To My Neighbors, Friends, Residents and City Businesses

Dear Editor:

It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Office of Mayor of Deerfield Beach.

I was so proud to serve as Mayor of the city I love. I feel that in those four years, much was accomplished. Because of my love of the people, as well as the city in which I served a total of 16 years, my wish is that it will continue to flourish.

I, personally, want to thank all those who supported me and helped me on this journey. Thank you for your vote of confidence; the fact that it was a loss of only 27 votes shows that we, with your support, put up a good fight!

My wish is for continued health and happiness for all my fellow residents of Deerfield Beach.

Sincerely,

Peggy Noland

Deerfield Beach

Municipal Election

Dear Editor:

It’s Wednesday after the election and I went online to find out the results.

The winner was not known yet, but right now, I am ashamed to be a Deerfield resident… with an election I think so important, which will really affect our daily lives, like the utility tax.

I can’t believe under 6,000 thousand people voted! I do not know the exact number of registered voters in Deerfield, but I damn well think it’s more than that.

I am disgusted.

Steven J. Fabrizio

Deerfield Beach

Freedom of Speech

Dear Editor:

At Brooklyn College, police were called to check people attending a “Program in favor of Palestinians” presented by Jewish professor from Columbia University Judith Butler and activist Omar Barghouti.

Jewish groups, including [American lawyer, jurist, and political commentator Alan] Dershowitz wanted the college to withdraw sponsorship — which didn’t happen.

President of the College Karen Gould was attacked for allowing a program sponsored by the Political Science Dept. and other student groups. Karen said she didn’t agree with the program but was FOR free speech, as are many people. There was plenty of “hate mongering to shut down the event.”

The event sold out and received a standing ovation.

They said anti-semitism in Europe was equal to racism today in Israel against Palestinians. By the way, there are many professors and Israelis who also believe Palestinians have been treated poorly.

In the film “Gatekeepers,” top Israeli secret service people also felt that their policy was too rigid and not looking for peace. In the program, they supported equal rights for Palestinians and the event had a “waiting list.”

I am sure many people were upset when Dershowitz was banned from speaking and would be just as upset if Jewish groups who believe Israel is never wrong were not allowed to speak.

In other words, “free speech” for both sides is what all Americans should be FOR.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Election-time statements: True or False?

Dear Editor:

Echoing the most mendacious national campaign in my memory — and I’m no longer young, I find in Deerfield Beach a similar performance by a perennial candidate to preside at commission meetings. In this campaign, I’ve been hearing bizarre departures from FACT.

Large raises in salary to senior staff have been cited as being unwarranted. FACT: there were no across-the-board salary raises for senior staff. Certain positions were eliminated and taken over by staff members who were entitled to more pay for increased responsibilities and longer hours of work. Each adjustment was determined on a one-by-one basis. All in all, the changes have resulted in a net savings for the city.

As to raises in salary for elected officials, this cost-ofliving increase was mandated by an ordinance in 2004.

FACT: Most of these officials put in at least 40 hours per week in serving their districts and the city. Their hours vary since they serve at the convenience of citizens — which can be at all hours.

The mayoral candidate was echoed by one candidate for commission as saying that “this job is part-time and easily can be managed by scheduling” is unrealistic. It is true that parts of some districts have been overlooked by certain commissioners. But it is also true that direct contact by citizens with hard working commissioners and staff have served well since the current administration has been in place.

The fire assessment [fee] preceded by years the recent adoption on the utility tax. FACT: For a candidate, coupling them is truly a disservice to the truth.

The perennial candidate’s campaign against a perception of inequities in water rates for the Century Village complex is not ancient history as was stated. FACT: Those attacks against water rates for Century Village were quite recent. Even more recent is the current about-face. You may watch the candidate addressing the commission on video.

David Cohen

Deerfield Beach

Education = Quality of Life

Dear Editor:

[There are] too many homes with single mothers and fatherless children.

Education is not a racial issue. It’s a social one across the board.

We have lowered the standards for passing grades to facilitate the overcrowded schools and the bureaucratic obesity of school board systems. Yes, education starts at home always has, always will.

We don’t need an Ivy League study to know this. It’s common sense. Oh yes, I forgot, common sense is not common.

