Restore harmony in Budget process

Dear Editor:

At last night’s commission meeting, I heard thoughtful and well-articulated positions from each commissioner and the mayor.  What a pity that the people who needed to hear them the most had stormed out of the meeting.

A few citizens spoke in favor of restoring harmony and the planning that has been done by our leadership.  How sad that most of the people who attended did so only to object to something that they clearly do not understand.  Am I the only one who noticed that every few weeks the math (supporting the ‘no utility tax’ position) changed completely?  When one set of numbers was proven wrong, they just came up with a new one.

The leaders of the movement against the utility tax have gained support by spreading rumors and offering total falsehoods as “facts.”  Their positions are always stated around personal attacks on members of the administration (or with personal attacks on other citizens; Robb hit a new low last night).

I attended all the meetings and workshops that went into creation of the new budget.  I have applauded the transparency and accountability that has been brought to the process and to the city finances as a whole.  Since taking office, this commission has worked each year to reduce expenses in the general fund.  They have made a great many hard decisions (not just the utility tax) in order to bring fiscal responsibility and fairness to our city.

A lovely woman [Marge Norwich] spoke that she felt we were losing our identity with fights like this one.  She said the budget must be a plan for the future of our city.  She hoped that the commission could make Deerfield Beach come alive again and I add my support to her statement.

Sally Potter

Deerfield Beach

Apology

Dear Editor:

This is a letter I must write to apologize to [retired firefighter] Tim Hanley for my outburst at the last commission meeting. When he said, [“I was raised to be respectful,] blame it on my parents,” I said, “They are both dead.” I meant no disrespect. I know both Jay and Terry Hanley, and I attended both of their funerals.

Tim can call me all the names he wishes, but he seems to forget that his dad came to me when Tim wanted to get on the Fire Department, and the chief did not want to hire a third Hanley since Mike and Terry were already with the department. I spoke to the chief on Tim’s behalf, and he was hired.

I am doing this last thing for Tim. I have never been a supporter of the fire department pensions; but I am a firm believer in giving the retirees the things they were promised. The commission made those concessions, and now they can change the game for the newcomers, but not those who have already retired. All of the concessions made to the fire department such as health insurance, retirement age, and benefits, were promises made that should be kept.

Jean M. Robb

Deerfield Beach

RE: Utility tax

Dear Editor:

The registered voters who signed the petitions circulated by the Rescind Unfair Taxes committee knew they were being offered 2 options. Either the commission rescinded the action taken on June 7 or voted to send it to referendum. Whose brilliant idea was it to give a 1 mil ad valorem tax reduction to the big businesses and the owners of plush real estate on the backs of the elderly, the city’s worker bees, and the poor with the introduction of this new tax.

If the goal is millage reduction and since the 5.7688 total millage rate has been advertised and passed on first reading, then the rate can still be reached without the public service tax. The administration admitted at the Sept. 6 meeting that the $2.9 million saved with the BSO merger was not included in this budget. That money, plus $500,000 from the undesignated reserve and an increase in the tax-deductible fire assessment fee, would reduce the millage by 1 mil and still leave $10,000,000 in the undesignated reserve. Then there would be no need to nickel and dime the residents with a non-deductible tax increase.

On Sept. 6, the Rescind UnfairTaxes committee presented the city clerk with petitions with 6,200 signatures and paid 10 cents to have each signature verified. In reality, we had until Sept. 28 to complete our mission. By then, we could have had 10,000 signatures, but we wanted the commission to take action while the budget hearings were being held, and a decision on the tax had to be made by Sept. 20. Once again, we shall be there on the 20th to watch what action the commission chooses to take.

