--A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division

Topic: Dating Services

Trap: Roger in Jupiter felt his life was in a rut. He was working full time and wanted to meet new people. Roger received a flyer in the mail inviting him to join other singles and meet new people. He went to the agency, signed a contract for 15 introductions and paid $2,500. During the first six months of the contract, the agency arranged only one introduction and two dinner dances. Roger didn’t meet anyone he was interested in dating and wanted a refund. The agency denied his refund request.

Tips: Dating services are not licensed by a government agency. It is important to read and understand the terms of any dating contract and to know exactly what you are purchasing.
• Does the contract allow refunds? Some agencies deduct an initiation fee on the day the contract is signed. Sometimes this fee is not refundable once an introduction has been arranged by the company.
• The agency may promise they have many clients who fit your profile. Find out how many active members are in the database. Ask about the percentage of members in your age group, profession, etc.
• Understand that an introduction to another member does not guarantee compatibility. Lack of “chemistry” or “connection” with other clients does not necessarily mean the business failed to meet its contractual obligations.
• There are many ways to meet new people and get out of a rut. Along with dating services, consider joining special interest clubs or service organizations or taking a class at a community college or adult education center. You can also pursue hobbies that enable you to meet people of similar interests.

It is always very important to thoroughly read a contract. Also, make sure all verbal promises are put in writing. Check with Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362) or visit http://www.pbcgov.com/consumer to see if other consumers have filed a dispute against the company being considered.

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To read my article in the Sunday, June 28 Delray Community News Section of the Sun-Sentinel
CLICK HERE.

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The bigger and better Second Annual July 4th Celebration will take place on Saturday night, July 4th at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in South County Regional Park.

Festivities start at 6:30 with a live dance band. There will be vendors on site same as last year, but this year you can bring your own picnic basket too.

The new road extension connecting the Amphitheater with Coconut Cove Waterpark will be open for this event, which will substantially reduce traffic congestion. This means that those in North Boca Raton can get to the Amphitheater directly from the park entrances on Yamato and Cain Boulevard rather than going all the way around to the Glades entrance.

Please note the road extension will otherwise not open until this fall.

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To read my Sunday, June 28 article in Delray Community News Section of Sun-Sentinel
CLICK HERE.

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Please do not turn on A/C on immediately as soon as you enter the car.
Open the windows after you enter your car and turn ON the air-
conditioning after a couple of minutes.

Here's why: According to a research, the car dashboard, sofa, air
freshener emit Benzene, a Cancer causing toxin (carcinogen - take
time to observe the smell of heated plastic in your car). In addition
to causing cancer, Benzene poisons your bones, causes anemia and
reduces white blood cells. Prolonged exposure will cause Leukemia,
increasing the risk of cancer. May also cause miscarriage. Acceptable
Benzene level indoors is 50 mg per sq. Ft. A car parked indoors with
windows closed will contain 400-800 mg of Benzene. If parked outdoors
under the sun at a temperature above 60 degrees F., the Benzene level
goes up to 2000-4000 mg, 40 times the acceptable level... People who
get into the car, keeping Windows closed will inevitably inhale, in
quick succession excessive amounts of the toxin. Benzene is a toxin
that affects your kidney and liver. What's worse, it is extremely difficult
for your body to expel this toxic stuff.

So friends, please open the windows and door of your car -
give time for interior to air out -dispel the deadly stuff -
before you enter.

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Siroco Café, Greek Restaurant

This past Saturday night we dined with another couple at Siroco Café in the SE corner of Jog Road and Atlantic Ave. in the Home Depot Shopping Center, Delray Beach.

Both couples ordered a $24.95 “Dinner for Two” Special, which was a large platter with two lamb chops, two pork souvlaki, two chicken souvlaki and two bistekia (large meatballs), stringbeans, rice and roast potato. Soup or salad, dessert and coffee were included. The food was delicious, prepared to perfection with savory seasonings. The portions were immense. We had enough to take home for another meal.

