On Palm Beach County Day in Tallahassee, Senator Maria Sachs and Representative Lori Berman held a press conference to announce their Gun Safety Bill. Senator Sachs' Senate Bill is SB1340 and Representative Berman’s House Bill is HB1087. These companion bills call for more gun safety. Specifically regarding Concealed Weapons or Firearms, provisions in these bills include items such as a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm does not authorize any person to openly carry a handgun or carry a concealed weapon or firearm into a state, county, municipal, school board, constitutional officer’s, or special district office or building that primarily consists of offices for one of these entities or any combination of them or into a child care facility.

Pictured in photo behind lectern, from the left are Senator Maria Sachs, Representative Lori Berman, and Palm Beach County Commissioner Shelley Vana.

For Sen. Sachs' SB1340, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/191sachs_gun_bill.pdf
For Rep. Berman's HB1087, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/192berman_gun_bill.pdf

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The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations was represented on Palm Beach County Day in Tallahassee which took place on January 11, 2012.

Appointments with legislators are tight and move quickly along at this event. Productive meetings were held with Representative George Moraitis to discuss his community association bill and Senator Don Gaetz, Reapportionment Committee Chairperson, to discuss redistricting concerns.

Photos to the left from Palm Beach County day: in left photo are Alliance of Delray First VP Lori Vinikoor with Rep. George Moraitis; in right photo are Alliance First VP Lori Vinikoor, Alliance Exec. VP Margie J. Walden, Senator Don Gaetz.

Many other issues were addressed in Tallahassee including expansion of gambling at pari-mutuel facilities, pre K-12 education governance, moratorium on additional mandates.
For the 2012 legislative priorities for Palm Beach county, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=467&subtitle=PBC+2012+Legislative+Priorities+SummaryFor the 2012 Manual on legislative issues, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/state_leg_issues_2012_-_final.pdf
For Rep. Moraitis’ House Bill 319, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/house_bill_319.pdf

Photo below: Jeff Atwater, Florida's Chief Financial officer, discusses insurance issues with community leaders which included Palm Beach County Commissioner Paulette Burdick (seated far right), and the Alliance's Legislative Delegation.

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On the evening of November 30, 2011, the Ocean Breeze Room in the Crest Theatre Building was filled with representatives from the 20 plus city communities that are members of The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, a community activist group comprised of 82 communities located between the Everglades and the ocean in the Delray Beach area.

President Bob Schulbaum welcomed the group and Executive Vice President Margie Walden presented a history of the Alliance. The topic of the meeting was Vision Delray Beach 2012. A distinguished panel of speakers was presented which included Mayor Woodie McDuffie, Palm Beach County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor, Police Chief Anthony Strianese, and Chamber President Mike Malone.

The Alliance membership meets on the first Wednesday of the month at the South County Civic Center and presents programming designed to improve the community lifestyle and to keep members informed of services available to community associations and individuals of the public. The Alliance leadership assures that this is the first of many more evening programs that will be presented.

For more information on the Alliance of Delray, you can visit www.allianceofdelray.com .

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The rain did not stop Rep. Steve Perman’s whirlwind airboat tour of the Everglades in Arthur R. Marshall National Wildlife Refuge. Courageous representatives Lori Berman and Gladys Harrell, pounded by the rain showers during the hour plus tour, joined Rep. Perman.

Following the educational and enlightening excursion provided by experts from the Wildlife Refuge and Everglades foundation, Rep. Perman then announced the creation of the Everglades Legislative Caucus, an initiative to restore the Everglades.

Senators Maria Sachs and Thad Altman were present at the Press conference which followed to lend their support to the formation of the Caucus. To hear Rep. Perman speak on job creation, increase in tourism, and “Everglades Day,” click on the following:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXK0yIo09vM

Pictured from left: Sen.Thad Altman, Rep. Gladys Harrell, Rep. Steve Perman, Sen. Maria Sachs, Rep. Lori Berman.

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On Monday, the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners and the PBC Legislative Delegation met to discuss the plan for the 2012 Legislative Session. The two hot topics this session will be redistricting/reapportionment and expansion of gambling at pari-mutuel facilities.

