June 21, 2008

are we preparing for the fall out of polluted waters from the mid west region? The over flow of their rivers and flooding of homes, will bring to the Gulf of Mexico lot's of toxic water filled with nitrates which will poisen and kill what is left of our natural living reef. All marine life will be affected.

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To Blue Heaven Restaurant -

Thank you so much for hosting the Montessouri Elementary Charter School annual music presentation. We are very grateful for your wonderful support.

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By the time the U.S. drills for oil on our coast line, which would take 5 - 10 years for us to get any oil, we will already have found a better, alternative source for energy. To spend time debating this issue, is a waste of precious time and energy. It is not supply and demand that

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I am so proud of Jim Young. He is a personal friend of mine, who has been treated unfairly for being honest. Jim, my prayers are with you to beat these corrupt people.

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Jim Jones should have been fired, and his retirement package taken away.

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In response to this poster “People should read Sal Guitierrez's response to Barometer newspaper questions to candidates” (which is Sal Guitierrez) blowing his own horn…if people knew Sal like the people up in Key Largo, they would run the other way…he is scary…very pro development…environmentally sensitive…Sal does not know the meaning of the word….he hates George Neugent, Sylvia Murphy, Kay Thacker, Ron Miller, anyone who wants and cares about the Keys or the quality of life is hated by this man. Run the opposite way from Sal Guitierrez….Listen and learn about Sylvia Murphy (R), Carlos Rojas (R), or Kim Wigington (R), they care, are knowledgeable about issues in the Keys, they want honest, transparent government, no personal agendas, they are beholding to no one, they want the “Gang of Three” voted out of office, unlike Sal Guitierrez whom thinks the “Gang of Three” is the best thing since sliced bread. Just ask Sal how much he loves Spehar, McCoy, and DiGennaro…ask if Sal wants these two members of the “Gang of Three” Spehar and McCoy back into office? That should tell you where and what Sal is made of....

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Why does Sal Guitierrez promote his own self and ideas....because no one else will promote him, why waste space on Citizen Jane with his comments? People should read Sal Guitierrez's response to Barometer newspaper questions to candidates

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In answer to the poster who said “I thought Heather Carruthers was running against Sonny McCoy. In the paper today, she was not listed as running at all?”

Heather Carruthers is not in the Primary, because these Candidates’ for County Commissioners will be a universal race. There are two or three Republicans running against each other, Carlos Rojas vs. Sonny McCoy, and Sloan Bashinsky District 3; Kim Wigington vs. Dixie Spehar, District 1; Sylvia Murphy vs. Gary Bauman, District 5; all of these candidates are Republicans, one of each has to be selected in the Primary. Next race is the General Election, which is when Carruthers/Estes as Democrats’ race will be November 4. I hope against Carlos Rojas not Sonny McCoy; Sonny McCoy has to go...please, voters be aware of who you vote for...McCoy is a member of the "Gang of Three", look what the "Gang of Three" has done to our budget in Monroe County. Monroe County budget is $12.2 Million short in order to balance our budget for 2009. McCoy, Spehar, and DiGennaro all voted to buy the Hickory House, $3.2 Million, sinking of the Vandenberg, $2 Million of our tax monies. The shortage means there will be a tax increase, but the tax increase will take a 4/5th vote of the now seated Commissioners. July 2, will be a budget workshop, hope you attend or watch it on Channel 76.

You must be a registered Republican to vote for Carlos Rojas,(R) Sylvia Murphy, (R) and Kim Wigington (R). You have to change from your party if not a registered Republican and re-register your party no later than 29 days before the primary, so that you can vote for these candidates, which is August 26, 2008. You can get the form to register as a Republican at http://www.keys-elections.org/registration.aspx, print it out and mail it in, Please…