In addition, a belly dancer entertains twice a night, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 7 P.M. She is a charming young lady, graduate of the University of Wyoming. You really can’t beat the combination of wholesome food and an attractive belly dancer can you?

Siroco, run by the Droulias family (husband is in the kitchen cooking away and the Mrs. is the hostess) is open 7 days from 8 A.M. to 10 P.M., serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Call 561-498-8800 for reservations.

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Southern Palm Beach County Projects:

Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from Via Flora to McNab Avenue
This $3.6 million, 2.7 mile construction project began on December 1, 2008, between Via Flora and McNab Avenue in Delray Beach. The work to be performed during this project includes: milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and storm water drainage improvements at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue. The project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in fall 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at various locations within project limits. Motorists might encounter delays during these hours. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times.

Atlantic Avenue / S.R. 806, from NW/SW 12th Avenue to A1A
This $4.2 million construction project began January 5, 2009, from just east of I-95 to just west of A1A in Delray Beach. The work to be performed during this project includes: milling and resurfacing the roadway; replacing sidewalk curb ramps to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and signalization, widening, and landscaping. The project is being built by Weekley Asphalt Paving, Inc. and is expected to be complete in late 2009.

Restrictions: Daytime lane closures will occur, 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, between SW/NW12th Avenue and Swinton Avenue and from Federal Highway to A1A, for project-related work. One lane will remain open in each direction at all times. However, on-street parking and access to side streets might be temporarily restricted. Detours will be established when necessary. Access to local businesses will be maintained at all times. Motorists might experience delays.

S.R. 7 / U.S. 441 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road
Construction on this 2.9 mile project began February 9, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, curb ramp replacement, guardrail, and signalization. The project will cost an estimated $4.7 million and is expected to last until late 2009. Work is being performed by Hardrives of Delray, Inc.

Restrictions: North and southbound single lane closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward County Line, Monday through Saturday, for minor widening and other project-related work. At least two lanes will remain open in each direction at all times. Motorists should anticipate delays traveling through the area.

Powerline Road / S.R. 845 from the Broward County Line to Glades Road
Construction on this 3 mile project began Tuesday, May 26, 2009. Work consists of milling and resurfacing, minor widening and reconstruction, signalization, lighting, drainage, bridge replacement, irrigation and landscaping. The project will cost an estimated $9.7 million and is expected to last until summer 2011. Work is being performed by Ranger Construction Industries.

Restrictions: Travel lanes will be closed at various locations between Glades Road and the Broward County Line, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, for project-related work. The contractor has installed temporary barrier wall and established continuous lane closures at various locations for drainage work in the median area. At least one lane will remain open at all times. Motorists should anticipate delays.

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June 19, 2009

Dear Friend, Governor Crist signed Senate Bill 462 yesterday, which authorizes the creation of a prescription drug monitoring system in the Florida Department of Health. I’m proud to have been among the sponsors of this legislation that will help end the prescription drug abuse epidemic that has devastated many Florida families and given our state a reputation as the nation’s pill mill. I appreciate Governor Crist’s positive action on this legislation. Florida’s lack of a monitoring system has made our state a target for criminals looking to buy prescription drugs easily and sell them illegally here and elsewhere. I am pleased that we are now equipping physicians and law enforcement personnel with the tools they need to stop the abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs.

We would not have been able to get this bill signed into law without the help of the many people who called and e-mailed the Governor, and I thank you for your support.

Broward County Website Provides Access to Economic Recovery Money--Broward County has launched a new website that allows citizens to track how Broward County is using its share of the federal economic recovery money. The site also includes links to federal and state recovery websites, and information on economic assistance programs available to local residents and businesses. Visit http://www.broward.org/recovery, or for more information, call the Stimulus Grants Coordination Office at 954-357-5358 or 954-357-5338.

