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VOTER
Newsletter For
League of Women Voters of Broward County
May 2008 VOTER (PDF File)
FOR CHARTER COMMISSION FINAL REPORT, SEE BELOW
April 2008 VOTER (PDF File)
FOR UPDATE ON LWVBC POSITION ON CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION PROPOSAL, SEE BELOW
FOR REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, SEE BELOW
March 2008 VOTER (PDF File)
February 2008 VOTER (PDF File)
December 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
November 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
October 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
September 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
August 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
June-July 2007 VOTER (PDF File)
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CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION FINAL RESULTS By Petey Kaletta
I was fortunate to be appointed to the Charter Review Commission by my Commissioner, Mayor Lois Wexler. It has been a very interesting and busy time since July 2006. As well as learning more about how the county government works, the 19 Charter Review Commissioners had the opportunity to impact the government as the Charter dictates. Below is a very brief summary of the amendments which will be placed on the November ballot. and a couple of recommendations that will be made to the Broward County Commissioners.
The Amendments which will be placed on the ballot are:
2008-01: The Creation of a Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) This is to coordinate all the various transportation departments and entities in Broward County. The purpose is to consolidate the efforts and ultimately plan in a uniform and cost effective manner. They will make recommendations to the Broward Commissioners.
2008-02: Non-Interference in County Administration This is basically what it says. It will amend the current language in the charter dictating that the commission cannot interfere with the administrative work of the county.
2008-03: County Commission Meetings Rules and Voting (Recusal) This amendment requires commissioners to leave the dais and not communicate or participate in the discussion whenever there is a conflict of interest during discussion in addition to not voting on the issue.
2008-05: Broward County Housing Council This council will be charged with
coordinating and addressing the various housing issues in Broward County. It will be comprised of the various housing organizations, for profit, non profit and governmental. They will make recommendations to the Broward Commissioners.
2008-06: Broward County Regionalism Policy Statement This is simply a statement that the Broward County government shall be considered a regional government and as such shall develop and implement the County’s programs, policies and budget with a regional or countywide focus.
2008-007: Broward County Parks Preservation This amendment will protect the
existing parks from future development unless there is county wide vote to change the status of the Park for some other purpose. The will be one exception, that is the exchange of land with the School Board when schools need the land that is contiguous to an existing park.
2008-008: Broward County Environmental Policy Statement. This will simply
provide for the inclusion of a statement detailing the duty of the Broward County government’s duty to enact policies to protect citizens’ rights to a sustainable environment which encouraging the stewardship of natural resources.
2008-10: Broward County Ethics Commission This amendment provides for a
Commission to be appointed to prepare for a code of ethics for the commissioners. This code will be submitted to the commissioners and if not accepted, it will be placed on the ballot for the electorate to approve. This commission will sunset after the code is determined.
2008-14: Redistricting Process This amendment requires that the County
Commission shall select an independent professional or academic organization to use the most recent census information to develop district and residence areas that are consistent with the County Redistricting standards set forth in this Charter.
2008-19: One Year Hiatus Between End of MESC and the Beginning of CRC. This
amendment is strictly a procedural item. Instead of the CRC beginning its two year term immediately after the Management and Efficiency Study Commission there will be a one year lapse. They will both continue to meet every 6 years.
There are two recommendations to be made to the Broward County Commissioners. These will NOT be on the ballot in November.
Continued Support for Children’s Services. This is exactly what it indicates. The Commissioners are requested to continue to support Children’s Services as a priority in Broward County.
County Commission to provide Responsive Report to the Management and Efficiency Committee. Here again, CRC is recommending that there be some accountability to the efforts made by the MESC and their recommendations for the improvement of County Government.
Annexation of Unincorporated Area encourages Broward Commissioners to move ahead with deliberate speed to complete annexation of unincorporated areas with in Broward County.
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UPDATE ON LWVBC POSITION ON BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION PROPOSAL
The Broward Charter Review Commission has been meeting for nearly 2 years and will soon be holding Public Hearings on their various proposals. Those proposals may be found at www.broward.org/charter. One of the proposals concerns a county-wide elected mayor—an issue that the Broward League has long had a position on. We thought it would be helpful to bring all up-to-date on our position and the reasons behind it.
Following a study of Broward County Government begun in the mid 1960’s, we developed criteria for county government, including support for a strong, appointed administrator, support for scheduled charter review by an impartial representative group and finally support for the Charter presented to the voters in 1974. In 1983, we began a review of the governmental structure and the charter, surveying over 50 other counties of similar size, interviewing officials and discussing the pros and cons of the various forms of government. Our consensus, reached in 1984, is as follows:
· Creation of a countywide elected executive/mayor for Broward County, who would not serve on the Commission.
