Author Archives: M_Blank

Bernstein Park Questions

Posted on June 1, 2016 by M_Blank

There’s a letter on KeysNews.com about Bernstein Park.  It was written by Diane Beruldsen.  Beruldsen is wondering how the cost of Bernstein Park sky-rocketed from $3 million to $8 million.  So am I! Beruldsen has lots of very good questions. … Continue reading →

Posted in BOCC, Monroe County | Leave a comment

HSAB and the “Sin” Tax

Posted on May 31, 2016 by M_Blank

Comm. Carruthers’s Emergency Services Surtax (ESS) has been well documented on this blog.  The county made a number of statements about this proposal that turned out to be false.  When asked to substantiate their claims, county staff largely failed to do … Continue reading →

Posted in BOCC, Human Services, Monroe County, Taxes | Leave a comment

FKAA Bid – Conflicting Stories?

Posted on May 28, 2016 by M_Blank

According to this story on KeysNews.com, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) staff recommended that the board reject all bids for the new facility in Marathon.  But according to the agenda back-up, staff recommended awarding the project.  (See item DUO-4.)  Much … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubba System, Conflict of Interest, FKAA | Leave a comment

Eleanor McAdams Speaks in Favor of Single-Member Districts

Posted on May 28, 2016 by M_Blank

Eleanor McAdams is a Democrat who ran against George Neugent for the District 2 seat on the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in the 2014 general election.  She spoke up about single-member districts on http://www.bigpinekey.com.  From her entry posted on … Continue reading →

Posted in Single-member Districts | Leave a comment

More About Aguilar

Posted on May 27, 2016 by M_Blank

KeysNet.com has this story up about Maria Aguilar.  She’s being demoted from Village Manager to Finance Director.  It’s too bad.  Aguilar has always seemed to me to be a very competent, no-nonsense sort.  Exactly the sort of person you would … Continue reading →

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Human Services – Where Does All the Money Go?

Posted on May 27, 2016 by M_Blank

Funny.  I was just starting to look into all the non-profits funded by the Human Services Advisory Board (HSAB), and this story popped up on KeysNet.  Unfortunately, two executives at the Rural Health Network (RHN), which is partially funded by … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Services, Public Records | Leave a comment

No S__t, Sherlock – Toppino Troubles

Posted on May 27, 2016 by M_Blank

Update:  If you’re a public official and you’re concerned about running into ethics trouble, you can write a letter to the ethics commission requesting their opinion on your particular situation.  The commission then posts those opinions on their website.  There’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Bubba System, Conflict of Interest, FKAA | Leave a comment

Monroe County Budget Hearing Agenda

Posted on May 24, 2016 by M_Blank

I’m taking a few days off to tend to some family stuff.  Everyone’s okay.  Just lending a hand.  I might post a few short things here and there. I checked out the agenda for today’s budget meeting.  It includes a survey, … Continue reading →

Posted in BOCC, Budget, Human Services | Leave a comment

Question About Recalls

Posted on May 20, 2016 by M_Blank

As it turns out, the original legislation governing the Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority (FKAA) allows the public to recall a board member whether they are appointed or elected.  (See Section 5.)  I don’t know if that provision is still in effect, but … Continue reading →

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Monroe County Clerk of Court

Posted on May 19, 2016 by M_Blank

Former State Rep. Ron Saunders plans to run for County Clerk.  Things just got interesting.  That’s three candidates now.  There’s incumbent Amy Heavilin.  Kevin Madok is currently the Strategic Planning Director for Monroe County.  Ron Saunders has been acting as … Continue reading →

Posted in Clerk of Court, Elections, Monroe County | Leave a comment