Tim's Pick - District I
Tricky business, this endorsement game!
I had almost forgotten a lesson I learned as a City Commissioner. When you take a position on anything, lots of folks on the other side of your decision will not be happy! .... And many of my readers have been reacquainting me with this theory all week!
But as I said in the beginning, I've asked to be a leader in our community, and I feel it's a leaders' duty to stand up and be counted, even if it hurts, and it probably will!..........but here goes!
District I
...... the donor district .... It's basically the whole northern part of the City. It starts at that funny intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and US #1 Highway (most people say "at the Gateway Theatre") and keeps on going until it runs into Pompano Beach.
It is nearly all well - to - do, so it sends off many more tax dollars than it gets back. Some of it's residents resent that, and fiscal conservatism is an important part of any politicians' schtick there.
The incumbent is Commissioner Christine Teel. If reelected, she will be the longest serving member of the new Commission. Her challengers are former Police Chief Bruce Roberts, and local condo lawyer Inger Garcia.
Teel
............ I'm supporting Bruce Roberts ......... and here's why;
Roberts
First, I think it's time for Commissioner Teel to retire from politics.
......... Commissioner Teel hasn't been able to control the City Budget. She has reigned over the largest City budget explosion in Fort Lauderdale history. The year prior to her election in 2003, the City's budget was around $340 million. But in the last six years, the budget has grown to a staggering $605 million.
Also, she seems burned out to me. Speaking from experience, I believe the 9 year tenure of Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners is too long to serve. No new initiatives seem to come from her, and she seems content to sit behind the City Management, instead of leading them.
It's time for a fresh face. It could be said that Roberts is not that, having been a career Cop for 35 years in Fort Lauderdale, but I think his platforms of more citizen involvement, and organizing the Citizenry to create a new VISION for our future is quite appealing.
Inger Garcia is a tenacious lawyer, but needs some time in City Boards to learn before running for office again.
I had almost forgotten a lesson I learned as a City Commissioner. When you take a position on anything, lots of folks on the other side of your decision will not be happy! .... And many of my readers have been reacquainting me with this theory all week!
But as I said in the beginning, I've asked to be a leader in our community, and I feel it's a leaders' duty to stand up and be counted, even if it hurts, and it probably will!..........but here goes!
District I
...... the donor district .... It's basically the whole northern part of the City. It starts at that funny intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and US #1 Highway (most people say "at the Gateway Theatre") and keeps on going until it runs into Pompano Beach.
It is nearly all well - to - do, so it sends off many more tax dollars than it gets back. Some of it's residents resent that, and fiscal conservatism is an important part of any politicians' schtick there.
The incumbent is Commissioner Christine Teel. If reelected, she will be the longest serving member of the new Commission. Her challengers are former Police Chief Bruce Roberts, and local condo lawyer Inger Garcia.
Teel
............ I'm supporting Bruce Roberts ......... and here's why;
Roberts
First, I think it's time for Commissioner Teel to retire from politics.
......... Commissioner Teel hasn't been able to control the City Budget. She has reigned over the largest City budget explosion in Fort Lauderdale history. The year prior to her election in 2003, the City's budget was around $340 million. But in the last six years, the budget has grown to a staggering $605 million.
Also, she seems burned out to me. Speaking from experience, I believe the 9 year tenure of Fort Lauderdale City Commissioners is too long to serve. No new initiatives seem to come from her, and she seems content to sit behind the City Management, instead of leading them.
It's time for a fresh face. It could be said that Roberts is not that, having been a career Cop for 35 years in Fort Lauderdale, but I think his platforms of more citizen involvement, and organizing the Citizenry to create a new VISION for our future is quite appealing.
Inger Garcia is a tenacious lawyer, but needs some time in City Boards to learn before running for office again.
Thanks Tim, anyone who takes the time to watch their video interviews on the Sun-Sentinel website will come to the same conclusion.
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Gremlin wonders about former politicos that are somehow anointed (by someone) to be a community leader. That aside, your endorsement of Roberts is filled with some back hand slaps at Commissioner Teel with no real statement of Robert's strengths beyond his "vision thing". You say Teel reigned over the uncontrolled growth of city budgets; last time I looked, it took more than one or two commissioners to support unbridled budgetary growth. And, if Gremlin remembers, your tenure on the commission was marked with substantial budget growth. Beyond giving us the "reigning" theory and the "she looks tired" rationale, your Roberts endorsement is very thin. So, pontificate away peerless leader!
