about politics," she said. "Any project they call a job generator, the governor gives a green light."
Once Volusia County gives final approval, the department will find the county "in compliance" and the case will return to the administrative hearing judge. (This is why what the VGMC passed the first time wasn't compliant and some VGMC members realized that and voted "No". Others not realizing it voted "Yes" even thinking that it was within the law and compliant. It wasn't. It's only compliant NOW because of changes and politics. Our VGMC representative voted "Yes" to the project. There is an entire document oulining how it was non-compliant when voted through by the VGMC.
If the reasoning is that someone else said it was compliant thus the vote to approve it, then we don't really need the VGMC to do their own thinking; we'll just have the lawyers who are in favor of it and the applicant who is in favor of it vote. While the Council as a whole could not instruct our representative how to vote, it was clear what the Council's position was as a whole. That our representative did not reflect that position in casting that vote is troublesome - but oh well.
That some VGMC members did vote "No" the first time around is evidence that "No" was an option. Again, this idea of "we can't say no" only reflects the inability of the person using that excuse. "Yes" or "No" are allowed for by the codes.)
Read the full story by clicking below:
THUMB PRINTS ON YOUR ANKLES
GETTING IT TOO RIGHT
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
3/5:
Citizens' Editorials
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
3/4:
HIGH SPEED RAIL IS OFF TRACK BY COURT AND LAHOOD
WHAT WILL BECOME OF SUNRAIL?
ONLY TIME WILL TELL
From Randall O'Toole: Give and Take...and a good question:
When Wisconsin and Ohio elected governors who promised to cancel high-speed rail, Secretary LaHood took their money away before the governors-elect even took office. But when Florida’s governor cancelled that state’s high-speed rail, LaHood gave local governments a week to see if they could form a consortium able to take on the project.
Why didn’t LaHood make the same offer to cities in Wisconsin and Ohio? I am sure there are enough rail advocates in Madison and Milwaukee that it was at least worth considering.
I’ve maintained that Florida is the linch pin of the high-speed rail program. California’s program is too expensive to complete without 80 to 90 percent federal funding. The moderate-speed rail programs in other states will only demonstrate that the U.S. has a pathetic passenger rail system compared with France, China, and Japan. Florida could have completed the Tampa-to-Orlando route while Obama was still in office (assuming he wins reelection), leading other states to want their own projects out of envy.
If Scott cancelled it, however, it would kill the entire program except Illinois. Wisconsin and Ohio, by comparison, were just bit players. In taking money away from Wisconsin and Ohio, LaHood was sending a message to other states: play along or you will lose federal funds. (Remember Kasich, at least, had asked LaHood if Ohio could keep the money for other projects.) But LaHood didn’t dare do this for Florida, because the whole program succeeds or fails based on what happens in Florida.
I don’t think local governments in central Florida will be able to rise to LaHood’s challenge. The deadline ended today and Governor Scott remains adamant against the train. But LaHood’s offer demonstrates what I’ve said all along: the administration is making decisions about high-speed rail based on politics, not on what our transportation systems really need.
Update: Secretary LaHood has extended the deadline another week, even though Governor Scott says his position remains unchanged: he’ll accept high-speed rail funds only if there is no “risk to Florida’s taxpayers,” i.e., LaHood promises that the federal government will cover all capital and operating cost overruns.
Assets for Gateway Center for the Arts, INC:
2.5 million
Income: 175K
Click below for non-profit look up:
3/1:
MAYOR CREEP
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
&
Mort Culligan sounds off on
Community Event Committee
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
2/28:
Third time the charm? Waivers for businesses for their signage. A citizen writes in...
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
2/27:
How did it work before?
On Wednesday the Council will be voting on putting the emergency signal back in place near the firehouse for the emergency vehicles to quickly leave for their calls of service.
Former VM Fulton claimed credit for single-handedly removing this signal sign in the first place. How was it possible that one Council member could just have it removed regardless of the reasoning behind the request?
Alternative to High Speed Rail?
HIGH SPEED RAIL:
GOING...GOING...
GONE...and then
THE LAZARUS CLAUSE...
LaHood said he gave Scott additional time before taking the money back after the governor asked for more information about a revised plan. Scott refused the original federal offer because he was afraid the state would be stuck with billions in unexpected costs.
Also on Friday, Scott's office said it was continuing a month-long review of $235 million worth of contracts to build the SunRail commuter train that would run through Central Florida.
A SunRail jobs fair held in a downtown Orlando hotel attracted about 400 people. Most of the buzz was about whether Scott would scuttle SunRail, as he is trying to do with the high-speed train.
Scott has another week...when I die, I want to either be buried in Chicago so I can keep voting, or I want to come back as a political issue so I can embrace eternity...
2/23:
Nelson responds to both Mort and Bob
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
2/22:
Citizens' Editorials
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
&
Will the sun set on $unrail?
CLICK BELOW TO READ THE STORY:
WILL GOVERNOR KILL SUNRAIL PROJECT, TOO?
2/21:
RACETRAC GAS STATION COMING BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL
From Norm: I received the following notice via email; it is not from POP but when people want to get the word out...they send it to POP:
The proposed Racetrack gas station on Debary Rd will be coming back for a zoning change and approval from the city of Debary. It is important that the members of the city council know how we feel because the Racetrack certainly is. The meeting will be in the back room at IHOP at 7:00pm Thursday, Feb 24th.