Jean Robb

Deerfield Beach

Dear Editor:

I am appalled at the conduct of one of the commissioners at the Sept. 6 commission meeting. He chastised a resident who misspelled a word and then stated, “This is the person I should be listening to about the economic welfare of Deerfield Beach?” This is another example of the arrogance of this commissioner who thinks he is superior to the people he is elected to represent. He also claimed that there were renters who paid nothing in taxes. I am a landlord, and I pay the taxes for these people while they pay for water and electric usage. I was also disappointed in the mayor’s attitude, as I felt she was abrupt and condescending. I can sympathize with the speaker who claimed you were taxing the very air we breathe. My mother’s electric bill for her oxygen usage was well over $300 a month, and, even with the fuel adjustment charge subtracted, the tax would have been much more than the $12 or $15 a month you claim.

The vice mayor claims he will not apologize to Century Village for his vote to approve this tax. He is supposed to represent them and not himself. If he can’t represent them, he should move out or resign. Let’s hope that everyone turns out on the 20th, to let these commissioners know what we think of their performances thus far.

Martha J. Mckee, RN

Deerfield Beach, District 2

RE: Pioneer Park

Dear Editor

On Aug. 31, I attended the presentation of the revised plan for Pioneer Park. The plan calls for a new ball field that is not large enough for adult or teenagers to play baseball or softball. The coaches and ball players in attendance all agreed that the city does not need another Little League field. We need fields for older kids and adults. Also the plans for boat trailer parking are for two rows of back-out-while-turning parking. It looks like a design for a Publix parking lot. Boat trailer parking should be drive-thru parking. I know two boaters who have had their trucks hit while parked there. There is not enough land to put proper boat parking, and even the small Little League field that we don’t need. Now the FDOT has offered a $400,000 grant to put an 8 ft. wide walkway in so they are going to put it between the boat parking and the proposed ball field and start it within 90 days.

A lovely and wise lady [Amie Kay Tanner] told us that Pioneer Park was the city’s first park. Her father helped build it in 1947. They had live oaks and picnic tables and people had family reunions there. I think the smartest plan would be to forget about the ball field. We don’t need it. Quickly redesign the plan with the new walkway moved over so that there will be room for drive-thru boat parking, and plant trees and put some picnic tables where the ball field would go. Remember that this is a waterfront park.

A few years ago, we had three good ball fields with lighting there, but the city bulldozed them and put in a softball field and a small practice field. The three fields were grandfathered in. We could not build them again because now we are required to have more green space and retention ponds. We don’t even have space now for a paved parking lot. The new plan calls for car parking on the grass of the green space. We wasted millions of dollars on this park a few years ago, let’s do it right this time.

Robert Lloyd

Deerfield Beach

An Unfair Assessment

Dear Editor:

The fairest tax of all is no tax. The next fairest is a “fair tax”… pay for what you use or might use. This does not mean everyone pays the same. It costs more to put sprinklers in a 10,000-sq-ft warehouse than a 1,000-sq-ft one. It costs more to protect a 10,000-sq-ft house from a fire than a 1,000-sq-ft house.

Apparently, Deerfield Beach would, for fire protection, tax a 1,000-sq-ft homeowner the same as a 10,000-sq-ft homeowner. Deerfield Beach intends to assess large and small homes the same. This is unfair.

Jack Kornfield

Deerfield Beach

Crabby Jack’s Fire

Dear Editor:

[Sunday morning] I woke and walked out to my patio. The smoke had just broke over the tree line —  I live three blocks away from Crabby Jack’s. I threw on a part of shorts and jumped into my truck. I got there at 7 a.m., just as the first fire trucks arrived and started putting water onto the blaze. There were about 10 people there on the street. It looked like something out of a movie scene, flames flaring 50, 60 ft. into the air and trees on fire. It was amazing to witness and feel the heat from the fire across the street.

Jeff Graves

Deerfield Beach

Crabby Jacks, at 1015 S.  Federal, in Deerfield Beach,  is the second restaurant this month in Rivertowne Square shopping center at SW 10th and Federal to have a fire.

People cruising by Sunday morning watched as it was burning down between 6:40 and 7:00 a.m. before someone finally called the fire in. Deerfield started rolling on the call at 7 a.m. and quickly called for back up from Pompano and Ft. Lauderdale.

