http://goleft.tv/

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Bush's Indian Name

President George Bush was invited to address a major gathering of The American Indian nation two weeks ago in upper New York State. He spoke for almost an hour on his future plans for increasing every native American's  present standard of living,

He mentioned how he had signed 'yes' for every Indian issue that came to his desk for approval..He seemed most enthusiastic about his future ideas for helping his 'red sisters and brothers'.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Tribes presented the President with a plaque inscribed with his new Indian name - Walking Eagle.

The proud President then departed in his motorcade, waving to the crowds. A news reporter later inquired of the group of chiefs of how they had come to select the new name given to the President.

They explained that Walking Eagle is the name given to a bird so full of shit it can no longer fly.

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Another wood frame house in old town, Key West is on the market for $230,000. Now, that's AFFORDABLE! Maybe it's time to let go of the "Affordable Housing Task Force" and just let the current housing market provide affordable housing to our workers !

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According to the announcement on Jan. 25, 2008, at the Special Budget Meeting of the BOCC, by Commissioner Dixie Spehar, Jerry Coleman is no longer going to be working for the County as a hired outside attorney for the Workforce Housing Task Force, (as of Jan. 31?????) Do we believe this? Commissioner Dixie Spehar, where was your vote to can him back in February when Commissioner Murphy tried to get rid of him? Are you trying to now make amends for your re-election? Voters will remember come election time on which side of the fence you were sitting. Commissioner Spehar, talk to the employees who may lose their jobs, talk to the children who will lose a day at the library, talk to the people who depend on bus service to get to Dr. appointments, talk to the elderly who depend on Community services, they are voters too. Commissioner Spehar, your a day late and a dollar short.

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Why is Mario DiGennaro having a problem with taking the request that George Neugent asked him to take to the TDC, asking if they could pay for the sinking of the Vandenberg, instead of the taxpayers of Monroe County paying for it? Better yet, let the millionaire, since it was his idea and he still wants to sink the Vandenberg make a donation of his money to sink it. Why should long time Monroe County employees be let go to pay for something it seems that only the gang of three supports?

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Okay gang you got rid of Willi and Coleman now concentrate your energies on removing one more remaining viruses in the county..... Lisa Drunkemiller, who just purchased $60,000 worth of worthless TV?s. Get on it Thacker!!!!!! Just Think how many 1.00 lots could have been bought with $60.000??.Keylargokey.com

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this website ...........sucks!

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In today’s Editorial section of the KW Citizen newspaper, HTA’s executive director, Ed Swift, is praised for his efforts to “get the city to set aside land for an assisted care facility at Truman”.

Yeah! Wonderful! What an effort!

For $2,000 a month, you can rent a unit, or you can pay for it outright for two million. I don’t know what fixed income can afford that, but obviously, this sweetheart deal, was used to  pay only $1 per year rent, under the term "assisted living". It is  really for the rich only  and the people truly needing assisted living, get screwed again.

The term “assisted living” facility sounds like it’s a good thing and worth while, but when you understand it was a ploy for the rich to get the land cheap…… you realize it was just a manipulation. This was a lousy deal for the elderly and I do not understand how anyone could praise such an effort of manipulation. I totaly disagree with the Citizen's Editorial.

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anyone notice how much louder the planes are, now that Senator Nelson has left the Keys?

Dear State Attorney Mark Kohl,

My name is Kay Thacker, and I attended the meeting where you gave the class on Sunshine Law at the Key Largo Library for the public and the members of the Board of County Commissioners. Commissioner Sonny McCoy and Commissioner Mario DiGennaro were part of this class after nothing was done by your office, other than their mandated attendance of your Sunshine Law class. Both of these Commissioners admitted on the radio station what part they played in the Sunshine Law.

I understand you have had a compliant filed by a Monroe County Citizen Howard Gelbman and I would like to know if your office is going to do anything about this compliant, Mr. Gelbman filed? At least an investigation? The Key West Citizen has also requested a complete audio recording of the meeting. The article below which was published today (1-24-08) in the Key West Citizen, and I am enclosing for you, who is offering another attorney's opinion and I quote from this article....First Amendment Foundation attorney Adria Harper "said there also is a precedent for only one person speaking when two elected officials from the same board attend a meeting, but emphasized that only a judge can decide whether the law is broken. “Only a court can determine if there is a violation,” Harper said.

Thank you

Kay Thacker

Meeting might violate state laws Monroe County Mayor Sonny McCoy and Commissioner Mario Di Gennaro may violate state open-meetings laws today when they meet with state officials to discuss sewer funding. For any meeting in which at least two commissioners discuss county business, the public must be informed through a proper notice and be allowed to attend, and written minutes must be taken, according to Florida Government-in-the- Sunshine Laws. McCoy and Di Gennaro are planning to meet with House Rep. Stan Mayfield in his Tallahassee office to discuss Monroe County’s request that the state issue a bond to cover some of the $336 million needed to complete sewer projects in the Florida Keys. The meeting was not advertised in the media or posted on an agenda. County Attorney Suzanne Hutton also planned to attend the meeting, as well as a staff member who was expected to take notes and report back to the full commission, Hutton and acting County Administrator Debbie Frederick said. Hutton and Di Gennaro said McCoy was the only one who would speak at the meeting, claiming that avoided the meeting being a Sunshine Law violation. Di Gennaro said if it became necessary for him to speak, McCoy would leave the room. Hutton said a precedent was set in the 1990s when the County Commission met with the Pigeon Key Foundation and a third person took notes to satisfy the open-meetings laws; however, she could not cite the year or other specifics of the case. First Amendment Foundation attorney Adria Harper said there also is a precedent for only one person speaking when two elected officials from the same board attend a meeting, but emphasized that only a judge can decide whether the law is broken. “Only a court can determine if there is a violation,” Harper said. “Sending two people and only having one person speak to avoid Sunshine Laws may still be a violation, especially if one of the guys has the authority of the [County Commission] to make a decision on behalf of the entire board. The Supreme Court has ruled that no evasive devices should be used in terms of the Sunshine Laws.” Whether the public was given adequate notice of the meeting was unclear Wednesday because it was too late in the day for The Citizen or Hutton to review the county’s rules about meeting notices. Hutton announced last week during a televised County Commission meeting that the two commissioners were going to Tallahassee. “I usually recommend to these boards, when they go to outof- town meetings where most people can’t attend, that they audio or video record it to allow for more public access,” Harper said. “If there is going to be millions of dollars involved in a project, people are interested in it. It’s an important issue. The whole point of Sunshine Laws is to provide the citizens a window into the process.” The Citizen requested a complete audio recording of the meeting. Frederick confirmed receipt of the request and said she would refer it to Hutton.