2/20/11:
Mort Culligan - CUBED
3 Special ones from DeBary's most prolific...
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
2/17/11:
CITIZENS ARE WRITING IN:
Click here: CITIZENS' EDITORIAL
DERAILED
Scott literally calls it a "Boondoggle"!
Is Gov Scott reading POP?
SUNRAIL HANGS IN THE BALANCE
Governor Rick Scott is scrapping a planned high speed rail system between Orlando and Tampa.
The governor, calling the system "ObamaRail", announced the surprise move during a news conference in Tallahassee Wednesday morning.
"I believe our state will be better served by spending these funds that will benefit Florida, and not turn into a spending boondoggle," Scott said.
In his statement, Scott says cost overruns could put Florida taxpayers on the hook for $3 million, and he believes the risks of the project outweigh the benefits.
The Obama administration had pledged $2.8 billion to Florida for the rail system.
State House Speaker Dean Cannon issued a statement shortly after the announcement:
"I have not spoken to the Governor regarding today's announcement, but I watched the Governor's press conference. I'm encouraged that he is focusing on the practical realities of government programs, and their long-term impacts. As the Constitutional officer charged with carrying out transportation policy, the Governor seems to have determined that at this time he cannot feasibly implement high-speed rail in Florida. I have confidence that he will bring the same level of scrutiny to other issues.
My decision to reject the project comes down to three main economic realities:
- First – capital cost overruns from the project could put Florida taxpayers on the hook for an additional $3 billion.
- Second – ridership and revenue projections are historically overly-optimistic and would likely result in ongoing subsidies that state taxpayers would have to incur. (from $300 million - $575 million over 10 years) – Note: The state subsidizes Tri-Rail $34.6 million a year while passenger revenues covers only $10.4 million of the $64 million annual operating budget.
- Finally – if the project becomes too costly for taxpayers and is shut down, the state would have to return the $2.4 billion in federal funds to D.C.
2/16/11:
CITIZENS ARE WRITING IN:
Click here: CITIZEN EDITORIAL
&
As promsed: Lenny Marks's response:
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
&
Mort Culligan has TWO Citizen Editorials...'nuff said: Parks and Rec wasting our money and Mayor Garcia praising the wasting of money.
BOB WALDORF RESPONDS TO MORT...AND HE...HE AGREES! YOU SEE...WE'RE NOT ALWAYS FIGHTING...
Click here: CITIZEN EDITORIAL
&
SECOND WEBSITE REPORTS ABOUT DISCRETIONARY BUDGET FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS AND "MAYOR CREEP" AS FIRST REPORTED ON POP
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
www.shamuspeaks.blogspot.com
DeBary litter-box scratchings
FULL STEAM AHEAD:
On track, again
Anxious SunRail supporters put away their Xanax over the weekend, thanks to Phillip Miller. The adviser to Gov. Rick Scott told a Senate subcommittee Thursday that the commuter train is back on track. State funding for the project is in the Department of Transportation's five-year work program, he said. And he suggested that the freeze Mr. Scott placed on SunRail contracts will thaw.
Mr. Miller said that "the governor was not proposing to cut funding for the project."
So Mr. Scott finally thinks SunRail will benefit Central Florida, with its thousands of jobs and the billions in economic stimulus it should generate? (From Norm: And, incidentally, reducing traffic on our roads, right? I mean, afterall, that IS why this boondoggle was sold to us: reducing traffic. Now they don't even mention it literally in passing. It's only about jobs and economic stimulus.) If that's so, we'd urge him to shift from panicking the rail system's boosters to actively promoting the train, which would help generate excitement around the 61-mile line and its 17 stations. (I thought people wanted this?)
And, we should think, around the governor himself.
For the people writing in and calling, here are two links to what was referenced in my "Mayor Creep" essay:
CLICK HERE FOR FLORIDA LEAGUE OF MAYORS WEBSITE
CLICK HERE FOR THE FLORIDA LEAGUE OF MAYORS' BROCHURE
From the President of the Florida League of Mayors Letter:
"As you know the Florida League of Mayors was established in 2005 to create a forum for mayors to share ideas, best practices and a means for mayors to collectively influence important statewide issues."
WHAT ABOUT COUNCIL MEMBERS? MAYOR CREEP...DON'T DOUBT ME....
Many disappointed with Rep. Mica's 'listening event'
Click here: CITIZEN EDITORIAL
2/12/11:
GOING BEYOND DEFINED DUTIES
"MAYOR CREEP"
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
&
Mayor is outraged that a Council member acted without his say-so
“…without knowledge or approval”
DALLAS (AP) — The Mayor Tom Leppert of Dallas says he did not sanction giving Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick a “key to the city.”
Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway presented the key at a ceremony in Dallas last week.
In a statement issued Monday, Mayor Tom Leppert distanced himself from the gift.
“The action taken was not sanctioned by my office and was not an official ceremonial honor on behalf of the city of Dallas,” he said. (From Norm: no word yet on if he meant an actual physical office or a position of authority or responsibility. Perhaps someone from DeBary conversant with such language could call and clear it up.)
