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 18, 2010 Leave a comment
Sponsor/Originator: The Florida Legislature
Title on Ballot: Homestead ad valorem tax credit for
deployed military personnel
Official Summary: Proposing an amendment to the
State Constitution to require the Legislature to provide
an additional homestead property tax exemption
for members of the United States military or military
reserves, the United States Coast Guard or its
reserves, or the Florida National Guard who receive
a homestead exemption and were deployed in the
previous year on active duty outside the continental
United States, Alaska, or Hawaii in support of military
operations designated by the Legislature. The exempt
amount will be based upon the number of days in the
previous calendar year that the person was deployed.
The amendment is scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2011.
What it would do: Instruct the Legislature to enact an
additional homestead exemption for Florida homeowners
on active military service outside the country. The size
of the tax break would be based on the amount of time
served overseas in the previous year.
Arguments for: Military personnel based overseas
are performing important services for our country at
considerable sacrifice. This amendment would help
compensate them for that service.
Arguments against: Providing an additional exemption
to certain property owners would reduce tax collections
by hard-pressed local governments.
October 18, 2010 Leave a comment
Sponsor/Originator: The Florida Legislature
Title on Ballot: Repeal of public campaign financing
requirement
Official Summary: Proposing the repeal of the
provision in the State Constitution that requires
public financing of campaigns of candidates for elective
statewide office who agree to campaign spending limits
What it would do: Amendment 1 would end the
constitutional requirement for taxpayer financing of
political campaigns.
Arguments for: The state is experiencing tight financial
times. It makes no sense to spend taxpayers’ money
to subsidize campaigns when candidates can raise the
money themselves.
Arguments against: The people voted overwhelmingly
for the present public financing requirement 13 years
ago. Public financing reduces the effect of money on
politics and can open the door for candidates to run
without big-money backers.
Coral Gables Watch 