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While many would like to make Bruce Robert's run for office a run for payback - it just isn't so. Bruce Roberts is an honorable man who has served this city faithfully and well for over 35 years. He knows all of the Districts, understands City Government from an intimate role there, and knows how to reduce spending and run an efficient operation. While many would like for him to take an aggressive role in firing the current City Manager, it is not now nor has it been his first priority or order of business....that is not to say he would oppose such a consideration if it was warranted and supported by a majority. He is certainly supportive of public safety, fiscal responsibility and planning for the future. A quiet man, he does have a vision and wants to share it with a commission that is about change and brings the public back into the process.
Teel served her time and Smith is correct - she has lost her fire and become sour when dealing with issues and the public. No longer is the job a burning passion but appears to be more like a penalty.
Give Roberts the chance to serve and I think that the District will be satisfied and the rest of the city as well.
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Tim, this one is the only one you got wrong. Unlike the other endorsements, there is no reason you picked Roberts other than a fresh face. Also, it was commissioners like Moore,Katz and yourself that never slashed budgets. If you see Teels record, she is ALWAYS trying to cut the budget but it was the other commissioners who always bucked her. So on that point your assessment FAILED. You also thought she has been there too long and disagree with that but you were our commissioner and seeked the mayor job so why was it right in your case and wrong in her case....So in this case...what is good for the goose is good for the gander! Fair is fair! Teel has held 132 public meetings in her district, all run by herself and ATTENDS every homeowners meetings in her district. Bruce is a great guy but has never held a meeting other than a fundraiser...
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Tim - you didn't get it wrong Roberts could be a good change.
Teel - And you believe the PR that Teel spins...she has not been to every homeowner meeting in her District - as a matter of fact some have never seen her! She governed well in the beginning but seems to have lost her desire. Fiscal responsibility - she supported the contract change for George Gretsas that allowed him to get more money - both times!!!! She has advocated for CIP funds for her District however has challenged spending in others - a little of the I want it and you can't have it....Yep - time for a change.
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for the record ... during my years on the Commission, were barely raised the budget at all over the six years..... we took alot of flack for keeping things so lean.....Tim
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Roberts completely ignored the Galt when we needed help and most of us remember that. Christine has two meetings a month on the Galt and represents us really well. You will see on election day how much we like Christine. Roberts is only interested in raising pensions for police and raising our taxes. BURNT OUT, Haha, she is about 70 years old and works non-stop.
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Congrats Christine Teel! You just received the endorsement of the Sun-Sentinel AND the Miami Herald!
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When a group of Southpoint Condo Owners filed a 27 page complaint against the Southpoint Board, we also met with two FLPD Detectives. They were shocked at what was going on, and kept repeating, "that's illegal," or "they can't do that." They told us the would get a search warrant and sieze Southpoint's records and computers. They said they had probable cause that several felonies had been committeed.
The detectives were STOPPED by Chief Bruce Roberts. He said there was no money for "condo crimes." This despite the fact that he had one of the largest budgets for a city the size of Fort Lauderdale.
Chief (ret) Bruce Roberts told Condo Owners on the Galt Mile to "DROP DEAD." Now he had the unmitigated gall to want to be our City Commissioner? That would be like putting Ken Jennee in charge of Florida's Ethics Board.
Tim, you were right that it's time for Teel to retire. Bruce IS retired, and both of them need to stay retired. Teel is weak, and Bruce simply cannot be trusted.
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Teel is too old . We need someone with ethics (that eliminates Teel and Roberts), and someone with a few years left in the horse (that eliminated Teel and Roberts). We need someone who has done something for Condo Owners (Garcia helped rewrite the Condo Act with Julio Robaina). We need someone who give more than lip service to the problems of Condo Owners. There is only one candidate for us, and that is Inger Garcia.
www.VoteForInger.com
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You are so right, Roberts was HORRIBLE at communicating to the Galt, also ask the newspaper what they think, Roberts NEVER returns phone calls. tim although Teel is not great this endorsement of Roberts STINKS, he should stay retired
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all this chatter about the newspaper endorsement of Teel is meaningless.... I voted there for decades and the local paper ALWAYS endorses the incumbents... they are gutless!
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Who cares just about condo reform, this Garcia hasnt realized the majority of the district is single family homes, I bet she has never heard of bay Colony, coral ridge, imperial point...haha. besides, condo reform is up to the courts, not a CITY COMMISSIONER! Voting for roberts, Inger is a joke, she might get 50 votes
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Gremlin is pleased that many of your bloggers question your endorsement of Roberts. Most wonder why you omitted his qualifications beyond "fresh face" and vision (whatever that means). Yours is an endorsement without rationale. I never found Teel lacking energy or commitment and who knows about Roberts beyond his dismay at being "retired" by the City Manager. The District seat is too important to be left to candidates without records or at least some philosophical grounding. And, watch that age argument. If you live long enough you will get there. Gremlin
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Teel, er I mean Gremlin,
You pumpkin headed moron,stop referring to yourself in the third person, it's annoying.