Palm Beach Water Utilities Department to Flush Lines with Chlorine--Starting June 15 through July 15, the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department will temporarily change the disinfection process used to treat our drinking water in order to maintain high water quality in the county’s distribution system. The county will be using a slightly stronger process that produces chlorine residual instead of a chloramine residual. These temporary changes will not cause adverse health effects. If you use a home dialysis machine, or you are an owner of tropical fish or a manager of stores and restaurants with fish and shellfish holding tanks, you should seek professional advice for removing chlorine residuals from tap water. For more information, call the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department at (561) 740-4600, option #3.
As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.

Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90.

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Sound off about Florida Power & Light’s proposed base rate increase at the Florida Public Service Commission’s customer service hearings in South Florida

WEDNESDAY, June 24 4:00 p.m. in West Palm Beach Palm Beach County Governmental Center Jane Thompson Memorial Chambers, 6th Floor 301 N. Olive Avenue.

cnc.videochannels.com

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For thirty-five years from 1951 to 1986 we raised our three boys on Wantagh, Long Island a fifteen minute drive from Bethpage State Park which has five excellent golf courses.

I enjoyed a round of golf at least once every two weeks on the Yellow, Blue, Green or Red Courses at Bethpage from 1951 until 1967. Many people have heard about the sacrifice Bethpage players had to make by arriving at the park in the wee Saturday morning hours, 5 A.M. or earlier, just to get on line to buy your ticket for an early tee time at 7, 8 or 9 o’clock. But we were young in those days and we did it.

One day in 1967 a friend said “Let’s try the Black Course today.”
“Sure, why not,” I replied.
No golf carts were used. You walked. After the second hole, numerous strokes, lots of lost balls, I said: “I’ve had it,” and returned to the clubhouse. I put my clubs in the garage when I got home and said to the Mrs. “I’m finished with golf.”
From that point on I took up tennis. I didn’t touch a golf club until I retired to Florida in 1986.

Today there is a sign at the Black Course which reads: "Warning-The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for Highly Skilled Golfers." I don't recall if that sign was there the day we played the course. If it was we blithely ignored it. I should have paid closer attention.

Watch the Open at Bethpage this weekend. Appreciate the talents of these PGA Tour players.
I know I will. But we will also witness some embarrassing high scores among a few of the pros at that diabolically tough course. It will be fun to watch.

As for me, I'll stick to playing at the Kings Point Par 3 or Executive Courses in West Delray Beach.

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McCollum, Public Counsel Encourage FP&L Customers to Participate in Rate
Hike Hearings, Share Concerns
TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Attorney General Bill McCollum and Florida's Public
Counsel, J.R Kelly, today issued a consumer advisory on upcoming hearings to
be held by the Public Service Commission (PSC) on a proposed $1.3 billion
rate increase by Florida Power & Light (FP&L). The first of the hearings, at
which residents may air their concerns about the proposed increase, are
scheduled to take place in Sarasota and Ft. Myers on Friday June 19.
Additional hearings will occur over the following week throughout the FP&L
service area.

"This proposed rate increase is excessive, especially when homeowners are
already struggling to make ends meet," said Attorney General McCollum, whose
office has intervened before the PSC in the rate increase hearings. "While
the economy is affecting power companies, the difference should not be made
up entirely at the expense of Floridians' wallets."

Members of the Florida Counsel's Office and the Attorney General's Office as
well as representatives from the Florida Retail Federation, Florida
Industrial Power Users Group and AARP will also attend the hearings to hear
the concerns of Floridians and voice their opposition to the increase
proposed by Florida's largest public utility.

"These are difficult economic times for ordinary citizens, businesses and
state and local governments all over Florida," said Kelly, who represents
customers in utility cases before the PSC. "We all should be tightening our
belts rather than trying to raise prices and increase profits."

FP&L filed its request to increase its rates by $1.3 billion over a two-year
period. The increase would apply to the base rate portion of the bill which
accounts for approximately 42 percent of the total bill that customers pay
each month. The increase amounts to $12.55 per month, or 30 percent, of the
current base rates for customers who use 1,000 kilowatt hours per month,
although most customers use more.