The Mayor said “official keys to the city” are presented by the mayor or an elected official designated by the mayor and are reserved for “an elected official of international status.”
“Clearly, this was not the case in this situation and one without my knowledge or approval,” he said.
In his own statement, Caraway said the key was “ceremonial.”
“These ceremonial gifts are different from the official keys to the city presented by the mayor,” he said.
2/9/11:
How Discourse is Lost in DeBary:
Mac Attack Part II:
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Mica admits that the 2.4 billion for Florida’s rail “lacks ridership” to “throw money” at it. Is it possible…is it possible he’s implying that it is…that it’s…a…boondoggle?
Mica slams Obama rail spending
By Drew Petrimoulx
February 8, 2011
The Obama administration announced plans Tuesday to funnel $53 billion in new spending to high speed rail projects over the next six years.
But Winter Park Republican congressman John Mica is blasting the proposal.
When the administration doled out an initial $10.5 billion, including $2.4 billion to Florida, Mica says it was spent on projects that lack ridership and are not truly high speed.
Mica said no more tax money should be spent on the Orlando to Tampa line. Potential lines connecting to Miami or Jacksonville are too premature to throw money at, Mica said.
Instead, Mica said he'll fight for true high speed trains running 250 or 300 miles an hour in the northeast corridor.
"Why not start where we have the greatest need?" Mica questioned.
From Norm: I thought we had the greatest need down here in car-jammed Central Florida. Is the Gov. not going to get those contracts going? Is the writing on the wall? Is Mica stepping away? We'll see....
MAC ATTACK
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
2/8/11:
SOUND FAMILIAR?
Seminole Chroncile
February 02, 2011
School board stepped out of line
Dick Morris, adviser to President Clinton, said, "Bureaucracies are always subject to inertia because they're worried about change ... this is normal." I was privileged to observe bureaucratic resistance to change in action from well-organized educational interests at the Tuesday, January 25 meeting of the Seminole County School Board.
As a retired Orange County Public School teacher, I know that school boards have an immensely difficult job that requires members to operate in executive, legislative and judicial roles as they govern school districts, provide vision, educate our children, establish policy, disburse vast sums of money, solicit input from the community, conform to federal and state laws, follow established board procedure, conform to accepted standards of ethical behavior and hire and fire school superintendents. This list is not, by any means, exhaustive.
School boards, as key elements of our public education system, function as a part of our representative system of government. Stated another way, school boards belong to the people, the community so all constituencies have a means of expression. As such, controversy, argument, and dissent - "the dialogue of debate" - should be welcome. It's the American Way. It's time to shed some light and perhaps a bit of contempt on the sobering reality that what went down last Tuesday evening was anything but the American Way.
The haphazard public exhibition that I observed during the discussion and controversy surrounding Superintendent Vogel's contract extension was both startling and dismaying. By the conclusion of the meeting, it was apparent that three of the five board members - the majority - did not recognize that the legitimacy of the school board was compromised, corrupted and eroded.
Let me be clear: Dr. Vogel's qualifications are not the issue; his educational leadership performance is laudable. What is at issue is it appears Dr. Vogel's success has "led to excess" - board complacency, complicity and dereliction of duty while permitting Dr. Vogel to delay implementing the codified (replacement) superintendent hiring process until after the November 2010 elections.
This had the (unintended?) consequence of essentially guaranteeing approval of Dr. Vogel's one-year contract extension since now there was insufficient time to implement "the process" (board's terminology). How cool is that? I hesitate to attach sinister motives to the actions of others. However, after watching this 'Board in a Bubble' spectacle, I'm cynical. I believe the school board could have and should have done more to ensure compliance with established procedure.
The hot air in this "bubble" was greatly expanded by an audience packed with school system employees, teachers, former school board members, university professors, community leaders, including the mayor, who offered endlessly glowing testimonials, shout outs, applause, and "CEO/Superman" comparisons that were encouraged by a visibly biased board chairwoman who glared at dissenting board members and frequently offered unrestrained praise for the current superintendent. According to Robert's Rules, the committee chair is supposed to be an even-handed arbiter.
However, most shocking was the failure of the board to operate within the rules and restraints established by the Board, applicable legal statute and the Florida Attorney General's opinion. An absent board member was permitted to participate and vote by telephone based on a school board attorney's opinion of the AG's opinion. This "opinion" was challenged by an actual reading of the published AG's "opinion" and in spite of not being in compliance, the board attorney's opinion was allowed to prevail.
America was founded on the ideal that "We are a nation of laws, not men." In other words, you can't simply dismiss the law because of inconvenience and the mistaken belief that one individual - Dr. Vogel - is indispensable and irreplaceable. If he were gone tomorrow, would the Seminole County School System soldier on? Absolutely.
This constitutes an egregious abuse of school board authority and should not be allowed to continue.
Mark Bernhardt
Military veteran, professional educator,
Small business owner, concerned citizen
2/6:
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIAL
Click here: CITIZEN EDITORIAL
Unable, unwilling to do the job
From the Daytona Beach News Journal 2/2/11:
Commissioners Michael Carmolingo and Herb Zischkau, who didn't fill out Miller's evaluation in October, then explained their reasons.
