Broward to get tax cuts before a tax hike

Good news; Broward County commissioners approved to cut the property tax rate at least 9 percent. Bad news; they are considering one-cent-increase in sales tax for a light-rail system, and a loan of about $500 million for court house improvements.

According to Sun Sentinel, the Property Appraiser’s Office will determine the final tax roll on July 1, and commissioners will decide on a final property tax rate in September. In addition, in August the commissioners will decide whether to put the requests for more money for transit and court systems’ improvements on November’s ballot.

If these tax cuts and hikes go through, an average homeowner in Broward County will save some $59 on his last year property taxes, but then he would pay about $30 a year for court house upgrading, and $45 more for the transit, according to Sun Sentinel analysis.

Sounds like a good deal? You decide on November's referendum.

New drill on oil drilling

The debate on how close is too close in oil drilling is back in Congress.

Drilling proponents proposed Monday to lift the federal ban on drilling 100 miles off the coast in exchange for financial incentives to the states that allow it.

According to Sun Sentinel, their argument is the presence of Canadian, Spanish and especially Chinese oil rigs along the Cuban coast.

“China is trying to lock up resources around the world, and they are locking up resources in our own backyard where we can’t even compete and play,” said Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho.

Therefore, six members of the House and twelve senators proposed the bill that would make a crack into the US embargo of Cuba, and allow American companies to bid to explore energy resources there. The argument is that American companies would probably bring higher environmental standards to this work than their Chinese counterparts.

Cuban-American members of Congress oppose the bill, because it would weaken the embargo and flood Fidel Castro’s regime with oil money.

At the same time oil companies use the Cuban example as an argument to lift the federal ban on offshore drilling in US waters.

Many in Congress would also like to have greater access to US resources because the high fuel prices and potential increase in domestic energy supply.

In the meanwhile, Florida delegation, once strong and solid, finds itself fractured this time around. Some Republican members seem to say ” If you can’t beat them, join them.”

Registered Traveler program not registered yet

If you thought you would run through the airport security through a speed lane, you were wrong. Registered Traveler program is not ready to launch and the exact start-up date has not been set yet, according to the Transportation Security Administration’s statement for Sun Sentinel.

The program should allow travelers to go through an exclusive line at the airports after they do a background check and pay a fee of $80 to $100. Then, they would receive a card that authorizes them for a speedy check-out. However, they would still have to go through metal detectors and have carry-on baggage checked.

Currently, only Orlando International Airport utilizes the plan. While Miami International Airport is very interested in the program, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Palm Beach international airports are still examining the pros and cons of it.

Program’s opponent, the American Civil Liberties Union assumes that only small percentage of passengers would enroll, thus leaving majority of travelers squeezed into a fewer lanes.

In my opinion

Confessions of Tom Gallagher

Republican Tom Gallagher, who is running for governor on strong-family-values-ticket admitted Monday that he smoked marijuana,cheated on his wife, broke into her apartment, threatened his mother-in-law and so on.

In his public statement concerning the above list of incidents, Gallagher said:

"I've done some things in my life that were not right. And I'll never defend them or make excuses. But I've learned from those mistakes, and I believe I've became a better person for them."

Although he was not making excuses, he pointed out that those experiences made him a better person. With a baggage of bad behaviors, Gallagher can drop one and theoretically become a better person, but that still doesn't make him good.

But, than the President of the Florida Family Policy Council John Stemberg - Gallagher supporter and gay unions' exterminator - jumped on the wagon by saying:

"The electorate is very forgiving as long as a person is honest and straightforward. I'm very impressed by the way he's responded."

Perhaps, he should have added 'as long as a person is honest and straightforward after Tampa Tribune publicly disclosed the documents and he had to do immediate damage control.'

Christian conservatives might say he repented, as Gallagher himself said "Christ does change lives." I would have to add that opportunities change lives even faster, and this one is accidentally called faith.

Finally, because of Gallagher and the likes, a Christian like me can hardly wait for a sinner to run for a public office and stop this hypocrisy of faith and good values, and awfully written rethorics.

South Florida almost rented out

Many speculative investors, who used to flip houses just to be left with a 'hot potato' in their hands, should, this time around, simply flip the sign: from 'sale' to 'rent'.

