Only in Lake Worth

Tears only come when the low lifes get caught!

2009-02-13T16:40:00.002-05:00

Renee Rodriguez's bond was revoked this morning and is closer to where he belongs!
"Assistant state attorney Adam McMichael said there was "probable cause" to charge him with driving under a suspended license, leaving the scene of a fatal crash, and "ultimately, DUI manslaughter," in Wednesday's crash."

Day Laborers with Murky Immigration Status for Hire in Lake Worth

2009-02-12T15:10:00.005-05:00

Day Laborers with Murky Immigration Status for Hire in Lake Worth
By Amy Guthrie in Business, Palm Beach

Post your opinion regarding our day labor center's success on the link below.

Link

Running from Vehicular Manslaughter!

2009-02-12T12:04:00.005-05:00

As reported tonight Rodriguez has been stopped twice before for driving with a suspended drivers license! As we can see this did little to deter Rodriguez from getting behind the wheel and cause this fatal crash. He should be jailed without bond and the maximum penalty imposed......No mercy for this low life!

"Sun Sentinel
February 12, 2009

A 23-year-old man ran a red light in an SUV early Wednesday, crashed into a car and killed the driver, then tried to escape, investigators said. But a witness caught him.

Renee Rodriguez, of Lake Worth, was headed south on Federal Highway about 6 a.m. when he crashed into a Toyota driven by JoAnn Padilla, 49, of West Palm Beach, east on Lake Avenue, deputies said.

Rodriguez then tried flee but hit Padilla's car again, as well as several street signs and a pole before stopping, deputies said. He ran on foot, but a witness caught him and brought him back to the scene, the Sheriff's Office said.

Padilla died at the scene. Charges are pending against Rodriguez. Investigators suspect alcohol was a factor in the crash."

We can only hope that justice is served!

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The Gumball Presentation

2009-02-12T11:45:00.000-05:00

Obama and Democratic Stimulus Sellout

2009-02-12T11:31:00.001-05:00

"Roy Beck, President, NumbersUSA"

IT'S FINAL -- Stimulus Jobs Have to be Shared with Illegal Aliens -- Banks Can Replace U.S. Workers
All protections for U.S. workers were stripped from the Stimulus Bill tonight. Illegal aliens can be hired at the same rate as usual.

House Speaker Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Reid and the Obama White House were absolutely certain about one thing for the House/Senate negotiating committee on the Stimulus Bill:

* There was to be no special restriction to keep illegal aliens from getting new jobs created by the bill at a cost of $250,000 to $500,000 each."

FAX to Obama via NumbersUSA:

President Barack Obama
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Obama:

The American people are hurting and instead of helping them, you have decided to work against them by working behind closed doors to modify the economic stimulus package. I hope you realize that your actions have harmed millions of American workers.

How can you and your Democratic colleagues on the Stimulus Package Conference Committee oppose two House amendments that would protect American and legal immigrant workers and a Senate amendment that would prevent banks which have received stimulus funds from importing unnecessary H-1B foreign workers? Don't you want to help America's struggling, less fortunate, and downtrodden?

The House amendments would have reauthorized the E-Verify system for a period of five years and mandated its use by any business or locality that receives stimulus funds. How can you find these amendments so objectionable? Don't you wish to help unemployed Americans? The E-Verify system is tried and tested and has a 99.5% success rate; it is the best tool American workers have in ensuring they receive a fair chance at acquiring a job. Or would you rather ensure that illegal alien workers have a fair chance of receiving tax-payer funded stimulus jobs?

The Senate amendment, cosponsored by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Charles Grassley, would have prevented banks that receive stimulus funds from hiring H-1B workers for a period of one year. This would ensure that American workers are the first to receive stimulus-funded jobs in financial institutions. What part of this amendment did you find so objectionable?

One of your major campaign promises was to run the White House in an open and honest fashion. I do not believe that holding meetings behind closed doors with the intent of harming American workers is the best way for you to live up to these promises.

Go to NumbersUSA link on right to send your fax!

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Honorable protesters don't whine..Panagioti Tsolkas!

2009-02-08T12:49:00.007-05:00

I couldn't begin to write this as well as the Dan Moffett from the Palm Beach Post so I will quote the article as written:

"Dishonoring civil disobedience

By Dan Moffett
Palm Beach Post Columnist

Sunday, February 08, 2009

What name does not belong?

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mahatma Gandhi. Cesar Chavez. Panagioti Tsolkas.

If you answered Gandhi, you're right. All the others are Americans. But you get extra credit if you answered Panagioti Tsolkas. The others understood the power of civil disobedience and used it to force social reforms. For Mr. Tsolkas, Palm Beach County's most devoted anarchist, civil disobedience means throwing a public tantrum to show contempt for things he is certain deserve contempt. For him, that amounts to just about everything.