· Retention of a professional administrator to be appointed by the executive
· Change to single-member commission districts (members would be elected by only the voters in his or her district.)
· An increase in the size of the commission. (at the time, 7 commissioners)
We felt that even then, the rapid growth in the County, diverse population and economic interests required one person, elected county-wide, accountable and responsive to all the voters, separating legislative and administrative functions, providing strong political leadership, building consensus, was vital. A professional administrator would still be needed to handle the day-to-day operations, and should be responsible to the Mayor. Single member districts would provide better representation of under-represented political and ethnic minorities and provide a balance with the Mayor. At the time, we also felt the commission was too small.
League has lobbied hard at every Charter Review Commission since 1987, in addition to attempting citizen’s petition drives, to bring about the necessary changes. The “nine single member district” proposal was passed by the voters in 2000 and the title of the Commission Chair was changed to Mayor with no changes in duties or term of office.
The current Charter Review Commission has proposed a 4 year countywide elected mayor along with an additional commissioner elected countywide to provide a voting balance. This Mayor would chair the commission and be a voting member. The administrator would be responsible to the entire commission.
Whether League would support the proposal that finally will be presented to the voters in November is yet to be decided. But we do need to attend the Public Hearing and make comments. Any member can voice opinions; only the League president or designee will make an official League statement.
There are many other issues the Charter Review Commission has been dealing with including Parks Preservation, Environmental Policy Statement, Redistricting Standards which League has positions on.
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REPORT FROM H.K. Petey Kaletta ON LWVF LEGISLATIVE SEMINAR, TALLAHASSEE 3/19/2008
First of all I want to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to represent the Broward League at this Seminar. It was stimulating and reinvigorating to be able to attend the sessions and meet the other “Leaguers” from around the state.
Sunday, 3/16/2008
I drove to Palm Beach and rode up with three of the PB League members. This was an education in itself. To be able to discuss and listen to the wonderful things the PB League is accomplishing was a wonderful way to start off this learning experience.
We arrived in time to attend two workshops.
The first workshop was on Reapportionment Reform presented by Ben Wilcox, ED Common Cause of Florida and Caroline Emmons-Schramm, LWV Representative, Fair Districts, Florida. Both are members of LWV’s.
There have been difficulties in the past getting legislation passed which would require that a commission be developed to draw the districts for the legislature. This was primarily due to the partisan nature of having legislators or parties appoint the members of the commission. Problems have been created by BOTH parties when they have control of the legislature.
There are two petitions that are being distributed which LWVFL is supporting. The standards are: no district shall be drawn to favor or disfavor a political party, or an incumbent. The districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or langue minorities to participate and elect legislators of their choice. The districts shall consist of contiguous territory.
In addition District shall be a nearly equal in population as practicable, districts shall be compact and districts shall, where feasible, utilize existing political and geographical boundaries.
Currently there are only two standards 1) contiguous and 2) equal in citizens. This has created many strange and ill shaped districts.
The reason there are two petitions, one for the legislature and one for congressional redistricting is to eliminate the possibility of having the Supreme Court disallow them due to dealing with two or more subjects.
The second Workshop was on Climate Change-the Impact on Florida. The presenter was Sue Dudley, LWV Alachus/Gainesville.
She basically indicated that we should be looking at all viable energy sources (solar, biofuel, wind, etc.) and we must look at transportation and land use to name just a few of the issues..
LWVFL Board of Directors has made Climate Change one of the legislative priorities for the 2008 Legislative Session. We are focused on 4 items at this time.
1) Getting our Mayors to sign the Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.
2) Monitoring the Governor’s Action Team on Energy and Climate Change.
3) Encouraging LLs to partner and link up with other organization in educational opportunities, such as forums..
4) Our normal educating, lobbying, and speaking with one voice to our Legislative Delegations.
I received a complete packet of information to support these issues.
We had a banquet with the Lobbyist speaking regarding the various activities she is dealing with. Afterward there was an Idea sharing session. Some of the ideas and thoughts that came from this session were:
Nationally LWVs lost 4% membership last year; Florida increased membership by 7%.
Change the voice mail message regularly to include information on the current Hot Topics luncheons and/or any current activities.
Send prospective /new members a new member packet. This should go to all potential members. Then call them immediately with welcoming attitude.