Citizens, these candidates will make a good Board of County Commissioners; this Primary will be the telling race this year, not the General election. After you vote, you can change your party right back to what you were and vote however you want in the General Election, but the Primary is the race here in Monroe County this year. If we get these Candidates into office, where will that put DiGennaro vote? In the drink, where it should have been all along, because DiGennaro is part of the “Gang of Three” along with Spehar. Spehar has to go also. Remember you can and need to vote for the entire 3 district Commissioners, even though the Commissioners are not in or do not live in your district…you can and need to vote for all of them, and please do. If Monroe County is to survive and pay her bills we need to elect fiscal responsible, and transparent Commissioners who will swear and stand up for our safety, health, and welfare. We need Commissioners who will Not vote to allow Ed Swift and his partners to build 43 Market rate homes on Enchanted Island, right in the flight path, accident zone of the Navy, “Gang of Three” Commissioners now seated are the ones who are putting this risk on the backs of the Citizens and taxpayers in Monroe County if they vote to pass this development. Please get informed, and please VOTE this Primary. A lot is riding on your VOTES this August 26, your Quality of life for one, transparent government and what is good for the taxpayers and Monroe County is another. Please turn out and VOTE!

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City Attorney Shawn Smith - You better take your hands out of that cookie jar! All eyes on you!

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I don't believe we should allow realitors, bankers, or any profession who benefits from development to sit on board positions that decide on any development issues. Isn't this a conflict of interest?

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Ex county administrator Tom Willie purposed to cut funding of $7,000 to upkeep fire hydrants. Was that assinine or what?

Today, the county offered the KW Citizen newspaper ideas to save money by: discontinuing shuttle service for elderly, close down 3 library branches, ceasing broadcast of county meetings, closing Manor Shore. I would be embarrassed to have made these suggestions. What I would do, is close the deal on the hickory house and get those monies today! I would tell the Vandenberg people, sorry we have no money. Cut the affordable housing administrative position, cut all annual salaries above $100,000 to $85,000. No more take home cars, and put a cap of $2,000 max on each county commissioner's spending for trips to Tallahassee. That, people, would balance the budget! and we can stop the games.

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Man, this is a real bitch column! You people sound miserable

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Below are responses from Carlos Rejos (running for 3rd District County Commissioner's seat)

1) List and explain your priorities for county spending.

Sewer hookup, Education, Police, Workforce housing, Environment. We obviously need to get the Keys hooked up as fast as possible. We have great new school facilities, but now we need the teachers and money to keep those fine schools running like they should be. Our police force is poorly funded and downright neglected. Policemen should be paid a living wage in return for the safety and service they provide. Workforce housing should go to police, fire, teachers, nurses etc. first. They are the structural basis for the rest of our economy. Last but not least, we need to protect our environment, as it is the foundation of our economy and our lives.

2) Explain your plan for securing funding for central wastewater systems prior to the 2010 deadline.

Each wastewater system will have specific engineering requirements and costs that may or may not be present in the other systems. I know the nuts and bolts of wastewater systems because I have designed them myself, and I can read plans and lower costs. Since wastewater systems are mandated by the State of Florida and the Federal Government, they must assist us financially in meeting this necessary goal. As county commissioner I will work tirelessly with those in Tallahassee and Washington to achieve sound financial solutions. Unfortunately, we are going to have to bond a portion of the costs but it should be done interest free. We can also apportion some of the money for Everglades restoration to sewer the keys.

 3) Explain your stance on subsidies for on-site wastewater systems, and where does the money come from?

Certain rural areas and other “cold spots” should be allowed to remain off the central sewer system if certain conditions are met; that the residents want to remain off the central system, that their on-site system meets or exceeds advanced wastewater treatment standards, and that they agree to a rigorous schedule of testing. For example, the Sugarloaf Homeowners Association has compiled compelling scientific evidence that their current on-site systems work to AWT. They could be offered a substantial discount on their assessment and save the county millions of dollars by keeping their on-site systems. It’s a fair trade and everybody wins. We may even be able to make the 2010 deadline.

 4) Explain your stance on continuing development in light of the Carrying Capacity Study, which states the terrestrial habitat is already beyond its ability to sustain current levels.

With few exceptions, the Keys have been built out. Now the focus should be on upgrading what we already have. By redeveloping older properties we can keep our workforce employed, remain competitive in the global tourism market, and improve the environment-without placing additional loads on infrastructure. Virgin land should be off limits to new development. Continuing to develop on these lands lowers existing property values, places new loads on our infrastructure, and degrades our environment. Redevelopment is the only solution; it keeps our economy strong and gives our environment a chance to recover. This is not theory. I have been practicing this in my architecture firm for many years.