And neither are family values. When you have babies having babies in eighth and ninth grade and opting out from school to welfare (remember, not a racial issue, it’s a social one across the board) this equals a poorer quality of life and a burden for all of society.

As we see in today’s time, a diploma or degree is not automatic employment.

What can we do to help single mothers with fatherless children on the way? Seems like a good question for our Ivy Leagues to study.

Ray Bish

Deerfield Beach

RE: “Reconsider beach parking permit restrictions”

Dear Editor:

I strongly agree with the current ruling that beach permits be offered to full-time residents only. Here’s why.

There’s limited parking at our beach and those living and working in Deerfield Beach all year certainly earn the right to park at their beach first!

I’ve been a loyal patron to restaurants, stores, clubs and beaches for the 15 years before moving to Deerfield Beach and have worked two jobs in order to stay here. It’s amazing to finally be able to easily park at the beach that I live here for!

Oh, and regarding the accusations to “Madam” Mayor and the city commissioners — of “inequities and discrimination” of seasonal residents — I find it offensive and ludicrous and deserving of an apology from you.

Louise Volpe

Deerfield Beach

Many thanks

Dear Editor:

We would like to thank the permanent residents present at the Deerfield Beach city commission meeting on Feb. 12 at City Hall, who asked for fairness and equality between the permanent and seasonal residents, regarding beach parking stickers.

Snowbirds requested to reclaim their previous rights to purchase beach parking stickers, just like the Floridians.

One permanent resident felt entitled to privileges on the grounds that she pays taxes for the full year; also, it is in the winter that she goes often to the beach; in the summer, the sand is too hot.

In the audience we could hear: “wear shoes” or “go earlier or later in the day.” Permanent residents, we thank you and appreciate your acknowledgement that snowbirds pay more taxes for less services.

Kudos to the very charming lady who quipped, regarding the wait for a parking spot, “It is like everything else in life: first come, first served.”

One outcome of permanent residents requesting discrimination against snowbirds could result in “no winners” if the suggestion of one commissioner is adopted: “eliminate stickers for everybody and put pay-and-display meters everywhere.”

Margaret and Danny Benzacar

Deerfield Beach

RE: Beach parking stickers

Dear Editor:

I have owned property in Deerfield Beach for over 15 years and have enjoyed the city and the area.

I live in Florida 5 to 6 months of the year and participate in the community by becoming involved, volunteering and participating in community projects.

My automobile is registered in Florida. I pay property taxes. I have residential utility bills and hope to soon have a Florida driver’s license.

For years, I have purchased a beach parking sticker and enjoyed the beautiful beach.

This season, when I attempted to purchase the parking sticker for 2013, I was denied the ability to purchase the sticker because I did not have a Florida driver’s license. I had all the documentation that, in the past years, allowed the purchase of the [now] $100 parking sticker.

Why has this rule been changed so that we, who own property and contribute to the community, are prevented from having a parking sticker this year?

L. Roth-Moyo, M.D.

Deerfield Beach

Code enforcement questions

Dear Editor:

Although our family has lived in Little Harbor in Deerfield Beach since the early ‘70s, I’ve recently noticed a substantial change and I have a few questions and comments.

I’ve always heard “What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”

This is not the case here. Some neighbors were recently cited for having their hedges over 4 ft. from street to house and sent letters to cut them back within days or be fined. This IS a code violation. Yet others are to the street and well over 10 ft.

Is this a case of who’s who? I understand rules but they are meant for all, NOT a select few.

Also, a tree was requested for permit to be removed. It is damaging two vehicles and not promoting grass to grow, has termites (city states termites only in part of the tree)… Did I mention it is a Black Olive? Yet, the tree still stands. How can one better their property, better their neighborhood and make their property value and their neighbors’ go up?

With elections coming up, I would assume someone will gladly answer. I mean, I need to know before our family casts our vote. Fair is fair for all, NOT just a select few!!

D. Wade

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

In response to your Jan. 31 Letters To The Editor, regarding Handicapped Parking Permits, John Daniels states that Boca Raton charges people with handicapped decals to park in their cities. This is untrue. I was in Mizner Park in Boca Raton and based on what he said, I saw a meter maid and asked if I was allowed to park for no charge with my handicapped permit. She said I could for 4 hours.