Recent study shows that Broward and Palm Beach counties have some lowest vacancies nationwide in office, apartment and warehouse category, according to the National Association of Realtors.In addition, Miami-Dade has the nation’s second lowest retail vacancy.

While few years ago, it cost the same to buy or rent, these days, high interest rates, insurance premiums and property taxes, make it cheaper to rent.

However, high demand for rental space will probably push apartment rents up by 13 to 28 percent, according to Sun Sentinel.

Therefore, Gen. Mac Arthur was right when he said: “There is no security on this Earth, only opportunity.” Use it.

FCAT Graders Anonymous

In the wake of recent lawsuit to access the employment history and credentials of FCAT graders, FCAT results have never looked better. More than half the state's schools received an A, and one out of four schools improved by a letter grade, Sun Sentinel reports.

However, it doesn’t seem that Gov. Bush’s optimistic remarks of "historic gains" silenced those who question the grading process behind it.

“There are several schools that went from an F to an A. How did it happen?” Sen. Skip Campbell, D-Tamarac asked in a Sun Sentinel interview. “I think the test grading have been called into question because of who is actually grading the test?”

According to Sun Sentinel, those who grade the test do have Bachelor Degrees, although some of them appear to be from non-existent universities like Senatus Universitatis Xavierianae or, even better, non-existent nations. Also, some applicants state a college degree, but offer no proof of it. Instead, they have a proof of their previous work as janitors or shipping clerks.

"What qualifies them [for the job] is their ability to accurately score the test," said Cathy Schroeder, a Department of Education spokeswoman. “You can have someone who is a doctorate in biophysics, and unless they can successfully complete the training and exams, they are not going to go anywhere near an FCAT science test, even with that degree."

It seems that many janitors scored much better than biophysicists. Good for them. But, it also seems that incompetent people decide upon the future of our children. Too bad for us.

What to expect in 2010: water shortage

To an amateur like me, who pays high flood insurance premium, water shortage in Florida is an odd concept. But, my ignorance in his matter doesn’t diminish the level of crisis that, according to the officials, Broward County will face in just four years.

During the Wednesday meeting with county commissioners, Water Management District representatives said that the era of cheap and convenient water supply is at the end, according to Sun Sentinel. The major source of raw water, the Biscayne Amplifier, is exhausted.

While Miami-Dade County, along with other Florida counties, imposed restrictions on water usage and started reusing water waste, Broward did nothing. Its rapid growth and the current restoration of Everglades cannot go hand in hand. The fact of the matter is that Everglades cannot serve as a reservoir and be restored at the same time.

Currently, Broward reuses only 5 percent, while Palm Beach County recycles 30 percent, and the west and central Florida reprocess 100 percent of water waste.

Christin Jacobs, county commissioner in charge of the water issues, asks for a legislation that would put countywide restrictions on water use rather than dealing with it on city to city basis.

Latest Broward buzz: tax cuts

According to the preliminary figures, released June 1 by property Appraiser’s Office, taxable value of Broward County properties increased almost 20 percent. This means that the county’s tax roll now totals more than $157 billion.

In addition, Broward got extra $890 million in taxes over the previous four years because of the rising real estate prices.

A big lump in county’s pockets stirred rumors among local governments of possible tax cuts.

According to Sun Sentinel, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jim Naugle said that lowering taxes would be the best way to ensure affordable housing for middle-income workers.

“Taxes are where government can really affect the cost of homeownership. The mortgage gets paid off some day, but taxes are forever. Government should concentrate on lowering taxes rather than using these windfalls to constantly build a larger bureaucracy,” he added.

The tax roll will be finalized by July 1. Property Appraiser Lori Parish will notify owners about their new property values in August.

Hurricane preparedness bill signed

Gas stations with gas but no power, and those with power but no gas were an interesting post-Wilma puzzle. On the first day of the new hurricane season, Gov. Bush signed a bill that should solve it.

According to the new hurricane preparedness bill, every owner of 10 or more gas stations must have a generator and be able to move it where it is needed.

The bill also allocates millions for putting generators in special needs shelters, and for expanding shelters for general population. The legislation should create space for some 150,000 people in public shelters. It also requires buildings, 75 feet or higher, to have at least one elevator backed-up by generator.

“I think we can now safely say we are a model in the country on how to take care of vulnerable citizens,” Bush said.

However, many of the requirements will not go fully into effect until 2007, according to Sun Sentinel.