"Utility monopolies have a special obligation to Florida's citizens. Without
competition to keep prices in line, the PSC is the protector of the people
and businesses they serve," said Rick McAllister, President and CEO of the
Florida Retail Federation. "The rate increase requested by Florida Power and
Light appears irrational and a disservice to the people of Florida. We
encourage business leaders to attend the public hearings and voice their
outrage."

The Palm Beach County hearing on the Petition for increase in rates by
Florida Power & Light Company will be held on June 24 at 4 PM at the PB
County Governmental Center, Jane Thompson Memorial Chambers, 6th Floor, 301
N. Olive Avenue.
There will be a total of nine customer hearings throughout the state, and
these hearings will be the only opportunities for customers to personally
address the PSC about FP&L service and the proposed rate increases. Both the
Attorney General and Kelly urged FP&L customers to attend the hearings to
voice their concerns and opinions. A full list of the hearing dates, times
and locations is available online at:
http://myfloridalegal.com/webfiles.nsf/WF/MRAY-7SXH8B/$file/FPLCustomerHeari
ngs.pdf

"On behalf of our 3 million members statewide, we urge Floridians to attend
these hearings and share their views," said AARP Florida State Director Lori
Parham. "The hearings are Floridians' best opportunity to influence the
Public Service Commission on plans that could cost us more than $1 billion
in higher utility rates."

Customers who cannot appear at the hearing can share their concerns with the
PSC at its website, http://www.psc.state.fl.us/about/contact/form.aspx.
Formal proceedings on the rate increases start on August 24 in Tallahassee.

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Coca Woods resident Muriel Reiffe sent me this recent adventure that took place in her home:

"The latest excitement here was when my cat caused a false alarm. He loves to sit on windowsills, and the other day he pulled out a wire that was connected to the burglar alarm. We were out, so the security company called the police.

When we came home there was a call on the answering machine telling us that there had been an alarm and that the police had been notified. I called back and asked her to cancel the police call but it was too late, for there was a uniformed officer ringing our doorbell!
When I realized what had happened, I picked up Merlin, the culprit, and said, "Officer, arrest this cat!"

Everything has quieted down. I had to rewire the window, and I put some duct tape over the area that Merlin had picked at.

Such excitement--I could do without it."

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Ms. Joyce Kaufman, outspoken radio talk show star of WFTL, 850 AM, was the guest speaker of the Jewish War Veteran’s Joseph Chimerine Post 819 meeting, Sunday morning, June 14 at Valencia Isles clubhouse. The audience was comprised of mostly senior citizens, many who were veterans of World War II. Sr. Vice Commander of the Post, Norton Morgenthal was responsible for planning this program.

Ms. Kaufman began by recognizing this was Flag Day, stating “This is what FLAG means to me: F is for freedom, our precious freedom as Americans. L is for the legacy of those who fought and died for us. A is for American and what we stand for—the right things in this world. G is for guardians; all those service personnel who have defended our wonderful country throughout history including all of today’s U. S. armed forces throughout the world.”

Ms. Kaufman responded to many questions on a wide range of topics:
The dangers we are facing today with jihad in America from the growth of the radical Muslim movement. They want to recognize only their way of life and pose a threat to all those who they consider “nonbelievers.”

She favors term limits for politicians: “a maximum of six years, and you’re out.”

She was highly critical of certain elected officials.

Her answers were a powerful tour de force, expressing unequivocally her strong opinions on many of today’s vital public issues which she does every day on her radio program, Monday through Friday, 2 to 5 P.M.

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Dear Friend, Governor Crist received Senate Bill 462 and Senate Bill 440 this week, which I was a sponsor of in the Florida House. The legislation authorizes the creation of a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) in Florida. The Governor has until June 23rd to act, and I need you to encourage him to sign the legislation. Please contact the Governor today at (850) 488-4441 or Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com.
Thank you for your support on this issue, and with your help and the Governor’s signature we can help put a stop to the prescription drug abuse epidemic that is devastating so many Florida families.

