Rodstrom Missing ... Ferber Nuts!
It was the first, (and only) debate scheduled soley for the District II Fort Lauderdale Commission candidates.
And only two of the three candidates made it.
Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom didn't make the fun.
According to Progresso Village President Doug Sterner, Rodstrom called a few days before and said her husband (John) surprised her with a trip out of town, and she wouldn't be making the debate.
That left her two challengers - Lester Zalewski and Michael Ferber.
Zalewski
Ferber ( with hands moving)
Zalewski came mostly prepared. He told the audience about his background, said he was "pro-redevelopment ( the logical and reasonable kind he said), said the neighborhood was "entitled" to leave their homes feeling safe.
But Ferber was the life of the party !!
Ferber is an unapologetic, rabid, Libertarian. He started by saying that he knew their area well ( living in the next neighborhood over), had served on many City advisory Boards, but was probably not going to say many things the audience wanted to hear!
He was right!
He said he came without any "meaningless platitudes" .
He said that "there was no Santa Claus". He said he wasn't running to "make government more responsive", but to reduce the size, cut-back, have government "abandon many of the things it was currently doing".
He continued - they'll be calling me "Mike the Knife". He said he would "eliminate the Economic Development Department". He said he wouldn't govern by "lynch mob politics".
He finished by saying he would " go to Def Com III in efforts to reduce the size of the City Government.
This is probably what most of the attendees liked best about Ferber's attendance -
Ferber leaving the building
And only two of the three candidates made it.
Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom didn't make the fun.
According to Progresso Village President Doug Sterner, Rodstrom called a few days before and said her husband (John) surprised her with a trip out of town, and she wouldn't be making the debate.
That left her two challengers - Lester Zalewski and Michael Ferber.
Zalewski
Ferber ( with hands moving)
Zalewski came mostly prepared. He told the audience about his background, said he was "pro-redevelopment ( the logical and reasonable kind he said), said the neighborhood was "entitled" to leave their homes feeling safe.
But Ferber was the life of the party !!
Ferber is an unapologetic, rabid, Libertarian. He started by saying that he knew their area well ( living in the next neighborhood over), had served on many City advisory Boards, but was probably not going to say many things the audience wanted to hear!
He was right!
He said he came without any "meaningless platitudes" .
He said that "there was no Santa Claus". He said he wasn't running to "make government more responsive", but to reduce the size, cut-back, have government "abandon many of the things it was currently doing".
He continued - they'll be calling me "Mike the Knife". He said he would "eliminate the Economic Development Department". He said he wouldn't govern by "lynch mob politics".
He finished by saying he would " go to Def Com III in efforts to reduce the size of the City Government.
This is probably what most of the attendees liked best about Ferber's attendance -
Ferber leaving the building
Tim, the last thing I'd call Mike Ferber is nuts. I think you owe him an apology.
Mike has given untold hours of service to his community and I've had the pleasure of sitting on a few Advisory Boards with him. I frequently don't agree with his view of City government, but I could ALWAYS trust his opinion of the facts, and was willing to give that opinion some consideration. He's courageous in his honesty,and THAT deserves accolades.
I hope Mike Ferber stays closely involved with this City's future in whatever capacity he and the public deem appropriate.
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Amy ... maybe "nuts" was a bit strong ... but what to call a candidate that goes into one of the toughest neighborhoods he's asking to represent and telling them he won't solve their crime problems, won't let the city offer any grants, and will eliminate any City economic development help? ....self defeating?
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More like self defeated.
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Sticking to the script as a good 3rd opponent, to cause a primary, should do...
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Tim, I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who sees hypocritical contradictions in a small government guy who favors taxpayer CRA dollars to do to build massive 8 story low income government subsidized high rises in Flagler Village. He also doesn't seem to support majority rule, also a strange stance for someone trying to win a majority in an election. Tim, If you could organize a debate between Ferber and Crimi I think you could charge $50 per head, there would also have to be a one drink minimum of course.
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Is there a video or transcript of this debate anywhere?
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Zalewski's campaign manager was recording it. There was an actual stand off for a while when Ferber shouted to stop filming him during his speech.
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anyone with a cellphone can record whether disclosed or not
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Wow John took Charlotte on a surprise "getaway"? I would have hid in the suitcases.Where did he take her?. My friends 'sugar daddy" has a beautiful villa in Acapuco. Liz Taylor had a place right up the road-imagine. That and if you don't mind dead drug cartel members washing up dead on the beach. Have fun guys on your trip. Totally envious.
