Sunday, October 12, 2014

I spent my entire forty-plus year career in the global chemical industry where I held various technical and executive positions, retiring in 2009 as corporate president of a large chemical company I helped establish. During my business career, I made and lived within many budgets and learned to do more with less. I spent my company’s money to return value to the shareholders and I vote to spend your tax money with the same thought and care. My company was a global leader in innovative application technology in the specialty chemical industry. Mosquito Control (MC) is a highly technical and highly regulated multi-science entity and is one of the largest applicators of specialty chemicals in Monroe County. My career paralleled much of what MC does, and needs to do, so there was not a steep learning curve for me. As a chemist, I also understand in depth, the many faceted environmental regulations and the impact the products of MC have on our fragile eco-system.

During my term on this board, I have used my background and experience to make decisions to guide MC forward. Today we are controlling mosquitoes in a more environmentally friendly and more cost effective manner than 3 years ago. My background has been instrumental in making a difference. The corruption and much of the excesses of the past are behind us. We have come a long way in the past 3 years but there are many old and new challenges ahead. I have the experience, knowledge and vision that are a good complement to the Board and I am prepared for these challenges. I am Phil Goodman and I ask for your vote for District 2 Commissioner, FKMCD Board in the General Election.

How about if the Commission saved us money by not pursuing SUFA? The $45000 payout to Ms. Gottwald is only the half of it. What about the expense to the taxpayers for their side of the issue? How much money did the county spend on that witch hunt for staff hours, court fees, and to be ruled against in a court of law — twice? Ms. Gottwald estimated that the county spent almost $200,000 for that escapade. How about saving us money by closing Mr. Neugent’s office on Big Pine that he has not visited or held office hours at in at least the last … how many years? Who authorized the $327,000 to pump out liveaboards while we are fighting to have quality wastewater. How about not purchasing property over assessed value? Why does Grassy Key get one grinder pump for every 3-4 houses, and we get one grinder pump for every house on the taxpayer’s property. Oh, Grassy Key is not unincorporated Monroe County, it’s under the umbrella of the City of Marathon.

What will it take to get a quality wastewater system after 20 years of waiting? Mr. Brian LaPoint, a locally renowned biologist who lived in Port Pine Heights for many years, has agreed with the Dig Deep group that the deeper injection wells would be better for the Keys’ water quality. Also Mr. Causey of the Sanctuary has changed his stance and supports the deep water injection wells. The people of the lower Keys are not sheeple, that is why they keep fighting for a quality wastewater system. We do not want an algae bloom in order to say “We told you so.” At that time it is to late.

Please support Mr. Kolage in his efforts to have our system upgraded to deep injection wells at this month’s County Commission meeting. Is it not best to error on the side of caution? The infrastructure money is the people’s money, it comes from the sweat and blood of serving the tourists. It needs to be spent on what the citizens want, a quality water system. What is the sense of infrastructure money from tourist if the tourist can’t come and swim in our waters?   ~Eleanor McAdams Republican candidate for District 2 County Commission

Erdogan recited the following portion of a radical Islamic poem that he wrote: “Mosques are our barracks, domes our helmets, minarets our bayonets, believers our soldiers. This holy army guards my religion. Almighty, our journey is our destiny, the end is martyrdom.”

If these comments had come from Osama bin Laden or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, they would seem in place; however, they come from one of the most powerful Muslim leaders in the Middle East. Therefore, they should be deeply disturbing to world leaders everywhere.

Why did we decide on David, Panama? Our requirements – Communication / good internet. Warm climate, access to water and beaches. Affordable living. Close enough to the US to visit family. Good infrastructure and stable, peaceful government. Decent health care.

Essentially, a degausser is a machine that changes the magnetic domain of magnetic data storage devices where the data is stored. Examples of magnetic storage would be media like backup LTO and DLT tapes, VHS tapes, cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes and hard drives.

The general rule is that a general contractor, which hires an independent contractor, will not be liable for the negligence of an independent sub-contractor. This is because the general contractor generally does not supervise the details of the independent contractor’s work and as a result is not in a position to prevent the contractor from working in a negligent manner.  An exception exists when a general contractor “retains control” over the work efforts of the independent contractor. Where this occurs, and the employee of a sub-contractor is injured, suit can be brought against the general contractor

The proclamation of a Caliphate would not lessen the likelihood of terrorism and the fomenting more conflict, could fuel a new generation of terrorists intent on attacking those opposed to the Caliphate, whether inside or outside the Muslim world. The nation-state will continue to be the dominant unit of the global order, but economic globalization and the dispersion of technologies, especially information technologies, will place enormous new strains on governments. Growing connectivity will accompany the proliferation of virtual communities of interest, complicating the ability of states to govern. The Internet in particular will spur the creation of even more global movements, which may emerge as a robust force in international affairs. Part of the pressure on governance will come new forms of identity politics entered on religious convictions. In a rapidly globalizing world experiencing population shifts, religious identities provide followers with a ready-made community that serves as a ‘social safety net’ in times of need – particularly important to migrants. In particular, political Islam will have a significant global impact leading to 2020, rallying disparate ethnic and national groups and perhaps even creating and authority the Caliphate that transcends national boundaries. A combination of factors – youth bulges in many Arab states, poor economic prospects, the influence of religious education, and the Islamization of such institutions as trade unions, nongovernmental organizations, and political parties – will ensure that political Islam remains a major force.

Why is the Navy contract so inexpensive? Should the County consider private contracts also? Who got the contract? Can we see it? Can we review the one with Balfour Beatty? What chemicals are they going to use and can they use better ones? I wonder what effect this might have on the appeal of the 11 million dollar tax case since it shows Balfour Beatty as a separate entity? Did Balfour Beatty Inc always get a free ride on this since 2007 with our tax dollars until now?