There was a rumor going around town that maybe there was a “firebug” in the area because of a fire at Peking Tokyo Buffet on Aug. 12, which is still closed, less than a 1000 feet from Crabby Jack’s. That fire was a result of grease build up on and around the grill so when the employee fired it up there was a flash fire.

Quitoni from Deerfield fire said it took about 30 minutes to whack down the initial blaze.  BSO cleared out Denny’s next door because it was so hot.  Onlookers were coming by all day. The state Fire Marshall is investigating the fire and we should have an answer soon.

We will have the complete story in our Sept 1 issue of the Observer. To watch video of the Peking Tokyo Buffet fire on Aug 12 and the Crabby Jack’s fire go to ObserverTV and click on” latest videos”

PHOTO BY JEFF GRAVES

Hurricane Irene, now a category 3 storm, remains steady on the forecast track staying east of Broward. A tropical storm watch is in effect for the Atlantic waters off southeast Florida; however, no tropical storm watches are planned for land areas. Due to the close proximity of Hurricane Irene, marine interests should exercise caution until the storm passes. While a direct impact from Hurricane Irene continues to become less likely, peripheral impacts are expected. Residents should expect gusty winds and showers beginning Thursday morning. There continues to be a 25 percent probability of tropical storm force winds affecting Broward County. Rough surf and beach erosion is expected. Motorists should use caution when traveling the roadways and treat intersections without working signals as four-way stops. Travelers should check with their airline or cruise line for delays and cancellations. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport reports that due to deteriorating conditions in the Caribbean there have been numerous cancellations in and out of the Bahamas today. The Broward County Emergency Operations Center remains at a monitoring level and emergency management officials continue to keep a close watch on Hurricane Irene. Residents should remain vigilant and stay tuned to TV and radio for updates.

Tea Party and the debt deal

Dear Editor:­ 

Now is not the time for recriminations against Tea Party-backed members of Congress who voted in the end for the debt deal.  This is not the time to start fighting amongst ourselves.  Nothing could make the Left happier than to see a splintering of the Tea Party movement. ­ ­We have to agree that, no matter how disappointed we are with the final deal — and I am — that final vote was something on which honest conservatives could disagree.  ­The President used his bully pulpit to argue that the Tea Party was leading the nation to Armageddon, and the compliant media acted as a thousand megaphones for that line.  It is understandable that some Tea Party conservatives thought this would not help the Tea Party’s standing with the public. There have been good and bad actors on both sides of the debt ceiling debate.  ­Let’s leave the recriminations to the liberals and stay united and focused on achieving the real spending cuts that Congress promised and electing a President and Congress to support, rather than fight, a balanced budget amendment and other limited government principles.­ ­That is what we should be concentrating on, starting today.­

Richard A. Viguerie­

Chairman, ConservativeHQ.com­Manassas, VA­­­­­­

Road improvements create jobs

Dear Editor:

Congestion on our roads costs the U.S. an estimated $145 billion annually in wasted time, repairs and operating expenses. That’s an unnecessary burden that our economy is in no shape to carry.

Yet, Washington seems to be toying with short-term transportation plans and cuts to transportation funding. That’s no way to remedy America’s gridlock. Instead, Congress should pass a long-term (at least six years), well-funded surface transportation bill that allows for real road, bridge, rail and transit improvements.

New transportation projects will create thousands of new jobs in and of themselves, but that’s small potatoes compared to how improved transportation and logistics efficiency will boost our overall economic picture.

Our economy can’t grow if cars and trucks can’t go. Tell your Congressman it’s time to get Florida and the nation rolling again!

William A. DiRico, Jr.  

President – Southeast Division Martin Marietta Materials

Duluth, GA

SW 10 Street Ramp

Dear Editor:

Thanks to the city of Deerfield Beach for realizing we needed another lane coming off (North) on SW 10 street. Now, please give us a right-turn-on-green arrow when the northbound traffic has a green light. The right lane could easily turn with no problem. Post a right-turn-on-green-arrow-only sign. Thanks.

