The Key West and Lower Keys Democratic Club will host a Democratic Neighborhood Organizing workshop on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 7:00 PM at the VFW on North Roosevelt Blvd. Suzanne Woods will chair the meeting. Participants will learn a variety of options that will make it easy to approach friends and neighbors. We will practice with each other, so that we will be more comfortable when actually ringing doorbells.
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus Announces Henry Woods Memorial Award
The Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus has established the Henry Woods Memorial Award in recognition of his unselfish efforts as President of the Lambda Democrats and as well as the host of the most of Key West. It is our intention that the name Henry Woods will live on. He will be deeply missed and will always be remembered as we present the Henry Woods Memorial Award to the host chapter that is sponsoring each of our annual conferences as well special FDP conferences.
Michael A. Albetta
President
Florida GLBT Democratic Caucus
The 1st Award will be presented at the Annual Winter Conference of the GLBT Caucus in St. Petersburg on February 27th!
SEAT 2 - JILL ZIMA BORSKI
Can you support a Principle-Centered Incumbent?
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| Jill Zima Borski |
In 2008, I ran a successful election campaign with a slogan of "Let's Get it Done." I stepped up for public office because I was weary of waffling council members and their two steps forward, three steps back approach. I have gotten the job done over the past two years, with a hundred decisions impacting everyday lives. I would not change a single vote on any issue that council addressed, which shows my research into the matters at hand prior to voting. I can only "Get it Done" if I am confident in my decisions.
Secondly, I have consistently shown fairness and equity in my approach to decisions. In Monroe County politics, it is rare to find politicians who do not cater to a chosen few. This election, I am highlighting that I am "Principle Centered," a term stemming from the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. I have served with integrity and honesty and ask for two more years of serving the community.
One of my proudest achievements in the past two years was leading a hostile council into accepting the $4.4-million Florida Forever grant that purchased a nine-acre, waterfront parcel at mile marker 81.5 bayside that protected in perpetuity the endangered Key Tree Cactus. The parcel was one of eight known parcels with this particular plant species. To obtain the funding, I flew to Tallahassee with a small group of dedicated individuals, and Ron Saunders helped make our argument before the decision makers.
As a mom, I can tell my children of that achievement and my leadership in its acquisition, despite adversity. One reason I choose to serve is because I want Islamorada to remain a place where my children want to be in 15-20 years. I ask my fellow Democrats to consider contributing to my campaign, whether financially or through volunteering to make phone calls or even babysitting for a six- and nine-year-old while I make numerous public appearances in the coming weeks. The next five weeks are critical to my success. I ask for your assistance because, as you are aware, the bigger picture to everyone in the Keys is success in electing a community leader who advocates for the environment and carefully makes decisions based on the best information at hand and public interest.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jill Zima Borski
118 Coral Avenue, Tavernier (PK), FL 33070
305-852-9886
jzimakeys@aol.com
Political statement provided and approved by Jill Zima Borski, Candidate for Islamorada Village Council Seat 2
SEAT 4 - BOB JOHNSON
Why I am willing to serve on the Islamorada Village council again.
And why I'm asking for your help.
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| Bob Johnson |
Understandably, many Islamorada residents are currently questioning the direction, wisdom and leadership of our Village government, especially in relationship to their own financial well-being. There can be little doubt such concerns are well justified.
Since I left office four years ago, the number of employees has increased at least 25% and the village debt, now about 21 million dollars, keeps increasing. Our village manager costs us about $225,000, with perks. The average cost for each of the top ten employees is approximately $125,000. With a total of $5,811,911 for employee costs along with professional services of $2,630,559, the village has budgeted nearly $8.4 million for personnel this year. Notably, our top Village staff has been most generous with themselves. One would be hard pressed to find a comparably-sized community sporting similar numbers.
However, those problems pale in comparison to the 800-pound gorilla called wastewater. We must have a council with the political courage to insist upon a general policy of grants before plants. Moreover, I believe the State of Florida has a moral, ethical and legal obligation to honor the 50% wastewater funding agreement, negotiated in 2003/04. Without such funding 6,386 Islamorada residents will face the impossible financial burden of the cost, with projections now exceeding 200 million dollars. In the worst of times, we will still be facing $25,000 to $30,000 per home, sure to inflict financial hardship for some and economic ruin for others.
Even if our small community successfully reaches an agreement with the Key Largo Wastewater District for central sewers, the dire need for state and federal help doesn't go away, nor does the need for a more cost effective plan. Marathon's cost for central sewers is about half of our estimated price, while they will be serving nearly twice as many properties. Still, without at least 50% funding, decentralized systems may be more appropriate, significantly less expensive, and capable of allowing everybody the reuse of their own treated water.
Other political and economic issues call for meaningful reform, such as streamlining government regarding salaries and creating a realistic range and cap for top positions --under a new Village manager. We should immediately begin to review the effectiveness of our legal firm, ascertaining why the contractor wasn't held responsible for the unsatisfactory sewer installation in North Plantation Key, along with reexamining their billable hours. We should insist upon a supermajority vote for any massive assessment, while carefully reviewing the methodology for fairness, equity and legal ramifications for any future assessment. We should revoke the assessment of 2009. Our council should provide greater transparency and our citizens should never feel their words or objections are falling upon deaf ears. Our residents and businesses deserve a user-friendly government.
In reality, any politician who represents perfection is disingenuous, as our political system is comprised of flawed mortals. I can offer you four years as an experienced councilman and another four years of enlightened hindsight. I've learned much from my prior service. I have no conflicts of interest and my vision is to pay for all the other visions by reducing the Village debt. We need to return to the basics of good government and represent our citizens as public servants, rather than heavy-handed overseers. I ask for your help and support and should you return me to office, I pledge my best effort.
Bob Johnson
80901 Old Highway, Islamorada, Florida 33036
HOME (305) 664-8508, CELL (305) 240-1685
susanandbobj@bellsouth.net
Political statement provided and approved by Bob Johnson Candidate for Islamorada Village Council Seat 4