Palmetto Bay Elections : A Resident's View - supporting positive candidates in Palmetto Bay

Editor's note:  The following endorsements are those of the group Who have signed their names below.  Palmetto Bay Elections : A Resident's View

If you share our opinion that, once again, a Palmetto Bay election has been characterized by gutter politics and mud slinging of the worst kind, please read on. We, the undersigned, are attempting to offer some reason and logic to this election. We will not attack any candidate or position, our message is purely a positive one. For the office of Vice-Mayor, we are recommending Erica Watts. Ms. Watts campaign has been entirely positive, focusing on her accomplishments, and not denigrating her opponents. She has a law degree, but chooses to be a stay at home mom for her son, Hunter in the 5th grade. She has been a community activist in Palmetto Bay, recently concluding her term as President of the Coral Reef Elementary PTA. Erica is running a bare bones campaign, accepting no corporate or developer funding. Her issues are: Traffic Relief, development appropriate to our Village, and the restoration of ethics and respect on the Palmetto Bay Village Council. We support Erica Watts for Vice Mayor. In District Two, we are recommending the incumbent, Tim Schaffer. Once again we are pleased with the positive campaign he is running, focusing on his achievements, and not his opponents shortcomings. His four year term has allowed him to vote his conscience on a variety of major issues, including: Parks, Mass Transit, and controlled development. We are endorsing Tim Schaffer, for Palmetto Bay Council District 2. There are 5 referendum questions at the very end of the ballot. We are recommending a 'Yes' for on all, and this is why. The first four questions basically return the Charter to what was adopted in 2002. These issues appropriately call for the return to the Council/Manager form of government which the Village adopted when it incorporated. The Council's role is governance, and the Manager's role is that of the CEO of the Village. Any attempt to change that, undermines the balance between those roles. This was the recommendation by the Citizen's Charter Review Committee, and adopted by Council for the referendum. The final question pertains to a study of the annexation of some 60 acres of land between SW 160th St. and SW 184th St.. This essentially moves the western boundary of Palmetto Bay from the middle of the south bound lanes of US 1, and the middle of the Busway. It is imperative for the redevelopment of Downtown Palmetto Bay to have control of both sides of US 1, for planning and zoning purposes. We are recommending a 'Yes' vote on all 5 questions. Peter England-30+ year resident of Palmetto Bay; Chairman, Palmetto Bay PartnershipEric Haas- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO Sports Grills; member, Palmetto Bay PartnershipGeorge Hoffman- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO RSI; member, Charter Review CommitteeJose 'Pepe' Ceballos- Palmetto Bay resident; CEO Fast F.A. LogisticsMarvin Dunn-Palmetto Bay resident; retired FIU professor; author; African-American historian  SOUTH DADE UPDATES - EUGENE FLINN - DISCLAIMER: Please note that this e-mail and its comments, and opinions expressed therein are those of the signators listed above. I do happen to agree with positive endorsements and rejection of the gutter politics - I like the fact that the high road is being taken here, unlike those personal attacks and sensation misstatements that the current Vice Mayor and Mr. Schaffer's challenger appear to enjoy leveling at me.  .   .

Oct 15, 2016. Palmetto Bay is honored to host Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams and Gold Star Families

A great kick off to our veterans park. More promises kept.  This Veterans Park will be a model for properly recognizing our veterans, providing a place for our residents to go to and reflect upon the sacrifices made. Please take the time to read up on the Gold Star Mothers organization.


The Village of Palmetto Bay has been working with the members of the American Legion Marlin Moore Post #133 to create this Veterans Park/Gold Star Family Memorial Monument. This event featured a presentation by Hershel Woodrow (”Woody”) Williams, the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from Iwo Jima.  October 15, 2016, was officially proclaimed as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Thank you Marine Williams for your service, both during WWII as well as your continuous service thereafter in your efforts in regard to Gold Star Families.  Words cannot express our thoughts and thanks to the surviving family and friends of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of our country.  

Photos above (left) - Paul D. Amato, Liaison/Adjutant, Marlin Moore Post #133, Honored Guest/Presenter Marine Williams with Youth Community Involvement (YCI) Board members Jacob DeWitt and Jackson Ribler
(Above right) I am honored to proclaim Saturday, October 15, 2016 as Hershel Woodrow "Woody" Williams Day in Palmetto Bay.

Palmetto Bay Mayor & Council approve the lowest property tax millage rate in Village history - 2.3292 mills.

