Commission and Mayor Feel Censured by the Boy Scouts

November 15, 2010 Leave a comment

If we take the following quotes at face value it seems that our city leader is too focused on  the regular criticisms of Mr. Burr.  Also, I wasn’t aware the city commission is so conscious of criticism, since they have largely ignored disapproving comments from citizens on the city’s financial crises (predicted by many), the problems with the now defunct, resigned and richly rewarded, incompetent city manager, Mr. David Brown (incompetence predicted by many), the continuing Biltmore debacle, the Country Club mess, the sagging Miracle Mile business sector (unresolved by the famous BID), the pretentious museum, the leaf blower crisis and now the Boy Scouts House lease crisis.

I think it is normal in the politics of our time to regularly attack commissioners and the mayor (who are in the proverbial kitchen, but, seemingly, can’t take the heat).

In short

The mayor, in turn, accused Burr of using the media to distort the real issue — the proper use of the Scout house — to attack the commission.

“We are not going to take anyone out of the Scout house,” Slesnick said.

He added: “I have no political vendetta against Robert Burr. He doesn’t like me. He wants me out as mayor.”

Both men have been at odds before. In 2007, Burr supported Slesnick’s mayoral opponents — activist Richard Namon and former Mayor George Corrigan. Slesnick won.

via Gables backs down from evicting Boy Scout troop – Coral Gables – MiamiHerald.com.

Filed under Coral Gables, Politics

The Chamber of Commerce as a Political Entity

November 13, 2010 2 Comments

It is not only that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is among the big political players, many local chambers shape local government policies, protecting businesses and commerce from local government measures and, in general, acting as referees in local economic development.  Their programs are focused on business interests and the have shown little interest in  local poverty and social issues, as if these issues were not related to the economic future of the city.

…these contributions…also show how the chamber has increasingly relied on a relatively small collection of big corporate donors to finance much of its legislative and political agenda. The chamber makes no apologies for its policy of not identifying its donors. It has vigorously opposed legislation in Congress that would require groups like it to identify their biggest contributors when they spend money on campaign ads.

via Top Corporations Aid U.S. Chamber of Commerce Campaign – NYTimes.com.

Filed under Business and Commerce, Coral Gables

Thanks AT&T!

November 13, 2010 Leave a comment

AT&T–you have the worst internet, wireless and customer service in town (except maybe for Comcast!).  My internet service was out for a few days and I read books!  Enjoyable indeed.

Filed under Coral Gables, Miami

Thank You, Mr. Slesnick, Posted–Boy Scouts Not Welcome

November 7, 2010 1 Comment

The city of Coral Gables has taken a typical lawyer’s response to a little problem–threaten the nuclear option by bullying the Boy Scouts.

The city authorities, instead of handing big city issues like the Biltmore lease mismanagement by the city manager, used a contract lawyer to send a letter to the Boy Scouts at the last minute before a proposed meeting at the Boy Scout House.

Also, it is my understanding that the Boy Scout House was donated to the them by George Merrick’s Company  and that there is a probable dispute between the Boy Scouts and the city over the actual  ownership of the House.

Should we celebrate the 100 years of Mr. Merrick’s house be foreclosing on the Boy Scouts?  It think not, but who knows in these times of elections, bad budgets, high taxes and institutional failures of the city.

Filed under Coral Gables, Politics

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