Some LL rotate Hot Topics or have more than one time frame for single topic.
Lunch
Breakfast
Dinner
Write letters to the editor with information on Hot Topics or other activities.
If new (or older) members say they don’t have time to participate, ask them to do ONE Voter Registration time or work ONE Election Day activity.
For the VOTER, put pictures of speakers on front page, Take pictures of attendees and put them in voter;
Add quotes and/or articles and/or bios from/about members;
Have pictures of natural settings of area (fits in with other issues)
Have pictures of new members with bios.
This could help with membership drives and retention.
With petition drives:
Assign all members 25 (this is not too many or too little) petitions;
Keep track of how many each member returns (they are encouraged to get more);
Have party or some sort of recognition for the member with the most;
No member should go to any organization or meeting without petitions to be signed. It is easier than going door to door, etc.
Renewal letters
Letters should go out 3 months in advance.
Have a “Susan B. Anthony” membership $100.00 in addition to regular membership.
Recognize them with name in brochures or some other means of recognition.
Three ‘R”s of membership
Recruit
Retention
Recognition
There must be a pipeline of leadership established. i.e. VPs to president, etc.
Monday March 17, 2008
Legislative Overview—Capitol Cabinet Room
Jerremy Susac, Director – Florida Energy Office.
This office oversees FL Energy future, conservation, efficiency, federal dollars, etc.;
1) co-ordinate state commissions, attempting to streamline efforts;
2) State Government leading by example;
3) Replacing fossil fuels by 5% by 2010, 10% by 2015, create 20% energy efficient portfolio by 2020.
Things they are looking at are:
1) Wind technology;
2) Improving building codes;
3) Increasing incentives for new appliances;
a. Pool pumps;
b. Hot H2O heaters;
c. Etc.
4) Economically develop clean energy
State will develop reporting requirement to indicate progress on state government side. There are 11 states now working on green issues.
State is developing contingences to take care of natural disasters. It is already working with example of latest black out taking 4 hours for FPL to get system back up and running vs 4 days in NE.
Incentives are being given for conservation using Wind, Solar, etc.
Florida is the 3rd largest consumer of energy in country, due to Air conditioning and tourists.
Developing Coal is on the back burner, but there are still possibilities since exploring methods to conserve emissions.
Representative Curtis Richardson, Leon County, District 8
Sponsored Civics education / standards, SOEs working with High Schools and having Civics tested within the FCAT.
“Budget constraints will dictate cut backs or elimination of services.”
“Need to review Sales tax exemptions, reaching point of having to do this”
“Energy, property tax, property insurance are all challenges to be dealt
with”
Representative Dorothy L. Hukill, Volusia County, District 28
She spoke mainly about HB 991, a bill she is sponsoring.
“Vox Populi – Voice of the People Act”
This bill allows the public a voice to speak at any and all public meetings.
Increases citizen access to all aspects of the local government’s decision- making process.
Representative Dan Gelber, M-D, District 106, House Minority Leader
He was against Amendment 1. It was born out of disagreement, many people were/are worried about economic future and some supported it because they felt that other changes are coming but this amendment prevents real reform.
He feels that locally, people need to show up and tell local government what they want.
“Too much worthless legislation takes place (new state song, drooping pants) which are worthless except to distract from what else is really happening.”
4.5 billion dollars will have to be cut from budget in future. This has already hurt post HS education. Examples are M-D Community College has had to cut 1,000 sections or classes. FIU is cutting number of students it can enroll.
“We are destroying Florida’s “seed corn” by eliminating opportunities for education.”
Gelber doesn’t think there is a way out of this….. one in four ‘under seniors’ are without health insurance.
There is a real NEED to look for REAL solutions, understanding that it cannot be done in one session.
“Florida has not done a good job in looking out for education”
“We can/should use the work “Shame” to get attention about Education issues.”
“Raising the tuition of higher education will not provide enough money to accomplish anything.”
There is a bill “Combined Reporting Bill” which will eliminate the transporting of taxes out of state by companies claiming HQ in other states. $400 million in taxes are lost each year in this fashion. Also referred to as the “Profit Transfer Bill”
He said people can go to his website, DanGelber.com to see his opinions (white paper) on each of these areas.
He likes Gov. Crist. The Gov. is an optimist, seeing the glass ¼ full.
Representative Anthony “Tony” Sasso, III, Brevard/Orange Counties, District 32
He is in the Legislature only two weeks. He made the point that he prepared so that he could begin work on day one. This is something that should be looked at with new legislators. Are they prepared to start work immediately? This is critical with term limits and the short legislative session (two months once a year)
He then said that he agreed with everything Rep. Gelber said. He believes in open honest accessible government.
