Coral Gables Watch

“Obama rewards big bundlers with jobs,” a model for local politics

June 20, 2011 Leave a comment

This system of repayment and pervasive political corruption to pay off campaign contributions functions at the national level, all the way down to our city.

This explains the consistent indifference of local political leaders and the culture of secrecy applied to the views of the common citizen in matters of the budget, borrowing and spending.

More than two years after President Obama took office vowing to banish “special interests” from his administration, nearly 200 of his biggest donors have landed plum government jobs and advisory posts, won federal contracts worth millions of dollars for their business interests or attended numerous elite White House meetings and social events, an investigation by iWatch News has found.

These “bundlers” raised at least $50,000 and sometimes more than $500,000 in campaign donations for Obama’s campaign. Many of those in the “Class of 2008” are now being asked to bundle contributions for Obama’s re-election, an effort that could cost $1 billion.

via Obama rewards big bundlers with jobs, commissions, stimulus money, government contracts, and more | iWatch News.

Filed under Coral Gables, Finance, Politics, Transparency

City Commissioner–Where’s the Community Participation

June 19, 2011 Leave a comment

The city manager worked on his NRP for one year before he presented it to the City Commission. During that year he chose not to tell city staff, the City Commission, city boards and committees, or anyone else about his “vision” for the city. By working in complete secrecy, he broke an important, longstanding Coral Gables tradition of seeking and embracing input from residents in the formulation of major projects that have citywide implications. Then, in the NRP proposal, he launched a pre-emptive, personal attack on anyone who might dare to criticize or oppose his NRP by characterizing them as “naysayers,” “short-term thinkers,” and “vision killers.” His message was clear: Do not get in my way! The use of such tactics was inappropriate, alienating, and offensive.

via Letter: Gables spending plan bloated with needless projects – Coral Gables – MiamiHerald.com.

Filed under Coral Gables, Finance

My Naive Hopes for a Good City Agenda in Coral Gables

June 15, 2011 Leave a comment

Prepare and discuss an overall NEW AGENDA for the City of Coral Gables to face the major pending problems, such as unfunded benefits, taxation, staffing and organization;
City Manager should routinely report to taxpayers progress on the budget and organizational changes;
The city needs a new Code of Ethics;
Change the election dates for Coral Gables to coincide with national and state elections.
Prepare and publicly discussion a long-range financial plan for the City of Coral Gables
Target a freeze and/or reduce actual amount of taxes paid by citizens (not millage rates) during the next three years;
Accelerate a plan of reducing pensions and health benefits, especially for firefighters and police;
Prepare a plan and publicly discuss how to reduce unfunded pension liabilities during the next five years;
Have a community town hall meeting at least twice a year to discuss the budget and other current issues;
Develop a realistic and flexible agreement with the Biltmore that protects the taxpayers not just now, but in the coming years;
Undertake a review of financial mechanisms and the defective EDEN system to establish a modern, functional accounting of spending and revenues.

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Filed under Coral Gables, Miami-Dade County

Five Environmental Essentials for South Florida–Tropical Aududon Society

June 15, 2011 Leave a comment

I urge you to read this perfect examination of the five biggest environmental concerns for our community. Governor Scott is doing great damage to our environment.