Tag Archive | "chip lamarca"

Tags: , , , , , , ,

First redistricting meeting tonight in Pompano Beach

Posted on 06 September 2011 by LeslieM

The first of a six public workshops addressing the redistricting of Broward County Commission districts takes place tonight from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth Street in Pompano Beach.   Commissioner Chip LaMarca will attend tonight’s meeting.

The Broward County Commission is preparing a new Commission District map based upon 2010 Census data. Redistricting is required by the Broward County Charter to balance the populations of the nine single member districts and ensure residents have equal representation on the County Commission.
The public is invited to participate in the process by attending the workshops and by submitting maps of their own for the Commission’s consideration.

The six public workshops are:

Tuesday, September 6, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, West Banquet Room, 1801 N.E. Sixth St., Pompano Beach

Monday, September 12, 5 – 7 p.m.
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Monday, September 19, 5 – 7 p.m.
North Regional Library, 1100 Coconut Creek Blvd., Coconut Creek

Monday, September 26, 5 – 7 p.m.
Tree Tops Park, 3900 S.W. 100 Ave., Davie

Thursday, September 29, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Government Center West, 1 University Drive, Plantation

Monday, October 3, 5 – 7 p.m.
West Lake Park – Anne Kolb Nature Center, 751 Sheridan St., Hollywood

Several map options have already been prepared by County staff for the Commissioners to consider.  All eligible maps must meet the “Fair Districting” principles for Federal congressional and State legislative districts which were added to the Florida Constitution by voter referendum in the November 2010 election. Submitted maps that meet Fair Districting Standards will be sent to the Commission and all maps sent to the Commission will also be posted at www.broward.org/redistricting.

Residents are encouraged to participate in any of the workshops and submit their own suggestions for redistricting, by submitting paper maps or maps created in a web-based software, My District Builder.

 

 

Comments (2)

Broward Commissioner Chip LaMarca with Gov. Rick Scott during the pill mill bill signing in Broward County.

Tags: , , , , ,

Governor Signs Pill Mill Bill with Broward Commissioner LaMarca

Posted on 05 June 2011 by LeslieM

Broward Commissioner Chip LaMarca with Gov. Rick Scott during the pill mill bill signing in Broward County.

Broward Commissioner Chip LaMarca with Gov. Rick Scott during the pill mill bill signing in Broward County.

Commissioner Chip LaMarca welcomed Florida Governor Rick Scott to Broward County today as the Governor signed HB 7095, the so-called “pill mill bill” into law at Fort Lauderdale Police Headquarters.

“This bill increases penalties for doctors overprescribing pain medications and bans doctors from prescribing narcotics except under special circumstances such as surgery or hospice.  Also, all staff with access to these medications will have to undergo extensive criminal background checks. This bill will save lives,” said Governor Scott.   The bill also authorizes a prescription drug monitoring database though out Florida that will begin operating in August.

“I applaud Governor Scott in realizing the severity of this epidemic, and using the full force of his office to aide in the fight to stop these senseless deaths.  I think it shows his awareness of the issue that the first bill signing took place here in Broward County-Ground Zero in the fight against this epidemic,” said Commissioner LaMarca.

Recently, Broward Commissioners passed a Pain Management Clinic ordinance for the unincorporated areas.  That ordinance strictly regulates zoning, hours of operation, business practices and prohibits pain management clinics from operating within 1200 feet of another pain management clinic, place of worship, child care center or educational center.  The Broward County Pain Management Clinic ordinance is intended to serve as a model ordinance for cities to adopt.  Commissioner Kristin Jacobs pushed forward the ordinance and Commissioners LaMarca and Jacobs participated in protests outside of pill mill clinics within their Broward County districts.

In March, the Broward County Pain Management Clinic Task Force issued its final report with recommendations for the licensing and location of pain management clinics otherwise referred to as “pills mills.” The Commission instructed the County Attorney to draft a model ordinance based on those recommendations.
Broward County has been referred to as the “pill mill” capital of America. In 2009, a Broward County Grand Jury issued a report noting the proliferation of pain clinics throughout the County. The number of pain management clinics in Broward more than doubled from August 2008 to November 2009.

Comments Off on Governor Signs Pill Mill Bill with Broward Commissioner LaMarca

Advertise Here
Advertise Here