5) Explain your plans for attacking the affordable housing issue.

I am particularly proud of the fact that I have actually helped create over 190 units and I’m not even on the commission yet. Imagine how many units I can actually get built if I have the ability to work with county government as a commissioner. Also, the downturn in the economy works in our favor on this issue. Now is the time to act

6) How would you stem the tide of exiting workforce?

We will cease to be a viable community if we do not address this issue. Affordable workforce housing and an efficient, smart transportation system will go a long way toward this goal. Better schools and keeping our police force are also crucial to keeping our residents here where they belong. I have experienced this myself. As a young man I was content renting and living frugally while working hard, as long as I could live here. Then when I married, permanent housing became a priority. Without it, we would have surely moved. Now with my daughter, the quality of education is the key factor in whether we continue to live here or be forced to leave. We can do this, and we have great opportunities ahead of us. For instance, FKCC can become a full-fledged university. Also there is the impending opening of Cuba that will be a huge economic boom to our workforce.

 7) Why are you the best person for this job?

I truly care about the people in this community. As a parent, I understand that the family unit is the essential building block of our community. I have lived up and down the keys and I am familiar with all of the people; rich, poor and everyone in between that together make it such a magical place. As an architect, I design wastewater systems and affordable housing. I can read plans and scrutinize budgets in a professional way. I could be a local ambassador to Cuba when it opens up and bring jobs and opportunity to all of us. I do not owe any political favors nor do I have a selfish agenda. I am a creative problem solver and a motivated leader. Above all I am a proud, lifelong Floridian and I have made friends statewide that will rush to our aid under my leadership. I care more about creating meaningful, sustainable solutions to our problems for the benefit of our residents than having an airport named after me.

 - Carlos Rojas, Republican candidate for District 3 BOCC, Monroe County

 June 14, 2008

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Citizen Jane, please include my answers to Bill Estes questions - from Carlos Rojas

  1.   List and explain your priorities for county spending.

Sewer hookup, Education, Police, Workforce housing, Environment. We obviously need to get the Keys hooked up as fast as possible. We have great new school facilities, but now we need the teachers and money to keep those fine schools running like they should be. Our police force is poorly funded and downright neglected. Policemen should be paid a living wage in return for the safety and service they provide. Workforce housing should go to police, fire, teachers, nurses etc. first. They are the structural basis for the rest of our economy. Last but not least, we need to protect our environment, as it is the foundation of our economy and our lives.

  2. Explain your plan for securing funding for central wastewater systems prior to the 2010 deadline.

Each wastewater system will have specific engineering requirements and costs that may or may not be present in the other systems. I know the nuts and bolts of wastewater systems because I have designed them myself, and I can read plans and lower costs. Since wastewater systems are mandated by the State of Florida and the Federal Government, they must assist us financially in meeting this necessary goal. As county commissioner I will work tirelessly with those in Tallahassee and Washington to achieve sound financial solutions. Unfortunately, we are going to have to bond a portion of the costs but it should be done interest free. We can also apportion some of the money for Everglades restoration to sewer the keys.

  3. Explain your stance on subsidies for on-site wastewater systems, and where does the money come from?

Certain rural areas and other “cold spots” should be allowed to remain off the central sewer system if certain conditions are met; that the residents want to remain off the central system, that their on-site system meets or exceeds advanced wastewater treatment standards, and that they agree to a rigorous schedule of testing. For example, the Sugarloaf Homeowners Association has compiled compelling scientific evidence that their current on-site systems work to AWT. They could be offered a substantial discount on their assessment and save the county millions of dollars by keeping their on-site systems. It’s a fair trade and everybody wins. We may even be able to make the 2010 deadline.

  4. Explain your stance on continuing development in light of the Carrying Capacity Study, which states the terrestrial habitat is already beyond its ability to sustain current levels.