Daniels, instead, refers to a handicapped decal. I have a permit that I hang on my rear view mirror.

Please update this so that handicapped persons reading this will be informed.

John Flanagan

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

In response to John Daniels’ letter on Jan. 31 about handicapped permit holders parking for free at meters, the reason people with a disablity get to park for free is that they may not be able to reach the meter.

It’s not based on their income. The state law says that someone with a permit can park for free up to 4 hours at a meter…

Brian Moberg

Deerfield Beach

FREE tax assistance for Elderly

Dear Editor:

I’m contacting you on behalf of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

(VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), an IRS sponsored program that works this tax season with community organizations such as E. Pat Larkins Community Center of Pompano Beach and Minority Development & Empowerment, to provide FREE-of-charge, high quality Tax Preparation for low-to-moderate income tax filers.

E.Pat Larkins Community Center (520 NW 3 St./Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Pompano Beach, FL 33060) is working Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until April 11, 3 to 7 p.m.

In order that the community is informed of this service, we ask you the ability to post the information in your newspaper. Thanks a lot.

Efren Rivas

Coral Springs

Local airman completes basic training

Dear Editor:

Air Force Reserve Airman Jose A. Santiago has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX.

He is a 2011 graduate of Olympic Heights Community School in Boca Raton. Santiago is the son of Ana Melendez-Pinto of Liberty Court, Boca Raton and grandson of Nora Vega of NE 48 Street, Pompano Beach.

The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness and basic warfare principles and skills.

Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Joint Hometown News Service

Ft. Meade, MD

“Thank You” Deerfield residents

Dear Editor:

The 33rd Annual Festival of the Arts was held on the beach on Jan. 26 and 27.

The city of Deerfield Beach Cultural Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all residents of Deerfield Beach and the surrounding areas whose attendance and participation at the Festival helped to make it an absolutely outstanding success.

It is important for you to realize that all monies raised by the Cultural Committee, an all-volunteer committee, are filtered back into the community to produce cultural events or scholarships. Your support of our events is greatly appreciated. Your support of our events, in full circle, benefits the whole community.

We would also like to thank the BSO COPs, the BSO PAL kids, the BSO Explorer Honor Guard, the DFB Kiwanis Key Club students, DFB Kiwanis members, Ms. Precious Baker, the sand sculpture artist, Jon May of Living Sands, all of our sponsors and restaurants who contributed so generously. And a special “thank you” to all the volunteers.

Each of these components is vitally necessary to produce a successful hometown event.

Our next event is the Second Annual Story Telling Festival to be held on March 9 at the Arboretum at Constitution Park in Deerfield Beach. Festival of the Arts event posters, T-shirts and carry bags remain available. Call City of Deerfield Beach Parks and Recreation at 954-480-4429 for event information or sale items. Thank you for your support. Wait until you see what we have planned for next year!

Cultural Committee

Deerfield Beach, FL

P.S. Speaking of people without whom the Festival of the Arts couldn’t happen, the Cultural Committee offers a heartfelt thanks to Citizens on Patrol (COPs). Deerfield Beach citizens comprise this organization which volunteers their time and efforts to assist BSO with crime prevention by patrolling our neighborhoods and providing traffic control at special events. We don’t do an event without calling upon them.

They were with us at the 2013 FOA from 9 a.m. on Saturday through 5 p.m. on Sunday. They are volunteers who are giving their time to help Deerfield Beach. So, when you see them at various events, say “thank you.”

No more ballot boxes

Dear Editor:

The Robb Campaign committee has decided to eliminate the use of lockboxes for the March 12 municipal election.

This action is being taken in order to comply with the wishes of the Supervisor of Elections.

Our sources tell us that the opposition had plans to challenge any of the ballots that were placed in the ballot boxes.

In order to prevent any of our voters from being disenfranchised, as they were with the 10 percent utility tax, we are asking our supporters who have requested absentee ballots to place the proper postage on the envelope and send the signed and sealed ballot to the Supervisor of Elections’ office so that their votes can be counted.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach, FL

RE: Beach parking stickers

Dear Editor:

I am a longtime resident of Deerfield Beach who has always purchased a beach parking decal each year.