"We have to judge whether we're going to respond to these questions at the time it is necessary to respond," Zischkau said. "I can't give you a commitment I'm going to do it a particular way later."
Carmolingo spoke next. "May I use a cliché?" he said. "For me, it's a game-time decision."
He later said filling out an evaluation is a public record, which means "putting ourselves on the line. We're targets out there."
What is it with these two? For the last two years POP as been approached to expand over to Orange City and Deltona because people there want what people want in DeBary: straight talk. We’re undecided whether or not to expand but this article is disheartening.
Yes, evaluations are public record; can you not support your conclusion that you’re coming to in evaluating the person running your city on a day to day basis? This is part of the job of being on the Council. You ran for this position. Yes, you’re a target – I know all about it; but sometimes, to do what is right, you have to take the hits to improve the situation. If you keep trying and don't quit - you will see victory in some areas of your tenure on the Council.
I appreciate the honesty at admitting that you’re not doing the job, but my appreciation does not extend to allowing it to continue.
Bob Waldorf's Radio Show:
The show will begin again on Monday February 7th at 1:00 pm
Please try to call in at 877-569-3595 or listen to the archives
2/2:
Dear Missionman:
What kind of deluded world do you live in that you think we have a strong mayor? I agree with you that some of our council members are questionable. But I think the strides and progress we have made since hiring Mr. Parrott are incontrovertable. Norm's comment was correct that the mayor did not retrieve that money, the City Manager did.
Furthermore, a mayor who pitches a fit like a child, yells out profanities and insults at public meetings, lies to take credit for things he is not responsible and feeds his own martyr complex to the public is anything but a strong mayor.
Sarah
FLASHBACK TO JULY 25th:
Ch. 13 News
By Stephanie Coueignoux, Reporter
Last Updated: Sunday, July 25, 2010
“Garcia said…he will not seek re-election when his term is up in 2011.”
Given what the Mayor said and with Jack Lenzen being term-limited, there will be at least two open seats this year.
Two killed, three injured in fiery crash in DeBary
CLICK BELOW FOR THE LINK:
CRASH IN DEBARY
1/31/11:
Council member Carson wants to bring some fireworks to DeBary
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIALS
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“…with liberty and offices for all.”
Council Member (CM) Koval argued that the Mayor has an office as it states in the charter from 4.02:
- Shall perform such other duties, consistent with his office…
So CM Koval argued that the Mayor should have an office.
But let us look at 4.07:
Sec. 4.07. Forfeiture of office.
"A member of the Council may forfeit the office, if the member:
(a) Lacks at any time during the term of office any qualification for the office prescribed by this Charter or by law;
If any of these events should occur, a hearing shall automatically be conducted at the next regularly scheduled Council meeting, and the member may be declared to have forfeited office by majority vote of the Council.."
The charter is clear: offices for Mayor and every member because any member of the Council may forfeit his/her “office”. Mr. Koval, I expect you to take the lead in this issue of all council members having offices. Mr. Carson is on record stating he is in support of all CMs having an office so there are two votes right there.
Unless, and I could be wrong here, the “office” referenced in the Charter refers not to a physical office but, rather, a position of authority or responsibility.
My next editorial will deal with our "...right to bear arms", so that people will stop wearing long sleeved shirts in the summer.
Norm Erickson
1/30/11:
Keeping in touch with the citizens?
A POP Editorial by Lenny Marks
CLICK HERE FOR: POP EDITORIALS
****************************
1/29/11:
DERAILED?
2010 $UNRAIL LAST STOP: BOONDOGGLE
****************
Communication Tower in Glen Abbey:
The second reading of this issue of the Communication Tower in Glen Abbey will be on the agenda for 2/2. The essence of what is written below deals with the separation between the communication tower and future townhomes.
From the summary page on this item:
“The applicant contends that the 500’ foot minimum separation distance (from the Communication Tower to the townhomes) pertains to the existing residential dwellings and is not applicable to the future townhomes.”
But when those townhomes are built, the communication tower will be less than the 1000 feet and 500 feet minimum set out in our codes. The Council isn’t violating the codes; this is a PUD which is totally negotiable. But, what good are the codes or the 1000 foot set backs if they adopt this when only 386 feet will separate this 150’ foot communication tower from homes? Indeed, why even have the 500 foot waiver in the codes? Speaking of the codes, let’s do some reading:
Sec. 1-5. Administration.
- The City Council shall hear and consider requests for special exceptions, as provided herein.
Sec. 1-9. Special exceptions.
Certain uses or development situations are "special exceptions."
These uses may also require additional conditions to be imposed to ensure compatibility with the surrounding area and consistency with the overall objectives of this Code.
b. In considering a request for a special exception, the City Council shall evaluate the criteria as they relate to the specific use requested and the specific location of the proposed special exception.
- Criteria for special exceptions. All applications for special exceptions shall be reviewed and approved in accordance with the following criteria:
- The proposed design shall minimize adverse effects of the use on adjacent property, including visual impacts.