Last week, Mr. Tsolkas, 27, began serving a 60-day jail sentence for three misdemeanor convictions from a protest last February against Florida Power & Light's West County Energy Center project. He and dozens of others tied themselves together with chicken wire and formed a human chain that shut down Southern Boulevard for hours. It took about 100 sheriff's deputies to reopen the road.

Mr. Tsolkas and his followers, including a protester who got 30 days, left the courtroom claiming that County Judge Laura Johnson had committed an unconscionable breach of justice. How was it, they complained, that two "community activists" received jail time for minor charges such as unlawful assembly and trespassing?

"This is the United States of America!" cried one supporter. Apart from its geographic precision, the remark was an unwittingly appropriate reflection of the moment in historical context. Judge Johnson's sentences were as American as it gets, and extended the legacy of the many distinguished and committed citizens who have gone to jail for acts of civil disobedience.

The difference between the ranks of the legitimately committed from other eras and Mr. Tsolkas' camp, however, is in the whining. Honorable protesters don't whine; they accept the consequences of their decision to break minor laws in order to advance higher causes.

In fact, the willingness to go to jail and sacrifice personal freedom for greater purpose is a common characteristic of all great activists. They wouldn't pout over a 60-day sentence they knew they had coming. Mr. Tsolkas and his associates deserved what they got because they had prior convictions for other minor offenses. Five other Everglades Earth First! protesters who had no records got probation. The judge was sublimely reasonable.

The FPL protest may have been nonviolent but it also was disruptive and expensive. It frustrated commuters and left taxpayers with at least $50,000 in cleanup costs. Mr. Tsolkas and his colleagues also wasted the time of two public defenders who concocted a grandiose defense theory that linked blocking Southern Boulevard to halting global warming.

All this compromised the credibility of the protesters, who have legitimate environmental issues about the FPL plant. Instead of drawing attention to those concerns, they made themselves the story with a self-congratulatory display of slapstick narcissism.

Four years ago, Mr. Tsolkas ran for mayor of Lake Worth. Apparently, anarchism isn't what it used to be either. Mr. Tsolkas told The Post Editorial Board that, in the unlikely event he were elected, he would abolish the police department and replace it with a system where "citizens would police themselves." Afghanistan has a similar plan in place.

Lake Worth voters have made a number of questionable decisions in recent years, but rejecting Mr. Tsolkas' non-platform platform wasn't one of them. Still, he is a better candidate than a protester.

Anarchists make terrible activists. After the street theater is over, they have no second act. For Dr. King and Gandhi, the second act was all that mattered."

I don't always agree with the PB Post but this said it all so well.

Link

Bobby B's got a new playground!

2009-01-25T01:03:00.006-05:00

Bobby B's going to take his wonderful management skills to another playground. Now this is one that he might be able to manage only 29,000 residents, 166 city employees and a budget of $55 million in Dania Beach.
What a cut from Lake Worth's 40,000 residents, 650 city employees and budget of $140 million which seemed to overwhelm the limits of his skills.
Good lucky Bobby we all wish you the best and hope you can keep up with your new playground. We also wish Dania Beach lot's of luck with Bobby B.

Visit the Dania Beach website below and see what a website should look like. In today's world your online presentation is an extension of your capabilities technically. Would would you send out a dysfunctional representative for your city? Well Lake Worth in another of it's ill advised moves promotes lakeworth.org as our online representative which is a dysfunctional and mismanaged site. Where is the IT department? The Lake Worth site is full of broken links, outdated postings and amateurish design, it looks like something from 15 years ago!

Dania Beach

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Is Lake Worth's Assistant City Manager overpaid?

2009-01-24T12:51:00.015-05:00

A request of public records and the result leaves a few questions regarding the ability of our city to work within the bounds of it's position definition and the reality of the contract agreed to by our city. If you check the job description provided by Human Resources and the contract you may feel the fuzz in the math being used. Note the Job description high & low salary range and the bloated contract amount. Finance would not provide any information stating everything was right there in the documents received.View the documents and make your own conclusion.
First the job description (Click to enlarge):

Next the contract:

It's not wonder that our city is in financial distress. It would be a real awakening If all contracts were reviewed. Calculations come up with around a $50,000. difference in wage only.
Please tell me the calculations are incorrect and it it's not are we really getting what we are paying for?

Provide me with some feedback on this.