Then he went on to say how it can happen:
Election reform would be a start
Auditing of elected officials involved with elections and selections of voting machines. and complete auditing of the voting machine companies before selections are made.
Tax credits for being
Energy efficient
Use of biofuels for all government fleets.
Enact the beach access bill, making it mandatory to maintain access to beach areas and not block access by general public. Private ownership tends to take priority attitudes regarding beaches where they own property.
There is a need to pass legislation to keep the ocean clean. This would impact gambling boats which dump partially treated sewage 3 miles off shore. Most cruise ships now do a good job with treating sewage which is dumped 10 miles off shore.
To protect coastline need to control density.
He feels that insurance can be impacted by:
Enacting a ‘loyalty’ clause which would protect home owners which have been with company for certain # of years.
Require Insurance companies to open books to justify rate increases.
Representative Charlie Justice, St Petersburg area, District 16
He has won the “Champion for Public Education” award.
His priorities:
Campaign Finance reform, delineates between advocacy and spending dollars on educating the public.
Need to have better redistricting. He has bill which is patterned after Iowa. It was introduced and died immediately. Eventually it will pass……
EPOI campaign finance reform would limit donations to committees, to $500
Last year’s budget dominating first few weeks of this session.
Next years budget is sucking air out of all other committee meetings.
He was asked about having an open primary, he said both Rs and Ds are against it. He is personally for it since we all pay for elections.
Representative Darren Soto, Central Florida. 4 counties, District 49
He began with story about paid petitioners. He used them and had a confrontation with an AP reporter regarding them. Apparently there was a perception that paid petitioners are scraggly, homeless type people and the public does not like to be accosted by them…..
He is also concerned about the Profit Transfer Bill that Gelber spoke about. “It is a shell game allowing companies to a lot profits to states with lower tax rates”
He is for redistricting legislation with bipartisan commission, to balance and follow standards, and to have fair and balanced electorate.
He spoke about the natural springs in FL. Once could see to the bottom now they are murky. He said they are indicators of too much fertilizers going into aquifers. Need firmer/more comprehensive plan.
Need more adequate addressing of the coastal management issues.
In his area, the LNYX public transportation system in his area is beginning to use biofuels.
He is passionate about the development of community rail systems.
Civics education is another of his passions. He has personally taught several civics classes in his area. Became aware of how poorly aware our students are of how our government system works.
Representative Ellyn Bognanoff, Broward/Palm Beach, District 91.
She was on the agenda, but was too busy to come and speak with us.
The CAPITOL REPORT will be found on LWVFL website each Friday. Diane will no longer send out reminder of this.
“Florida Forever Day” was on Capitol grounds Tuesday. This is to highlight the sun setting of business programs for land/H2O protection. Funds for this have been raided for other uses. Successor bill is in the works to attempt to conserve land in natural state.
During our scheduled time to meet with/ lobby our legislators the following were met with:
Senator Jeffrey Atwater, S-25 We had a nice visit with his legislative aid and left materials.
Representative Ellyn Bogdanoff, H-91 Since she had not come to her scheduled meeting with us, I took the materials to her. They were left with her legislative aid and my card.
Representative Adam Hasner, H-87 This was a very controversial meeting. He was very upset with the League for taking positions on amendments, etc. It is his opinion that the LWV has a mandate to register, and support the voters with information (pros and cons) of issues NOT to advocate a position as a result he says he will not attend any LWV events or functions.
Representative Evan Jenne, H-100, Representative Martin Kiar, H-97, Representative Kelly Skidmore H-90: Rep. Jenne’s aid set up a meeting withrepresentatives located near his office. All did not attend, but Jenne, and Kiar were there and the aide for Skidmore. It was a very pleasant visit. Provided them with the materials but did not have to explain to them since they remembered the Legislative interviews. All are very supportive of LWV initiatives.
Senator Ken Pruitt, S-28 An appointment was made with Senator Pruitt (President of the Senate) for first 25 who signed up to meet in his conference room. I signed up for it but did not make it due to the earlier meetings.
Reception/Dinner, Secretary Thomas G. Pelham, Florida Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA). I regret to say that I did not take paper and therefore could not take notes at this so I will have to get some of his thoughts from the others.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Breakfast Buffet
Speaker, Martha W. Barnett, Holland & Knight Law Firm, Member of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission.