CFO Sink Unveils Online Insurance Library--Comprehensive insurance information is now available on the Florida Department of Financial Services website in the Insurance Library. Florida CFO Alex Sink launched the Insurance Library to give consumers a central location to find information on financial and insurance issues, as well as information on hurricane preparedness as it relates to insurance.

Chamber Launches Online Job Search--The Greater Boca Raton Chamber of commerce recently added a new job search function on their website. Anyone can view job postings by visiting www.bocaratonchamber.com/jobs. The website lists job openings at the Chamber and its member companies.

Free Online Affordable Rental Housing Locator--The Florida Housing Finance Corporation recently launched a free, online affordable rental housing locator. Properties listed on FloridaHousingSearch.org are affordable for people who earn up to 120 percent of an area’s median income (AMI). For help searching the online database, call 1-877-428-8844.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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From the June 2009 Issue of Your Public Trustee
Published by Sharon R. Bock, Clerk & Comptroller, Palm Beach County

Longer lines, unprecedented filing backlogs and the elimination of several customer conveniences at Clerk & Comptroller offices throughout Palm Beach County are the anticipated result of state-mandated budget cuts and staff reductions. Clerk Sharon Bock announced May 30 that 66 of her employees would need to be cut to meet a $7.1 million, or 18 percent, reduction in the office’s budget by July 1 as required by the passage of Senate Bills 2108 and 1718 during this year’s legislative session. The bills, initiated by Florida judges and supported by the Florida Bar, Rep. Ellyn Bogdanoff and Sen. Ken Pruitt, slash $46 million from Clerk budgets statewide and place Clerks in the legislative appropriations process, instead of being self-funded.

“This legislation has destabilized Clerks’ offices throughout the state, and unfortunately, the public will suffer the most,” said Clerk & Comptroller Sharon Bock.
Legislation Impact

With an annual loss of more than 210,000 work hours locally, service level reductions are inevitable. Several practices focused on customer convenience will be eliminated. For example, the mid-county branch office in Royal Palm Beach will close to the public on June 30. Also being eliminated are front-counter windows designed to expedite transactions for civil and criminal attorneys and same-day payment for cash bonds. The office will no longer have funding for overtime, which was used to clear out heavy backlogs such as those caused by the skyrocketing increase in foreclosure case filings. In fact, document processing time is expected to increase from 24-48 hours to several weeks as court case workloads continue to increase. To keep customers informed about what cases or documents are currently being processed, in the coming weeks the office will begin posting daily updates online and in each department.

Proactive Measures
The Clerk’s office began strategically reducing staff and expenses more than a year ago when revenue significantly decreased due to the downturn in the real estate market. Operating expenses were cut by 33 percent, positions were eliminated and several departments or functions were consolidated for increased efficiency. With the recent layoffs and the positions previously eliminated, the office has cut 101 positions in the past year. As the chart below illustrates, while clerk staff has been cut by 13 percent this year alone, the number of new cases filed has increased by 12 percent since 2005.

“Truly Disappointed”
The Clerk & Comptroller’s office has maintained an average 98 percent customer satisfaction rating for the past several years and earned the Governor’s Sterling Award in part because of its focus on customer service. It has also been twice named a finalist for the Best Places to Work award by the South Florida Business Journal.

“I am truly disappointed that everything we have worked so hard for—providing exceptional customer service and being a great local employer—is now in jeopardy because of the State Legislature,” said Clerk Bock.

The Clerk & Comptroller’s office, which currently employs more than 800 employees in offices throughout Palm Beach County, handles the “business arm” of the court system. Employees receive, file and retrieve court documents, process fees and traffic fines, and enter and maintain case information in the court’s computer system, making the information readily available to the public.

