RE: Deerfield POLITICS
Dear Editor:
I just read the newest issue of the Observer newspaper that was delivered today [April 3] only to read [on page 1] how some malcontents want to recall [District 4 Commissioner] Bill Ganz.
I have lived here for over 10 years and, in the past 5, I have seen this city go from a quasi political fiefdom to an actual functioning government that held slackers and time wasters accountable for our tax dollars paying their salaries.
I have known Mr. Ganz since he first ran for office, when he introduced himself on a weekend before the Election.
In him, I felt we had someone like myself, a hard working resident who wants the best for his community.
He has NEVER disappointed me! He is very visible and responds rapidly to issues residents may have, this I have experienced many times, getting a call back from him.
To those clowns who wore the T shirts: Do us all a favor and stay out of District 4! You are not welcome!
I surely hope Mr. Ganz or one of the other two commissioners being targeted run against the current mayor. Her time of cronyism and washing style of politics have to go. Style politics has to go.
Ira Goodstadt
Deerfield Beach
RE: Deerfield POLITICS
Dear Editor: Respect has to be earned, not voted on. Commissioners Bill Ganz , Joe Miller, Ben Preston and Richard Rosensweig [the four Deerfield Beach city commissioners] have earned my respect.
Mayor Jean Robb has not.
How the city functions has changed since Mayor Robb was last in office. We now have a city manager who oversees the daily running of the city.
Each commissioner who represents a fourth of the population each still has the power and the obligation to vote on all matters that concern the whole city.
The mayor also has one vote. She seems to think that her will and vote counts more than the rest. That is not true. Her conduct has become belligerent toward all who disagree with her and she constantly violates Robert’s Rules by interrupting anyone who disagrees with her. That does not get you Respect.
Her comments that all who speak against her will did not vote for her does not bode well. Did she open mail-in ballots or sneak into the polls to get that information? Her ethics need improvement and her tolerance for those who either disagree with her proposals or vote against them must improve — or we, the citizens, who demand decorum and dignity at City Hall, will move to replace her.
Bernie Parness, civic-minded citizen
Deerfield Beach
RE: Metering The Cove Parking Lot
Dear Editor:
This letter shall serve to address the Letter to the Editor which ran in the April 3, Observer written by Anthony Dispenziere concerning metering The Cove Parking Lot.
Saying that the business owners should be able to buy the parking lot so that the commission can focus on more pressing matters than car parking is simplifying a much more complicated issue.
What Mr. Dispenziere fails to understand is that the revenues derived by metering The Cove Parking Lot are desperately needed to replenish the city’s reserves.
Let’s not forget that the city commission was forced to raise our millage rate, which is now one of the highest in Broward County due to financial shortfalls.
Moreover, the Fitch Rating Agency was forced to reduce our credit rating and city employees were laid off due to lack of funds.
The fact is, that the city has few options in order to raise revenues.
Similarly, The Save Our Beach referendum has stifled any development in the city that can produce additional revenues on the beach — which is our most valuable asset.
460 South Ocean is a clear example of how the Save Our Beach referendum halted the development of a proposed condo development called “soleil 460” by refusing to lift current restrictions on development and, consequently, today, there sits a dilapidated drug rehab facility.
Unless this city is able to turn this ship around and produce revenue, our future will be subject to higher real estate taxes, lower property values and more drug rehabs occupying properties on the beach that can no longer be developed due to the Save Our Beach restrictions.
The income [that would be] derived by metering The Cove Parking Lot is a necessity and not an option.
I have not heard of any other option that can immediately produce the revenues for this city, other than metering.
To illustrate this point clearly, metering of The Cove Shopping Center can produce revenues of close to $3 million per annum.
If you were to put a valuation on that income stream at 10 percent, it would put a value on The Cove Parking Lot to be approximately $30 million. I do not think that businesses in The Cove Shopping Center are prepared to pay that price, nor do they have the ability to do so.
I believe that the above scenario dismisses any notion that purchasing this property is a viable option for the retail tenants in The Cove Shopping Center.
The only option that this city has to produce immediate revenues in order to help offset our financial shortfalls is to meter The Cove Parking Lot as soon as possible. Thank You!
Patrick Jolivet
Deerfield Beach