M. Henderson

Deerfield Beach

Cove businesses alive and well

Dear Editor:

My family and I have just opened a small restaurant in The Cove Shopping Plaza on Hillsboro Boulevard.  The Cove is in the process of a beautification project and some exciting changes are happening here.  We are very happy to be a part of the new and improved look, and hope to be a part of the community for many years to come.

In the midst of the beautification process, of course, the parking lot and sidewalks are being redone.  The new pavers look fantastic, and soon the parking lot will be black-topped, and it will also take on a look that will make the businesses proud to operate in The Cove.  This will only enhance our customers’ experience as they come for lunch or dinner, or stop by one of the other many new and existing businesses located here.

I write to you today in the hopes that I can appeal to the Deerfield Beach residents, and those who frequent The Cove area, to remember that all of us are still open for business.  Although there are some larger trucks and work equipment blocking our ‘view’… we are still here for you and your ongoing patronage and support.

Thank you!

Kim Cournoyer,

Beach Buns … the best buns under the sun!

Deerfield Beach

RE: Open Letter in Observer 8/4

The Deerfield Chamber of Commerce is committed, active and continues to move the business community forward.

We strive to create new opportunities targeting business sectors with themed events.  This month, our 31 Days of Dining is designed to help our restaurants during a typically slow month.  See the details on our website: www.deerfieldchamber.com.

At our August breakfast, over 30 members and prospective members participated.  Our speaker, Andrew Duffell, from Florida Atlantic University Research Park, gave us updated plans for development, improvements and their mission here in Deerfield.

At the beginning of 2011, our outstanding debt from previous administrations was over $35,000. Your Chamber of Commerce is presently debt-free, with no outstanding, unpaid obligations.  Funds are available to operate and include a separate fund to sponsor events.

The value of membership is increasing every month with new partnerships.   Several businesses have recently joined.  We welcome Paragon Theaters and Deerfield Beach Toyota.

We invite you to take a look at your chamber by attending our next membership breakfast at:  Embassy Suites, 950 Ocean Blvd., Sept. 1 at 7:30 a.m.  Our guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. (R) Allen West.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

 DEERFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Renaming Westside Park gymnasium?

Dear Editor:

It has been brought to my attention that our city commissioners are attempting to have Dr. Leo J. Robb’s name removed from the gymnasium in Westside Park. The reason being given for this is “Dr. Robb was a Racist.” There is not an ounce of truth to this statement, and no one should know better than me, as I worked side by side with him in his office from 1974 until his death.

Dr. Robb did not have a prejudicial bone in his body. How come every time something does not go our way, “the proverbial race card becomes an issue?”

Every summer Dr. Robb would do all the pre-football physicals for members of the Packer-Rattler football teams. He would give each boy a complete physical and notify their parents if there were any issues. These physicals were all done free of charge, all 125 of them. There were many times when Dr. Robb would discount or see patients without charge and without regard for color, ethnic background or religion. Yes, there was a back door to our office, but it was not an entrance for patients. All patients used the front door and sat side by side in the one and only waiting room.

This good man did so much for the residents of Deerfield Beach. His name, above another’s, belongs on that building. He did not see color and neither should we.

Yours Truly,

Mary M. McAdoo

Deerfield Beach

Editor’s note: Asked August 2 whether the city commission has any plans to rename Westside Park gymnasium, Mayor Peggy Noland said, “not at this time.” She said she was approached by District 2 resident David Ricks to ask whether the gymnasium might be renamed for recently deceased [June 23] Parks & Rec Manager 1 Johnny Tigner, who worked for the city for 37 years. “He gave his heart and soul to the children, worked [with youth’s sports] from that gymnasium.”

According to the city, the gymnasium was named in memory of  Dr. Leo J. Robb Jr. on July 9, 1990. The city commission voted unanimously in favor of the naming on June 19, 1990. Jean Robb was mayor of the city of Deerfield Beach from 1980-93.