Thanks

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Dania Beach wants Baldwin

2009-01-21T13:58:00.004-05:00

The Sun Sentinel reported that Dania Beach has selected Baldwin as it's selection for City Manager. This would be a much better fit as Dania Beach has 29,000 residents, 166 city employees and a budget of $55 million considerably less than the City of Lake Worth. It is also much closer to Baldwin's home which means he might show up for work on a regular basis. Go for it Bob!!

Sun Sentinel article:

"DANIA BEACH - The Dania Beach city commission has selected Lake Worth city manager Robert Baldwin as its next city manager.

Baldwin, who has been working for Lake Worth since 2007, was a town manager for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea for 12 years, an administrator for the Broward Sheriff's Office, and also previously worked for the cities of Hollywood, Sunrise and Fort Lauderdale.

"He's just got tremendous experience," said commissioner John Bertino before voting at the special meeting Tuesday night. "I thought hands down, he was the guy for us."

Baldwin, previously responsible for 40,000 residents, 650 city employees and a budget of $140 million in Lake Worth, will now be responsible for 29,000 residents, 166 city employees and a budget of $55 million in Dania Beach.

During interviews, Baldwin, a Fort Lauderdale resident, revealed one of the reasons he was interested in the position was the shorter commute so he could spend more time with his family.

According to the job posting, the Dania Beach city manager's starting salary will be between $120,000 and $160,000, depending on negotiations, said Colin Baenzinger, a management-recruiting consultant.

He tried to call Baldwin after the meeting at Dania Beach city hall but couldn't reach him. "He's in the middle of a city commission meeting over there," Baenzinger said.

After narrowing the list to a final five, commission members on Saturday interviewed the candidates individually and then as a group. The applicants were either contacted by Baenzinger's company or responded to Dania Beach advertisements for the position.

The four other final candidates from Florida included:

Russell Benford, city administrator of West Park; John Drago, city administrator for Longwood; Sarah Hannah, assistant town manager of Palm Beach; and Ronald McLemore, city manager of Winter Springs."

Good Luck Bob!

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak

2009-01-18T11:54:00.005-05:00

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. At this time, the FDA has traced one likely source of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures both peanut butter that is institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias, and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that is distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream.

Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak....read more

Let Baldwin leave NOW!

2009-01-07T15:52:00.015-05:00

Baldwin our work from home City Manager wants to leave, never wanted the job from the get go. So let him leave NOW! Does anyone really think that someone with one foot out the door will give our city the 100% that is necessary to dig this city out of the mess it is currently in?

We have a good selection of local candidates that have proven over and over their loyalties remain in the best interest of our city. William Coakley is one of these people who has worked to enlighten the residents of many of the wrongdoings our ill-advised city officials were trying to pass on to to us.

Let Baldwin GO and hire Mr. Coakley as Interim City Manager! It's a win-win for the city to finally have someone intelligent enough and cares enough to manage our city.

01/06/09 Commission Meeting Audio

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Time for Retha Lowe to GO!

2009-01-02T14:01:00.006-05:00

After reading the article for the second time in the Palm Beach Post the lack of follow-up on the part of the city concerns me. How does this city justify ignoring the implications that Lowe's misstatements and omissions intended to deceive the public is acceptable behavior for a city official.
Lowe's "This was just a mistake" and the fact that her constant state of confusion regarding important matters brought before the dais is justification enough to ask for her resignation. Lowe if you make obvious mistakes regarding your own election funding, just how many mistakes have you made with city funds your vote influenced?

Lowe your time has passed you have fouled up the City of Lake Worth long enough ~ it's time to go!

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Is a fraudulent charge included on your monthly phone bill?

2008-12-31T17:00:00.016-05:00

with Enhanced Services Billing Inc.

Is a fraudulent charge included on your monthly telephone bill?
IMPORTANT: Check your phone bills thoroughly so you don’t get ripped off!

Enhanced Services Billing Inc. working conjunctively with at&t, verizon and other corporate giants are defrauding customers out of millions of dollars $14.95 monthly at a time.

Today I received my at&t bill and after checking the billing summary of charges (which I don’t do often unless the bill is unusually high) I found a charge from Enhanced Services Billing Inc. for $14.95.

Enhanced Services Billing Inc. $14.95 + taxes couldn’t help thinking what the hell is this for so after calling the 888# listed for the company and playing the phone wait, hold, listen to elevator music game was finally speaking to a Heather ? at which time asked her what this charge was for and why it was on my at&t bill?

She said it was for dial-up service ~ but wait a minute I already pay at&t for my internet service and it’s not dial up. When asked who signed up for their service she told me Eric Paulk requested the service. Hey honey that’s not me and don’t even know who that is! How could someone not on the account or answer security information sign up for a service that I didn’t need or want? She said “maybe it was a typo” and if I would request a credit, but only for the last 3 months.

