Comments for Coral Gables Watch

Comment on City of Miami Against Overpaid Firefighters and Police–For The Taxpayers–A Big Lesson for Coral Gables by RAN

RAN — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 10:10:41 +0000

We’ve let the firefighters run amok. Hogs at the public trough wrapped in the flag. They don’t pay into social security, they have a retirement fund system just for them. Which pays nada for the poor like social security. Most retire with a bogus ‘disability’ status which makes retirement pay mostly tax free. Gold plated medical plans during service and in retirement at little or no cost. Union chiefs declare ‘worlds most dangerous profession’, not even in top ten. Strict seniority system prevents college educated/merit experts from becoming leaders. The guy tasked with analysing complex hazardous material incidents will never have more than a high school education. And affirmative action? It’s a cost to any organization that practices it. The cost here is pretty high. The less able stay less able. Get involved with local government and clean it up…

Comment on Why A Permanent Balanced Budget Is Policy Nonsense by SMcG

SMcG — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:46:55 +0000

The “wrong” economic policies hurt the economy, not “any” economic policy. Actually, there is plenty of evidence that policy can be well run. Examples included things like unemployment compensation that help people in a recession. Under a balanced budget, social safety net programs like this would have to be restricted, thus restricting demand and national income. A bad outcome. It seems to be the current politicians on the right that don’t understand economics.

Comment on Why A Permanent Balanced Budget Is Policy Nonsense by solutions777

solutions777 — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 16:47:32 +0000

History has shown that government economic policy does little to help the economy. This is because the government is run by politicians. Politicians do not understand economics. If their economic advisors do, then the politicians are not listening to them. There is also the issue of the public wanting only the good while being unwilling to accept the bad. This creates a knee-jerk reaction. The economy like everything else does not always run smoothly. The public needs to learn the lesson; you cannot always get what you want.

Comment on EYE ON MIAMI: Miami-Dade Mayor Gimenez is Holding LOCAL Budget Town Hall Meetings. By Geniusofdespair by Marlin Ebbert

Marlin Ebbert — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 12:23:59 +0000

Three cheers for Carlos Gimenez!

He must be working 18 hours a day!

I’m glad that I voted for him!

Comment on Volsky on “Coral Gables Expects to Sue Biltmore” by Eli White, Tampa, FL

Eli White, Tampa, FL — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:01:38 +0000

There would be very few who would look after the Biltmore with more care, diligence and passion than Gene Prescott. This hotel is his life and his atttention to all details of the property are quite unusual for an owner with many other interests and concerns. Think back to 1992 when the hotel was boarded up. It had a reputation of failure and inability to function in a changing marketplace of new competition. Hundreds of interested operators looked at the property and determined that the risk was far greater than the potential returns, therefore, walked away without offering a bid for the management agreement with the city. Over the last 19 years since acquiring the right to operate the hotel, Prescott and his team have exhibited a willingness to not only accept risk but have far beyond what would normally be expected. Dignitaries don’t just show up but generally respond favorably when courted in the manner Presoctt operates. The city should be grateful for having someone with the ability to deliver positive PR and acolades on the so-called City Beautiful. To remain beautiful, the powers to be had better not let their prize jewel return to the boarded up condition of 1992. It is time to revisit the agreements and allow the property to continue making strides to prosper and survive for generations to come.

Comment on Volsky on “Coral Gables Expects to Sue Biltmore” by Robert A. Burr

Robert A. Burr — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 18:29:33 +0000

Seaway is technically in default of a long standing agreement in which the city skims 3.5% off the top of all Biltmore income, regardless of costs of upkeep and maintenance. The Department of the Interior, who gave the property to the city for $1, has clearly stated that the priorities for the historic Biltmore are “Preservation Before Profit” effectively rendering the previous agreement between management and city moot. Without undue bickering, it’s time to move forward with a new agreement that allows the city to share in profits — when real profits are accrued in excess of expenses. Citizens should insist that under such an agreement, all profits earned by the city should be exclusively dedicated to historic preservation of the Biltmore and other key historic assets in the city.

Comment on No Future For Nation With These Politicians by E M F

E M F — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:55:19 +0000

Thank God for the lunatics Keep up the good work!

Comment on Put Off Deficit Cutting For Now by Rodger James

Rodger James — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 11:17:29 +0000

Yeah, let’s keep spending money we don’t have. Why? Because we can! Brilliant. How about just saying no to spending and living within our means and letting market forces take us out of the economic malaise we are in. We have been spending money like drunken sailors for almost three years and and it has had virtually no effect except to boost risk asset prices which doesn’t seem to be helping those in need.

Comment on The Debt Surge and Management in Coral Gables by SMcG

SMcG — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 22:02:56 +0000

My main comment on interest rates is that it make no sense to run out and refinance loans just because interest rates are low–there are many factors that should go into the equation of the total cost of a investment program and now you can use the money.

Comment on The Debt Surge and Management in Coral Gables by Rodger James

Rodger James — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:34:31 +0000

While I agree with your article please do not make predictions as to what interest rates will do over any period of time. It is absolutely an unknown so while one can have a view nobody can say with certainty. Therefore the Commission and manager must make their decisions based on needs and can only make assumptions on the level of rates.