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Tim, nice talking with you...As I said on the phone, I don't know Mike the Knife, but am going to vote for him. We pay entirely too much in taxes to constantly try and repair the "bad" parts of town. It is time for those areas to sink or swim on their own.
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Then you should ask Mike Ferber why he supports taxpayer dollars to be given to developers to build low income government subsidized high rise towers some as high as 8 stories and some only 2 and 3 blocks west of US1/Federal Highway. This supposed small government guy likes big government projects. I don't think one peron in that room last night, and I was one of them would ever vote for that man.
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Charles, congratulations, you have earned the "I only learned how to talk, I never learned how to listen award"... Art Seitz may be disappointed that you are now #1.
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Mike, you're finally in the game, sharing information back and forth with possible voters, making your policy stances clear and setting the record straight, no let me take that back your just name calling.
Maybe you should explain how you are calling yourself "Mike the Knife" advocating ending all the little things government shouldn't be doing like ballroom dancing classes for seniors in our rec centers, but then you are simultaneously advocating for $125,000 in taxpayer CRA money to be gifted to developers as triggering funds for $20,000,000 in state money to allow the building of massive 8 story low income / income restricted government subsidized high rises in Flagler Village, as if Fort Lauderdale needs to attract more people who can't pay their bills to live in the middle of our downtown in a subsidized existence placing a larger burden on our strained city services and overwhelmed public schools.
Sometimes it seems like you are not event trying to win, content with being the 3rd man in the race forcing a Rynersonian January 31st conclusion.
And as for my listening ability, I and everyone there listened to your speech, it’s not my fault I and no one else there agreed with a word of it. No one who votes to give taxpayer dollars to a developer to build low income government subsidized housing can claim to be a conservative or a libertarian with a straight face.
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Charles, I haven't "advocated" for these projects. When the issue became "heated", I was asked by the Commission for my opinion. I stated that it was O.K. if the CRA assisted them, and it was O.K. if it didn't. The CRA redirects money that would be "lost" to other larger governments. I wish that the entire city was a CRA within the county. I wish that the county was a CRA from Tallahassee, I wish that Florida was a CRA from Washington D.C. ---- As to the actual nature of these buildings, I ask that you pick up a copy of the current issue of RiverWalk Magazine, and read DDA Director Chris Wren's article.
As to our wisecracks at each others expense, maybe we are even now. I do prefer to be civil.
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oh, I read the article from Go Riverwalk magazine you are refering to. It was riddled with un true statements. Below is a lenghty portion of it.
As new affordable housing projects have come
to light, some have voiced common concerns. The
following points attempt to address them.
• Aesthetics and compatibility: The workforce
housing buildings being constructed in Downtown
are designed to be attractive, modern mid-rises that
complement the existing neighborhoods, with
convenient amenities that will benefit not only the
residents but also the neighborhood. New streetscape
improvements can be inviting additions to onceneglected
streets.
• Property values and safety: Studies
have shown that housing developments
that are well designed do not have a
negative effect on neighboring property
values. What’s more, the National
Crime Prevention Council calls for
the construction of affordable housing
to reduce crime because it enhances
neighborhood cohesion and economic
stability.
Who actually lives in affordable
housing? Teachers, healthcare workers,
hospitality workers, artists, students,
retirees and families all benefit from
workforce housing. Florida Atlantic
University and Broward College have both expressed the need
for affordable housing for their Downtown students, the majority
of which have long commutes to and from Downtown.
Anyone who wants to know the truth of who lives in Eclipse and Progresso Point should drive on by and see who hanging out out front and how professional they look.
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The meeting at HAC was enlightening.
Neighbors that are trying to improve their neighborhoods and deserve the services they pay taxes for.
Lester Zalewski
954 873 4320
ps great picture of me thank you Tim!
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In the game of survivor the confident one with the strong alliance would go on the "award challenge prize"! Those left behind at camp talk strategy. Ummmh...Charlotte goes on a surprise getaway, Michael appears to be losing the plot and Lester should be thinking of a back door strategy. Is the Rodstom Alliance too strong? Duh Duh Duh!
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don't under estimate voters or what they think they want. the best laid plans of mice and men........
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thanks for covering the news, no show, disrict 2 charlotte rodstrom has been on vacation for five years-- its no wonder, that scott wyman is her fourth assistant in five years--does anyone know, whose supporting her?
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The Rodstroms work as a team and the financial support is vast and wide - much cajoling and intimidation because of the one - two city/county connection. Interestingly, even developers and land use attorneys support her because of wanting to curry favor (even though she always votes against their interests!). Throw in the roughly half of the beach rabid anti-development crowd, the Idylwild ladies,the Isles, and Victorial Park and there you go - victory!