In reading citizen jane for many months it is obvious that we are VERY UNHAPPY and ANGRY about how our county is being run into the ground and into serious debit. So - WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO?

Just TALK about it OR are we going to DO SOMETHING.

A few of us have been talking about holding a forum mid-February in either Key West or Stock Island (maybe both)

as a CALL FOR CANDIDATES - Sonny and Dixie's seats are both up for re-election.

Following forums would be held in various locations leading up to the Aug elections in which candidates would all be asked to respond to the same questions.

Instead of our complaining and commiserating let's get together and do something.

IF YOU LIKE THIS IDEA - PLEASE

1. write in to citizen jane and let us know you want to be involved.

2. give us your ideas for a forum and possible locations

Let's STOP TALKING and do something to CHANGE things!

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Yes, I have known Lisa Druckemiller for years! Let me answer your question from yesterday. First of all Lisa doesn't want me to answer any of this. But have you ever had someone die that caused you over $500,000 in medical bill? I don't think so I know who you are. You talk about Lisa not paying her bills. Check with Miami Children in you will find out about Lisa's finances. ALL PAIDED. The bill issues were from back in the early 2000's in there were reasons that I wouldn't wish on you. She is a fantastic person you just wanted to keep the County business and screw the tax payers that is why you keep writing this. I wish you luck!

Chuckie

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Budget Cuts and Firing of County Employees and Services -

Is sinking the Vandenberg still worth it? The county should realize they cannot afford to sink the navy ship and pay it's bills. I can't imagine that our county commissioners would let people loose their jobs over the Vandenberg. It's not too late. Keep our employees, our county services and save for another year when the county can actually afford such an unneccessary expense as the sinking of this ship.

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Key West Citizen Newspaper implicated in today's paper, that it was state tax cuts which was cause for our County's financial crises. The truth is, we were in such bad economics before the cuts.

Tom Willie spent too much money and was allowed to stay in his position and thus, continue to make such poor expensive decisions. For this, the County Commissioners need to take responsiblity. Dixie, McCoy and DiGennaro kept Tom Willie in office by voting to support him the first time his termination went on the table.

Citizens must remember the poor judgement those three commissioners showed when it comes election time. Two of them: Dixie and McCoy are seeking re-election. We simply can't afford to keep them in office.

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does Jim Scholl understand what's going on with the cruise ships? it did'nt sound like it on the bill becker radio show today

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I saw a bumper sticker that said : affordable housing ain't affordable... cut the bull - how appropriate

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On January 29th election - on item: ' Renew flexible funding for monroe county schools ' - VOTE NO

- the school board recently showed how stupid they are by giving school property to greedy developers.

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how can the county cry to DEP that they don't have enough money for sewering, yet, they can throw away millions to sink a ship?

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Jerry Coleman - is a wasted expense for the county budget. One month of Jerry Celeman's legal charges, is equivalent to one year salary of a bus driver, librarian or other county employee. If you cut Jerry Coleman, you save more than a quarter of a million dollars for one year!

Affordable Housing - for first time middle to low income homebuyers. There are canal homes for 300k and stilt homes for 200k and mobiles for 100k. And prices are still adjusting. These prices are lower than the rates Ed Swift charges for his affordable housing projects and you keep the land!

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Oil companies decide how much people can afford to pay for gas, then set their price. They calculate household incomes, to figure what is the maximum rate they can charge. Forget about supply and demand, oil companies operate on the theory "get the last penny"

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So Chuckie, you think that Lisa Druckemiller was trying to save the county money? You are just as illiterate and lost as Lisa is. You say that you have known Lisa for a very long time, and that she is one of the "Best people that you have ever known"? Well you must not get out much! I also have known Lisa for a very long time also, and I have found her to be nothing but a pathological liar, and a con artist. Lisa cares only for herself, and what she can get out of a situation. She manipulates every situation, and changes the facts of every situation to get her way. If you think that scamming Key West businesses out of money, and lieing on you taxes makes her "One of the best people that you have ever known" then you are as delusional to the facts of life as much as Lisa is!! If you are such a good friend then why don't you help her with her legal fee's when she gets sued soon, or help her pay the lawsuit money when those that are suing her win in court, and they will win!! She has screwed over a lot of people with the means to make her pay legally!!

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HELP US HELP YOU!

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Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from the County regarding County business are public record, available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communication may be subject to public disclosure.

