Coral Gables | Coral Gables Watch

FYI: Rotary Club hosts mayoral candidates at Feb. 24 luncheon | Gables Home Page

February 18, 2011 Leave a comment

FEB 18 2011

The Rotary Club of Coral Gables will host the three candidates for mayor of Coral Gables at its luncheon meeting on Thursday, Feb. 24.

The panel will be moderated by Gene Witherspoon, who will address the candidates with specific questions collected in advance from members of the club and residents of Coral Gables. Gables voters will elect and mayor and two commissioners on April 12.

The luncheon beings at 12:15 p.m. and is open to the public, $22 per person. Free seats will be available for residents who want to hear the candidates but don’t want lunch; they should arrive at 12:45 p.m. for the forum.

For more information or to reserve a seat call 305-441-8063.

Rotary Club of Coral Gables meets for lunch every Thursday at 12:15 p.m. at the Westin Colonnade Hotel, 180 Aragon Ave.

via Rotary Club hosts mayoral candidates at Feb. 24 luncheon | Gables Home Page.

Filed under Coral Gables

Number of Police Down, Public Security Up in Coral Gables

February 17, 2011 Leave a comment

Many of us recently received an email from the city of Coral Gables showing that public security had greatly improved in the last year. This is really good news.

I have also heard that the city has not filled a number of positions (19 or so) in the police department.

Ergo–fewer police, more public safety. Is that right? What does do the overcompensated police and the police union have to say about those numbers.

In spite of an economic downturn that many experts believe will push crime rates higher, overall crime declined in Coral Gables last year. According to recent police data, the total offenses, total non-violent crimes and total violent crimes in Coral Gables each declined by 7 percent in calendar year 2010 compared to calendar year 2009. A category that increased in 2010 was thefts from buildings (office space with public access) which was 28% higher than 2009. The data shows that in 2010 compared to 2009 there were:

20% fewer burglaries

15% fewer attempted burglaries

31% fewer thefts of motor vehicles

13% fewer aggravated assaults

5% fewer robberies

50% fewer purse snatchings.

eNews of Coral Gables, Feb. 16

Filed under Coral Gables

Candidates Page Updated

February 14, 2011 Leave a comment

I have listed the websites that I know of for the candidates. There you will find their relevant “blah, blah, blah.” Some comments are more complete and forthcoming than others.

Filed under Coral Gables

List of Questions for the Candidates: Comments?

February 14, 2011 Leave a comment

I intend to submit these question and other questions to all candidates for mayor and commissioner? I welcome suggestions for other questions.

What do you think are the biggest challenges facing the city in the next two years? What are your main priorities?
Some cities (e.g. Boca Raton) have prepared long-range financial plans that are reviewed by its citizens. Would you support the preparation of a long-range financial plan for the city of Coral Gables that would be discussed with the public?
It has been commented that there a few conduits in Coral Gables for direct comments and communications by citizens on government plans and programs. Would you support measures to dramatically increase venues for community participation and comments on government budgets, problems and decisions? Would you support regular open town meetings of the commission and city manager with citizens on big issues?
The city of Coral Gables needs a new codes of ethics? Would you support the preparation of a new code of ethics for government in Coral Gables?
Will you commit yourself to stop tax increases–that is freeze our tax bills–in the next two or three years? Will you stop increase in fees?
Are you prepared to vigorously defend the taxpayers and the city’s budget against the Biltmore’s failure to pay its lease with the city?
Will you support an evaluation of financial management in Coral Gables and the defective EDEN system in order to establish a modern, functional accounting of spending and revenues, open to the public?
Will you support the preparation of a clear and publicly-discussed plan or strategy on how to reduce unfunded pension liabilities in Coral Gables?
Will you support a code of openness and participation in Coral Gables that proactively encourages these qualities in our city’s management?