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Heard that the Central Beach Alliance Board of Directors at its annual organizaational meeting on Monday dumped Lester Zalewski from the Vice Presidency and did not make him an officer. Anyone have the whole scoop?
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A week ago I told Fred Carlson,I liked the county commission's lead on rotating offices, so the members are represented by the board as a whole since the membership does not vote for officers and suggested Monti for VP.
Lester Zalewski
954 873 4320
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Lester, I was told you did a great job and I want to assure you that you have the beach vote for sure.
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What a crock, Lester. You are so full of it. What is your excuse going to be when the CBA Board votes you off the Board entirely?
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That makes no sense. The County Commission only rotates the Mayor position - they have no officers (you mistakenly said offices). Each County Commissioner represents a district - there is no similarity to the structure of the neighborhood CBA Board. By the way, Fred denies your "excuse."
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Did Ferber resign from the P&Z Board (appointed by Rodstrom) as required of a candidate? If so, did Rodstrom ever replace him on that Board? Lastly, how long will it be before she reappoints him as a thank you for being her stooge?
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he is not on p&z now.
both 3 way races will backfire and force runoffs.
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If no one is voting for Mike Ferber and no one is voting for Gabe Crimi, how could there be a run off?
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big assumption. this is fla.
hypothetical example 1 - 1000 registered voters cast a vote for district 2.
14 vote for candidate 1.
498 vote for candidate 2.
488 vote for candidate 3.
no candidates has 50% of vote plus one vote.
two candidates with most votes go to runoff in march.
hypo ex 2 -
candidate 1 gets 602 votes.
candidate 2 gets 301 votes.
candidate 3 gets 97 votes.
candidate 1 wins (min 50% plus one or more)
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Just read the Sun Sentinel article on the three District 2 candidates and was shocked and disappointed that none of these people graduated from college! Furthermore, Mike the Knife Ferber states that he attended high school, but does not say (like the others) that he graduated from high school! Is the best that we can do?!
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I consider myself fortunate to have escaped the indoctrination that has passed for education in modern times. I believe that Mark Twain had it right when he opined: "One should never let ones schooling interfere with ones education". Like Benjamin Franklin, I created my own rigorous curiculum and studied diligently. I will match the quality of my education and my ability for critical/abstract thinking against anyone who thinks that their paper degree has much value.
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ignore the naysayers you will encounter between now and 1/31. from the traffic on Tim smith sites and topics, voters are not complacent and distracted. they have issues and they have been ignored. if you live in those last bastions of affluence and contentment in ft lauderdale then you are blind to issues that many are bringing forth here. just don't disappoint
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Mike, I've got a better quote for you "When you find yourself in a hole stop digging", what's next, are we going to find you were expelled from high school for smoking in the boys room or something? My father didn't graduate High School either but that's because he joined the army, what's your excuse.
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Charles, It's obvious that you and I have very different ways of thinking. Why would anybody need an "excuse" for a choice or option freely taken ?
If you're one of the sheep, by all means, do exactly what a government bureaucrat guidance counselor advises.
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Gee Mike, Maybe after you get elected you can go on a speaking tour through our Fort Lauderdale High Schools and encourage the "sheep" as you call them to drop out. Keep digging, your almost there Mike. The big question I have is whatever possessed Commissioner Rodstrom to appointment you to the Planning and Zoning Board in the first place. After the full vetting of your ideas through this campaign I hope she has the good sense to not reappoint you.
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Charles, "The full vetting of my ideas" is old news. My viewpoints have been widely known for a long time. As to why one Commissioner appointed me to a board, you might better ask: Why over 15 years have a former Mayor, and several former Commissioners appointed me to several boards? And how did I uphold the responsibilities that I was entrusted with? As to whether captive students in government monopoly schools might find better alternatives, that is for them to decide. I see now, that you enjoy incessant argument; I don't...so do have the last word. Finally, the readers of Tim Smith's Blog can read our "thread" and determine for themselves if it is you or I who is belligerent towards the opinions of others.
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Well you obviously believe you have acquitted yourself well. Good luck in the election, I'm predicting you receive less than 10 votes.
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If you would have graduated from high school, then you might have known to place an apostrophe between the "e" and the "s" in "one's." I'm sure that Mark Twain knew that.
How sad for all of us that this our choice.
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if some posting and critiquing here are that dissatisfied, why do you direct that towards the challenging candidates? if you are content and satisfied with current elected people, then vote 'em back. but for any making the effort to bring a positive change to keep the city from going the way of hollywood or lauderdale lakes, give it a rest. you don't get more than a vote for browbeating.
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