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On Sunday, June 14th, Flag Day, at 9:30 A.M., the star radio-personality JOYCE KAUFMAN, will be the guest speaker at The Jewish War Veterans Post 819 General Meeting at the Valencia Isles main clubroom.

Members and guests must telephone in their reservations to Board Member William Katz at 561-736-2031 no later than June 10th.

Among the topics to be aired are special help to disabled veterans, seeing-eye and special guide and assist dogs for veterans, and the survival of the Israeli nation.

NORTON MORGENTHAL, Sr. Vice-Commander Post 819.

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A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division

Topic: Moving Out of State

Trap: Mike was ecstatic about his new job with a prestigious marketing company. His only major concern was the need to move from West Palm Beach to New York. To save money, Mike decided to hire a mover who advertised a low rate on the Internet. The rental truck arrived on moving day three hours late! Pressed for time, he signed forms he didn’t read. Two weeks later, Mike’s furniture was delivered with many pieces damaged or missing. Mike contacted the mover who refused to consider his claim.

Tips: Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs licenses local movers. However, when your furniture is transported across state lines, the responsibility to investigate complaints falls under the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Here are some tips to help you select the right mover:
• Get written estimates from three movers based on visual inspections.
• Companies who conduct interstate moves must have insurance and a United States Department of Transportation (DOT) permit issued by the FMCSA. The DOT number must be displayed on all estimates, bills of lading (contract) and trucks. You can verify a mover’s license at FMCSA’s Web site, www.protectyourmove.gov.
• Getting the cheapest price can be costly in the long run. You may be required to pay more than the agreed upon price before the mover will release your goods.
• By law, movers are required to deliver your goods based on a “binding or non-binding” estimate. Call the FMCSA at 1-800-832-5660, and ask for the booklet, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” to learn more.
• Ask the mover about “full value protection” if you are concerned about possible damage. The most common valuation coverage is “release value” which means you will only be reimbursed 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged goods.
• Never ship valuables, heirlooms, irreplaceable family photos or medicine.

Consumers can check for licensed Palm Beach County moving companies and consumer complaints by going to the Consumer Affairs Web site at, www.pbcgov.com/consumer.

For more information, call Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 1-888-852-7362).

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Dear Friend, To the surprise of many, Governor Crist has vetoed the condo reform bill (SB 714), citing safety concerns about extending the deadline for associations to install fire sprinklers in their buildings. Senator Deutch and I joined representatives of community associations from throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties at a press conference recently to express our serious concerns about the Governor’s veto of the bill, and the Legislature’s failure to address the impact of the foreclosure crisis on seniors and others living in community associations.

We called upon the Governor to appoint a task force comprised of community association leaders and representatives, realtors, lenders, banking officials and legislators to address a broad range of condo issues, including the impact of the current foreclosure crisis on community associations.

As a result of Governor Crist’s veto and the Legislature’s failure to address the foreclosure crisis, thousands of Floridians who live in community associations will face increased association fees, also known as assessments, to comply with Florida law and make up for delinquent assessments unpaid by owners of foreclosed units. A perfect storm is brewing and it’s not out in the Atlantic. It’s right here in our community. Condo owners and their associations are about to collapse under the weight of a financial burden with no help in sight.

The condo reform bill would have fixed a glitch created during the 2008 session requiring condo owners to purchase specific insurance, and provide proof of that insurance to their associations. As a result of the veto, associations must continue to request proof of insurance, and may force insurance on owners who do not comply. Additionally, the state-mandated deadline for installing fire sprinkler systems will not be extended, and one to two story condos will not be exempt from having to install a manual fire alarm system. To meet these requirements, unit owners will face increased assessments, which could push many owners closer to foreclosure.

