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The Martin County

  Defender

The e-newsletter for aware citizens – No. 74

A clear-eyed view of the District 1 race …..

With only a couple of exceptions, readers were pleased with our report in DEFENDER No. 73 on the national financial meltdown, and its implications for Martin County.  We stated:

“New twists in regulations and financing will trickle down to Martin County. We expect, or at least hope, that our locally elected officials know enough about the law and about financial management to be capable of looking out for all Martin residents. So if we want at least one commissioner to be well versed in the arcane skills that will be sorely needed in the days ahead, it makes good sense to elect Joan Wilcox in District 1.”

A number of readers tuned in to the fact that the rules governing financial administration will be more complex than ever before, and that a commissioner with exceptional qualifications would be a great asset for the county. Here is one letter we received:

Mr. R: I usually don’t agree with your editorials, but your issue 73 explanation about the need to elect a commissioner with good legal and financial management credentials made sense. I was going to vote for her opponent, but after I went to the Joan Wilcox web site [www.joanwilcox08.com] I decided to vote for her. Her qualifications are super and as you say sorely needed.

It’s heartening to see citizens rise above preconceived political preferences for the good of the county.

….. Versus the view of a smear crew

I have been receiving a few mean spirited, similarly worded comments, the result of an apparent concerted effort, to smear Commission District 1 candidate Joan Wilcox, and to support Tom Fullman. None of them deal with Wilcox’s exceptional experience in financial management, experience that is so badly needed on the Commission. Rather they … well, here are samples to see for yourself:

Joan is a very ambitious lady, need I say more.

She was the supposed “brains” behind her husband when he was a commissioner because he was dumb as a stump.

Are you sure God didn’t tell you to vote for the spoiler Wilcox? 

Wilcox has the typical nasty Republican outlook on life just like her dipstick husband.

Of course, venomous accusations tell a lot more about the accuser than the accused. Nevertheless, following Journalism 101, I tried to uncover facts. I exchanged e-mails with one of the scornful crew:

Ms. H: Who the hell knows who Joan is? (the Spoiler) Do you really think Joan is going to do what you and your people want her to? She has her own agenda.

Editor: Thank you for your comments. As to “She has her own agenda,” could you please be specific about what that agenda is? And what evidence do you have to support your contention?

Ms. H:  I will get back to you on that!  [Never heard from her again – Ed.]

I suspect that Mr. Fullman has not known of these baseless smears, but he knows now. He would be raising the level of political discourse if he told such desperate  supporters to knock off their toxic innuendos.

Unseat the Justice who doesn’t trust citizens

Unlike the straightforward election of local judges, a relatively complex appointment process is set forth in the Florida Constitution for selection of Supreme Court Justices. It requires the creation of a Judicial Nominating Commission composed of persons appointed to staggered four year terms, representing various interests. The Commission must submit to the Governor of Florida between three and six names for each vacancy on the court, from which the Governor selects the new Justice. The Governor’s selection is final and requires no further approval by any governmental body.

After appointment, the new Justice must face statewide voters in the next general election that is more than one year after the date of initial appointment. In this “merit retention” election, voters decide only if the new Justice will remain in office. If not retained in office, the Governor appoints a replacement through the same Judicial Nominating Commission process. After this first merit retention election, Justices face the voters in the same type of merit retention election every six years thereafter until they leave or reach retirement age.

An interesting case, Strand v. Escambia County, was decided last year by the Florida Supreme Court.  Under political pressure, it recently reversed itself. The case revolved around whether the County could issue bonds without the approval of a popular vote. On Sept. 6, 2007, the Supreme Court decided: “We conclude that the County is without authority to issue these bonds without first obtaining approval by referendum as required by article VII, section 12 of the Florida Constitution.”

After extensive lobbying by government officials (technically called amicus curiae briefs) who want to hold the purse strings, the Supreme Court on Sept. 18, 2008 changed its mind and said that counties could load debt on its citizens without their approval.  One Justice who voted against citizen control was Justice Charles T. Wells, who was first appointed in 1994. He is up for retention election. That gives us the opportunity to let the court, and everyone else, know that we do not approve of removing debt control from citizens.

Express your disapproval on the Nov. 4 ballot by voting NOT to retain Justice Wells.

Stuart Group V Commission race

In DEFENDER No. 72, we noted the entry of challenger Robert Steinberg in the race for the Group V Stuart City Commission.  The platform of incumbent Mary K. Hutchinson, running for re-election, has become available. It lists her accomplishments, and her efforts to increase a sense of community in Stuart.

Among Ms. Hutchinson’s goals for the next two years are to use her financial background to keep the City on a sound, fiscal policy, and to push for tougher environmental regulations. She plans to work with the Business Development Board to assist current businesses to grow. A more detailed copy of the platform may be obtained by contacting Ms. Hutchinson at:

mk@hutchinsonartgallery.com

Both candidates agree on various issues, but there is a difference in emphasis. Mr. Steinberg appears more concerned about homeowner protection against increasing density, while Ms. Hutchinson appears more focused on furthering business growth.