From 3-134 (20):
- In addition, said towers shall be separated from a single-family, two-family, multifamily, or mobile home dwelling by a distance of at least 1,000 feet. However, this separation requirement may be waived by the City Council, but in no case shall said separation distance be less than 500 feet.
From Norm: These codes need work. We have a “shall” followed by a “however” followed by another “shall”. I’m “shall-shocked” yet it is all set aside when negotiating this tower. As it relates to existing homes, it all follows the Codes. In no case should it be less than 500 feet. The Council is approving 386 feet which they can do – they are not violating the codes…but they are sure saying no to them in negotiating this which leads to the question: why have the codes? I really disagree with the Council’s decision on this. I see no basis of approval given what our Codes call for.
Now, to be intellectually honest, the Council has the right to negotiate any distance in this PUD. They could allow 286 feet, 186 feet or 50 feet. So I can’t say they are violating the codes because it’s all on the table to negotiate. But, if they are willing to let it go at 386 feet, why have 1000 or 500 feet left in the Codes? How can you hold any future applicant to those two numbers if you go with 386 feet? The applicant is building the homes that are in question and they are not built now but, supposedly, in the future. The applicant does not interpret the Codes to include future development but only existing and in this respect the Tower does follow the Codes.
How often do leaders give lip service to “we must plan for the future!” But, to only plan for the now and not the future or to allow something that isn’t by our Codes is not something I could agree with. The Mayor asked the City Planner if she agreed with the applicant’s interpretation. All due respect, that’s YOUR job Mayor and Council. It’s YOUR interpretation that is called for by our Codes in this Public Hearing of testimony and evidence. Obviously the applicant does not want the current codes to apply to future actions. But the Council is supposed to be thinking about all the possibilities. You have to take the position that the Codes only apply to existing not future uses. But adjacent properties must be included in deliberating the merits of a special exemption.
“The proposed design shall minimize adverse effects of the use on adjacent property.” So we’re supposed to ignore future uses? We're not to plan for the future, Council members? That's what you're being asked to do. The Council is told that it’s less than 500 feet and then asked to ignore that it knows it’s less than 500 feet.
In addition, the Council is exempting a 70’ foot height limit and allowing 150’. Wow. The meeting at Glen Abbey last July had 9 people in attendance in addition to the City Planner and Owner. Are people aware?
To conclude, the Council is not violating the Code and they have every right to take 386 feet or 86 feet. But it throws the Codes to the side and puts the City in a no negotiating position in the future when it tries to hold someone else to the Code. Final question: what is the Council’s basis for approving something that regularly is not allowed for under our Codes? Because if there is any fall out from this, the citizens in those homes with interference with satellite or static will ask: who approved this and why?
Norm Erickson
1/28/11:
Mr. and Miss-Information in Citizens' Editorials:
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&
DISCRETIONARY BUDGETS FOR COUNCIL MEMBERS?
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CHANGING DEBARY'S FORM OF GOVERNMENT?
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&
2 EDITORIALS FROM BOTH SIDE OF THE TRACKS:
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2010 $UNRAIL LAST STOP: BOONDOGGLE
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New Citizen's Editorial:
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&
1/27/11:
The DeBary Way?
Looks like when the law goes against the popular in Chicago...well...I'm just glad I live in DeBary because this would never happen here.
The law, at least, doesn't care who sent ya
John Kass
Chicago Tribune
January 26, 2011
Mr. Bumble would belong in today's Chicago mayoral politics, especially since he groaned that famous line "the law is a ass."
He was a large and sloppy man quite fond of beef and gin. Put Bumble in a suit, give him a briefcase, and he'd be a Chicago political archetype.
Perhaps an alderman or a media consultant, begging reporters and editorialists to pummel the Illinois Supreme Court for the sake of Rahm Emanuel's mayoral ambition.
"The law is a ass," whined Bumble famously, although he didn't do so in a Chicago newspaper talking about Rahm's residency issue.
Instead, Bumble was a character penned by Charles Dickens in "Oliver Twist," who was upset to learn that the law would suppose that Bumble's wife obeyed him in all things.
"If the law supposes that … the law is a ass — a idiot," cried Bumble. "If that's the eye of the law, the law is a bachelor, and the worst I wish the law is that his eye may be opened by experience — by experience."
Naturally, as poor Bumble is a work of fiction, he knew nothing of Rahm Emanuel and the Daley boys and the 36th Ward and the North Side guys. And he was equally ignorant of Gery Chico and Ald. Eddie Burke and the Southwest Side guys.
Bumble had no idea that Carol Moseley Braun's mayoral campaign was being run by top Daley honcho "Whispering" Victor Reyes, one of the fathers of the notorious City Hall patronage army, the Hispanic Democratic Organization, the one the Daley boys used to elect Rahm to Congress.
But yes, Mr. Bumble, the law is indeed an ass, at least sometimes. The law says Rahm should not be on the ballot, and I happen to think Rahm should be on the ballot.
But the infuriating thing about the law is that it is not flesh and blood. It's no friendly consultant or dynamic political overlord. The law is dry, without personality.
And whether it fits your politics, whether it hurts your favorite mayoral candidate, it is the law.
It is the law even if it helps those other candidates.
The law in Illinois is absolutely unambiguous in the matter concerning Emanuel's candidacy.