Comment on Seems Like No Leadership, Just Big Spenders by SMcG

SMcG — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 08:10:28 +0000

No doubt the city needs some improvements, well selected for the biggest impact on the future of the city or to maintain what we have. That list should be done first and costed out properly like you would renovate your house, and then borrow the money. Interest rates are not going anywhere for several years due to US economic stagnation. Hence, refinance to save cash now and then borrow what you need for the urgent projects. We shouldn’t spend anymore than we need while cutting back taxes a little.

Now we have a government as much out of control as when David Brown spent our money wildly on salaries and benefits, the Country Club, etc. and just as much indifferent to community comment. The procedure is exactly the same: we are seeing absolutely no change in participation or openness after the election than the Slesnick years. We are getting what we paid for and little more.

Comment on Seems Like No Leadership, Just Big Spenders by Robert A. Burr

Robert A. Burr — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 23:21:35 +0000

Not necessarily. Everything gets more expensive. When we look back ten years from now, will we wish we did the work when construction companies were struggling, money was available for low rates and the homes were still retaining most of their value? Perhaps. Yes, there is some delight in having new toys and appealing to many constituents’ favorite programs and projects. That’s human nature. When I look back a decade, I wish David Brown was not hell-bent on raising everyone’s salaries and benefits, giving away P-Cards to city staff to make them feel privileged while wining and dining and philandering like a sailor on leave while ignoring the obvious problems with pedestrian amenities on Miracle Mile — back when the cost was $6 million.

Comment on Democracy and Renaissance in Coral Gables by Robert A. Burr

Robert A. Burr — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:58:52 +0000

I suppose it’s like refinancing your home mortgage. The payout remains constant but the obligation is extended further into the future in order to improve the infrastructure and improve quality of life. If the expenditures are absolutely necessary and are calculated to save money, increase efficiency or provide critical services to tax payers, it can be justified, but in tough economic times, it feels a bit like a crap-shoot without very careful vetting by leaders that can be trusted. The trust issue is of key concern. This is the X factor that is impossible to quantify. Tax payers do not get to vote on these projects, rather will have to wait to vote out those that champion them if the deal goes sour.

Comment on URGENT: Weakening Citizens’ Challenge to Local Development Decisions by Virginia Key

Virginia Key — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:03:52 +0000

Stop FL Senate from allowing dredging in Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

The Senate may soon take up a vote on HB 991 – considered by many in the conservation community as a “polluter’s dream come true.” It provides for dredging in the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, exempts phosphate mining from the Development of Regional Impact (DRI) process, and expedites wetlands destruction permitting for an inland port in the Everglades Agricultural Area. On top of all that, it shifts the burden of proof to any citizen who challenges a license, permit, or conceptual approval

In Biscayne Bay, here’s what it would do:

–Undo Biscayne Bay’s hardship rule allowing dredge and fill operations in Biscayne Bay’s wetlands. Right now, Biscayne Bay’s 2 aquatic preserves are the most protected aquatic preserve of all 41 with a special provision to prohibit development on publicly owned lands.

–not require permits to maintenance dredge even if the area was previously undisturbed.

–allow turbidity (150 meters from dredge) which would significantly disturb our resources

–contains several action items to make it easier for ports to dredge and conduct other activities with little to no regulation, even in Outstanding Florida Waters like Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve.

Contacts:

Miami-Dade Delegation of Senators

Senator Miguel Diaz de la Portilla (R ) portilla.miguel.web@flsenate.gov (305) 643-7200 (850) 487-5109 Senator Larcenia Bullard (D) bullard.larcenia.web@flsenate.gov (305) 668-7344 (850) 487-5127Miami Senator Anitere Flores (R ) flores.anitere.web@flsenate.gov (305) 270-6550; (850)487-5130

Senators: Senator Oscar Braynon (D) braynon.oscar.web@flsenate.gov (305)654-7150 (850)487-5116 (888) 284-8589 Gwen Margolis (D) margolis.gwen.web@flsenate.gov (305) 571-5777 (850) 487-5121 (305) 668-7346 Senator Rene Garcia (R ) garcia.rene.web@flsenate.gov (305)824-5058 (850)487-5106 305) 364-3110

Articles:

Monster Bill passing house article from Miami Herald this weekend: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/29/2193415/fla-house-passes-environmental.html

Harvey Ruvin (Miami-Dade’s Clerk of Court) article on protecting Biscayne Bay from Sunday: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/30/2193269/biscayne-bay-threatened-by-tallahassee.html

Fred Grimm on why HB 991 would devastate Florida’s environment and Biscayne Bay. http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/05/03/2197722_stomping-out-the-frogs.html#storylink=addthis

Let’s not go back to this: “For most of Florida’s history, up until the mid 1960s, our state was

treated like a commodity. If you didn’t like it you changed it: land

into water; water into land. The business of the state was business, and

our enormous natural resources were just another input. The quality and

safety of our coasts, fresh waters, open lands and the Everglades were
regularly and enthusiastically sacrificed.” Senator Bob Graham

Comment on Why Coral Gables’ Refinancing and Capital Spending Decision Is Not Urgent–What Happened To Community Participation and Consultation? by Mrs. Richard Who

Mrs. Richard Who — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:09:54 +0000

Those who choose not to participate in politics will end up being governed by their inferiors – Plato