Miami-Dade and Coral Gables: Our Awards Society

September 5, 2010 1 Comment

If all of the people and organizations that receive awards and recognition of some sort every year, this would be a society populated by philanthropists, unselfish leaders, small and large business dynamos, moral and ethical politicians, alleviators of poverty, hunger and injustice.  In short, we would have an amazing place of progress and achievement.

I am one who is astonished by the proliferation of awards, prizes and decorations given out by nonprofits, community organizations and societies based more on wealth and special connections and politics than achievements and real contributions.  Such awards should be given their proper weight by us all.  (It is not worth mentioning any particular award to not offend those few who deserved their recognition for good social and community works.)

Filed under Community, Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County

Unions Have Lost Their Way in Miami-Dade and Coral Gables

September 2, 2010 Leave a comment

Police and firefighter unions in South Florida (and in many municipalities across the US) have lost their way by refusing to negotiate salary and pension reductions and using delaying tactics to shield their unreasonable salaries and pensions.

If unions continue to insist on inciting the ire of voters and taxpayers then there is strong possibility that our union friends face will encounter the worst of both worlds– fewer numbers of firefighters and police AND  lower salaries and pensions.

The days of rising property values are a thing of the past so cities will not have the revenues to maintain existing salaries and pension packages of firefighters and police.  Time for union leaders and their member to wake up.

Filed under Coral Gables, Employees and Unions, Miami-Dade County

Coral Gables Writer’s Letter to the Editor about Taxes

September 2, 2010 Leave a comment

Please read a letter to the editor of the Miami Herald today.  Please note that the writer is from Coral Gables (that wealthy city  the Teamsters, Police and Firefighters’ Union and City Commission think can keep paying more and more taxes).

After studying my notice of proposed property taxes, I must say that county government has lost touch with reality. I know the laws under which officials operate are partially responsible. However, laws can be amended for changing times.

My home value went down 15 percent this year, and yet my proposed taxes have gone up 15 percent. I have less income because of the current financial situation and have had to tighten my belt — whereas our county government appears to be oblivious to the folks who pay their salaries, perks and pensions.

This will not continue indefinitely. We are fed up with the lack of respect for the folks who pay the bills for a bloated government.

ROGER SHATANOF, Coral Gables

via Homeowners say call it what it is — a tax increase – Letters to the Editor – MiamiHerald.com.

Filed under Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County, Taxes and Fees

Miami-Dade and Broward Voters Are Most Apathetic

September 1, 2010 Leave a comment

This doesn’t surprise anyone in South Florida.  Perhaps Coral Gables is among the worst participating voters.

The Secretary of State’s office said Monday turnout for the Aug. 24 primary was 21.9 percent. That’s not unusual in this state, where voters have a long history of low participation in midterm primaries.

In South Florida, the participation was even worse. In Miami-Dade and Broward counties, just 17.2 percent and 14.7 percent, respectively, voted. It wasn’t much better in neighboring Palm Beach County, which saw only 16.2 percent turnout.

via Slightly more than 1 in 5 in Florida went to polls – Florida AP – MiamiHerald.com.

Filed under Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County

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