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Jane, please share this with your readers:

Here is the original excerpt from Lee Iacocca'a book and attached is my rewrite adapting it to the Keys.

Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from it's death throes? He has a new book, and here are some excerpts.

Lee Iacocca Says:

'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder.

We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course'

Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'

You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.

The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the ' America ' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?

I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis!

Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.

On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes.

A Hell of a Mess

So here's where we stand. We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving. We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country. We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs. Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble. Our borders are like sieves.

The middle class is being squeezed every which way. These are times that cry out for leadership.

But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.

Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?

We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.

Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane, or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.

Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan.

Figure out what you're going to do the next time..

Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?

Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.

I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on Fox News will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?

Had Enough?

Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope, I believe in America .

In my lifetime I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: the 'Great Depression', 'World War II', the 'Korean War', the 'Kennedy Assassination', the 'Vietnam War', the 1970s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11. If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a call to 'Action' for people who, like me, believe in America . It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had 'enough.'

Excerpted from 'Where Have All the Leaders Gone?'.

Copyright (c) 2007 by Lee Iacocca. All rights reserved.

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I don't know where his person has been! Is he just waking up? Speaking of the Titanic, the gunnels are under and the pumps are being flooded. People all over the U.S. is still voting for the same crap or perhaps even worse. As to Monroe County, where are the candidates? We have said enough, enough and enough; and where has it gotten us - unelected officials who are worse, and that takes a lot, than before. We do not have to fill/receive a bureaucratic survey to know the ship is sinking. It takes candidates and elections to "throw the bums out!". I am totally amazed that their replacements receive more than one, oh perhaps his/her spouse, so who knows the ship is sinking?

Jerry Wilkinson

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Thanks for the forward, Mr. Neugent, and for the reply from Mr. Wilkinson which really points out the most serious issue: Where are the candidates? Have the current thugs made the playing field feel so nasty, so slimy that no one wants to even be a part of it all? I know that many are like me with businesses that take 150% of our time and couldn't even begin to find time to do a commissioner's job properly. But surely we have smart, savvy citizens with no hidden agendas, no backroom political deals, who would be good for Monroe County and NOT strong-arm development 'players'? And what happened to personal accountability and responsibility? Is honesty something lost in public service? I wonder when I see a mayor with a personal agenda, who apparently has lied (either to a commissioner or to the public) in order to keep a spot on the TDC, and see his political friends (our commissioners) who treat their constituents with arrogance and disregard.

As for the national front I hope everyone will give John Edwards a good look and consider him as THE candidate. He appears to be the only one talking issues - serious issues - and he is the only one who is not accepting corporate funding for his campaign. While the other two are sniping at each other endlessly, playing dirty tricks and filling their coffers with money from lobbyists, Edwards is running a lean campaign with what appears to be a solid value system and a message that is sorely needed in this country now.

S

PS Please feel free to register and take part in a free message board for Key West and the Florida Keys - www.SavingTheKeys.com You can be anonymous if you wish, but by all means, let's discuss our important issues and let's bring people together so that this type of dialog doesn't disappear along with the Keys we know and love.

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I say every sherrif and police officer get out of their cars, and walk the beat to keep in shape. When I grew up, you never had officers sitting in their cars, they always walked the neighborhoods, mingled with the people and understood what was going on in the area. This is what our communities need.

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Everyone thought Tom Willie, was responsible for the county not getting monies from the state for it's sewering. It was actually county commissioner Mario Di Genaro (then mayor), who was responsible for the county not getting funded. See what happens when you have incompetent people at the helm?

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Dear Commissioners,

Jerry Coleman's invoices from May 07 to Nov. 07 to the taxpayers of Monroe County that had anything to do with (Affordable Housing Coordinator) totaled $29,312.50. Coleman charged the taxpayers of Monroe County to return calls, emails, reviews, or revisions of RFP’s, letter drafts, or drafting’s of workforce housing ordinances, attending meetings with Affordable Housing Coordinator. We taxpayers of Monroe County already pay the Affordable Housing Coordinator $80.000.00 plus a year in salary. Is she qualified to do the job, one might ask? The Affordable Housing Coordinator remarked 2 weeks ago, she could not do her job without Jerry Coleman.

This is outrageous, disgraceful, shocking and it is shameful. If Affordable Housing Coordinator and the Project Manager to County Administrator are cut that would save taxpayers $169,000.00 plus the almost $30,000.00 that Coleman charged the taxpayers to help do the Affordable Housing Coordinator’s job. Emergency Services are being asked to cut $77,000.00; Growth Management is being asked to cut $27,000.00; Community Services considering decreasing libraries hours, or 1 day of library services; or cutting 5 full time jobs, or doubling bus fares.

The Workforce Housing Task Force has done nothing but write ordinances that tries to circumvent our LDR’s, (height and density) trying to change our 2010 Comp Plan changes (School Board affordable housing on public owned properties) and has cost the taxpayer’s of Monroe County and additional $29,312.50 of hard earned money, plus the costs of Jerry Colman, well over $400,000.00. I truly hope Commissioners; you will call for last in first out at the Special BOCC meeting on the 25th of January?

Cordially,

Kay Thacker

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I have known Lisa Druckemiller for a very long time. She is one of the best people I have ever known. She would do anything for anyone. You people don't know her at all. Leave her alone! She was trying to save the County Money and the tax payers.

Chuckie

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Since when does Jerry Coleman have the right to negotiate with the Navy regarding their AICUZ? I do NOT want to pay for this man anylonger! everyone needs to write to and call our county commissioners to put a stop to all this crazy spending. We just spent $36.000 for the past 3 months for this man ! Jerry Coleman is part of the reason why we are bankrupt!