[“Licensed Contractor”

If the contractor is not doing the work himself, then the same guy may be doing your work whether you hire a handy guy or the contractor that hires him, so do not expect a difference in quality. If you have a problem with the workmanship and the contractor is unresponsive, do not expect the government to help you. About the only way a contractor gets a black mark on their record with the state is if they take people’s money and don’t ever show up. It will probably cost more than its worth to sue him, and if he fishes with the judge you will lose.

If a contractor’s worker gets hurt on your property because of your negligence, the worker’s comp insurance company will sue you. If the contractor is doing the work himself and has a workers comp exemption, his own medical insurance will not cover his injury. Florida has feel-good legislation that supposedly guarantees that you will be reimbursed for damages suffered due to a contractor’s work, or lack thereof. You pay extra on your permit for that. The fund has been broke for ages and there is a long line in front of you with claims. It’s just another tax posing as insurance. If you hire a licensed contractor and you don’t pay him, he can lien your house–even without a contract or permit. If he doesn’t pay the unlicensed handyman, it’s his tough luck. And yours if he gets the opportunity for revenge.

So after all that, it sounds like I am saying hire the handyman, but maybe you should hire the contractor in sympathy for the government bleeding him for money whether he works or not. At least if the contractor’s guy accidentally burns your house down, then the contractor’s liability insurance might pay–maybe. It’s a jungle, jungle out there, Jane. Be careful and good luck

DEF: Wise Crack n, A statement that describes an intellectual hooker!
DEF: Overpopulation n. That which destroyed a planet call Earth.
DEF: Cook n. A person who manipulates food into something semi-eatable to generate waste products.
DEF: Gambler n, A person who will work at a regular job, but fleeces others 24/7. SEE: Politician, Priest
DEF: Loneliness n, A key without a lock or a lock without a key!
DEF: Meal Ticket n, What my father was going to name me but decided on Squirt

The perfect case in point is the race for Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board Dist. 2. There are 3 candidates, incumbent Phil Goodman who has been on the board since 2010. The challengers are Linda Schuh and Roger Cousineau. Cousineau is the reason for this posting.

The panel asked each candidate what their qualifications for the post were.  Goodman recited his previous service on the board, his career as a chemist and his business experience as the owner of a chemical manufacturing and distributing company with worldwide reach. He spoke of his commitment to sound, efficient government services.

Ms. Schuh related that she had no background in mosquito control, but that she did have concerns over spraying of chemicals into our environment. She self identifies as a friend of the environment. She related that she is a concerned citizen that has served on boards in the past.

Cousineau told the panel that even though he claims to have lived here for 20 years, he considers himself an “outsider”. He told the panel that his primary experience is as an English teacher but that he had served in the military. He explained that one of his most important qualifications is his ability to “communicate” with 14 year olds, and that he had a very good “rapport” with 14 year-olds.

Honest, no joke, he actually said that.

For some unknown reason, he didn’t mention that he is a realtor. To his credit he admitted that he has virtually no knowledge concerning the control of mosquito or the dangers attendant to the health risk they pose.  But, he did assure the audience that he would attend “conferences” and learn the job while on the job.

Incredibly, Cousineau told the panel and the audience that one of the primary reasons that he should be elected is that the existing board is not spending enough money. You should know that the current  FKMCD board is husbanding your money by cutting costs and other efficiencies, the quality of service has not been compromised.  It must be noted that prior to three years ago, previous boards, and management inflated budgets and then wasted, squandered, long tons of your money on salaries for commissioners and management. The work force was overstaffed.

An example of the then irresponsible spending is the fact that two commissioners now serving on the board will receive pension benefits and health benefits for life. Incredibly some actually received housing benefits.

If you are to understand some of the dynamics of this important race, you must look over your shoulder and think about the history of FKMCD.

By about 3 years ago, the spending of the FKMCD, had increased beyond all reason. The Director at that time was a person named Ed Fussell. Salaries of Board Members and the Director ballooned. Board members then received between $20k and $25k per year. Remember that they met once a month for about 3-4 hours. In the subsequent 3+ years Goodman has been instrumental in cutting the salaries of Board Members, and championing many other savings without affecting the quality of the FKMCD mission.

Director Fussell’s salary was of $184,600.00 (2010). For perspective, the current Director, Mike Doyle, was hired for $115,000 in 2011. I believe his current salary to be at or below $130k.

One longtime member of the Board is Steve Smith. Smith was one of Fussell’s most staunch supporters.  It’s worth mentioning that Smith is now one of two board members who will receive health benefits for life, and a pension for life simply for serving on the FKMCD board. The spending excesses began to be tamed three years ago.

You should know that Smith is actively campaigning for Cousineau and has written at least one opinion piece that urges raising your taxes for the FKMCD in order to support increasing spending.  And he urges that you elect Cousineau. You should also know that former Director Fussell has recently made a multi hundred dollar contribution to Cousineau’s campaign.

Perhaps most important is that neither Cousineau nor Smith have claimed that the FKMCD is not doing its job well and efficiently. And yet they want to increase spending.

Smith favors spending tens, if not hundreds of thousands of your dollars, to expand and staff a new Big Coppitt operations facility in order to house fiscal operations. Remember that the Board is already constructing a big facility in Marathon to house operations and administration. Fiscal should be housed with administration.

Smith is mentoring Cousineau and is assisting in his campaign, it is a sure bet that Cousineau is committed to raising your taxes.

Cousineau actually, no joke, told the audience that Mosquito Control should be spending more of your money. But I suppose that is logical to anyone who claims that skill in “relating” to 14 year-olds is a prime qualification for service on our mosquito control board. That’s my opinion.

I urge you to take a few minutes to view the YouTube video. The mosquito control portion begins shortly after 45 minutes in Video