Hard work rewarded.  As your hard work should be rewarded by making sure that your government does not take money from you it does not (or should not) need.  I fought hard and obtained the votes this year to reduce our property tax millage rate to its lowest rate ever (tax relief failed last year on a 2-3 vote - Tim Schaffer & Eugene Flinn voting last year to to reduce taxes in a non-election year).

I am pleased to sign the budget ordinances regarding the Village Council adopted FY 2016-17 Operating & Capital Budget.  We approved the lowest millage rate in Village history. Residents should see a decrease in their municipal tax bill with the new millage rate of 2.3292 mills. The new fiscal year starts on October 1, 2016. Copies of the adopted budget will soon be available online.

We are working hard here as a team - along with our Charter officers including our Manager Edward Silva, Village Attorney Dexter Lehtinen and Interim Village Clerk Missy Arocha. 

Providing quality services here in Palmetto Bay AND reducing the property tax mileage rate; it's YOUR money.

Photos of the Day - Palmetto Bay proclaims April 11 - UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris Day

April 11, 2016, was a great day for UM and its fans.  It was my honor to be present and part of the recognition of the outstanding career of UM Baseball Coach, Jim Morris, who just reached 1,000 wins at UM, 1,500 total wins overall.  The UM Baseball team had just reached #1 in all the baseball polls for the first time since 2008.  

Palmetto Bay Council Member Tim Schaffer, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris & Eugene Flinn

Both Pinecrest and Palmetto Bay proclaimed April 11, 2016, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris Day - the procs were presented at the Village of Palmetto Bay at the Miami's Community Newspapers lunch and learn.  State Representative Kionne L. McGhee also recognized Coach Morris with State recognition.

Palmetto Bay Council Member Tim Schaffer, UM Baseball Coach Jim Morris

 

& Eugene Flinn - 'throwing up the "U"'

 Of course - part of the South Miami-Dade Transit Team were present - collaboration.

State Rep. Kionne McGhee, Pinecrest Mayor Cindy Lerner & Palmetto Bay Mayor Eugene Flinn

 I could not resist remarking how nice it would be, if we could ride the light rail from our respective cities ultimately disembarking at the UM Metrorail station to attend UM Baseball games. 

Village staff takes charge - retrieves, restores and installs previoulsy paid for AIPP chandelier for village hall

Stored away/wasting away no longer.  Now available on public display.

Our Art In Public investment is now complete.  Palmetto Bay staff completed installation on Thursday, January 21, 2016. 

I am photographed with Councilman Schaffer admiring the new chandelier in Village Hall. And yes, that is me who smiled up at the chandelier and stating; "It really ties the room together."


This is not a new purchase. It was pulled from storage -- and installed where it was purchased and intended to hang.

CLICK HERE to view the village official Facebook photos regarding this chandelier (posted 1/22/16)

For at least one night, Palmetto Bay has gone to the dogs! Councilman Schaffer’s Town Hall Meeting on lost pets. Reduced Fee Micro-Chipping sponsored by Friends Forever Rescue.

Tim Schaffer held an informational Town Hall meeting (along with his dog Ricky) on Wednesday, September 25th.  The topic was lost and found pets in Palmetto Bay.  Vice Mayor John DuBois was also in attendance.  Take some time to view the Palmetto Bay Animal Services web page.  

Councilman Tim Schaffer pictured with Ricky

Any comments or questions? Contact Tim at TSchaffer@palmettobay-fl.gov

On a personal note - the meeting ran by Councilman Schaffer ran very smoothly. Perhaps it was the presence of Ricky. Either Tim needs to run more Village meetings or Ricky needs to attend all council meetings to act as the council therapy calming service animal.

Ricky heading up to calm the council dais

Reduced Fee ($15) Micro-Chipping Program for Palmetto Bay

Dee Chess from Friends Forever Rescue was also in attendance and has set up a special offer for all Palmetto Bay residents: Reduced Fee Micro-Chipping sponsored by Friends Forever Rescue. Dogs will be chipped by the vet and must be registered in the program that same day.  The cost for registering and chipping will be $15 per dog.  Call 786-229-9002 for more information and appointments in the Reduced Fee Micro-Chipping Program for Palmetto Bay.
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NOTE: All pets could easily be returned to their families if they were micro-chipped and registered.  A found chipped pet would simply be scanned, information obtained and the call made to the family - this would be much more effective than any found pet sign.