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

Appropriate personnel should be armed and assigned the responsibility

The first time I had to fire someone (it was for drinking alcohol on the job while running heavy machinery), I was told by the recipient of the firing: “You can’t fire me!”

My father, who owned the company and had taken a well deserved vacation, had let everyone (about 20 employees at the time) know that I was “in charge,” and asked them all to cooperate with my leadership.

I knew that one of our main foremen had a drinking problem, and sometimes drank an alcoholic lunch. My father knew it, but put up with it for some reason. I was not inclined to do so, and asked Dad to tell him in my presence not to be drinking while I was “in charge.”

Dad had only been gone a few days when I smelled booze on the foreman’s breath. I immediately told him to go home and not come back until he could follow the “no drinking on the job” rule. He refused to leave and brought the other foremen over to confront me and back him up.

After a short heated discussion, I told them both that since Dad was gone, I was the only one who could sign the paychecks, and I didn’t intend to sign any for either one of them, so they may as well go home. They both stormed off alter inquiring when Dad would be back.

I then called a general meeting of the rest of the work force and explained that I would temporarily be doing the job of both the foremen, and asked everyone to cooperate. They did, and by the time Dad got back, I had identified replacements and restructured our workforce in a positive way.

Dad was pleased, as though I had taken a couple of thorns out of his side, and he didn’t hire either one of them back.

What has this got to do with protecting our schools? Nothing, except for the good management principle of solving problems as they become obvious.

Today we have a problem of providing security for our schools in a cost-effective manner.

Why don’t we seek out teacher volunteers who can be armed and specially vetted and trained to provide security at our schools? They would be “on call” within the school as needed, and receive a modest “bonus” for assuming that responsibility.

We tried it at our company, and it worked well.

David Eller, Publisher

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

A couple of years ago, about 2 a.m., I was peacefully sleeping at home here in Deerfield Beach when, suddenly, I heard a noise at the window close by. At first, I thought it was the wind blowing a tree branch up against the window. But as I became more conscious, I realized we did not have a tree branch that close and it was someone actually trying to get into our window. My heart started beating fast as I realized the situation.

Suddenly, the noise stopped, but I woke up my wife, whispered to her what I had heard, and we both lay there listening intensely.

A few moments later, we both heard the sound of the sliding glass door in the adjoining living room being pried open by someone. Whispering confirmations of the sound to each other, we both slid out of bed to get our guns.

We keep a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun and a 36-caliber short barrel pistol conveniently close by. I grabbed the shotgun and passed the pistol to my wife, who is an excellent shot (we go to the gun range occasionally).

We quietly opened our bedroom door and, leading with the shotgun, I flipped on the living room light. Suddenly, we heard our patio furniture being knocked over as the home invaders, who obviously had seen us, decided to run rather than confront the mad man who had a big gun and was ready to shoot them at 2 a.m. in the morning.

The loud “ca chunk, ca chunk” sound as I applied the pump action to my shotgun, which loaded the 12-gauge shells into my gun’s shooting chamber, definitely helped to get their attention. I was starting to aim in their direction when I realized they had turned and were running out the door knocking patio furniture in every direction.

If I had pulled the trigger at that point, I could have shot them both in the back, which I knew to be against the law, and they may have been able to sue me. According to my son-in-law lawyer, you can’t shoot someone who is not an immediate threat to you, i.e. running away.

However, if they had been running toward me, I definitely could have, and would have pulled the trigger to shoot them.

This brings up another important point — if you know you would not pull the trigger in such circumstances, you’re probably better off not having the gun because they could then take it and use it against you.

The above described incident is the third we’ve had in the 40 years we’ve lived in this house.

The first incident 40 years ago we slept through as thieves came right into our bedroom as we were sleeping and took the wallet from my pants and my wife’s purse.

We were young and had less than $20 between us in our wallets so maybe the thief world was told not to bother with us again. However, I put in an alarm system after that, and the second break-in, about 20 years later, scared the thieves away when the alarm went off.

The last incident, which was described at the beginning of this article, occurred after we had become lazy about turning on the alarm system at night. The moral of this story, therefore, is if you have an alarm system, use it.

Attention thieves: We now turn on our alarm system every night and both our guns are still loaded.

David Eller, Publisher

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

RE: Deerfield discusses creating NEW Public Safety position

Dear Editor:

Thank you for delaying publication long enough to publish a report on the meeting to create a new Public Safety Director. [in the Jan.3 dated Observer, which delivered Jan. 4] It looks like the mayor and the city manager are behind this. Clearly they wanted as few citizens as possible to know about the meeting. They didn’t allow viewing the meeting on the Internet like they do with regular commission meetings.

This is cronyism at its worst. How can they justify a new position that we don’t need when they fired 106 people? Why do they want to give Mr. Sudler an additional $100 K [$90 K plus benefits for a full-time position] on top of the generous pension he will get?