I told her to take it off and I was going to call at&t, she said she would and she was sorry. Oh yea that makes me feel soooo much better.

Next call was to at&t, another 20 minute wait to speak to someone named Trey? He said at&t has no control over 3^rd party services added to my phone service with THEM. Oh bull crap, at&t collects the money and pays the 3^rd party companies don’t they? Does at&t make interest on the money paid to them for 3^rd party services before they pay them? Poor Trey didn’t know that, in fact he couldn’t answer half of the questions asked. He did agree to credit 3 months of the charges to my account, great what about the 15 months of previous charges?

Well you should always check your bill before paying them. Got me there Trey, my fault, IT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN!

Everyone take the time to check your invoices, because the corporate world will shaft you if given the opportunity.

Google “Enhanced Services Billing Inc” this is going on all over the country.

Informative Link
or

Another Link

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Survived by his......! by Alan King 1987

2008-12-30T16:14:00.004-05:00

Something for thought....brought to you by From Funny stuff on the net.

New HealthBeat outdoor fitness systems at Bryant Park

2008-12-29T11:51:00.024-05:00

Great news for the health enthusiasts in Lake Worth new HealthBeat outdoor fitness systems have been planted where the bocce court used to be. That would be just south of the children’s wood structure playing area. It’s actually a great area to exercise your body with a great view of the unofficial Lake Worth Marina in sight and a nice breeze off the water. It also has cover to protect you from direct sunlight and rain. The equipment looks to be professional grade and worth a try-out for those who are interested in fitness. I was able to try out some of the equipment but was limited due to a computer keyboard super glued to my right hand by a *disgruntled exgirlfriend, but that’s another story.

The equipment includes workout for the AB’s/Legs, Cardio Stepper, Arms, etc.: take a look the photos and stop down and give it a try. It certainly is an upgrade from what was available previous to this equipment and credit should be given to the person/s that inspired the upgrade.

*disgruntled- sorry just had to use that word ever since Mayor Jeffy refused to respond to a complaint because he said I was disgruntled…

Why does Lake Worth have an Assistant City Manager?

2008-12-22T03:11:00.007-05:00

Why does Lake Worth have an Assistant City Manager? Does she merit her large salary?

Assistant City Manager Job Description:
The responsibilities of the Assistant City Manager include supervision of the City Manager's office staff; direction of administrative and internal operational services of the City; budget development; City Council staff support; agenda development; administrative policy development; community information and ombudsman services; heading City-wide task forces; and legislative analysis. The Assistant also serves as the City Manager in the City Manager's absence.

The successful candidate will possess the communication and interpersonal skills needed to work effectively with elected officials, City staff, and members of the community; and will have strong verbal, written and analytical skills. Prior experience in, and knowledge of, municipal administrative support functions and/or program operations.

Why does Lake worth continue to pay for ?? I still don't know what does Laura J. Hannah really does for the the large salary she receives?

Is the new labor center working?

2008-12-11T15:28:00.012-05:00

Driving down Lake & Lucerne Avenue this am this is what I was able to see and photograph while driving. As much as I would like to believe that the center is working we still have to many free agents out there on the street. This is one of 6 pics I took.
Wasn't the labor center program started to stop the illegals from solicitating off the streets?

Petition to President-Elect Obama to Reject Amnesty for Illegal Aliens.

2008-12-11T14:36:00.014-05:00

"Repeatedly on the campaign trail, President-Elect Obama pledged to be a strong advocate for America's workers, particularly to help get the unemployed back to work. Yet, the Obama staff
continue to proclaim support for legalizing the estimated 7 million illegal foreign workers (plus their families). These illegal workers are primarily in the construction, service and manufacturing jobs, but also in the higher skilled jobs, being actively sought by the 10 million officially unemployed Americans.

A legalization program would permanently remove 7 million jobs from being available for American workers. We the undersigned urge President-Elect Obama (1) to reject legalization and (2) to make vulnerable Americans your priority, mandating workplace verification to open up millions of jobs to U.S. citizens and lawfully present immigrants.

Click here to sign the petition!

Does the CRA generate an income?

2008-12-11T13:53:00.001-05:00

Joan Oliva the Executive Director of CRA has via a handpicked staff member of the CRA been given a substantial increase in pay. Say NO now to the CRA and Lake worth Administration. The city does not have the resources to fund another big dollar give away. Click on this link to send your e-mail to the CRA and Lake Worth Administrators TODAY! Note if you want to use another e-mail account right click on link / copy e-mail addresses and paste them into the To: section of the compose email in another account! Mine was emailed today.... Click to read