With few exceptions, the Keys have been built out. Now the focus should be on upgrading what we already have. By redeveloping older properties we can keep our workforce employed, remain competitive in the global tourism market, and improve the environment-without placing additional loads on infrastructure. Virgin land should be off limits to new development. Continuing to develop on these lands lowers existing property values, places new loads on our infrastructure, and degrades our environment. Redevelopment is the only solution; it keeps our economy strong and gives our environment a chance to recover. This is not theory. I have been practicing this in my architecture firm for many years.

  5. Explain your plans for attacking the affordable housing issue.

I am particularly proud of the fact that I have actually helped create over 190 units and I’m not even on the commission yet. Imagine how many units I can actually get built if I have the ability to work with county government as a commissioner. Also, the downturn in the economy works in our favor on this issue. Now is the time to act.

  6. How would you stem the tide of exiting workforce?

 We will cease to be a viable community if we do not address this issue. Affordable workforce housing and an efficient, smart transportation system will go a long way toward this goal. Better schools and keeping our police force are also crucial to keeping our residents here where they belong. I have experienced this myself. As a young man I was content renting and living frugally while working hard, as long as I could live here. Then when I married, permanent housing became a priority. Without it, we would have surely moved. Now with my daughter, the quality of education is the key factor in whether we continue to live here or be forced to leave. We can do this, and we have great opportunities ahead of us. For instance, FKCC can become a full-fledged university. Also there is the impending opening of Cuba that will be a huge economic boom to our workforce.

  7. Why are you the best person for this job?

I truly care about the people in this community. As a parent, I understand that the

family unit is the essential building block of our community. I have lived up and down the keys and I am familiar with all of the people; rich, poor and everyone in between that together make it such a magical place. As an architect, I design wastewater systems and affordable housing. I can read plans and scrutinize budgets in a professional way. I could be a local ambassador to Cuba when it opens up and bring jobs and opportunity to all of us. I do not owe any political favors nor do I have a selfish agenda. I am a creative problem solver and a motivated leader. Above all I am a proud, lifelong Floridian and I have made friends statewide that will rush to our aid under my leadership. I care more about creating meaningful, sustainable solutions to our problems for the benefit of our residents than having an airport named after me.

- Carlos Rojas, Republican candidate for District 3 BOCC, Monroe County

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The Enchanted Island project has just been approved by the county planning board. Rationalizing  an argument for  the board to approve the project, Jim Cameron, planning board member stated (and was in yesterday’s newspaper ) “we can’t stop something over something that has not been adopted” – He was referring to the AICUZ.

Jim, you should just keep to the 1977 AICUZ – this is the one we are officially using.

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I wish County Commissioner Dixie Spehar were as thoughtful for the people now  effected by the  AICUZ change as she is for developer Ed Swift. She wants to make sure that if Ed Swift’s plans to build mult-million dollar homes in Key Haven does not pan out, that the Navy then would be responsible to pay this developer  $20 million dollars as a “takings”.

Spehar spends more time protecting Ed Swift than she does protecting the citizens who are now impacted by the 2007  AICUZ change, which she herself, attorney Horan and Ed Swift were secretly involved with. This became public information during one BOCC meeting after months of wondering who was involved in the changing of the AICUZ. Finally, when an ordinary citizen, Paul Caruso, investigated and sought out the information using the freedom of information act, he made the discovery.

Everyone from Stock Island and Key Largo should not  even think to vote for Dixie come this election.  We need honest people in office to clean up all the corruption that has been going on. And I’ll bet there’s more going on than we will ever know.

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With regard to affordable housing - are these people who have qualified and currently living in an affordable home project allowed to own an existing home..... here in the Keys?

"What would make you vote for any candidate in the next election ? "

I want experience, ability to think and hear all sides of issue. Able to bring in experts. Knowledge of the system in DC, while trying to improve and correct roadblocks to improvements in this system. Trustworthy, patriot, and honest.

Still waiting.....

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I saw the planning board meeting yesterday. When the Key Haven / Enchanted Island issue came up, I was surprised at how aggressive the Navy was. Ron Deemes, from the navy, laid it into the planning board, telling them not to approve this plan, but yet, the planning board approved the plan (surprise).

Every development project that goes up for approval, has been approved from our county staff, and boards. There has not been one denied!