COUNTY VOTER REGISTRATION EXCEEDS 100,000

For the first time, the number of registered Martin County voters has passed 100,000. This includes Republicans 50.2%; Democrats 28.8%; Others 21.0%.

NEWSPAPER ENDORSEMENT PREDICTABILITY – 100%

The Stuart News has endorsed all three Commission candidates running on the Republican ticket. The Palm Beach Post has endorsed all three Commission candidates running on the Democratic ticket. What else is new?

HUMBLING THOUGHT OF THE DAY: “No one likes the media. Even the media doesn’t like the media.” – National columnist Peggy Noonan

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HOBE SOUND ANIMAL PROTECTION LEAGUE

4^TH ANNUAL PAWS FOR A CAUSE

***** PRESS RELEASE *****

The Hobe Sound Animal Protection League (HSAPL) is proud to announce their 4^th Annual Paws for a Cause fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 1^st from Noon to 4 PM at the Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary in Palm City.

Hobe Sound Animal Protection League is a non-profit 501 c (3) no-kill feline rescue and adoption shelter.   With the public’s support our organization has made vast strides toward educating the residents on the Treasure Coast about the humane choices they can make to help in the battle against overpopulation of unwanted pets. Since 2001 we have spayed and neutered over 600 cats in various colonies in Martin County and placed over 400 cats/kittens in “forever homes,” but there is still a lot of work to be done.

Last year we raised over $20,000 at our Paws for a Cause fundraiser.  We have a goal of $30,000 for this year.   We have plans to expand our sanctuary to provide more forever homes for those that cannot be adopted and a safe place for those to stay temporarily until they find their “forever homes.”   We want to increase the number of spay/neuter events that we hold throughout the Treasure Coast to continue our battle against overpopulation of unwanted pets.  

Our 4^th Annual Paws for a Cause fundraiser will be an exciting and fun event for everyone.   Activities for the kids include; arts & crafts, a petting zoo, face painting and much more.   For the adults, there will be a silent auction, door prizes, a raffle, music and delicious food.  Tours will be offered of this unique facility with an opportunity to meet many of our feline residents.  The ticket price is $25 and free admission for all children under age 16 when accompanied by an adult.   All donations are 100% tax deductible.

We need the community’s support as we are planning this exciting event.  We are actively seeking sponsors as well as items for our silent auction.   All donations are tax deductible.  We are very happy to announce that we have received our first Platinum Sponsor, Lisa Hughes of Hobe Sound and Washington.  The cats and everyone at HSAPL thank her for her generous support and contribution.   Please contact Peggy Hart at 772-221-8250 or k9chaos@bellsouth.net for further information on how you can get involved.  To learn more about Hobe Sound Animal Protection League please visit our website at:  www.hsapl.org .

For further PR information please contact: 

Allison Adair, aadair7@aol.com, 305-790-9993 (cell)

The Martin County

  Defender

The e-newsletter for aware citizens – No. 73

ENOUGH BLAME TO GO AROUND

Martin County and the national meltdown of the financial market structure

What happened?

Greed, poor control and unrealistic sky’s-the-limit optimism is what happened. The public happily trusted the decisions of the power structure that refused to face reality. Conservatives wanted loose regulation to unchain ambitious entrepreneurial efforts. They wanted easy money to fuel fast growth, more profits and higher stock prices. Liberals wanted the same easy money for different reasons. They wanted more funding for costly new social programs and centralized control. They wanted more union jobs. Republicans and Democrats united! A variety of people with special agendas wanted low interest money for affordable housing and other good works. So almost everyone was on board.

Banks were pressed (Community Reinvestment Act of 1977, updated) to extend credit to subprime borrowers unable to repay loans. The Federal Reserve kept pumping air into the balloon with low interest rates. Congress went on a spending binge. Washington created private corporations (Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac), which then acted as if they were a U.S. Treasury Santa Claus. Banking and stock exchange regulators couldn’t see financial excess when it stared in their faces.

Debt ratings services were wantonly blind. Investment house execs took home $50 million/yr as they drove their firms over the cliff. Speculators and developers took advantage of the situation. It became too easy to unload semi-worthless loans. Consumers were on a credit card buying spree. Politicians and officials catered to special interests instead of thinking of the consequences forMain Street. The few dissenting voices of caution were drowned out as the real estate industry pooh-poohed warnings. Then the bubble burst. The day of reckoning had come.

Somehow we will get out of the current national financial mess, but there is a lesson to be learned; namely, that down to the lowest governmental levels, we must think for ourselves. To the extent possible, we need to implement realistic policies that offer a measure of stability instead of boom and bust. This is one more key reason for advocating slow growth, for protecting the Comp Plan, and for more tightly controlled county spending.

Martin County.

