Coral Gables Environment, Politics and Government
October 18, 2010 Leave a comment
So far several candidates have been collecting substantial funding for their campaigns. Hopefully, we will hear from one or more candidates on the themes of their campaign and their thoughts on the main public issues in Coral Gables.
See the pages on this blog–A CITY AGENDA and CANDIDATES—for current information on the candidates and important public issues in Coral Gables.
October 18, 2010 Leave a comment
This is probably hurting the firefighter chiefs and officers more than it is hurting the lower ranks. The upper limit on retirement is unpleasant, but essential. It is too bad that firefighter unions were so greedy–they are to blame equally with politicians that get us into this stew.
“It’s a very painful time for us,” said Robert Suarez, president of the Miami Association of Firefighters. “Our firefighters are very upset. We are looking at 20 to 30 percent pay cuts. The attendance of the mayor and commissioners would have created a hostile event out of something that is very positive.”
Firefighter salaries were cut between 5 and 12 percent. But after factoring in cuts to other bonuses for education or specialized jobs, union leaders say the actual cuts are more than double. Pensions were also capped at a $100,000 a year payout. The moves were designed to help close a $105 million city budget hole and avoid laying off one-third of the city’s workforce.
via At union’s request, Miami leaders stay away from new fire station – Miami-Dade – MiamiHerald.com.
October 13, 2010 Leave a comment
This should be an extraordinary place to enjoy. It is next door to the new Coral Gables Museum.
The Coral Gables Art Cinema Opens with Freakonomics
The Coral Gables Art Cinema will at long-last open to the public on Friday, October 15 for year-round operations with the Florida theatrical premiere of Freakonomics, the funny and insightful feature film based on the bestselling book that explores “the hidden side of everything.”
October 13, 2010 Leave a comment
(With sincere apologies to the 33 miners in Chile)
There are at least 33 Coral Gables and Miami-Dade taxpayers urgently needing rescue from steadily rising property taxes. Taxes are exhausting people’s savings, as gradually diminishing budgets are not furnishing them real financial relief.
The 33 taxpayers are praying for some comfort, but government managers, unions and employees are fighting to retain the inflated benefits dispensed by city commissions during ten years or more of unrealistic, mushrooming property values.
Since that wholly artificial prosperity will not be repeated in our lifetime, the 33 taxpayers urge the government to come back to earth, and make real, permanent and significant budget cuts while the economy returns to normal in five or six years.
That is the first great step in the rescue of the 33 taxpayers.
Coral Gables Watch 