For the complete list of legislative priorities, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=467&subtitle=PBC+2012+Legislative+Priorities+Summary
And for the complete legislative program manual, click on the following: http://allianceofdelray.com/picture/state_leg_issues_2012_-_final.pdf

In addition to the legislative priorities, local Representative Irv Slosberg presented the "advertising on school buses" bill and the "John Wilson Bicycle Safety Act.". Representative Lori Berman and Senator Maria Sachs presented proposed firearm legislation and the "Haile Brockington Act" proposing a requirement of alarms on school buses so that no child remains after the bus has been emptied. This could also lead to a decrease in insurance rates for school buses and institutions.

To hear and see our elected officials' views on gambling, redistricting, and foreclosure issues, click on the following videos:

Expansion of Gambling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-G3vfK65HI
Redistricting:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BN50pBCavs
Foreclosures:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQeKObTXixU

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Referred to as “Law & Order,” the respected team of Bradshaw/McAuliffe has been successful in combining resources to fight crime and prosecute offenders. Pictured in photo from yesterday in West Palm Beach are State Attorney Michael McAuliffe (right) and Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw.

The strong partnership between the Sheriff’s office and State Attorney’s office has come to benefit citizens immensely. Task forces have been formed which utilize resources from both agencies to work on crime prevention, investigation of cases, and successful prosecutions.

Michael McAuliffe also "kicked off" his campaign for re-election last evening in West Palm Beach with a presentation to a room full of community leaders.

Pill mills, gangs, special victims, elder abuse, and public corruption are all hot topics. To hear directly from the prosecutors and the State Attorney himself on these issues you can view the complete 6 part series “Aspects of the State Attorney’s Office.” This series was produced by the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations in partnership with State Attorney McAuliffe's office. Click on the following to view:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=367&subtitle=WEBINAR%3A+STATE+ATTORNEY%27S+OFFICE%3A++Aspects+of+the+State+Attorney%27s+Office

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Community leaders, activists, elected officials, and other members Of the Public attended the Joint Committee on Redistricting's public hearing hosted by FAU today.

The Alliance of Delray Residential Associations was among the many community activist groups that were represented at this hearing. Pictured in the photo is Margie Walden, Executive Vice President, who presented ideas and comments from the Alliance, several of which were reacted to with praise and clapping from the audience. Among the concerns of the Alliance were My District Builder software issues, lack of proposed plans and maps for the public to view, limiting public comments on the proposed maps to meetings which will be occurring in Tallahassee during the session. Many other groups including the League of Women Voters voiced similar concerns including unrealistic timelines for the approval process.

For more information on Redistricting and to read the Alliance's statement:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=402&subtitle=Supervisor+of+Elections+Spring++2011+Newsletter

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On August 10, 2011, Senator Maria Sachs presented an educational Redistricting Workshop which was held at Hagen Ranch Library in Delray Beach. The panel of speakers included Dr. Robert Watson, political historian, community activist, and professor at Lynn University, Mary Jane Range from the League of Women Voters, Dr. Howard Simon of the American Civil Liberties Union, and Dennis Grady from the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches. Each speaker provided perspectives on their areas of expertise and answered questions from the audience. The program ended with the audience able to speak one-on-one with the panelists and also try their hand at drawing their own redistricting map with computers that the senator supplied.

The Joint Committee on Redistricting will hold a public hearing on August 16, 2011 at Florida Atlantic University between 10 AM and 1 PM.

To view the excellent presentation of the historical perspective of redistricting presented by Dr. Robert Watson at this event, click on the following:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQvzl5Knbe0
For other information on redistricting, click on the following:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=402&subtitle=Supervisor+of+Elections+Spring++2011+Newsletter

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On May 9, 2011, immediately following the end of the 2011 Legislative Session in Tallahassee, Senator Maria Lorts Sachs held committee meetings which included key policy topics such as Energy, Human Trafficking, Disaster Preparedness, Healthcare, and Education. Her “Blue Ribbon Committees” are comprised of community leaders who are cognizant of these issues.