The county does not make money on new development, we loose money, because of the burdon these projects has on our infra structure, added hurricane evacuation times, increases population and density, etc, etc. The only one who benefits is the developer. Why do these boards approve them all? Can anybody share some information?

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the city should definitely take away the drive home cars privelages. let these workers get to work like me and everybody else.

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It is sad to use such incompetant people on the planning board. They have scrapped the bottom of the barrel for this crew.

We take encouragement from the number of individuals who have already filed for elective offices in the November balloting and, we gather, many other prospective candidates are getting ready to toss their hats into the ring.

We also take encouragement from the voter turnout in last year's elections.

As one citizen who reads this page said recently, reflecting on the quality of governance in our county and municipalities, "At what point do we become embarrassed to be from Monroe County?"

That question serves as a good reminder that we not only need more candidates to seek elective office, we also need office-seekers who bring with them demonstrated evidence of integrity, good judgment and willingness to confront important issues.

Too many of the most urgent issues we face are products of incompetence, neglect, power struggles and an unwillingness to undertake timely action when decisive action is required. To name just a few: Affordable housing. Land-use policies. Wastewater. Environmental threats. Fiscal restraint.

It is our view that within Monroe County and its many municipalities there is an abundance of citizens whose range of experience and achievements have prepared them well for elective office and for appointments to advisory committees and boards. But too many of these folks are no-shows.

Why?

One reason is obvious, of course. They are retired and not prepared to make the commitment of time and energy — or put up with the grief — required of an office-holder.

But there are other reasons that are not so obvious.

Well-organized special interests rally behind and support candidates who will do their bidding rather than the public's business.

There is a sense that if you were not born here, you can't be elected.

There is abundant evidence that elected officials pay scant, if any, attention to the recommendations of advisory committees and boards they create. As a consequence, many gifted and energetic people who might otherwise have considered seeking elective office have experienced this frustrating waste of their time and talents and soon gravitate to leadership positions with private-sector charities and civic organizations.

Nevertheless, as we are witnessing in the current presidential campaign, an obscure young senator from Illinois has managed to create a movement on the basis of a simple proposition that we can do better, and a 71-year-old straight-talking maverick senator from Arizona has become a front-runner by defying his own party's establishment.

Are these the new models of political engagement that ought to be trickling down to Monroe County and providing us a new, largely untapped pool of qualified local candidates for public office? We'd like to hope that voters are awakening to new possibilities. Voter apathy no longer may provide sufficient cover for candidates who win just by showing up.

On this page, hope springs eternal.

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The natural forces of an open market use supply and demand as it's base for success. Lately, these forces have been manipulted ie: Enron, Oil, etc. which tells us, we certainly do need government intervention, because we have artificial factors effecting our market.

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Careful people, and pay close attention to the next 90 days of games to be played. Dixie and Sonny realize they are on their way out, and have only 90 days to do their last "good deeds" for the developers!

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It's not the high rate of real estate that's driving teachers out of the Keys, it's the fact that many of them are getting laid off, so why do we need to build affordable housing for teachers anymore? this excuse it getting old. I wish the other side could think of something more creative.

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Teachers are leaving the Keys, because the school system is filled with cronyism and bubbaism and ... the kids are terrible!

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It's getting quiet out there.... where are the tourists? maybe key west should start some other industry to keep us alive. Can someone from the government come up with a Plan B ?

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"What would make you vote for any candidate in the next election ? "

Wrong Question - it should be - What would make you NOT vote for any candidate in the next election?

And the answer is - The person running AGAINST them !

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The dream commission for 2008 would be..... Sonny McCoy, Dixie Sphear, Mario Digenaro, (We're stuck with Neugent) and Sal Gutierrez....... All we have to do is have Jim Cameron to run in 2010, and win, and common sense would return to the BOCC. Go to keylargo.com and read some of his stuff.