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I heard Capt Brown of the Navy on the Bill Becker radio show today.......... smooth captain........ real smooth!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am once again contacting you in reference to the “workforce housing” project by Ed Swift on Sugarloaf School. Mr. Swift and the School Board are trying to persuade our elected officials to amend our county’s Comprehensive Plan. In the amendment, developers will be able to build on ALL school owned property. Remember, the Planning Commission passed this change to our Comprehensive Plan to allow building on ALL educational land on 1/8/08. There is no way to discriminate against anyone who wants to live in these units and workforce housing means “anyone who lives in the county.” The real estate market is not just available but affordable now. There are over 25 homes in Mr. Swift’s “affordable” price range from MM0-MM35. He is also building 140 “workforce” units on Trumbo Road on School Board owned land.

PLEASE contact your county commissioners and tell them to vote NO to this amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.  PLEASE contact DCA (Department of Community Affairs) Secretary Tom Pelham at <http://www.dca.state.fl.us/>www.dca.state.fl.us to say NO to this amendment also.  This issue will be on the agenda of both DCA and/or BOCC BEFORE the end of February!  Do this today! Any questions please contact Jennifer Cleaver at 797-0451 or mailto:kwcleaver@bellsouth.net. Thank you-Joelle Keane

Dixie Spehar   boccdis1@monroecounty-fl.gov

George Neugent   boccdis2@monroecounty-fl.gov

Sonny McCoy  boccdis3@monroecounty-fl.gov

Mario DiGennaro   boccdis4@monroecounty-fl.gov

Sylvia Murphy   boccdis5@monroecounty-fl.gov

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What a sobering editorial in today's citizen. It explains that the county has lost 26% of it's rentals and we have big problems with housing for our workers. We can thank commissioners and planning boards for approving transfer of transient rentals, transfer of rogos from trailer parks (evicting people from their trailor's) , the sale of 2nd homes to people who will not live year round in the Keys (and leave their houses empty for the majority of the year), building permtts are given to developers who have had a monopoly of building projects (intead of allowing single families this right. Developers hog up all the building allocations). Affordable has never been affordable . So, it all makes sense here in the Keys why housing is a problem. Our politicians have made our bed, now we must suffer.

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The overall cost of upgrading the Keys waste water treatment will now cost 939 million dollars. When did the county get this number? It was first thought to be anywheres from 300 - 500 million. Could someone may be trying to get more money out of our bond request from the state?

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County Budget Cuts - Employees will loose jobs. I wonder how much money we can save if we fire: Mario DiGenarro, Sonny McCoy and Dixie Spehar? Instead of starting from the bottom up, we should start from the assholes down.

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I have an idea how the county can save money to save it's budget .... don't sink the Vandenberg! You have just saved millions of dollars and many jobs

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I remember our politicians explaining how the Vandenberg will bring money and jobs into the Keys. Well, when you have to release county employees because you don't have enough money to pay their salaries, sinking this ship may not be such a smart move. Bad judgement and very costly.

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County employees should report any misspending, or inappropriaties they become aware of for the sake of their jobs . It is too bad, that while Tom Willie was County Administrator, that there were no such reports. We see now what happens when over spending and missmanagement goes unsupervised. I feel terrible for all the county lay-offs.

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I vote NO for re-election of County Commissioner Sonny McCoy. I vote NO for re-election of County Commissioner Dixie Spehar. I vote YES for re-election of County Commissioner Syvia Murphy

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"County poised to make more layoffs" - kw citizen 1-18-08

"Monroe County’s Public Works Department is the latest division to realize the effects of the county’s budget struggles, as it has been asked to cut its expenses by $1.3 million, which would result in 17 people being fired and three positions not being filled. Public Works, with 174 workers, is one of the county’s most expensive departments funded by property taxes. The other is the Community Services Division, which also has been asked to cut $1.3 million. Director Deb Barsell referred all comment about cuts in her department to Acting County Administrator Debbie Frederick, who was unavailable for comment about that on Thursday."

- where was Director Deb Barsell during the BOCC ? She should have been at the meeting to make such a serious lay offs of county employees!

Watching the meeting convinced me how important it was for each one of us to be there. Applause was strong. I believe this meeting will be viewed by officials and others with authority. The speakers were great and it is observable that the integrity of this AICUZ is being questioned, even by very knowledgeable former Navy pilots. The speakers were great.

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The taxpayers of Monroe County need to contact their County Commissioners and ask for their explanation of why Lisa Druckemiller is allowed to do what she does. In the Key West Citizen article several weeks ago she stated that she was only looking out for the county, and trying to save them money. This statement is ridicules! This incompetent county employee can't even pay her own bills and taxes, how can she handle paying Monroe County's bills? She can't even manage her own finances, how can she manage Monroe county's finances? This whole thing is a total con on her part.For some unknown reason the county Officials ignore all her pathological lies and deceit. She has been allowed to maintain her position, when many other more productive, qualified, and honest county employees were laid off, and their positions eliminated. This whole thing is strange, many others have their positions eliminated, and this substandard employee keeps on going, and doing whatever she wants to whoever she wants. For some reason Ms. Druckemiller cannot be controlled, or is it that they don't want to control her? Or maybe they could care less about the citizens or employees concerns.This employee has had many many court cases against her for not paying bills over many years (including many from the IRS for tax evasion, and currently has tax lien's), but she is allowed to handle large county contracts, and make financial decisions for Monroe County Government. It's no wonder why Monroe County is going broke, and cannot come up with money for fire stations and sewer systems. Until the Officials of Monroe County stop incompetent employee's like Ms. Druckemiller the county's financial position is never going to change.We can all change this county come election day though!!