Anyone who watches Teel on the dais and listens to her empty headed blatherings is dismayed that she even know how to breathe.
She cannot be trusted, as she has back stabbed nearly everyone she has associated with. As for having an energy and commitment for public service, please... . The only commitment she has is to herself and her power.
Roberts on the other hand, if nothing else has integrity. Which is why he wouldn't go along with the City Manager's nearly criminal scheme to further destroy the police department.
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I have always found Teel to be very pleasant to deal with but have to agree with Tim that her time has expired
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I think tim resents Teel beating his good friend Gloria years ago and has really never supported any Teel has done because of that.
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Bruce Roberts quit with a statement about all the many things he was going to bring out about the PD negotiations and the City Manager and staff. He took his pay out and left, and nothing was ever said from him about the allegations in his resignation letter. Could it be true that Mr. Roberts could not separate his past union affiliation and be the Chief of Police in the negotiations as some in the City said at the time? He has no civic back ground other than his employement with the City.
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Roberts is a easy endorsement, he has the police, gay and anti-incumbant vote....but blaming teel for the budget is a joke. She is always talking about lower taxes and she is a fiscal conservative. I find it funny how many gay men from the Dolphin Democrats have Roberts sign up. Am I missing something...ROBERTS IS A REGISTERED REUPLICAN!
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Oh Rose - did you forget it is a non-partisan race....people should vote for the candidate not a party....and all gays are not men....lastly, Teel IS responsible for the budget - she approved every vote to increase it and to raise the enormous salary of George Gretsas and allowed him to enrich the salary of his executive staff as well...you call that fiscally conservative? She approved the water/sewer increases - those are taxes as well.....I don't think you have done your homework and I don't think Teel is as big a conservative as you think! By the way, no endoresement is easy and they are personal in nature and while you are critical of Smith - I don't see that you stepped up and spoke.
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and Roberts was always over buget when he was chief. Also Roberts supports police HUGE pension increases of 12% while over time will cost the city $100,000,000. Now you want to talk and compare that to a $12,000 raise to Greatas. ROBERTS WILL RAISE TAXES.
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Let me begin by saying that if you love Teel for her "fiscal resposability",you are clueless!
When the city was in financial trouble a few years back, and Teel was gutting the PD,she and her other commissioners took a 100%raise,asked city employees to take furlough days-how about unpaid days for the city attorney,city managers,and herself?
She was the driving force behind the demise of the Air and Sea Show,which with alot of creative thinking,could have been a great source of revenue for the city-(think of charging just a buck or two to cross over the Sunrise bridge)
She stood by and did nothing while Naugle was spewing hate for gays as we saw millions of tourist and local revenue spent in other cities that were acceptive to diversity.
She constantly votes for big bucks going to "studies and experts",while we are paying nearly a million dollars a year to city managers and the city attorney-shouldn't they be able handle that?
Lastly, she has never done much for the "downtrodden" neighborhoods,voting against items that could greatly improve the quality of life and overall image of the city as a whole.
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You must be brainwashed by what Robert's people are telling you. Don't be an idiot, do you ever realize that Garcia actually lives in Coral Ridge, does alot with Imperial Point. She practices condo law, that doesn't mean she doesn't know what goes on with homeowners. Do yourself a favor, check facts before you go on and make yourself look like a moron. The statistics and facts are out there. Or are you doing what Roberts wants blindly?
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I totally disagree with you Tim. Inger Garcia has been an advocate and practicing law for almost 20 years. She has represented many City employees, including a Chief of Police, City Managers, has sued Cities, and has worked with representatives and Senators. She is intelligent and understands the issues. For her to go back and serve on non-policy making boards is a not appropriate. She writes laws, litigates and has empathy. She is our front runner to be Commissioner and should be elected. To go back now and sit on boards is not where she needs to be. She needs to be on the Commission, listening to the issues and making decisions. So Tim, you are wrong and your support of Roberts is misplaced. Roberts has an axe to grind and Teel is simply "prissy" Look at the name of her boat "Ms. Prissy.". We need Garcia, who will actually listen and make an intelligent decision with her experience.
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There is much more to District 1 than Condominiums, but they are an important part of the district. We cannot forget that Bruce Roberts told us to "DROP DEAD" because he did not want to spend money on "condo crime." Bruce, we will never forget that decision of yours to allow criminals to remain at large and not face prosecution.
Teel is hopeless, and is showing signs of Alzheimers. Either that, or she really is not very intelligent.