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Please visit this site. If you like it, please tell everyone.

http://politicsinthekeys.blogspot.com/

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Here's the latest on Florida Hometown Democracy:

Hi there-the numbers for the meeting are building-if you can come and/or know someone who is onboard with FHD and wants to help in your area, they are welcome-just let me know if you would please. We should be done by 6-we're at the Maitland Community Center again (directions at the bottom) and a draft agenda is immediately below. Thanks much as always, appreciate all your hard efforts and more soon, John P.S. Anyone who can/wants to hang around and go to dinner afterwards in the vicinity, just keep that in mind also. J

AGENDA (DRAFT)

Welcome and introductions all around
Agenda review (for changes/corrections/additions and putting times on items)
Current status of FHD from all angles (legal, political, petitions, financial, etc.)
Campaign organization-state and local committees
Strategy
Petitioning
Fundraising-draft letter and assembled brochure to be shared
Publicity/Rapid Response-local, state and national-potential plans to be shared
Coalition Building
Volunteer Recruitment
Outreach
Persuasion-draft literature to be shared, other
Anything else/other
Adjourn to dinner/whereever

DIRECTIONS:from I-4, go to the Maitland Boulevard exit (from the south/west (Turnpike), it's the exit past Lee Road in Winter Park (which is after downtown Orlando); from the north/east (I-95), it's the exit past Semoran Blvd in Altamonte Springs which is after Sanford/Lake Mary/Longwood), go east to Maitland Avenue; at Maitland Avenue turn right (or south), go south some to Sybilla, turn left (east) on Sybilla, and go over the RR tracks until you come to US 17-92. Turn left or north on 17-92 and go about a mile to Mayo Avenue on the right (just before the overpass). Turn right (east) on Mayo and go until it dead ends into Maitland Community Park. There's only one building opposite the big parking lot in front and the meeting room is on the left. They didn't hold hard and fast to the following last time but I would still advise you to eat before you get there as supposedly no food is allowed. J

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 June 7, 2008

Dear Jane,

 I noticed that on your grid of candidates my name was not linked to my website like the other candidates were. I figure you did not know what it is. My website can be found at www.votecarlos2008.com

Thanks for your good work,

Carlos Rojas

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what would make you vote for any candidate in the next election ? send us your thoughts

Let me tell you what I will NOT vote for....... Sonny McCoy, who hands over the mayor seat to DiGenarro, and breaks the Fl. state sunshine law (yet, again), Dixie Spehar using her office telephone number and staff for her re-election. These two commissioners are running for re-election and if voters vote for them, then they deserve them! they are corrupt politicians!

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Obama wins the Democratic Party Nomination !!

NO  NO  NO - NO he didn't !!!    All he got is a certain number of people to say they will vote for him at the Democratic National Convention.

And until that vote is taken, NOBODY has won the Democratic Party Nomination.

Now - let's talk about the real question - would those people who voted for Obama have voted for him is he was a white anglo ?

His book has been proven (by Snopes, and Truth/Fiction) to have at least 70 lies. His Senate voting record shows he missed most votes. He even voted against a bill that he introduced on the Senate floor. He claims he won primaries actually won by other candidates. He's mediocre and ineffective as a senator. His alliances to things Islamic are well documented. 

When people look beyond his hype, rhetoric and handlers, they will see an unproven, inexperienced and shallow person who is not qualified to represent our country, or make decisions for any American.

And my personal dilemma - I am a Democrat, and my party, the love of my life, appears to be going in a direction I can not support or abide.  Over time, the idea of my voting for McCain will grow on me.  I would rather endure 4 more of what we have now, than vote for Obama.

I am now in a new political party - The Disenfranchised.

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 I think something good should come out of the DNC and that would be to have a straight vote on who the winner should be ....... for anything! These delegates, are not counted fairly, but exact numbers of people who voted, is and accurate count that cannot be compromised. Hopefully, after this whole democratic party mess gathers itself, they will realize a majority vote should be used to determine their nominations for any seat. Maybe then, our general election could follow and the electorial votes would be done with as well. In every country, in the rest of the world, it is a straight vote which determines their elections.

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Hey, I think officer Neary was squeezed out because he was a whistle blower! I wonder how many more people in this community suffer the same treatment but which have not been made public. Some call it the Bubba system, but I think it is just a few on the top, who control everything that happens in the Keys. And if you look at who makes all the money: the Swifts, Spottswoods and other families, it is obvious that they are controling the Keys.