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I tried to call my Monroe County Commissioner this afternoon to inquire, and voice my opposition about Lisa Druckemiller being responsible for spending our tax dollars, and her unethical conduct. The person that answered for the commissioner was not the least bit interested in what I had to say, and could have cared less about the opinion of a constituent. The Key West Citizen Newspaper needs to look into Ms. Druckemiller. Commissioners do your job now, because if you don't we will find someone that can come election day!!

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It was a big victory for the citizen's that the Senator Nelson Town Hall meeting was televised.

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I heard all the speakers at the Senator Nelson meeting yesterday. They were wonderful, all of them and should be commended for their bravery in speaking out and taking civic action! I am very proud to have such strong people living in my community.

Jerry Coleman's put a new meaning to the credit card commercial of "priceless"...only he is "useless"

* TOTAL $6,965.00 FOR TRAVEL AND ATTENDING MEETINGS IN OCTOBER, 2007*

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City Manager of Key West, Jim Scholl is the one to notify if we want to have this meeting televised. City Hall is where the meeting will be held and according to Senator Nelson's aid, if citizens of Monroe County want the meeting to be televised we need to email to Jim Scholl, email address below and request from him to have the Nelson meeting televised. Please email him to have Nelson Meeting televised.

please email: Jim Scholl <jscholl@keywestcity.com

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Dear Mr. Scholl,

I am forwarding an email that I received from Laura Fatovic, Regional Director Office of Senator Bill Nelson. I had CC: you a copy of the correspondence that was sent out January 9^th , asking that the Town Hall meeting on the 15h of January be televised to Senator Nelson’s office. From this response of Ms. Fatovic, which I have attached, she has put the ball in your court.

I am requesting from you an answer as to whether you will allow this meeting to be televised? I live in Key Largo and will be attending this meeting, but several citizens here in Key Largo and other parts of the Keys will be unable to attend this meeting one reason being the distance of travel and have asked that I contact you to see if you can make it possible to televise the meeting with Senator Nelson. Seldom does Monroe County citizen get a visit from our Senators. If you do decide, which I hope you do, to make it available, would you be so kind as to email me the particulars of this meeting such as what channel, time, etc. A large number of citizens in Unincorporated Monroe County are very interested in the workings of our local government and would greatly appreciate it being televised. I will be waiting to hear from you in regards of your answers about this meeting.

Regards

Kay Thacker

Key Largo.

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That argument that "shy members of the public may wish to avoid the cameras and any recording of the event" is the same argument that the (my) Navy gave for hosting an un-recorded dog-and-pony show instead of a straight-up, televised public hearing regarding the AICUZ in October.

It is disingenuous and not credible for anyone to claim that marginally-confident folks who are willing to speak in front of a U.S. Senator with a room full of unknown observers would be less likely to do so if the event were televised and recorded.

If I were one of those marginally-confident folks, I'd consider televising and recording of the event equivalent to powerful security lights illuminating a dark parking garage.

I don't see how one could draw any conclusion other than the more visibility of these proceedings at this and subsequent venues, the greater the safety and the more likely that folks would participate.

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Folks,

It is not often that our senator comes to Key West. I know that many of Senator Nelson's supporters would like to attend, but given the travel distance involved, and the time of day, it will not be possible.

The true spirit of a town hall meeting is to provide a forum for all to come out and be heard. Given all of the county meetings that are made available to the public via television, I can see no reason why anyone would be opposed to having this town hall meeting televised.

Will you please share my thoughts with the senator?

Thank you,

Bill Hunter

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Good morning everyone,

I would like to clear up what seems to be some confusion about this issue.  I spoke to my press office yesterday and they clarified the fact that they were not requesting the coverage (we do not demand this of any venue we visit), however, the meeting is open to any and all who would like to attend and that has always included press. I then spoke to City Manager Jim Scholl’s office and advised them that they are welcome to televise the meeting if they so desire.  While they have not given me a definitive answer, they do not expect to televise it. Should you have any further questions or comments on this please do not hesitate to contact me.

Best, Laura I. Fatovic, Regional Director

Office of Senator Bill Nelson

Office: (305) 536-5999 Cell: (305) 216-9674

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Dear Mr. Scholl,

As you can see from this email below from Senator Nelson's office that is not what Laura I. Fatovic, Regional Director is saying or what I understand her to be saying. Please read this email from Senator Nelson's office, which I have also included and I quote "advised them that they are welcome to televise the meeting if they so desire". Sir, as I read this and as I stated before, you have Senator Nelson's approval to televise this meeting and that is what the citizens of Monroe County are requesting from you.

Good morning everyone,

I would like to clear up what seems to be some confusion about this issue. I spoke to my press office yesterday and they clarified the fact that they were not requesting the coverage (we do not demand this of any venue we visit), however, the meeting is open to any and all who would like to attend and that has always included press. I then spoke to City Manager Jim Scholl’s office and advised them that they are welcome to televise the meeting if they so desire. While they have not given me a definitive answer, they do not expect to televise it. Should you have any further questions or comments on this please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,

Laura I. Fatovic, Regional Director

Office of Senator Bill Nelson

Office: (305) 536-5999

Cell: (305) 216-9674

I would also like to share with you one of the emails I received today below: Please allow this meeting to be televised. I certainly hope other citizens of Monroe County also email you with this request. Hope to hear from you concerning this matter.