We expect, or at least hope, that our locally elected officials know enough about the law and about financial management to be capable of looking out for all Martin residents. Of the fourteen Primary and General Election ballot candidates for the Commission this year, only two have the background experience needed in the days ahead: Henry Copeland and Joan Wilcox. Both are lawyers, and both have extensive training and experience in financial management. Copeland is out of the race, so if we want at least one commissioner to be well versed in the arcane skills that will be sorely needed in the days ahead, it makes good sense to elect Joan Wilcox in District 1.

CITIZENS GET THE CHANCE TO DECIDE

Constitutional amendments on the ballot

There are six Amendments to the Florida Constitution on the 2008 ballot numbered 1 to 8, with Amendment numbers 5 and 7 knocked out by the court. No. 1 is proposed by the Legislature; No. 2 by Initiative Petition. All the rest are proposed by the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. Here is a quick survey of them.

No. 1: “Declaration of Rights” – It would eliminate the archaic constitutional authority that allows the Legislature to prevent foreigners from owning property. Elimination seems like the right thing to do.

No. 2: “Florida Marriage Protection Amendment” – It defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman. Period. Opponents claim it wrongly eliminates gay rights. Proponents claim it prevents radical changes in our long established social-legal structure. It’s a question of special civil rights vs. the risk of unintended consequences from dramatic change.

No. 3: “Changes and Improvements Not Affecting the Assessed Value of Residential Real Property” – It exempts property owners from increased assessments for such improvements as renewable energy and storm shutters. On the one hand this Amendment encourages investment in upgrades that help the environment and reduce wind damage. On the other hand, it favors those who can afford such improvements, while poorer people may need to spend (if they can spend at all) on such non-exempt needed improvements as water, septic, electric equipment and roofs. It’s a desirable effect versus fairness. Take your pick.

No. 4: “Property Tax Exemption of Perpetually Conserved Land, Classification and Assessment of Land used for Conservation” – The basic idea is to motivate land owners to encumber environmentally sensitive land with perpetual conservation protections in exchange for tax exemption. This can be great or terrible, depending on how the enabling law will be worded. The devil is in the details. One hates to see the system gamed on occasion by far less than pristine preservation land. And how can an owner use his preservation land? Overall it’s worth a yes, but let’s watch for the follow-up details.

No. 6: “Assessment of Working Waterfront Property Based on Current Use” – When one or two industries are picked out (marinas and fishing in this case) for special tax breaks, it means that other equally deserving businesses and residents have to pick up the tax shortfall. This Amendment may be well intended, but such favoritism does not smell right.

No. 8: “Local Option Community College Funding” – It will further the ongoing efforts of some of those Tallahassee slickers to keep shifting the burden of higher education from the state to the already overburdened localities. Tell ‘em No Way!

A 60% majority vote is required to add an amendment to the Florida Constitution.

A POSITIVE STEP FOR MARTIN COUNTY

Life Sciences Consortium to nurture technology and education

The Martin County Future Group reports that on Sept. 25, 2008, the County, City, State, School Board, Hospital, and the College and University came together to celebrate the creation of the Martin County Consortium for Life Science Research and Technology Advancement. The Martin County Life Sciences Initiative represents collaboration among academia, business, government and healthcare organizations that hold a shared vision to nurture technology, education and innovation opportunities in Martin County.

The following representatives of the collaborating entities signed the Life Sciences Initiative:

Doug Smith, Chairman, Martin County Commission; Dr Edwin Massey, President, Indian River Sate College; Mark Robitaille, President, CEO Martin Memorial Health Systems; Sherry Plymale, Trustee, Florida Atlantic University; Laurie Gaylord, Chairman, Martin County School Board; Jeff Krauskopf, Mayor, City of Stuart; Neil Subin, Mayor, Sewall’s Point;  Peter Kemp, President, Business Development Board; Ed Weinberg, Chairman Economic Council;  Gail Myers, Councilwoman, Town of Ocean Breeze Park; Catherine McKenzie, Chairman, Workforce Development Board.

Good luck, folks. We hope residents will enthusiastically support this effort to provide economic diversity to our community..

ARE THEY BAD BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO GOOD?

City and county e-mail firewalls

We sent an inquiry to a City of Stuart Commissioner at her official e-mail address. She never received it because, we are told, “the City has a very strong firewall and a lot of emails do not make it thru.”  We question whether it makes sense to block valid citizen communications to officials, even unintentionally, just to block some junk mail.

Martin County has wisely chosen not to impose the kind of firewall that blocks citizen e-mails. So commissioners may have to hit the delete key more often, but more importantly, citizen e-mails reach them.

IT MAKES OUR EYES ROLL (AND STOMACH HEAVE)

The Politician’s Assurance: “Accepting campaign contributions from special interests will not influence my vote.”

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Comments and requests to unsubscribe may be sent to this same address.

Al

Al Forman, Editor                                  9/30//08

The Martin County Defender is published and Copyright 2008 by WordsmithAmerica,

All previous issues of the Defender are archived at our website:

www.MartinCountyDefender.com