A candidate must reside in Chicago for a year prior to the mayoral election. There's nothing complicated about it. It's been the law since 1871.
And Rahm wasn't living in Chicago. He was in Washington. And despite all the spin, he wasn't a general in the army serving his nation. He was in the top political job, White House chief of staff, serving the political interests of President Barack Obama.
Rahm has all that big money behind him, that Chicago corporate and business muscle, and more money from the coasts. They want Rahm, and it seems as if they'll kick the law right in the behind to make him mayor.
The Illinois Appellate Court was clear on the residency issue in knocking Rahm off the ballot the other day.
This so infuriated the editorial boards of the major Chicago newspapers that the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court were put on notice:
Make room for Rahm on that ballot, or face the media wrath.
One who has been singled out for attention is Justice Ann Burke, wife of Ald. Edward Burke, 14th. Ald. Burke, one of the few politicos who makes judges, is a Chico supporter.
The Emanuel camp considers Burke to be the leader of the Rahmstoppers. Burke has not hidden his feelings toward Emanuel.
Pointing out political connections, whether Burke likes it or not, is good reporting and responsible thinking. Months ago, when writing about the Rahm residency problem, I reported that Burke had more than an academic interest in this business. He was a player.
Yet earlier, when things were going Rahm's way, when Rahm was Mayor Inevitable and Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mark Ballard was ruling that Rahm should stay on the ballot, there was a different tone in the media.
There certainly wasn't as much anguish. Ballard's ruling served the interests of the establishment. And the judge wasn't singed.
Since then, Chico has been firmly established as a Burke guy. Yet for months and months, the support of the Daley boys for Rahm wasn't part of the narrative. It was as if Rahm were a free agent, swooping down from Washington to save the city.
There's a name for such selective illumination. It's called politics.
Now the Illinois Supreme Court has ordered Rahm back on the ballot, pending its ruling. Cudgeling the court to get the political result you want is supremely practical. But it does come with some cost.
It reinforces in the mind of the people that in Chicago, election laws apply only to those without clout. And when you hope to bend the law to suit your politics, even if the politics are the right politics, there's another cost.
You're not talking about the rule of law anymore. You're talking about feudalism. And that's what Chicago politics is about.
Mr. Bumble has already had his say, so let's close with writer Flannery O'Connor. It's a favorite quote, carved into the lobby of Tribune Tower:
"The truth," she said, "doesn't change according to our ability to stomach it."
Even in Chicago.
What about in DeBary? - Norm Erickson
1/22:
Phoenix / Valley Metro Light Rail Report Card: F
Click below to read the facts:
2010 $UNRAIL LAST STOP: BOONDOGGLE
1/21:
$eptic Tank In$pection$
Read about it in Public Service Announcements:
CLICK HERE TO READ WHAT IT WILL COST AND WHEN
1/19/11:
The biggest thief of all
A POP Editorial by
Lenny Marks
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On the chopping block: Libraries
CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE IN THE SENTINEL
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"Governor Scott can save Florida and U.S. taxpayers a huge amount of money by canceling this boondoggle."
1/18/11:
Read the full report from the Reason Foundation:
Click Here: The Tampa to Orlando High Speed Rail Project:
Florida Taxpayer Risk Assessment
OVERVIEW:
The builders of any Florida high-speed rail project should be responsible for cost overruns and all operating losses, suggests a new report from the Reason Foundation. Written by the Antiplanner’s faithful ally, Wendell Cox, the report suggests that rail construction is likely to go at least 40 percent over projected costs and that rail fares are not likely to cover operating costs.
The report notes that California has decided to build the first segment of its high-speed rail line in the flat Central Valley, where costs should be not significantly greater than those in Florida. Yet California is projecting costs of $64 million per mile, while Florida’s costs are projected to be only $32 million per mile.
The report is timely, as Florida’s incoming governor, Rick Scott, is seriously considering canceling the rail project even though the federal government has agreed to fund 90 percent of the projected $3 billion cost and project proponents claim fares will cover operating costs. Cox argues that going ahead with the project poses high risks for Florida taxpayers as the state will likely be responsible for cost overruns that are almost certain to happen, and Cox is also skeptical about fares covering operating costs.
As an alternative to canceling the project, Cox suggests the state could contract it out to a private operator and make the operator responsible for all cost overruns. Further, if the operator applies for any operating subsidies, it would automatically lose the contract to operate the line.
These sound good, but realistically, after spending $3 billion building the line, would rail supporters be content to shut it down if it failed to cover operating costs? Not likely; instead, the pressure would be intense for the state to keep it running no matter what the cost. Thus, even following Cox’s recommendations would pose a high risk for state taxpayers.
Moreover, as soon as construction begins on the Tampa-to-Orlando line, rail nuts will start pushing to extend the line to Miami–which proponents say will cost $8 billion but which Cox estimates will cost closer to $10 to $16 billion. This will add significantly to the state’s financial burden.
Cox doesn’t mention it, but the state’s grant application for the high-speed rail line projects that 96 percent of its riders will be diverted from automobiles; only 4 percent will be “induced” by the rail line. If every single one of those induced travelers goes to Walt Disney World, it would increase Disney World’s annual attendance by just 0.7 percent (about 125,000 new travelers out of 17 million who attend Disney World each year). Those who claim high-speed rail will lead to some kind of economic boom will have to explain how that boom could result from such a small increase in visitors.