It is disingenuous and not credible for anyone to claim that marginally-confident folks who are willing to speak in front of a U.S. Senator with a room full of unknown observers would be less likely to do so if the event were televised and recorded.

If I were one of those marginally-confident folks, I'd consider televising and recording of the event equivalent to powerful security lights illuminating a dark parking garage.

I don't see how one could draw any conclusion other than the more visibility of these proceedings at this and subsequent venues, the greater the safety and the more likely that folks would participate.

Thank you Kay Thacker Key Largo

Jim Scholl wrote: Ms. Thacker:

We are only providing the venue for the Senator. It is the Senator's office that chooses the resources for the event.

Jim Scholl

-----Original Message-----
From: kay thacker [mailto:oktcraft@terranova.net] Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 1:06 PM
To: Jim Scholl
Subject: [Fwd: Televising of Key West Town Hall Meeting]

Dear Mr. Scholl,
I am forwarding an email that I received from Laura Fatovic, Regional Director Office of Senator Bill Nelson. I had CC: you a copy of the correspondence that was sent out January 9^th , asking that the Town Hall meeting on the 15h of January be televised to Senator Nelson's office. From this response of Ms. Fatovic, which I have attached, she has put the ball in your court.

I am requesting from you an answer as to whether you will allow this meeting to be televised? I live in Key Largo and will be attending this meeting, but several citizens here in Key Largo and other parts of the Keys will be unable to attend this meeting one reason being the distance of travel and have asked that I contact you to see if you can make it possible to televise the meeting with Senator Nelson. Seldom does Monroe County citizen get a visit from our Senators. If you do decide, which I hope you do, to make it available, would you be so kind as to email me the particulars of this meeting such as what channel, time, etc. A large number of citizens in Unincorporated Monroe County are very interested in the workings of our local government and would greatly appreciate it being televised. I will be waiting to hear from you in regards of your answers about this meeting.

Regards

Kay Thacker

Key Largo.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously on January 8, 2008 *to allow* Ed Swift’s “workforce housing” development NOT just on top of Sugarloaf School, but on all *educational land*. They voted to change our Comprehensive Plan of Monroe County. They also voted unanimously to allow the definition of all “workforce housing” to allow “anyone in the county to live there” according to a quote by Jerry Coleman (lawyer). I thought, according to the School Board, this was a teacher retention issue? This serious matter will be brought before the DCA (Development Review Committee) and the Board of County Commissioners BEFORE February 2008! Please watch for the meetings-*_we need all of your support_*. Please contact Jennifer Cleaver at 797-0451 or _kwcleaver@bellsouth.net_ <mailto:kwcleaver@bellsouth.net> for and questions.

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-Fellow Citizens of Monroe County,

We need to send emails to: Sherry_Davich@billnelson.senate.gov and Laura_Fatovic@billnelson.senate.gov

requesting this Town Hall Meeting be televised.

1. Important to the Community

2. People are afraid of the retribution of officials since questions have been asked of NAS Key West.

3. This concerns our citizens of Monroe County, our voices and concerns need to be televised so all may know and see how our Government works.

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Dear Ms. Fatovic and Ms. Davich and County Manager Jim Scholl,

My name is Kay Thacker, I live in Key Largo, Monroe County, Florida. I am writing you to please request of Senator Nelson to reconsider having the Town Hall meeting televised on the 15th of January in Key West.

A *_Town Hall meeting _*is an informal public meeting inviting everyone in a Community to attend, voice their opinions and hear responses from public figures and elected officials. Town Hall meeting are held so that people can influence elected officials in their decision making or to give them a chance to feel their voices are being heard.

Citizens of Monroe County, I have spoken to several, have gotten emails, and telephone calls wanting to be able to also hear the voice of Senator Nelson, if unable or afraid to attend this Town Hall meeting. I find your answer as to why this meeting should not be televised as "it changes the feel or it makes people uncomfortable and might cause them not to speak", unfounded and not substantial enough reasons not to televise this meeting for the Citizens of Monroe County. Monroe County meetings whether it be Planning Commission meeting or a BOCC meeting are all televised and the citizens who do appear at these meetings to hear or to speak do it very comfortably and we are use to this form of televised government meetings, this is how Monroe County government works.

I am requesting that you reconsider having this January 15th meeting televised for the Citizens of Monroe County, if you would please. I also hope you will hear from other Citizens of Monroe County expressing the same sentiment.

Regards Kay Thacker / Key Largo, Florida

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I like Citizen Jane. With one exception, it is a good format for thoughtful, informative discussions, and it gets people thinking, and communicating. And I think that is the intention of CJ's publisher. To protect that image, and continue being effective and credible, implement some publishing standards and rules, such as those used by Coconut Telegraph. What seems to be happening now is CJ is becoming nothing more than a place to get malicious libel published, because other, legitimate outlets will not publish what these people are writing. The RUMORS section was, and now the BITCH section is, nothing more than a place for people to commit malicious libel with impunity, without accountability. The sleaze factor is rising, and taking a very long term view, if the sleaze pattern continues, eventually CJ will implode, lose its credibility, its usefulness, and its readers. It's time to determine the look and fate of CJ. We are coming into a very active political season, and the county is dealing with many important issues. CJ is and can continue to be a vital part of the communications process, or it can become one of the web sites people ignore because of inconsequential content, if it erodes into a repository for spew. Ultimately, readers will decide how best to spend their time. I think most readers want to participate in the meaningful process, and will avoid being associated with lesser quality web sites.