I want to thank Commissioners Ganz and Preston for showing some common sense on this issue.

Robert Lloyd

Deerfield Beach

RE: Beach Parking stickers

Dear Editor:

My husband and I have lived in Deer Creek for about 20 years. We have purchased a beach sticker for about 10 years. We would like to know why it doubled in price this year. It is now so high, we have decided to go back to putting quarters in the meter although the sticker was more convenient.

Thank you.

Arlene Mohr

Deerfield Beach

A New Year resolution for 2013

Dear Editor:

Freedom lies with all who choose to live for God each day, but chains of bondage shackle those who choose some other way. Just listen to God’s wisdom and your heart and be good to yourself and others.

Let us pray for the New Year 2013 – for the world around to be better and safe for all the families and children, a place without murder, raping, abusing and shooting.

Donna Marie Tilligkeit

Pompano Beach

How Israel approaches the right to bear arms

Dear Editor:

Israel did not want to get involved in the discussion as the National Rifle Association (NRA) did not tell the truth in their speech. I want to write you the facts. The NRA did not tell you the following as stated by the Israeli government. a) Israel has much stronger gun regulations than the USA.

In fact, they have the highest rejection rate for gun permits: 40 percent. b) Israel has the lowest rate of gun ownership and the lowest rate of violence in the developed world. c) Gun permits are only given to special people and they have to be renewed every year. (Only Israel and Switzerland have that rule.) d) It isn’t true that Israel had a great deal of school shootings, and it wasn’t armed guards that stopped killings but as stated by Israeli government- anti- terror policy is what they used to combat terrorism, which is not the same as school shootings. e) Israel understands the NRA is close to or mainly involved with the Republican Party and don’t believe “they should be used” when the facts presented weren’t true. f) Israel doesn’t believe in citizens arming themselves, except for a small number with good reasons to do so.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

Beach sticker

Dear Editor:

Twelve years ago I purchased a home in the Deer Creek section of Deerfield Beach.

Each year since that time, I’ve purchased a beach sticker – which went up from $35 to $50 to $100.

Even though the number of times I visit the beach would never cost me $100 if I were feeding the meters, I chose to pay for a sticker so I wouldn’t have to hunt for quarters; plus, I felt I was helping to pay for the beach beautification. This year, I was told I can’t buy a sticker since my auto registration and license are registered in Indiana, where I continue to be homesteaded. This hasn’t changed in the past 12 years.

Since I pay property tax and utilities, I feel the more apt criteria would be proof of ownership.

While I was at the courthouse [City Hall], others were also being turned away. I really feel that Deerfield is now costing itself money.

I’d appreciate some feedback from the city manager on this issue.

Thanks,

Pete Troost

Deerfield Beach

Kudos to Pier Project

Dear Editor:

As a former resident (52 years) I do not miss the traffic or the hot weather. However, after visiting last week and walking on the new pier complex, all I can say is WOW!!!! Very nice, especially the night lighting and the paver walk to the north.

Gary Lawrence “Go Bucks”

Morganton, GA

The passing of Bill McBride

Dear Editor:

On [Dec. 22] our state [of Florida] lost Bill McBride, a true champion of the middle class and public education. Although Bill’s passing will leave a hole in our hearts, his lifelong commitment to public service will leave a lasting impact on our community and state.

Bill McBride was a mentor and friend. Anyone lucky enough to have known him will miss his incredible smile, kind heart and warm spirit.

My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Alex [Sink], his children Bert and Lexi, and the entire McBride family.

Alan Clendenin

Tampa

Editor’s note: McBride, 67, was candidate for governor of Florida in 2002. He defeated Janet Reno for the Democratic party nomination but lost to Republican Governor Jeb Bush.

Remembering Senator Inouye

Dear Editor:

Sen. Daniel Inouye [U.S. Senator, Hawaii] served 50 years in the Senate, was a war hero, lost an arm in WWII, and was awarded the purple heart for bravery.

Sen. Inouye was friends with Sen. Bob Dole. They were in the same hospital and were close even though they were from different political parties.

When the Japanese attacked, Sen. Inouye volunteered to serve in battle, a Japanese American who fought with other brave Japanese Americans.

After the war, Sen. Inoye, wearing an Army uniform, went into a barbershop in the U.S. and the barber stated, “Where are you from?” Sen. Inouye told him he was a Japanese American. The barber said, “We don’t serve Japs.”

Inouye wanted to hit him, but had respect because he was wearing an Army uniform. Almost all Japanese and Black Americans who served during WWII received the same bigoted treatment. Can you believe how they must have felt?

Sen. Inouye, may you rest peace.

Marty Weisberg

Coral Springs

P.S. President Obama and Sen. Harry Reid attended the memorial service for Sen. Inouye in Honolulu.