Broward Politics

Task force reaffirms support for new courthouse

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:13:27 -0500

Broward County should build a new courthouse but scale back the scope of the plans, a task force appointed by the County Commission re-affirmed this week. The panel of judges, lawyers and elected officials recommended a 17-story tower be built on a parking lot next to the current, aging courthouse in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The courthouse has been plagued by broken elevators and burst pipes and is the subject of lawsuits from several judicial assistants alleging that rampant mold has harmed their health. The panel first made the recommendation in April and re-affirmed the stance in a final report to the commission this week. The price tag of the project is $273 million. Plans rejected by voters in 2006 would have cost $510 million.

Republican party chairman weighs in on sheriff vs. County Commission battle

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:00:11 -0500

Broward Republican Chairman Chip LaMarca accused the all-Democratic County Commission of "playing politics with our public safety" in its budget battle with Republican Sheriff Al Lamberti. He issued a lengthy statement late this afternoon. It's below, on the jump. Here is background about the sheriff's budget battle with the commission. Here's a statement last month from Democratic Chairman Mitch Ceasar. And here's what Broward Mayor Stacy Ritter said before the Democratic Party, along with Lamberti's response. LaMarca said Ritter's comments were the "last straw," prompting him to speak out.

Oakland Park calls for repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:54:03 -0500

Oakland Park commissioners are calling on the federal government to repeal the Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban on gays serving openly in the military. The move, passed unanimously by commisioners Wednesday, is part of a nationwide effort by Servicemembers Legal Defense Network to drum up support for repeal. It comes as increasing numbers of gay and lesbian leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with President Barack Obama's pace of action on issues important to the gay community. Here's a video report from the PBS NewsHour on the issue:

Dissension and turmoil in Broward's Democratic Black Caucus

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:15:18 -0500

Broward’s Black Democratic Caucus is having problems. The former president, Alan Brown of Lauderhill, says his successor's election wasn't fair and that he (Alan Brown) is still president. The new president, Josh Brown (no relation to Alan Brown) of Hallandale Beach, says he (Josh Brown) is the duly elected leader of the group. The statewide parent group's Web site lists Josh Brown as president. But the statewide group's grievance committee chairwoman issued a report upholding Alan Brown's complaint about the election. Complicated? You bet. Here's some of what’s going on, based on accounts from both Alan Brown and Josh Brown, e-mailed and faxed statements and documents from both, and accounts from others who are part of the organization.

Downtown Development Authority rents out park to film crew

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 10:48:34 -0500

A film crew has taken over the park on Las Olas Boulevard at Andrews Avenue. The park belongs to Fort Lauderdale's Downtown Development Authority. The DDA rents out the park for special events. DDA staff said they rented it today to S.G. Productions for a film shoot of a cheerleading scene. I called to ask what's being filmed. Stay tuned.

Attorney: Lauderdale Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom's advocacy OK

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:15:08 -0500

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom is within her legal rights to publicly raise questions about a development project before it comes to her for a vote, the city attorney says. Here's what I wrote about this yesterday, when I posted a letter Rodstrom sent out to residents raising some issues with the proposed Bahia Mar Resort and Yachting Center redevelopment at Fort Lauderdale beach. Some of my readers questioned the legalities of her advocacy. LXR Luxury Resorts and Hotels wants to build a Waldorf-Astoria hotel, with two residential co-op towers, shops and offices, and marina, on a long term lease with the city. City Attorney Harry Stewart said that as long as Rodstrom does not say she plans to vote against a particular development project's site plan or rezoning, she can raise questions critical or a project, in emails or letters to residents and advisory board members. And she can say whatever she pleases about the proposed lease between the city and the developer, which would spell out how the city would financially benefit, he said. Stewart said as much in the past, when Rodstrom was vocal in opposing other projects. Rodstrom gave me this comment about her letter and emails:

The Bahia Mar issue is a financial matter first and I have been entrusted by the voters to look out for their financial well being. From what I have seen so far the developer is offering very little in the way of compensation to the city for renegotiating a lease for the next 50 years. The more people I can educate the better. This is not about a bunch of pretty pictures.

This project comes to City Commission for discussion on July 7, and to Planning and Zoning July 15.

Lighthouse Point fire chief may run for Davie Town Council

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:46:37 -0500

Susannah Bryan reports: David Donzella moved from Cooper City to Davie two weeks ago. But he’s already opened a campaign account to run for the District 3 council seat in March. The seat is currently held by Councilwoman Susan Starkey, who has not said whether she will seek re-election. “I have nothing against Sue Starkey,” Donzella said this week. “She is a wonderful lady and has put a lot of time into public service. But I think change is good and think I can offer some different ideas and direction.” Ken Cohen, Davie’s former assistant town administrator, says he, too, is planning to run for Starkey’s seat. Town Administrator Gary Shimun fired Cohen, 56, in June 2008 without giving a reason. Donzella said he plans to give up his post as an elected commissioner with the Central Broward Water Control District. But he’ll keep his job as fire chief. Donzella, 50, has served as the Lighthouse Point fire chief since 2006. Prior to that, he was an assistant fire chief in Pembroke Pines.