Senator Deutch and I will continue working together to find common sense solutions for the many Floridians who live in community associations, and for the volunteer board members who do their best to uphold Florida law and preserve a quality of life for themselves and their neighbors.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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State Senator Ted Deutch, State Representative Kelly Skidmore and other Officials from Miami, Broward County and Parkland Call upon Gov. Crist to form Task Force to repeal his veto of Condo Reform Bill Senate Bill 714

State Senator Ted Deutch and

State Representative Kelly Skidmore organized a press conference to urge Gov. Crist to form a task force to undo his recent veto of Senate Bill 714. They were followed to the podium by the following elected officials and community leaders:
State Senator Jeremy Ring (D-Parkland); State Representative Mark Pafford, West Palm Beach; Miami Beach City Commissioner Jerry Libbin and local community associations presidents Sheri Scarborough, President of West Boca Community Council;

Robert Schulbaum, President Alliance of Delray Residential Associations; Ken Lassister, President Coalition of Boynton West Residential Associations (COBWRA); and Charlotte Greenbarg, President Broward Coalition of Condominium, Homeowners and Community Organizations.

Commissioner Libbin urged a bus caravan to Tallahassee to protest the lack of protection coming from the state government to residents who have been forced into foreclosure by banks. Bank officials have refused to sit down to discuss how to cope with the massive foreclosure failures. He wants to publish a list of banks that have most foreclosures on their books so customers can pull their money out of these banks as a form of protest. He stated that some condos in Miami have 50% of their residents unable to pay their monthly dues and assessments.
All the speakers urged the public to become more involved and let their voices be heard in Tallahassee. “You must make more noise. There are 6 to 7 million Floridians and over 10,000 associations. The Governor and legislature have to enact laws that are important to citizens--not the lobbyists and the companies they represent.”

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The Alliance of Delray held its annual breakfast for member community presidents, delegates and alternates Mon
day, June 1 at Gleneagles Country Club. Featured guest speaker was Dr. Robert Watson of Lynn University.

More than 170 community leaders attended including State Senators Ted Deutch and David Aronberg, State Representatives Maria Sachs and Kelly Skidmore and Palm Beach County Commissioner Burt Aaronson.

Alliance President Robert Schulbaum spoke about the recent legislative session in Tallahassee and the need for constant vigilance by community executives against unfair encroachment by legislators on the duties and responsibilities of board members.

Dr. Watson, a familiar guest speaker to this organization, presented his overview of the “first hundred days of President Obama,” using examples of previous presidents going as far back as George Washington. As usual, his stirring delivery and depth of historical facts was well received by the audience.

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CHAIYO THAI BISTRO
14800 S. Military Trail at Atlantic Avenue
Delray Beach

A family dinner for six the other night with nephews and in-laws from out of town took us to Chaiyo Thai Bistro, behind the Mobil station in a free standing building on the southeast corner of Military Trail and Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach.

We have dined there several times in the past and always found the food delicious and the service polite and efficient. The décor is also attractive with wood carvings of Thai scenes replete with elephant and oxen images.

We began with two appetizer platters that had two of each Spring rolls, prawn rolls, chicken satay, beef satay (on small wooden skewers), a golden flower which has deep fried ground chicken, potatoes, onion and yellow curry wrapped in rice paper and crispy tofu. Appropriate dipping sauces were served for the appetizers.

Three entrees were ordered: Chicken Breast Pad Thai, served with quick stir-fried rice noodles, egg, bean sprouts, green onion and special Pad Thai sauce and garnish of fresh bean sprouts, lime, ground peanuts, carrots and cabbage.

Volcano Jumbo Shrimp is served from a steaming hot plate that sends steam to the ceiling before the waiter places it in front of you. Topped with a special sauce, it was a unique treat.

Golden Duck was also ordered. Steamed in herbs, then deep fried golden brown, sliced and de-boned and served with ginger sauce and vegetables.

The menu has a wide assortment of other interesting dishes including curry dishes, salmon, a wide assortment of fried rice and noodle dishes; soups and salads, and stir fried entrees.

