Clearwater Boat Slips – If taxpayers of Clearwater (albeit the City of Clearwater) own submerged lands at an area on north Clearwater Beach, where a private developer was (once) going to lease said submerged land from the State (who does not own the land), then a public referendum on leasing the land for over 30 years should be held. Clearwater taxpayers, on the other hand, could build boat slips at that area for Clearwater taxpayers who wish to rent (lease) said boat slips. Thus, it becomes much like the downtown Clearwater boat slip project . . . a city-owned long-term profit center for boat slip rentals.
Big deal? It could be.
The contemplated project could become a city-owned boat slip project where some, not over half, boat slips could be rented to the high-rise condominium project where boat slips might be needed in order to encourage beach development.
City-owned boat slips for rent?
Yes, and the way I see it, public interests are as important as any other interests.
Clearwater Beach Walk - Five blocks, thirty million dollars. Yes, it is difficult to comprehend the projected city construction cost for a walkway on Clearwater Beach from (once Adams Mark Hotel to mid-Clearwater Beach for $30 million.
As one part-time resident of Clearwater Beach said, “Have they lost their minds?”
Of course, Clearwater Beachwalk project was once projected to include contributions from two high-rise hotel projects from 1st to 3rd Street on Clearwater Beach (Across from the projected Beachwalk project).
Is Beachwalk worth $30 million in construction costs?
Time will tell; however, at this time there are some folks who might spend the money on some other Clearwater projects.
Belleair Beach - It appears that at least one former-city councilmember has questioned whether a new city hall building would be worth the large investment. “What would we do with the extra space,” explained one official.
Of course, the question related to whether Belleair Beach could continue to afford taxpayer costs related to a city-owned police department.
If Belleair Beach went with the Sheriff’s Dept. for city police services, much like Indian Rocks Beach and Belleair Bluffs, there could be a taxpayer savings.
But, what are the numbers?
Before any of this grumbling gains momentum it would be best to obtain “hard’ numbers on whatever savings might occur and a citywide survey, tied-in with real projected savings, so citizens could voice their opinions on the matter.
If the police department is ultimately moved to the Sheriff’s Dept., there would be empty space in a new city hall. How could the empty building space be filled? That is where the city manager could provide insight and direction – Belleair Beach does have a professional city manager who probably would offer insight and direction.
Since there are new city council members at Belleair Beach, it is obvious that they need to review these questions raised from a fellow former-councilmember.
Illegal Immigration – Politicians are playing politics with the illegal immigration issue.
Why?
Votes from the Hispanic community.
Politicians are wary of offending Hispanic voters, which now are the largest minority voting block in America, for fear of losing the 2006 election. (Especially in places like California, Florida, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.)
The result?
Regular American voters are also tired of illegal immigration problems and have raised their voices to politicians. Thus, political incumbents are caught between enforcing current law on illegal immigration and avoiding the entire issue (hoping to win re-election and leave the illegal immigration problem for another time.)
2006 will likely reflect the frustration of legal voters with officials who have done nothing to stop illegal immigration. The way I see it, many incumbents will lose re-election due to their non-action on illegal immigration. There will be new faces in Washington, D.C. and many Republicans will then understand that our President was wrong to even mention amnesty for 11-15 million illegal immigrants.
A legal permit? That’s another issue to address and not avoid.
Tired Of Political Babbling – Most common folk are tired of all politicians.
Why? Their political decisions to do nothing to help everyday common, hard-working Americans.
For example, when you pay for your food purchases at Publix you probably noticed an older gentleman working to help subsidize his retirement. This is merely one example of hundreds that could be given where legal, working Americans have not been helped (like illegal workers) by American politicians.
Both major political parties are guilty of such neglect. Social Security is a mess, drugs and prescriptions are uncontrollable, our elderly have been neglected and we are concerned about illegal immigrants?
Send them back, much like their countries would do to others who were caught illegally working with false papers.
Quite frankly, I wish someone would run for elected office with an attachment to common people with common sense.
Faults – It is wise to pick your friends, but not to pieces. – Unknown.