Governor Scott can save Florida and U.S. taxpayers a huge amount of money by canceling this boondoggle. Even if Secretary of Immobility LaHood gives all of the Florida money to California, California will still have less than 20 percent of the amount it needs to build a Los Angeles-to-San Francisco line. Since that state is running huge deficits, that line is likely to die even if the state is foolish enough to begin construction on the railroad-to-nowhere.
1/16/11:
Mr. Conoley has changed his mind...for the better
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1/15/11:
Lessons Learned
Part II
A POP EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON
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&
2 New Citizen's Editorial:
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1/14/11:
Will Mr. Meister Apologize to Ms. Emerson?
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From Mr. Meister:
I never did give anybody hell. I just told the truth and they thought it was hell.
-- Harry S Truman (1884-1972)
That is all.
Mr. Meister, you said that Mr. Marks and/or Mr. Erickson introduced language changes to the Business Ordinance to make it more about control. You still have not supplied the language allegedly introduced to change it. Unless you supply that language, your claim to telling the truth is not only false but you introduced untrue information on your blog. Where is the "truth" as it relates to this issue alone? Where are the language changes...it should be very simple for you to provide.
People can handle the truth; it's your no-truths, half-truths, and off topic commentary and hypocrisy that reflect your inability to get any facts straight.
1/13/11: It's a busy day!
A New Citizen's Editorial:
Click here to read: CITIZENS' EDITORIALS
Lessons Learned
Part I
A POP EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON
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1/12/11:
A Citizen's Editorial:
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1/10/11:
The Orlando to Tampa high speed rail will cost more and have less riders than state officials and proponents have predicted. So says a new report put out by the California based conservative/libertarian think tank the Reason Foundation.
Robert Poole co-authored the report which says the cost-per-mile of HSR may be as much as twice what has been estimated.
"Proponents who think high speed rail is a wonderful idea tend to underestimate costs," Poole said citing assessments of rail projects across the world.
He says ridership has likely been overstated as well.
"They've projected two thirds as much ridership as on the Acela high speed line between Washington, New York and Boston," Poole said. "That is a corridor with four, five, six times the population as the Orlando to Tampa corridor."
They are concerns shared by central Florida congressman John Mica. But instead of returning $2.4 billion in federal grants as Poole suggests, Mica says state leaders should craft a plan that would hold down cost and protect tax payers.
"We should bring in a private partner that would help build, finance and operate this," Mica said.
Governor Rick Scott is currently reviewing the project. He says he wants to see more studies before making a decision on what to do.
1/8/11:
Giving Shotz Another shot?
Read the story by clicking here: Pool Plans Sink?
1/7/11:
A Citizen's Editorial:
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POP EDITORIAL BY NORM ERICKSON
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1/3/11:
SURVEYING THE ELECTRONIC LANDSCAPE
PART I
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Check out Citizens' Editorials:
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This happens every time a new Council comes on board. People still think Lenny and Norm are on the Council.
Let's go to that pesky City Charter:
Sec. 5.02. Commencement of term.
The terms of members of the Council shall begin on January 1st of the year following the election.
Councilmen Koval and Carson are on the Council. The swearing in is incidental. This is if we're following the Charter, which I'm sure many want to do as it relates to this issue.
And if it were another issue...if they found out that Norm was trying to do something as a Councilman when he was no longer on the Council...we would have to enforce that Charter wouldn't we? And it wouldn't be personal...it would be simply following the Charter, right? Most would agree...yes...it's nothing against Norm, it's just that he's not on the Council. We all agree.
Another example we would all agree upon: if a Council member basically admitted to violating the Charter, we would have to follow the Charter and...well...no...that's not a good example. Let's take the example of an over-induced love fest...now THAT should violate some aspect of the charter...
SHAZAM!!
WE’RE STARTING OUR 6TH YEAR
WE’VE QUADRUPLED OUR READERSHIP
AND THE QUESTION HAS BEEN ASKED:
WHAT IS THE FUTURE OF DEBARY POP?
Yes, DeBary POP will continue to keep the citizens of DeBary informed on what is going on.
The last three years have restricted the ability of POP founders Lenny Marks and Norm Erickson to really write and express themselves on POP as they did before being elected to office.
Often times they wanted to speak up and defend themselves; they did to a degree but not as they would have wanted.
DeBary has a new Council coming on board and now that the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Planner are in place and known to be competent, the question remains: will we have an equally competent City Council to read the materials given to them and demonstrate aptitude when approving or denying various agenda items?
The third founder of POP is John Likakis, who was named "Watchdog of DeBary" many years ago. He wrote summaries of Council meetings, and if he offered his opinion regarding what was discussed by the Council, it was placed separately in the editorial and noted as such. His 14 years of attending Council Meetings helped him watch the City grow - in good times and in bad.
If new Councilmen feel they can just run rough shod to promote a personal agenda they will be reminded there are things like proper procedures to be followed...like it or not.