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*Does anyone believe Spehar's statement???  *

"It was done in error," Spehar said. "No one had called me there or sent any donations there."**

*Spehar admits election error*

BY TIMOTHY O'HARA

Citizen Staff

A Monroe County commissioner said she corrected an apparent elections law violation on Tuesday, hours after it was brought to her attention. Commissioner Dixie Spehar's re-election Web site and election records on file at the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office listed her county office's phone number and mailing address to contact her about her campaign or to make monetary donations to it.

 The commissioner's assistant, a paid county employee, answers the telephone and collects her mail. His involvement in her campaign would be a state elections law violation.

 "It was done in error," Spehar said. "No one had called me there or sent any donations there." Spehar said she was not sure how the address and phone number made it to her elections paperwork, but her campaign managers took that information and placed it on her Web site. She said she removed the information from her Web site and elections office paperwork after The Citizen asked her about the issue, based on a complaint local gadfly Paul Caruso mailed to the Florida Elections Commission on Tuesday.

 Caruso alleges Spehar used her office and her assistant for her re-election campaign. State law prohibits a candidate from using the services "of any state, county, municipal or district officer or employee during working hours in furtherance of the candidate's campaign."

Violating the law is a misdemeanor, and the Florida Elections Commission could impose up to a $1,000 fine per occurrence, according to Gary J. Holland, Florida Department of State attorney. Caruso, a Geiger Key resident who has been vocal on the Navy jet noise issue, said he filed the complaint after he noticed "she is using her county office as her political campaign office," he said. "You can't do that."

 On Monday, Caruso e-mailed Holland, saying he wanted to file a complaint. Holland responded with a copy of the state law that governs elections. Caruso on Tuesday filed a formal complaint with the Elections Commission. Monroe County government policy also prohibits county employees from working on election campaigns during work hours.

 Spehar faces fellow Republican Kim Wigington in the Aug. 26 primary. Wigington declined to make an issue of it. "I am staying focused on my own campaign," she said Tuesday. "This is between the commissioner and the Florida Commission on Elections. I respect their process and their decision. It is their decision to make."

 State Elections Commission officials cannot confirm or deny an investigation until at least 21 days after the agency's executive director has ruled a complaint legally insufficient or until a probable cause panel rules on the complaint. The panel meets four times a year and is scheduled to meet again in August, an Elections Commission official said Tuesday. Caruso said he filed a separate complaint with the Florida Commission on Ethics in February, asking the agency to investigate a possible conflict of interest by Spehar when she voted in favor of a series of comprehensive plan amendments that deal with maintaining commercial marinas and working waterfronts.

Spehar lives on a houseboat on Stock Island, and the owner of the marina has been involved in a redevelopment plan for Stock Island that could be affected by the comp pla changes. Caruso asked the Ethics Commission to amend his complaint Tuesday to include the possible elections violations, he said.

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I’ll never forget that comment. Quietly, I wondered if that meant elected officials were above the law. Shortly thereafter another enforcement agency came to the Keys and investigated and busted a former county commissioner and county attorney for exactly the same kind of real estate tomfoolery.

You can’t help to wonder if Kohl’s dismissive attitude and passive prosecution has played a role in his dealing with more serious crimes, such as his decision to slap the wrist of a repeat abuser who promptly went home to kill his girlfriend or taking 31 months to file charges against an accused child molester. On the flip side, Kohl is really a nice guy, who’s heavily involved in community affairs, always at chamber and Rotary lunches and easily approachable. But is that really what citizens want from their state attorney? Lecturing officials as punishment for breaking the law is hardly a strong deterrent or much of a message to send to others who create laws and/or have taken an oath to uphold the law. Perhaps being liked should be the least concern of a state attorney who wishes to keep his day job. Being respected is much more important.

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Can you believe it?  Spehar, put her county office telephone number and address on the Election's Office Website in January when she filed for re-election. And for 5 months, 4 days and 18 hours.................. nobody called the telephone number and nobody used the address.  Do you believe it?

Time to get out of the UN and give the tax savings back to the American workers who are having to skimp and sacrifice to pay their taxes (and gasoline.)

