Don’t Tighten Economic Policies Too Soon

September 9, 2010 Leave a comment

There are many articles about the threat of a double-dip recession and the danger to react with the wrong policies now.  The example of Japan’s lost-15 years is mentioned by the author of the FT article and highlights that the government and monetary authorities were too slow to react to sluggish growth and underestimated the effort that was needed to overcome many years of off-and-on growth.

There are three dangers right now that could hurt the world economy–1) the European debt crisis; 2) countries effecting fiscal and monetary restrictions too soon; and 3) slow growth across many countries increase unemployment.

Conclusion:  monetary and fiscal authorities should not be too quick to deal with fiscal (deficit) and monetary growth (potential inflation) concerns until growth is re-established.

via FT.com / Markets / Insight – Japanese lessons on ill-timed fiscal tightening.

Filed under Coral Gables, Economy, International

The Granada Park Pomegranate: An International Jigsaw Puzzle

September 8, 2010 Leave a comment

A little different kind of post.

If you have driven along Granada near the University of Miami you will see the beautiful Pomegranate sculpture gifted to the city of Coral Gables by the city of Granada, Spain.  I had the opportunity to follow the original installation of the multi-pieced carving by Public Works Department.  The process of lining up the various pieces involved inserting ice between the heaviest pieces and lining them up slowly as the ice melts.  Human ingenuity.

I am sure that the city looks forward to the visit of Mayor of Granada to inaugurate this interesting product of the Sister Cities Program.

Filed under Community

The Coming Coral Gables Campaign: My Modest Suggestion

September 7, 2010 Leave a comment

This website is offered as a neutral place for information and exchange among candidates for mayor and commissioner in Coral Gables.  I intend to undertake candidate and citizen interviews during the campaign and post them on this site.

Also, I think it is urgent that important local organizations organize important forums where candidates can appear and be given significant time to explain their programs and take questions.  The new Coral Gables Museum might be a good place for these events.

I welcome suggestions and I would be glad to cooperate personally with others who have the same ideas.

Filed under Coral Gables

Simple Acts of Citizen Engagement for the City of Coral Gables

September 7, 2010 1 Comment

What kinds of new citizen engagement could be undertaken in Coral Gables that would increase community participation and input into the most important decision of the community.

Here are some simple community initiatives for the city manager and the commission that would cost little to do.

  • Send out an email to the citizens announcing all meetings of boards, committees and the commission; similar distribute agendas and minutes.
  • Send via email or included in the the city’s website results information on the execution of the budget.
  • During the year organize a series of public forums in neighborhoods on the annual budget and to report on important investments and spending.
  • Have meeting with business groups and citizens to discuss the economic and business future of Coral Gables (UM could be asked to lead the discussions.).
  • Create an online forum so people could contribute ideas the city (civility required).
  • Make public presentations by the city manager and department directors to explain their work.

Please contribute your ideas to this list.

Filed under Community, Coral Gables, Management

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