So, do bother yourself with getting a gas can, bike and a rope to get out of you condo when the power is out.

“A-Plus-Plus” education law in effect fall 2007

Unfortunately or not, Bush’s A-Plus-Plus Plan is approved. Fortunately, his proposal to weaken the class-size reduction amendment was rejected.

New law, signed by Gov. Bush on Tuesday, requires every ninth-grader to choose a “a major area of interest” starting fall 2007.

Each middle school student would have to take one course in career and education planning in order to attend high school. High school students must earn 16 core academic credits, and eight electives, including four in major, in order to get a diploma.

According to Sun Sentinel, Bush explained that new law would require from students to “take charge and plan for their future, realizing the decisions they make today shape their tomorrow.”

Many parents and students disagree. Their main concern is that 14-years-olds are too young to know what they really want to do.

No travel to Cuba

It seems that what communism was during McCarthy era, terrorism is during Bush era: a perfect excuse for the government to curb our freedoms.

May 30, Gov. Bush signed into law the bill that prohibits scholars from traveling to Cuba, and four other countries including Sudan and Iraq, because of the alleged support for terrorism. The Travel to Terrorist States Act bans students and employees of public schools and universities to travel to any of these countries using state or non-state money.

Miami Republican Rep. David Rivera said in Miami Herald interview that “no legitimate education work can be done in a totalitarian state.”

However, many disagree. Florida International University Professor Lisandro Perez said the law reflects ''all-around demagoguery'' and would be challenged in court.

''The public opinion battle is over,'' he added. 'The `I'll see you in court' round has just begun.''

Sun Sentinel editorial points out that “the law is an infringement on academic freedom, and its prohibition on use of “non-state” funds over-reaching.”

Florida lobbyists made $17M in three months

I am rethinking my profession. Why not be a lobbyist and make out like a bandit?

According to Sun Sentinel, during the first three months of 2006, Florida lobbyists made over $17 million dollars. A new law, passed last December, requires firms to disclose their earning statements quarterly.

This is their first time to comply, and not all did comply. Actually, those who work for a single client, or for a professional association are not required to report earnings. So, the money is even bigger.

Among the best payers are Florida Power & Light, Calder Race Course, American Tort Reform Association and the Florida Medical Association.

But, the biggest of them all is Bell South which spent $575,000 during the first legislative session from January to March. That is a lot of money to be ignored. So, don’t be surprised to get a phone rate hike soon.

Building permits available on line

You have a roofing contractor telling you that he can’t start work on your home until he gets city permit. Now, you can check out if he actually has it already.

Most South Florida cities are putting their building records on line, so that residents and businesses can check out the status of their applications. You just need a permit number and the confirmation, PIN or access number given by the building department after the initial application. Delray Beach and West Palm Beach homeowners can view the records by using their phone number, address or name.

Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach and Coral Springs upgraded their Web sites few years ago, while Weston and Cooper City got the service this month.

Palm Beach County teachers could hit a jackpot

Six-figure incomes and teachers are rarely found in the same sentence. But, starting next year that can change. With new incentives on the rise, Palm Beach County teachers could make $100,000 per year.

In order to be eligible for the perks, they must have 25 years of experience, be National Board certified and work at the low-performing schools in the Glades area.

“If you qualify, you would likely be among the highest-paid teachers in the state, and perhaps the nation,” said Mark Pudlow, a spokesman for the Florida Education Association.

Not too many will qualify, since only 500 out of 11,000 teachers in the district are board certified.

The plan, that will cost the district $4.3 million, aims at improving the performance of D- and F-rated schools in the west parts of Palm Beach County.

Hollywood "schlocks" get affordable houses

Hollywood City Comission approved a new 60-unit town house development that will include 31 units costing $158,000. The other 29 units will be around $270,000.

"This project shows that affordable housing is doable," said Commissioner Beam Furr.

However, things weren't always running smoothly. After the city of Hollywood bought the infamous property on Adams Street, and asked some 160 developers to submit their proposals, only two responded. The offer to build on city land, under the condition of selling more than a half of the units at the reduced price, didn't seem to be economically viable for many developers.

The idea behind the project is to have mixed income levels in the same neighbourhood. The Broward County Planning Council wants to allow developers to build more units than allowed if at least 15 percent of these units are offered at affordable prices. The Council will vote on the proposal next month.