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School Board gives public property to Private Developer - There was no bid for any other contracts. It was a clear "Give A Way". So when the School Board asks for the support of tax payers in Monroe County - I will vote no.

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Sugarloaf School is one step closer to having development on it's school property. I saw the planning board meeting yesterday and I can't believe the thoughtful, correct statements said by Sandra Dows, who explained why the project should not be built. I heard the person representing the Navy that the Navy does not condone future building anywhere in the Keys, for the impact to noise from their navy planes. And there were many other speakers who made sense. Even when the County Staff recommended one way, the board voted the opposite. The people sitting on that planning board do a very poor job. I also cannot believe anyone can take Mr. Coleman serious. He did not prepare for yesterday's meeting, spoke very unprofessional and does not know his facts. The County should retain a person knowledgeable of land use in the county.

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The School Bd + Planning Bd + Ed Swift = Over development and abuse of our comprehension plan

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When are the people gonna learn, we would be better off with no government! Ron Paul is the candidate every one should vote for

*Developer wants amendment*] Please help us protect our children, our school and our Florida Keys! The Planning Commission will meet this Tuesday, January 8 beginning at 10am at the Marathon Government Center to discuss and vote on the amendment (developer) Ed Swift wants to add to the Comprehensive Plan of Monroe County. This amendment will allow developers to build on ALL school property and all recreational and all public land.

We cannot let developers take away the last areas we have left to enjoy and remember why we live in the Keys. If this change in the law gets made, everyone loses. These laws were made to protect us and the place we live. Don't let them toss aside these protections for their monetary gain and convenience. Please help us defeat this amendment! We need as many people as possible to come to this meeting on January 8^th ! Please come for as long as you can possibly stay to voice your concern about this amendment. Our School Board member Duncan Mathewson was quoted at the November School Board meeting that the Sugarloaf parents have “mellowed a bit.” Let’s show the county we have not mellowed at all about this issue!

Any questions please contact Jennifer Cleaver at kwcleaver@bellsouth.net <mailto:kwcleaver@bellsouth.net> or 797-0451.

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exellent letter to editor in KW Citizen newspaper by Dennis Henize- Jane, would you please post?

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Home Town Democracy - is an organization who has been around for some time, trying to stop over growth development in Florida. They have a petition (and I see it up on your website - thank you), which everyone needs to sign. It will allow voters to decide how much development they will accept in their own communities and not the Developers. Everyone needs to download this page (there is a link on Citizen Jane's front page), print and mail in by January 10th. Please, everyone, we need more signatures and are very close.

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I still can't believe all the trouble the county and navy will put themselves in, for one Developers project! I guess Ed Swift thought moving the AICUZ, so he can build his million dollar homes in Key Haven, would have gone under the radar?

what were Dixie Spehar, Jim Scholl and Paul Horan thinking?

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I am a Monroe County employee, and I have known Lisa Druckemiller for many years. Everyone that has any dealings with Ms. Druckemiller at the government level knows who and what she is, and avoids any unnecessary contact with her. Lisa is the #1 Drama Queen of Monroe County Government. Whenever she is upset she makes the rounds calling County Commissioners and escalating whatever she is upset about, and making up stories and lies to get her way. When we all read the story in Last week's Key West Citizen in our office we all knew that this was just another attempt for Lisa to have her way. We all heard her story about what happened between Lisa and the guy from Sprint but, we also heard from several that work with her the truth, and how she made the whole thing up.We are all tired of hearing from Lisa that she is a Conch and do what she wants. If you lived anywhere but Monroe County Lisa you would be taking orders at McDonald's drive thru!!

Commissioners please take notice that I am not only an employee of the county but a tax payer, and voter as well. There is a lot of discussion around the county offices about how you are allowing Lisa to run wild, be belligerent, and do as she wishes when the rest of us have to conduct ourselves in a pleasant demenor. It is because of county employees like Lisa Druckemiller that the county is in such poor condition, and lacks the staff with the education and experience to properly manage their departments. I know for a fact that she is only in that position because she was "hooked up".If you can't correct this situation then the voters will come election day. Dixie and Sonny you are up for reelection, and if you can't fix the problems of Monroe County we will elect someone that can come election day!!

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Senator Nelson comes to Key West for a town hall meeting and I will be there!

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RE: Homestead exemption vote on Jan. 29th

Have people gotten the flyers in the mail regarding Amendment 1?

Pay attention to the words on the flyers. They accurately represent 100% what will happen in all Florida if Amendment 1 passes. People who live out-of-state (primary residence not in Florida), will be allowed to claim the homestead exemption on their Florida property. People who already have a Florida primary residence will be allowed to claim the homestead exemption on their second Florida property. You think Monroe county and the state are short money now? If Amendment 1 passes, even less ad valorum $$ will be collected. And guess who makes up the $$ loss caused by giving out-of-staters and second home owners a homestead exemption (aka tax cut)? That burden will immediately be passed on to the primary residence Florida homeowners. Most of whom are every day employees, hardly able to pay or even afford current ad valorum obligations now.

Amendment 1 is clearly a stellar example of the rich getting richer. Also important to note is who's behind (promoting) Amendment 1. Amendment 1 got on the ballot because of the real estate and developer industries. Amendment 1 makes buying Florida property more attractive, so real estate and developer sales rise all over the state. And, with their usual slight-of-hand approach, these 2 industries have orchestrated a smoke-screen to shroud the true ramifications about Amendment 1.The only good part of Amendment 1 is small businesses, locally owned and operated, which contribute to the local (and therefore state) economy most certainly be entitled to an exemption.