On Wednesday, Jan. 2, I parked in the Main Beach Parking Lot at the beach and did my walk as I usually do.

Upon my return, I was surprised to see that I was issued a parking ticket for an expired parking decal. It expired on Dec. 31, 2012.

That was my mistake, but that’s not my complaint. My complaint is that the city allows people with a handicapped decal to park free for 4 hours in our parking lots along the beach.

These handicapped decals are issued on the basis of one’s health, not their income.

This policy must be changed, as we are losing a lot of revenue due to this free parking. Both Boca Raton and Pompano Beach charge people with handicapped decals to park in their cities.

John Daniels

Deerfield Beach

RE: Questions for our Mayor that need Answers

Dear Editor:

We would like to know why the person or entity who placed a paid advertisement in the Jan. 24 Observer newspaper did not divulge who they were before putting forth negative questions about our esteemed Mayor Peggy Noland and her role in various real estate transactions throughout the city (of which she has no control – i.e. zoning codes).

Whoever placed this ad, don’t you think, after all the negative advertising in the recent national election, it’s time to stand up, identify yourself (or selves), meet the courage of your convictions and tell us what your vision of Deerfield Beach’s future is — rather than continuing to dwell on negativity? Our local community and our leaders deserve better than this.

Residing in Deerfield Beach for over 25 years, we have seen more positive improvements, enhancements and, in general, a better quality of life for all of us living here since Mayor Noland has been in office. We will do everything we can to help effect her positive re-election this coming March.

If you have something to say, say something positive and don’t hide behind a paid political ad that you’re not willing to attach your name to.

Henry and Joan Gould

Deerfield Beach

Things must be good!

Dear Editor:

Things must be good in Deerfield Beach since we apparently just gave our commissioners and mayor a nice raise of about 10 percent.

[The mayor now makes $33,524 and commissioners now make $27,979.] All for a part-time job!

Things may not be so great for rank-and-file workers at Deerfield Beach, but with pay adjustments and reclassification of management, which resulted in nice salary increases, apparently the overall health of the city budget must be in great shape.

Maybe we should have raised the commission and mayor salaries even more if they have somehow taken Deerfield Beach to a level of economic prosperity not seen elsewhere in the country.

It’s starting to look like being a commissioner or mayor is now a full-time, full paying job when you add the benefits and pensions.

Great Job Mrs. Mayor and our honorable commissioners! Tell us how you did it, then tell the rank-and-file how it was done on their backs.

Ron Coddington

Deerfield Beach

Presidential nominees to Supreme Court

Dear Editor:

There was only one President who had not the opportunity to nominate a single justice to the Supreme Court. This was Andrew Johnson.

FDR , in his 5th year in office, had no appointments so he made a blunder by trying to pack the court. In the long run, FDR won, ended up appointing 8 justices to the court over the rest of his tenure and gained the objective — a liberalminded court for 7 decades or more.

President Obama appointed 2 women, after there had only been one woman in 200 years. He appointed the first Hispanic woman, after the fact that 50 percent of law school graduates are now women. One of the most important things a President can do is appoint a Supreme Court Judge who will be there for a lifetime, not just 4 years.

Many voters took that into consideration in the last election.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Arming teachers in schools?

Dear Editor:

Hooray for the John Birch Society and the National Rifle Association (NRA) for demanding that our school teachers be armed to protect our children by using their U.S. Constitutional gun rights and armed guards.

If the teachers had been routinely armed in the past decades, it’s obvious that the killings and the casualties would have been reduced by at least 90 percent.

However, our leaders and the police wouldn’t allow our teachers to be armed and by doing so they have directly violated our Constitution that they have sworn to uphold and facilitated the horrible death and destruction. They should be investigated and prosecuted for such acts against our children.

We should support the John Birch Society and the NRA in their efforts to arm our teachers and protect our children, and if the teachers bring their own guns, it will cost nothing.

Ed Nemecheck

Landers, CA

RE: Satellite dishes in CVE

Dear Editor:

I am astonished to read in the Reporter (Century village East publication) that the President of COOCVE went to the city in order to arrange inspections for satellite dishes on our buildings.