Garcia is the only educated candidate for District One! She has been involved in state and local government for twenty years. She has been involved in analyzing, changing, and making law. Intelligent laws that are far beyond the ability of 69 y.o. Teel or the aging Roberts, who has never written a law or been involved in the legislative or political process in his entire career. He is so afraid of the public, that he kept two layers of 'communication officers' between himself and the public. We need good cops -- in the police department. Adderley has impressed, and the cop on the beat likes him, which is much more than can be said of Retired Roberts. Perhaps, Roberts can be part of one of Garcia's citizen advisory boards. There is always a need for the naive citizen to become involved. Let's see how deeply Roberts is committed to Fort Lauderdale after he loses this election. I suspect he will simply collect his $100,000 pension and do nothing. That is how he ran the P.D., so why should he change.
Fort Lauderdale need someone that understands the law and has been active in MAKING law, not just following orders. We cannot afford the aging fat-cats like Teel and Roberts. We need a real person who will fight for US!
We need Garcia.
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Well when I saw Inger speak I was shocked to find out she was an attorney. Her English was aweful and all she has going for her was she was in that horrible free newspaper that I refer to as the biggest crime, just because it was aweful. And her doner list has that nut who lives at Southpoint who is obsessed with Teel, he has no life, I am sure he is single. Only one choice, forget Inger Garcia and elect BRUCE ROBERTS
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ELECT BRUCE ROBERTS!! CHRISTINE TEEL iS A LETHARGIC, CAMPAIGN DONATION DRIVEN, SELF CENTERED, MEGA-DEVELOPER'S TOOL!! BUDDY NEVINS IS RIGHT ON THE MONEY -- NAMES HER WEALTHY BACKERS. SHE IS DEEPLY IN BED WITH THE DEVELOPERS AND BUILDERS. LESS THAN FIVE GALT RESIDENTS BOTHERED TO WRITE HER A CHECK. SHE RECEIVED MORE $250. DONATIONS, THAN $25, $50 AND $100. COMBINED.
"Developers Pour Money Into Fort Lauderdale Race
BY BUDDY NEVINS (BrowardBeat.Com)
Real estate may be in the toilet, but developers are investing for the future – in the northeast Fort Lauderdale city commission campaigns.
Builders, developers and real estate investors are pouring money into the District 1 campaigns of Commissioner Christine Teel and, to a lesser extent, challenger Bruce Roberts.
Because despite the downturn in development, builders always have their eyes focused on the future. Builders are by nature optimists. They see potential dollars where others see only doldrums.
To get to that lucrative tomorrow, they need a friendly city commission. Commissioners who get donations are more apt to be friendly.
Campaign donations are an investment in future development.
Teel has gotten the maximum $250 contribution from real estate industry folks such as Charles Ladd, Bill Scherer and Andy Mitchell.
That doesn’t tell the whole story.
To give them more clout when the contribution level in the city is only $250, real estate investors bundled other money with theirs. That makes their support much more valuable.
Ladd and his partners, the Rahael family, gave a total of $1,250 to Teel. Ladd is behind the huge project west of Interstate 95 along the north side of W. Broward Boulevard.
Two other members of the Scherer family gave $750. Scherer owns property in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Five members of beach property owner Mitchell’s family gave $1,250.
There is $2,500 connected to Turnberry Associates, an Aventura developer best known currently in Broward for controversial Davie Commons project.
Roberts also got at least $1,000 from individuals connected to Turnberry Associates.
The former Fort Lauderdale Police chief got $1,250 from the Deckelbaum family, developers whose project on Bayshore Drive was turned down by the city commission.
Downtown powerbroker Alan Levy gave Roberts $250. So did developer James Motta and his wife, Patricia, for a total of $500.
Former Commissioner Gloria Katz threw a fund raiser for him. Katz was beaten by Teel, who accused her of being too developer-friendly.
Ironically, it is now Teel who is getting the bulk of the development industry dollars.
Among others giving money to Teel are real estate investors Jack Loos, Terry Stiles, Doug Eagon, Dennis O’Shea and Peter Feldman ; lobbyist Robert Lochrie III and his family; lobbyist Don McClosky; the Becker Poliakoff lobbying firm and one of its lobbyists, Neil Schiller; lobbyist Aleida “Ali” Waldman and downtown development industry lobbyist Neil Sterling."
TIM SMITH IS RIGHT. ELECT BRUCE ROBERT!
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According to the settlement agreement We are to put on Tim's Smith Blog That Inger Garcia did use our money for her campaign funds or placed them in her Campaign funds.
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CORRECTIONLoretta Miller wrote:
According to the settlement agreement We are to put on Tim's Smith Blog That Inger Garcia did NOT use our money for her campaign funds or placed them in her Campaign funds.
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