Pension Reform and Voter Trust
April 8, 2011 1 Comment
A simple, but not easy, I assume, first step in pension reform is to require employees in Coral Gables to contribute 10 percent of their salaries to the pension fund. This has the effect of reducing city and taxpayer liabilities.
Too bad the city manager, mayor and commissioner are reticent to supply citizens with information about on-going pension negotiations.
This displays a terrible lack of trust in the judgement of voters.
About Stephen E. McGaughey
Coral Gables Watch 
I received this very informative email from Sanabria that sets and clear agenda and timeline I copied and pasted it as an FYI
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Dear Coral Gables Resident
To My Fellow Neighbors, Voters and Taxpayers:
Below are my “Ten Positions” as my initial “Pledge to the City”
Position #1 – Taxes and Fees
As I unequivocally stated at the beginning of my campaign; I will not vote for any Tax or Fee increases.
I will also put forth a motion to rescind the Fire Fee.
Position #2 – Transparency and Public Input
I will oppose any attempts to maintain a veil of secrecy over documents of key importance and ask for the immediate release of the Biltmore audit so the public can be aware of its results and a plan of action be adopted within the next 60 days .
I will also support public input and involvement at all scheduled Commission meetings.
Position #3 – Pension Reforms
I will request that the City release a “white paper” and widely distribute it to the public in fully discussing and outlining the financial liabilities of our current “defined- benefit plan” and what immediate steps can be taken to ensure that pension reforms are adopted within the next 12 months.
Position # 4 – 30-Day Building Permit Process
In the first meeting of my term, I will ask the City Manager to give us a “fast-track” 30-day building permit scenario so all residential and commercial owners are relieved of the lengthy and complex process of getting a building permit in our City. This can be done without affecting all the safeguards we have and we can expedite our issuances and eliminate burdensome backlogs and irritating processes.
Position #5 – Historic Preservation and Promotion of the Arts
Within 90 days after taking office; I will request that the City draft an action plan to dedicate all possible efforts in maintaining, up-keeping and restoring all historic buildings, monuments, gateways and fountains that are currently in need of attention. I further pledge to personally join in any outside fundraising efforts to raise monies towards this important goal.
Position #6 – Sustainability, the Greening of Coral Gables, Efficiencies
Within the first six months, or earlier, I will ask that a current, qualified staff member be designated to overview sustainability policies with the goal of having the City do its “best efforts” to be an ecologically responsible municipal entity that can look at ways that we can save monies while at the same time improve our environmental quality of life.
Position #7 – The “30 for 25” Parking meter rates
At my first meeting I will ask that the City adopt a rate change for parking meters, especially those fronting Miracle Mile, to allow for “30 minutes for a quarter” and thus relieve the stress of shoppers and diners who constantly worry about the onerous $18 ticket that should not be a dissuading factor when we consider going shopping or the theater or the fine restaurants in our beautiful downtown. That plan also includes a plan and implementation to fix our sidewalks as fast as possible.
Position #8 – Turkey Point Nuclear Plant Expansion
With the terrible nuclear incidents that just happened in Japan; I will immediately ask my colleagues in the Commission to adopt a resolution objecting to the proposed nuclear-reactor expansion of Turkey Point under new and relaxed safety guidelines that could greatly endanger hundreds of thousands of people in South Florida.
Position #9 – “Meet your Government”
I will schedule periodic meetings throughout the entire City where citizens can meet with me and public officials and let their concerns and issues be heard. I will come to you and hear you.
Position #10 – “Getting Things Done”
I am driven as a “results-oriented” person who has been blessed to serve with your support and common philosophies and goals. I intend to pursue all of the above plus any other worthwhile and positive efforts to continue to make this City the best and finest and you have my word on that.
I am a team player and consensus builder that will seek unity of purpose from all my colleagues in the City Commission for the common good of us all.
I humbly ask for your support on Tuesday, April 12th.
Vote #40 for Gonzalo Sanabria.
Please share this message with your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues in Coral Gables.
Thank You.
Sincerely,
Gonzalo Sanabria
Candidate, City of Coral Gables Commissioner, Group 4
Please log onto my website at http://www.gonzalosanabria.com
If you do not wish to receive any further campaign emails please reply to info@gonzalosanabria.com & your email address will be promptly removed.
Political advertisement paid for and approved by Gonzalo Sanabria for City of Coral Gables Commissioner, Group 4.