The statements given that these cause problems during the hurricane season and represent a hazard to residents could not be more incorrect. It is the air conditioners that flew away, causing damages to cars and not to people. Besides, I cannot picture anybody walking around during a hurricane. Satellite dishes for TV give both a better reception and a better choice of stations, and that explains why Direct TV is so successful in Florida, and believe me, those permanent residents do not remove their dishes in the summer and they do not ask or need a city permit to install their dishes. Why such harassment on snowbirds?

The dishes are installed by professionals licensed by the state of Florida and are very secure.

There is a dish on the COOCVE building for other reasons, but a dish is a dish, they do not remove it in the summer and did not ask for a permit to install it. The city has no regulations on dishes at this time, neither has the state for that matter.

Snowbirds from everywhere like to be aware of their local news, sports and events happening in their hometowns. People from New York, Quebec, Ontario or anywhere and people of all languages, have engaged in installing dishes to bring home away from home.

What would Century Village be without snowbirds? I believe we are a majority in CVE!

We pay more taxes than the average permanent resident due to the Homestead regulation. We have no problem with that. We consider that it is part of the cost of coming to Florida.

But when people start having unreasonable demands like an exception on dishes or depriving us of the right to have parking permits at the beach, that might be considered abusive.

While we are only temporarily living in this beautiful city, most snowbirds have more money to spend than average residents and we gladly do it here, encouraging restaurants, grocery stores, as well as clothing stores and the overall businesses. We even buy our insurance here and we certainly try to be example citizens.

Why such aggressive attitudes towards us?

Jean-Luc Belanger

Oakridge A

Deerfield Beach

A New Year and a new beginning at BSO

Dear Editor:

Each year, when we celebrate the New Year, it brings the opportunity for change. In a vote of confidence by the citizens of Broward County, I have been humbled and privileged to have been elected to serve as the Sheriff of Broward County.

Throughout my professional career, I have been faced with many tasks and challenges. Through every situation, I rose to meet those challenges and I am committed to doing the same as your Sheriff.

When we consider the responsibilities of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the nation’s largest fully accredited agency, it’s important to remember its mission to protect and serve the public. Our goals going forward will be to establish a cohesive, productive and diverse working environment within the Agency and to build strong, long-term partnerships with the community. We will focus on crime prevention; crime control and enforcement; fire safety and awareness; and maintain the highest standards for employee education, training and professionalism. The members of my Command Staff will lead by example, upholding the State and Federal laws and be open, honest and fiscally responsible to the community we serve.

To the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, I respect and appreciate you and look forward to working with you. Your hard work, dedication and professionalism sets this agency apart as a shining example in our community. We will work together, in support of one another and for the benefit of the nearly 2 million people we serve in Broward County.

On behalf of the men and women of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, I wish you and your family a very Happy and Safe New Year! I look forward to serving you as the Sheriff of Broward County and together building a safer community. Stay safe!

Sheriff Scott J. Israel

Real annoyance, these dishes?

Dear Editor:

In your Dec. 27 edition, in the column entitled “The dishes are still here,” Kathy Richards writes “It appears that the unit owners do not want to adhere to our rules and are doing what they want with total disregard to anybody or anything.” I do not agree with that statement.

First, the satellite dishes around Century Village East are not all illegal. Three years ago, before the installation, we contacted the authorities of Deerfield Beach, who told us we needed no permit.

“Now, the city is cracking down and fining people who have installed them without permits,” writes Ms. Richards. These satellite dishes were installed by technicians of a legally-recognized cable company in Florida, Shaw Direct. As well, many unit owners have obtained authorizations from their boards to put up satellite dishes and even signed agreements covering the locations, the wiring, the landscaping around, as well as recognizing financial responsibility if damages occur. They also take them down from April 15 to Oct. 15 of each year as a precaution against dangers in the hurricane season.

All the cost of the installation of bolted dishes and appropriate wiring was paid by the users only. It did not cost a penny to anybody else. These owners pay their monthly coupons like everybody else for Comcast . I don’t see why Canadians, many French-speaking condo owners, who spend three to six months here, should be deprived of their national news and TV programs.

Candide Charest

Cambridge C

Deerfield Beach