She served on the first Tax and Budget commission 17 years ago. Then she served on the 1997-98 Constitution Review Commission.
Florida is unique in that the constitution created that these two commissions should be appointed by elected officials on alternate 10 years. This is a citizen body. Gov. Crist appointed her even though she is a Democrat, showing how it is pretty bi partisan.
Most important part of this commission is that they can take recommendations straight to the ballot, by passing legislature and/or petition process and/or the courts other than for language issues.
Twenty five (25) members have been meeting for a year, with Chairman Alan Bense. Work has been done in committees for the past 10 months. For the past two months they are reviewing what has been done. Recommendations will be made for statutory changes and for amendments (these must be complete by May 4 to be on the November ballot).
She said they are down to 2 or 3 proposals. She spent a lot of time discussing the meeting that was held the previous day. Much of this has been updated, as illustrated by the subsequent news articles printed in papers. Suggest that if you are interested, you will need to read the paper or go online. They are looking at the need to look at sales tax exemptions. She thinks it should not be in constitution, but must be. Apparently, they will not touch services exemptions.
An amendment will be placed on the ballot which will sunset all exempted taxes and they will have to reapply. As a result some will remain. This will take burden off of the legislators to review all of them and make decisions.
They are looking into property tax relief. Primarily they are still using a state formula which is old and complicated.
They discussed class size amendment, since the lack of flexibility creates many problems for schools due to the 19th child which may be enrolled after school starts.
She feels that sales tax will be burden on the poor.
We are moving from taxing wealth to a consumption tax.
It is a paramount duty of the state to fund education. Ultimately unless there is help to make up for lost monies with the property tax structure, there will be law suits. Some are already in the making.
Again, I suggest that you look up the most current happenings/decisions of the Tax and budget relief commission….
Conclusion: I know that this is a long report, lots of details. I feel strongly that if LWVBC sends someone to a conference or seminar, they have responsibility to share what was learned with the Board at the very least. LWVBC should expect a report on what went on.
This was a very positive seminar. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to attend. There is so much going on in the State of Florida, that it is difficult to keep up with it all, but attending this seminar has provided me with a stronger base to keep up with some of it.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Petey Kaletta
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Budget 2008-2009 (for a copy contact LWVBC Treasurer at 954-792-0666)
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SEND US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS!
Make sure Membership has the most current email address for you. If you have changed your email address within the last several months please let us know! Send e-address to chardy814@bellsouth.net
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LEARN ABOUT THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS
Go to: JOIN US
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Visit the Broward County Library at
www.broward.org/library
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Anyone wishing to address the Broward Delegation at any public hearing may sign up by calling the Delegation office at 954-357-6555 or on-line at www.broward.org/legislative. The deadline for placing speakers on the agenda is 2 days before the scheduled hearing.
PLEASE NOTE: THEIR SCHEDULE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
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“BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC OFFICIALS”
See below to view a copy of the 2007-2009 pamphlet. “Broward County Public Officials” lists national, state and local elected officials, with their phone numbers and email addresses. Additional copies are available in most public libraries and in the LWVBC office. Call 954-341-9221, if you have questions or need additional information.
To see the online version of the pamphlet, go to ELECTED OFFICIALS
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MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
When renewing your League membership, be sure to send your dues directly to the Membership Chair. If you give or send your dues to anyone else, we will not have a record of your renewal and you will be considered inactive and will not be included in our membership roster. Please send your check to:
Membership Chair
PO Box 15733
Plantation, FL 33318
954-735-1311
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EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT
Treasurer
6801 NW 6th Street
Plantation, FL 33317-3966
Requests for reimbursement MUST be accompanied by a reimbursement form, with receipts attached. Receipts alone cannot be honored. If you do not have copies of the reimbursement form, contact Elaine at 954-792-0666.
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If you would like to watch the County Commission proceedings on Cable
TV, here is a list of government access channels for Broward County:
Advanced Communications (Coral Springs system) -- Ch. 64
Advanced Communications (Weston system) -- Ch. 25
Comcast Cable--most residents--Channel 12
Comcast Cable--Hollywood, Miramar, Pembroke Pines and West Park--Channel 77
Comcast (Formerly Tele-Media Company, Pembroke-Miramar system) -- Ch. 07
Or you can check the meeting out on a live webcast at:
http://www.broward.org/webcasting/wcbroward.htm
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Looking for League Of Women Voters information?
Go to Offical National LWV Web Site www.lwv.org
for League positions, action alerts, organizational information, and more.
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