We had no room for dessert which they have plenty of: Black sticky rice, Thai custard with sweet sticky rice, bananas in coconut milk, fried bananas with or without ice cream, fried ice cream or fried banana with fried ice cream.

Price range moderate to high for certain dishes.
Each selection provided a taste treat enjoyed by all in our party.

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Dear Friend, This week, the Governor signed the state’s $66.5 billion budget into law. However, he used his line-item veto authority to remove a 2 percent pay cut for state employees making $45,000 a year or more, and a raid of the concealed weapons and firearms licensing trust fund that pays for processing concealed weapons permits.

The Governor also signed House Bill 1495, which allows state-backed Citizens Property Insurance Corporation to increase its premiums by 10 percent annually until they are actuarially sound. This will affect more than 1 million homeowners.
I’ll be sure to keep you informed of other significant legislation as it is signed into law in the coming weeks, but if you’d like to view a complete list of all the bills that the Governor has taken action on thus far, visit his website.
CFO Unveils New Tool to Monitor Government Spending--Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink has unveiled a new website called Florida’s Checkbook that increases transparency and accountability for government spending by allowing Florida taxpayers to view state contracts, revenues and expenditures.
Free “Green Job Corps” Training Classes--The National Green Energy Council is offering “Green Jobs Corps” training classes in Delray Beach on June 8th and 9th at the Old School Square-Crest Theatre Building, 51 N. Swinton Avenue.
The first 100 people to register who meet the following criteria will be able to attend classes for free: Currently unemployed and can provide a recent unemployment check stub
• A college student with a college photo ID
• A local, city or state official
• Interested in becoming a future teacher of this course as a GEC “Ambassador for Change”
Individuals who do not qualify for free classes may still pay to attend. Email gecgjc@greenenergycouncil.com to register. Registration will be on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, visit the Green Energy Council website by clicking here.

Hospital and Health Plan Ratings Available Online--The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) has recently updated www.floridahealthfinder.gov with the most recent quality care and patient satisfaction measures for Florida HMOs and PPOs to give Florida consumers the tools they need to compare services and obtain the best health care possible. The website also offers tools for consumers to compare nursing homes, prescription drugs, hospice providers, health plan performance and hospital inpatient data.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to be of service to you. Please do not hesitate to contact me or my staff if you have any questions or concerns. Our district office number is (561) 470-6593.
All the best, Kelly Skidmore, State Representative, District 90

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--A weekly service of the Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs Division

Topic: Is it time to buy a new car?
Trap: Mr. and Mrs. Johnson took their 1997 Oldsmobile to get repaired. Their mechanic had bad news; the engine was worn out. It was decision time, and the Johnsons decided to shop for a new car. Buying a new car is still considered the second most costly expenditure a person makes aside from buying a home. The Johnsons were well aware of the massive changes taking place in the automobile industry. They wanted to be sure they were getting the best deal for their money. Tips: This is a rare time for car-buying consumers. Sales are down, and new car inventories are stacking up. Prices are low, and deep discounts begin with the manufacturer and continue to the showroom. Consider these tips before you buy:
• Know what kind of vehicle you really want. Will you still like it after five years?
• Shop online to find out what your new car should cost and what you can afford.
• If you have a trade-in, be aware that some dealers may not accept SUVs or trucks. You’re better off selling the vehicle yourself.
• If you’re looking for a hybrid, stop the sales person if he tells you they’re in high demand. Get a quote, and tell him you’re going to another dealer for a better price.
• Check online manufacturer incentives like zero financing or big rebates. The dealer may not always tell you about them.
• Comparison shop – GM, Chrysler and Ford have many dealers. Tight competition lowers profits but can save you hundreds of dollars. Get at least three quotes.
• Credit – Get your own credit report in advance so you will know how you will qualify for financing. Get lender approval in writing before signing a contract.

For more information, call Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs at 561-712-6600 (Boca/Delray 888-852-7362 toll free) or visit www.pbcgov.com/consumer to checkout consumer complaints against automobile dealers you are considering.

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