The City has a seasoned City Manager who brings a professionalism that has helped lift the quality of the City Staff. It’s our opinion that City Staff had been stifled in the past but can now demonstrate their proficiency within their job descriptions. The Comp Plan, LDC, and financial status will not be a foreign language to upper management who are looking out for the Citizens, their tax money, and the Council.
It took three years for the previous Council to accomplish these higher standards of quality in management.
It is now up to the new Council to maintain this momentum.
John Likakis
Lenny Marks
Norm Erickson
A POP EDITORIAL ON MR. MEISTER'S ONE WAY ATTACKS
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And now, a POP Editorial by Lenny Marks making the front page:
LOOK! THERE’S A SIGN POST UP AHEAD
(From Rod Serling, Twilight Zone)
With the temporary sign regulation due to expire at 11:59pm on 12/31/10, a very important vote will probably be taken by the City Council in the near future. This vote will decide whether to extend a temporary sign regulation for another six months, extend it longer, or even make it permanent.
The temporary sign regulation was approved, by the City Council, to help the business community during the downturn of the economy. The temporary sign regulation was adopted with a list of rules to be followed. Unfortunately these rules were not followed by some. Here is what was agreed upon:
Section 5-35 Temporary Signs Paragraph (7) (c) The City Council may waive these limitations and may impose other conditions as necessary to meet the purpose and intent of this code.
In order to assist local businesses during the current economic conditions the City Council adopts the following temporary ground sign regulations:
Temporary ground signs may be installed under the following conditions:
- The area of the sign may not exceed 16 square feet.
- These temporary regulations only apply in the B-3 and B-4 zoning classifications.*
- All temporary ground signs allowed under this temporary regulation shall only be displayed during business hours and shall not be displayed during the time the business is closed.
- All temporary signs allowed under this temporary regulation shall comply with all other provisions of the City of DeBary sign ordinance.
- The provisions of this temporary regulation shall expire at 11:59pm on December 31, 2010.
This will apply to both Winn Dixie Shopping Center and the Hair Salon on Enterprise Road.
Twice the business community wanted the City to help them promote their businesses by relaxing the city sign regulations, and twice some showed no regard to what was agreed on. Actually four establishments had permits taken out to erect permanent fixtures to hold their signs. Against the spirit of what was agreed upon in the temporary sign regulation in trying to help businesses.
There are some in the business community that have the impression that the city is anti-business and reluctant to compromise, or help to resolve the business community’s problems. This is a constant drum beat from the business community.
Here is the time line of the past few years to show that the city has done a lot more to help the business community than the business community has done to help itself.
The 1st time was at the 6/17/09 City Council meeting when a motion passed allowing for a 45 day wavier renewable three times during the year, and to reduce the fee to $25.00 all to expire on 12/31/09. In other words you could pay a $25 fee every 45 days until the sunset date on 12/31/09. The 2nd was voted on 5/5/10 allowing the new regulation to sunset on 12/31/10.
I remember at least two attempts by the City’s Economic Development Advisory Committee help to form a DeBary Business Association. The first one was held on 4/21/05 at the DeBary Civic Center, the second was held on 11/16/06 at the Florence K. Little Town Hall building. Both started off with great enthusiasm, and hope of success. Both ended up with loss of desire and no one wanted to put in the time to run such an endeavor. It must be the City’s fault!
Both attempts started off with great enthusiasm, and hope of success. Both ended up with loss of desire and no one wanted to put in the time to run such an endeavor.
Our Economic Development Advisory Committee also sent out questionnaires to the store front businesses. Of the 449 questionnaires sent out only 83 were sent back: a 19% response. There were only 9 questions to be commented on. This was not a good response from the business community. This failed endeavor cost city taxpayer money for postage, stationary supplies, and hours of city staff’s time.
The business corridor began to take on a run-down, dirty appearance with signs everywhere. There were banner signs strung between trees, permits issued for illegal signs, signs not collected at the end of business hours, oversized signs.
It appears it didn’t matter to some about an agreement that was made with the City and the business community. You know, the City that’s accused by some for being anti-business. This was the result of the City trying to help out its business community only to be taken advantage of.
Many cities have created similar ordinances, including DeBary, to help beautify their city and not create eyesores for everyone to see.
I feel that to satisfy both the businesses and the citizens is a delicate balance, but when you have businesses stringing banners between trees or put in posts that are considered permanent fixtures to hang their signs, that is not working with the city.
In conclusion, it seems that the business community is the one that’s not working with the city rather than the other way around. This is not a trivial matter; it leads to the overall run down appearance of the business sections of the city. Sign ordinances were established to protect the City from having the business corridors overrun by unsightly signs everywhere. That delicate balance between business and taxpayer must be addressed.
Here is a quote from Joe Yarbrough, South Daytona’s city manager; “It's tempting, especially during times of economic distress, to sacrifice long-term vision for short-term benefits. But focusing only on today's problems is short-sighted and doesn't address long-term community issues. Details do matter, and, sometimes, they're worth haggling over. We have set goals to enhance the livability and quality of life in our community and to protect the future of our city.” Well said, Mr. Yarbrough.
I hope the new council will address these concerns and make sure all rules are obeyed. There is nothing more pointless, or common, than doing the same things and expecting different results.
Lenny Marks
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