Senator Sachs updates committee members with information from the legislative level, listens, and responds to the needs of the community through these productive meetings. Several months ago, Senator Sachs, together with Congressman Ted Deutch held an Energy Summit at Florida Atlantic University. An Education Summit followed as well. Together with community leaders, Senator Sachs is working on the solution to many of our energy, social, and educational problems. We will surely hear more in the future from Senator Sachs and her “Blue Ribbon Committees.”

Photo from Left: Blue Ribbon Energy Committee: Stuart Caine VP of COBWRA, Gerald Levine, Harriet and Ed Sol, Senator Sachs, Lori Vinikoor, First VP Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, Hank Strauss, Roger Messenger

More on Senator Sachs' Blue Ribbon Committees:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=333&subtitle=SENATOR+SACHS

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On the last day of the 2011 Legislative Session, HB 991 was indefinitely postponed, withdrawn from consideration and “died in messages.” Residents are relieved to hear that the Agricultural Reserve lands continue to be protected from biofuel processing facilities. As discussed in my May 5, 2011 blog entry, HB991 could have had a vast potential impact on environmental regulations and would have brought the specter of renewable energy generating facilities to West Delray. Thanks to community activist groups like the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations that informed our legislators of the potential impact of this bill and related the residents’ disapproval of such facilities being built near agriculture preserve areas, residences, environmentally sensitive lands and the Arthur K. Marshall National Wildlife refuge, the threat is over for this legislative session.

Much confusion occurred following this 2011 Legislative Session that ran into the early morning hours of Saturday. Other environmental bills were up for vote and some content of HB991 was included in these other bills, most of which also died on the last day of Session. Rep. Steve Perman’s office assured the Alliance that the biofuel/renewable energy processing facilities language was not included in any of the bills that did pass. This is another victory for the communities of West Delray, and the residents of Palm Beach County.

May 5, 2011 Environmental regulations Bill Has Potential Impact on Our Agricultural Lands:
http://blogs.trb.com/news/local/community/westdelray/development/
Map of the Agricultural Reserve:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=354&subtitle=MAP+OF+AGRICULTURAL+RESERVE
Arthur K. Marshall National Wildlife Refuge:
http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/

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Last week, the Florida House of Representatives passed HB991. This bill has a vast potential impact on environmental regulations and our environmentally sensitive and agricultural lands. HB991 would deem biofuel processing facilities and renewable energy generating facilities to be valid industrial, agricultural and sivicultural uses permitted within those land use categories in a comprehensive plan. The Agricultural Reserve (AGR) land use category is one of three agricultural land use categories in the Palm Beach County comprehensive plan.

As recently as January, 2011, residents of the Agricultural Reserve in West Delray, led by the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, addressed the Palm Beach Board of County Commissioners and requested the denial of an application to construct a biofuel processing plant near Atlantic Avenue and State Road 7 in the Agricultural Reserve, close to other environmentally sensitive lands and the Arthur K. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. The people’s voice was heard and the application was denied.

Biofuel processing facilities are allowed in Palm Beach County in areas zoned AP (Agricultural Production). AP zoning appears in the EAA (Everglades Agricultural Area) which exists past 20 mile bend and within several counties, Palm Beach County being one of them. Palm Beach County’s Agricultural Reserve Master Plan indicates the intent to link farmers to consumers through green markets and Community Supported Agriculture, thus many planned unit developments exist next to agricultural preserve areas. If biofuel processing facilities are allowed by law to exist in agricultural areas, the Unified Land Development Code (building ordinances) would need to be amended to contain many provisions that would protect the residents and the environmentally sensitive lands of the Agricultural Reserve.

Other Links:
Information on what happened in Session this week regarding HB991 Environmental Regulations:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=353&subtitle=NEWS+ON+HB991+ENVIRONMENTAL+REGULATIONS
Alliance of Delray Residential Associations Development Plans Packing Plant:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=316&subtitle=AGRICULTURAL+RESERVE+PACKING+PLANT
Map of the Agricultural Reserve:
http://allianceofdelray.com/item_list.asp?subcat=354&subtitle=MAP+OF+AGRICULTURAL+RESERVE
Arthur K Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge:
http://www.fws.gov/loxahatchee/

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On his 106 th day of service in Washington, Congressman Allen West met with the leadership of the Alliance of Delray Residential Associations, a local civic group comprised of 81 Condo and Homeowner Associations representing more than 100,000 residents of Palm Beach County.