Actual (and disgusting) United Nations voting records of various Arabic/Islamic states, from the records of both the US State Department and United Nations: Kuwait, and Qatar vote against the United States 67% of the time Morocco and United Arab Emirates vote against the United States 70% of the time Jordan and Tunisia vote against the United States 71% of the time, and Jordan still receives $192,814,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

 Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.

 Yemen, Algeria, and Oman vote against the United States 74% of the time.

 Sudan and Pakistan vote against the United States 75% of the time, and Pakistan still receives $6,721,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

 Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.

 Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time, and still receives $2 billion annually in US Foreign Aid.

 Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time.

 India votes against the United States 81% of the time.

 Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.

 Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.

 India votes 81% against the United States, and still receives $143,699,000 annually.

June 1, 2008

How in the world can someone disavow their church? It is the faith one believes in, and not the physical address.

If Obama can drop out of his church to become president, then I can drop out of the Democratic Party. His loyalty to his church is indicative of just how low he will go to become president. He's a typical politician who cannot bring change because he is just like the rest of them. And I don't have to vote for McCain as my only other choice ...... I will vote for Nader .

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If you are a Democrat then Floridians unite! we have just been discriminated against, and our votes have been halved. Our votes since 2000 have been manipulated by each party to ensure a candidate. It is not a fair system and it is time we have a 3rd and 4th viable party to choose from.

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Looks like someone's supporters don't believe she can win on her merits so they're taking to blogs to post "rumors" they make up against the Democrats running for the Commission. Take it for what it is. A blatant ruse to get Democrats and Independents to vote for Kim in the Primary by switching parties. Remember one thing that is irrefutable; the County has been run solely by Republicans for the past 8 years. Is the County better off than it was 8 years ago? Do you really want to keep one party rule, and continue "The Gang of Five"

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I realize that no one can stop malicious untrue statements from being posted on blogs, and I have to accept that.

As a candidate for the Monroe County Commission I do have a stand on many issues facing the County. The one I've copied below is directly from my website:

"Land Use:

Millions of dollars and thousands of hours were spent on creating a comprehensive Plan for Monroe County outlining rules for how our land would be used. The Land use Laws must be applied as written to protect the citizens of Monroe, the small property owner, and Developers."

If a voter really wants to learn more about me, I invite you to go to: www.votebillestes.com, or call me. 305-923-4265

Thank You,

Bill Estes, Democratic Candidate for Monroe County Commission District#1

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the city of key west is  in dire need of money to fund the smallest of expenses. and this has put us in such a tough situation. at the last commission meeting, commissioners were asked to charge non-profit organizations who do special events, to pay their own bill for promoting the city and economy. the city is thinking of taking money from groups who bring business into key west.... promote key west.... help the economy.... help bring entertainment to the locals, etc.

why doesn't the commission think other areas where special favors have been given for such a long time that do not benefit the city in anyway?

why not charge the yacht club a fair rental fee for using city property? this is prime location and this group of wealthy people pay $1.00 per month to rent their waterfront space. Now, how in the world does this benefit the city of key west?

this is evidence that there are groups out there, raking the system, not paying their fair share, while now, our local politicians are squeezing the ordinary citizen, who has enough financial burdens, to bring money into the city coffers.

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I will switch from the democratic to the republican party, so I can vote in the republican race to support Wigington, Rejos and Murphy. I want to make sure we get Dixie and McCoy out !

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Please remind your readers of the RAB meeting - June 11, 2008 at 7PM at the pier house and Caribbean spa on One Duval st. key west.

The restoration advisory board (RAB) of naval air station key west, made up of community members, representatives of the navy, state and federal regulatory agencies, is holding it’s annual operations meeting to discuss environmental clean  up activities at the station. Now is the time to prepare questions for this panel. This meeting will cover ALL restoration projects at NAS Key West properties throughout the lower Keys. Not just Boca Chica Field. Find out what's going on in your neighborhood. Ask about the clean up of SuperFund sites scattered through out Key West and the Lower Keys.

If you cannot attend, Paul Caruso has offered to present your questions in written form for official responses at this meeting. To contact him: Paul Caruso's email: pcaruso@texas.net

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I do not like the comments made about Heather Carruther's sexual orientation. It does not matter who you live your life with in order to be a viable, good and excellent commissioner!