Investigator says North Lauderdale commissioner acted unethically

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:44:58 -0500

Lisa J. Huriash reports: An outside investigator has found that a North Lauderdale city commissioner acted unethically when he sidestepped city staff to write letters supporting an employee who later sued the city, claiming age discrimination. Commissioner Rich Moyle said it's nothing personal, but he wants the commission to vote to censure Commissioner Gary Frankel at its next meeting on July 14. A censure is a public tongue-lashing.

More intrigue in LBTS

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:40:19 -0500

Linda Trischitta reports: A raucous crowd of more than 100 filled the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Commission Chamber Tuesday, demanding to know why Town Manager Esther Colon removed Broward Sheriff District Chief Scott Gooding from his post last week.

Broward Health: Push for corruption probe to end early

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:28:18 -0500

Peter Franceschina reports: The meeting in the office of Broward Health chief executive Frank Nask quickly grew heated when a former federal prosecutor made clear his intent to proceed with a probe of one of the tax-supported hospital district's commissioners. At the April 29 meeting were Nask, the North Broward Hospital District's board chairman, Miguel "Mike" Fernandez, and Martin Goldberg.

Atwater CFO opponent makes it official

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:04:29 -0500

State Rep. Pat Patterson, R-DeLand, announced his campaign today for the Republican nominatino for state chief financial officer. Already in the Republican nomination race is Senate President Jeff Atwater, who represents coastal Broward. Patterson's press release:

Anti-tax ‘tea parties’ return for Fourth of July

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:37:21 -0500

Trumpeted by Fox News as signs of popular discontent with the direction President Barack Obama is leading the country and mocked by MSNBC as gatherings of people ignorant about what’s going on, “tea party” protests are making a return appearance on the Fourth of July. At the intersection of Broward Boulevard and Third Avenue in Fort Lauderdale, organizers hope for a major show, akin to what happened on April 15. Organizers estimate that on that day 5,000 people turned out, lining both sides of Broward Boulevard from Third Avenue to Andrews Avenue. “What it does, in my opinion, is it allows people that are sitting home … and watching the news and totally disgusted, it just reaffirms to them that they’re not crazy, that there are other people out there who are just as disgusted as they are,” activist Ed Napolitano said. “It’s not just usual rabblerousing protesting kinds of types. They are just middle America,” he said. “They’re just worried about the direction of the country.”

As promised, here's more about Bahia Mar controversy in Lauderdale

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:40:21 -0500

It's not the Fourth of July yet, but as one local blogger observed, the fireworks have begun. A developer's proposal to remake the city's Intracoastal Waterway property into a new and improved Bahia Mar hotel-condo-marina complex has the community stirred up. Blogger George Q. Public posted his comments on my earlier item, or you can read his blog post entitled "Let the fireworks begin'' here. Here's a snippet of what he said: "Some have been, to say it politely, 'over the top' on opposing this, however...and despite their every concern being addressed and resolved when it's been expressed, they simply continue to 'manufacture more concerns' in order to cloud the issue in an attempt to derail this project.'' At the center of the swirl is the Central Beach Alliance, a one-time powerful community group that consistently opposed large development projects. It took a vote in favor of this redevelopment. And then the emails began, attacking the validity of the vote. Click on the jump page to read details, including Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom's email to constituents. And stay tuned. The City Commission talks about this project on July 7, and it goes to Planning and Zoning on July 15.

Lauderdale Commissioner Rodstrom: Beware the Bahia Mar project at beach

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:45:28 -0500

Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom is warning residents in her district about a developer's plan on public land at the beach. In this letter Rodstrom just sent to constituents, she advises them that the plans to rebuild Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center into a hotel/condo project will be discussed July 7 in City Hall. The city owns the peninsular property, and the developer has a long-term lease and is seeking a new lease. The city's Planning and Zoning Board takes up this project on July 15. Rodstrom lays out her concerns about the project in the letter, adding some stuff in bold, like this: "Does the city need to enter into negotiations now during the worst recession of our lifetime with the property values at an all time low and to do so for little or no compensation?'' Click here to read it in full. Her letter urges people to contact the mayor and other commissioners because "this project will take three votes to be denied or approved.'' Meanwhile emails are flying around the beach community about the Bahia Mar project. It's got the residents divided. I'll post some of those later. Stay tuned.

Longtime Lauderdale fire official Steve McInerny named chief in Naples

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 07:00:54 -0500

Stephen McInerny, the 27-year Fort Lauderdale fire employee who rose to assistant chief and served for a time as interim chief, has his own fire department to lead now. The Naples Daily News is reporting that McInerny was named chief in Naples, across the state, and starts Aug. 3. Here's the story. McInerny retired at the end of March from Fort Lauderdale. (Click here to refresh your memory.) That retirement sure didn't last long. McInerny said 48 is too young to retire, and Naples is a "great place.'' "I like working and being able to bring about change and make improvements for both citizens and firefighters,'' he said via text message last night.