Congressman West related his goals as a newly elected Congressman and representative of the
22nd District. He wants to restore honor, character and integrity to the US Government and decrease the size and scope of the Federal Government. He states “We must prioritize” and priorities include economic security and national security.

On the local level, relating to Florida and residents of Palm Beach County, Congressman West stressed that we should become innovators of renewable energy, cultivate small businesses including the marine industry, and “make education relevant” by encouraging school boards to work with local businesses to determine the needs of the area. He also understands the needs of the senior community including medical and quality of life issues.

Congressman West will maintain contact with the local leadership and is looking forward to attending a meeting with the Alliance membership in the near future.

Congressman Allen West in Delray Beach April 28, 2011

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Ms. Sally Robinson, League of Women Voters Palm Beach County moderated a forum this past Friday morning, sponsored by The League, Alliance of Delray Residential Associations and The Palm Beach County Partnership for the Aging.

Each candidate made an opening statement for two minutes then had one minute to respond to written questions from the audience and finally each candidate had two minutes to make their closing statement.

In order of appearance: (I. indicates incumbent.) Candidate for Sheriff: Ric Bradshaw (I.); candidates for State Representative, District 78: Steve Nichol, Steve Perman, Kevin Rader; Clerk of the Court & Comptroller: Sharon R. Bock (I.) and Bridget O’Connor; Property Appraiser: Gary Nikolits (I.) and Richard Macheck; State Attorney: Michael McAuliffe and Paula Russell; Supervisor of Elections: Arthur Anderson (I.), Susan Bucher, Robert Margolis.

State Attorney Candidate Michael McAuliffe (l.), opponent Paula Russel (seated)

A few sparks flew between Bridget O’Connor and incumbent Sharon Bock. Paula Russell and Michael McAuliffe sparred.

Susan Bucher was vociferous in her soliciting the votes of the public against incumbent Arthur Anderson.

Candidates for Supervisor of Elections (l. to r.) Susan Bucher, Arthur Anderson, Robert Margolis

The Primary is Tuesday, August 26, 2008. Polls are open 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Remember to vote!

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At the United South County Democratic Club 2008 annual dinner Saturday evening, February 23, held at Boca Greens Country Club, West Delray resident and former President of the club, Harvey Arnold and State Senator Dave Aronberg were the honorees. Commissioner Burt Aaronson served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Arnold served as President of the Floral Lakes H.O.A. for five years and board member for seven years. He served as President of the United South County Democratic Club from 2003 to 2005. In 2006 he ran for State Representative for District 90 but lost to Kelly Skidmore.

Arnold has been married to wife Norma for 43 years. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.

State Senator Dave Aronberg is considered the strongest consumer advocate in state government today. He is the youngest member of the state Senate at age 36 and has already passed major consumer protection legislation that safeguards our privacy against identity theft and financial schemes. As part of a Medicaid task force he has successfully fought for reforms to combat fraud and abuse that will save taxpayers millions of dollars. He oversees a consumer protection project in his Senate office that has returned more than four million dollars to Floridians who have called with consumer complaints.

Aronberg, born and raised in South Florida attended public schools before going to Harvard and afterward Harvard Law School, where he graduated with honors in 1996.

In 2000 Aronberg was one of 15 White House Fellows selected from across the nation. He served in this non-partisan position in both the Clinton and Bush administrations as Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering.

Elected to the Florida Senate in November 2002, Senator Aronberg represents a diverse district stretching from eastern Palm Beach County through Glades, Hendry and Charlotte counties all the way to Lee County on Florida’s gulf coast. Even though Democrats comprise only 39% of his district, Aronberg was overwhelmingly re-elected in 2004 with 79% of the vote.

*Information for this posting obtained from USDC Commemorative Dinner Program.

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