Unfortunately, that was a "carrot" added to Amendment 1 language to make it appear palatable to the voting masses.

The only ones for whom Amendment 1 is a good thing are the ones who already own 2 (or more) residences.

There's a reason the law has been this way for so long. It works!

VOTE NO TO AMENDMENT 1

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Dear Jane, and all citizens who care. I recommend we start a petition similar to the wisteria island initiative for the school board and all it's property in the county or do we continue to let Swift have it all!

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Tom Walker wrote article in Key West Citizen today "Arctic blast in keys raises serious global warming questions - but no answers" - Tom tries to make the point that something serious is going on in our keys because of global warming. At the end he states "so if you care at all about global warming and what you can do about it at a local level, you should approach your community leaders and demand that something is done immediately".

My comment: If you were to talk to county commissioner DiGenarro, who made it clear at last BOCC meeting, he knows nothing about Greenland, cares only about building affordable housing - "the cheapest possible" - and does not know, nor has any care about what effect global warming has in the keys.

I'm afraid our local community leaders "can't handle the truth" - two brain cells is not enough to carry such higher order thinking. At this time, in the keys, when our weather has changed dramatically because of global warming... any new structure built should be a GREEN HOUSE.

Stop all the bullshit about affordable housing, because it 's not affordable, people are living somewhere, there is not such an exodus leaving the keys which happened following Wilma. People decided to leave the keys to cash in on selling their homes when the market was high. And also, people just do not get paid enough money at their jobs. All this time the "affordable housing mantra" has been  the Developers ploy to get building permits. There has never been a valid survey of people, or families who actually need this "affordable housing", only guesses the Developers have claimed and accepted by our commissioners.

The realitiy is if you should approach your community leaders to demand that something be done immediately about saving the keys and addressing global warming... you are just talking to "the chickens"

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I am at a loss to understand why the press is criticizing Harry Miller, and printing such allegations totally on the word of Ms. Lisa Druckemiller. I know Ms. Druckemiller's character to be below standard at best, and her reputation in Key West is that of a liar, and person of poor morals and character. I think all the political based websites cannot be wrong, there is even proof of her character through statements from citizens, and copies of her past indiscretions from the Monroe County Clerk Of Courts Website at www. keylargokey.com

Why are the the Officials of Monroe County Government allowing this woman to do as she wishes with no ramifications or consequences? She has been allowed to run wild for way too long. Remember Commissioners this is an election year for most of you, and this could definitely be a deciding factor for many of us when we are at the polls. For once, stand up for what's right, and make the right decision, and put a stop to this substandard Monroe County employee who is completely out of control.

I think Islamorada and Marathon are in better financial shape than the county. I wish the rest of the county could join them!

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When are the Officials of Monroe County going to wake up, and realize that Lisa Druckmiller is only employed for the county because she is a Conch. She is not the least bit qualified to be in her position, and lacks the education.

Ms. Druckmiller acquired her job because her Uncle was a Monroe County "Bubba". She blatantly goes around bragging that "I am a "Conch" and I can't be touched, and I can do whatever I want, lol" She was heard making this statement while smoking in front of the Harvey Government Center last week with a co-worker. Ms. Druckmiller even had a restraining order placed against her by a Lutheran daycare center here in KW. You can look it up for yourself on the Monroe County Clerk Of Courts website. Don't believe me?.............. check it out for yourself. She is not the model Monroe County employee that she presents herself to be!!

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So KW Resort wants to raise it's rates. Thank God for departments who oversea such desires. The Office of Public Counsel (OPC) has found that the company owner, who doesn't live in the Keys, has a house in Key Haven and claimed Homestead. The son-in -law has a subsidiary company, who marked up prices for supplies and services by 30%, and had the company pay for cell phones of this three children. The OPC determined the company should instead, lower it's rates! And this, my friends, is the company that County Commissioner Sonny McCoy recommends for the county to use in it's sewering projects.

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I saw some of your candidates nominated for your Citizen Jane award. What the hell was Mario DiGennaro and Tom Willie doing there?

At first thought, this award is a good idea. But after more thinking, that's no longer the case. Basically, the doing and accomplishing is it's own reward. By singling out one person, this award process greatly diminishes, and possibly dismisses, the efforts of all the others working for the same things. Those others involved may actually be the ones responsible for the accomplishments and successes. Creating a single award establishes a divisive atmosphere. When people are working as a group, with combined efforts, all earn equal recognition. Recognizing one for the efforts of all does not recognize all.

Additionally, the process used to determine the "winner" inherently defines the award's credibility. In this case, open forum, open vote is nothing more than a popularity/name recognition stick count, which does not honestly tribute the person with the highest count. Actually, it's the opposite, such as the 26 voters, who until several months ago never even participated in, or heard of local efforts, voted. Have any of those 26 ever heard the names of the other people tirelessly working for the benefit of us all here in the Keys? No. Hence the skewed results, which invalidates the process, and the award.

(with no disrespect to whoever gets the highest count)

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I HAVE RECENTLY MOVED TO THE KEYS AND NOTICED THERE IS NO STRONG ENVIRONMENTAL AGENCIES FOR KEY WEST OR MONROE COUNTY. AT A TIME WHEN GLOBAL WARMING DEMONSTRATES IT'S EFFECTS TODAY, WITH MASSIVE WEATHER CHANGES, DROUGHTS, INTENSE HURRICANES, AND MUCH MORE, WE NEED STRONG GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

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happy new year citizen jane

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I say for 2008, we kick the bums out of office!