Ricks said two petitions are circulating in District 2 to show whether or not there is support in the city. He said he would be happy with either changing the name of the gymnasium – or changing the name of Westside Park – to honor Johnny Tigner.

Publisher’s note: To the best of my recollection, there was only one doctor in Deerfield back in the early 1950s. It was Dr. Higgins, and he was extremely busy. Our community was very happy, therefore, to have another doctor come to town when Dr. Leo Robb and his family arrived. Dr. Robb was a fine man and treated everyone who needed his services, especially the young athletes, with great dignity – which is why he was honored by putting his name on the gymnasium.

Proud to Live in Deerfield Beach/LHP

Dear Editor:

Last Friday, a bowling fundraiser at Diamond Strikes Lanes raised over $5,000 and put this year’s Deerfield Beach/Lighthouse Point Relay for Life over its financial goal of $100,000.  We have exceeded our fundraising goal, but we have done something more important.

Our cities, our schools, our civic organizations, retirement communities like Century Village, local businesses and generous individuals all joined in the fight against cancer. Then there were groups of everyday people, like Healing Spirits, who formed teams of friends and neighbors. They poured countless hours of time into this year’s Relay for Life.
In challenging times, we have come together for the common goal of fighting cancer and supporting cancer survivors. This shows the kind of heart and soul that is alive and well in Deerfield Beach and Lighthouse Point. This is even more important than the money we have raised and I am very proud to live in this generous community.

Thanks you to everyone who helped make it happen.

T.J. Eagen

2011 Event Chair/Relay for Life

Deerfield Beach

RE: Teen Center

Dear Editor:

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a tremendous supporter of programs for Deerfield Beach youth. My years of public service have included tireless work to bring the Deerfield Beach Aquatics Center to reality, and steadfast support of the Police and Fire Explorers programs, and the PAL Boxing League, to name a few. All three of my children participated in city programs, including the Jr. Lifeguard program.

It has become apparent that now more than ever, we must focus on our youth and get them involved in positive activities. This has been reinforced by the tragic incidents of the past two years involving Deerfield Beach Middle School students.

A decade ago, Deerfield Beach Teen Center opened as a place for the city’s older youth to gather. Unfortunately, over the years, participation at the facility has dwindled to the current situation where only about 10 youths visit the facility per day. For the nine months from October 1, 2010 through July 12, 2011, Teen Center operations cost the city $75,000.

Even in this economic climate, we can’t afford not to invest in our youth, but we must make the best use of the funding we have. In my opinion, we are missing the opportunity to reach our teens, just when they need it the most. City staff has met with representatives of Deerfield Beach Middle and High schools, who have echoed this concern.

For this reason, the city is overhauling its teen programs, and instituting a “mobile” concept, where staff will bring programs directly to the community’s youth at both schools. Operations at the Teen Center will cease this fall, and Teen Center funding will be used to support this new concept. By partnering with the schools, the city will be able to maximize our dollars, and increase the number of teens whose lives are impacted by the positive influence of city programs. I fully support this new approach, and I am confident that in the end, our children will be the winners.

Mayor Peggy Noland 

Deerfield Beach

According to the Ron Ishoy,spokesman for the State Attorney’s Office, former Deerfield Beach Commissioner Steve Gonot was adjudicated guilty and sentenced Friday to 364 days in jail and five years probation for his conviction on three campaign finance-related corruption charges.

Broward County Circuit Judge Barbara McCarthy set a $15,000 bond while Gonot appeals the decision. Besides jail and probation, Gonot must also complete 500 hours community service.

Gonot was convicted May 10 of Official Misconduct and Grand Theft over $5,000, as well as a misdemeanor charge of Falsifying Records.

Gonot had been accused of unlawfully misusing $5,135 in campaign money for his personal use by writing a check from his campaign fund to a long-time friend for “supplies and equipment reimbursement” for his campaign. Investigators determined that no such equipment had been delivered by the time Gonot had falsely listed the transaction on his campaign treasurer’s report.

Assistant State Attorney David Schulson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Broward State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.