The most important issue in the recent election (both for new city commission members and charter amendments) was the future of our Comprehensive Plan and thus, our city. I repeatedly pointed out the flaws in Comprehensive Plan. Interestingly, the first City Commission meeting following the election included proposed Comprehensive Plan changes from city planning staff (recommended by the city attorneys) to many of the prohibitions and other elements of the Comprehensive Plan I previously expressed concerns about. This list is by no means complete but it is a beginning toward restating our Comprehensive Plan in ways that may encourage compatible…
Category: Election 2010
Time for Leadership in Winter Park
March 8, 2010 Commissioner Anderson’s letter in support of Carolyn Cooper demonstrates the need for real leadership at City Hall. Mr. Anderson’s letter simply accepts that the city will be forced to reduce spending, and thus service levels in order to balance future budgets without raising taxes. It is precisely this forced reduction in service levels that puts our quality of life and residential property values at risk. Mr. Anderson’s “plan” by default is to reduce spending until some undefined events magically occur that increase property values and economic activity, in the hope this will increase revenues needed to maintain…
Vote “no” on super-majority (Amendment #10)
February 4, 2010 Why do those supporting a super-majority vote in Winter Park insist on referring to those who disagree with them as “development-related special interests” (My Word: “Vote ‘yes’ for a super-majority,” Orlando Sentinel, Tuesday)? A broad spectrum of citizens with varied interests and experiences are rightfully questioning Amendment 10. On Tuesday, Winter Park voters will decide whether to require a super-majority vote (4-1) of city commissioners when changing land-use policies within our comprehensive plan. A “no” vote in opposition to Amendment 10 will assure that a minority will not control future land use in Winter Park. Winter Park’s…
Time to Stop the Nonsense
February 25, 2010 You received a flyer in the mail today promoting a yes vote on Amendment #10 on March 9th. Florida law requires a filing with the City Clerk identifying the people responsible and the sources of financing for political communications. Also, an individual can send political communications provided they identify themselves. The flyer you received was attributed to “Ten for Winter Park.” Per my phone calls today, neither the City of Winter Park nor the Orange County Elections office has any information on this organization. [Update: “Ten for Winter Park” registered with the City on March 3, 2010…
What Kind of City Do YOU Want?
If you can get past the law suits we are exposed to by Cooper’s master plan (the Comprehensive Plan) you may wish to consider the tone and substance of the plan and how it will impact our relationship with those who may consider investing in our city. Remember that Cooper is running for a seat on our City Commission based on her authorship and support for this plan, and that Tom McMacken has pledged his allegiance to this plan. The Cooper and McMacken plan, also embraced by Commissioner Beth Dillaha, prohibits almost everything and encourages almost nothing. It is this…
Cooper’s Comprehensive Incompetence
My concern with Carolyn Cooper used to be about bad policy. It now includes incompetence. She tells us she understands land use issues and then writes rules that expose the City to law suits. The people of Winter Park need to understand the magnitude and consequences of problems generated by Cooper’s influence as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission before they vote. Click Here: The Winter Park City Attorney on February 8, 2010 confirmed that Cooper’s Comprehensive Plan has down zoned a substantial number of properties and that at least one property owner has a valid and substantial…
Winter Park Election – 2010
It is my hope the voters of Winter Park will fully understand what they are voting for when they mark their ballots in the March 9th election. This election is about: THREATS TO COMMUTER RAIL. THE FLAWED INCOMPETENT CITY MASTER PLAN. ERODING GOVERNANCE FOR WINTER PARK. Click the links above to learn more about these issues. Given the realities we face (see: Winter Park Realities – No Need to Fear) and the candidates, I see the consequences of this election as follows: A vote for Carolyn Cooper, Tom McMacken, and Charter Amendment #10 will: Kill our commuter rail stop. Chase…
The Flawed Incompetent City Master Plan
Winter Park needs a master plan that DEFINES and ENCOURAGES redevelopment consistent with Winter Park’s character. Instead, Cooper has written and McMacken has pledged allegiance to a flawed city master plan that chases redevelopment away, and now they want you to agree this plan should not be changed. UPDATE: The Winter Park City Attorney on February 8, 2010 confirmed that Cooper’s Comprehensive Plan has down zoned a substantial number of properties and that at least one property owner has a valid and substantial claim against the city for a regulatory taking under Florida law. Click here to listen. In short,…
Stevens’ Folly
February 12, 2010 John Stevens, past member of the Winter Park Planning and Zoning Commission, sent a letter around town recently that further demonstrates the hypocrisy and lies promoted by certain candidates and their supporters. Those momentarily impressed by Mr. Stevens’ vitriolic critique of David Lamm’s participation in the P&Z votes that increased allowable floor area and approved the infamous “Carlisle,” should note that Mr. Stevens also voted FOR these changes. See the meeting minutes below. Mr. Stevens’ willingness to engage in this hypocrisy to achieve political ends cements my commitment to vote for David Lamm, for Peter Gottfried, and…
Super – Super Majority – the 80% Disaster
A majority vote of our City Commission is 3 of 5, or 60%. Charter Amendment #10 would require 4 of 5 to approve changes to our city master plan, or an 80% vote. This would be a Super – Super Majority. Carolyn Cooper and Tom McMacken want you to give control of our city master plan to a minority of the City Commission through Charter Amendment #10. If Amendment #10 passes two City Commissioners will be able to veto any change to our city master plan. This measure was put on our March 9, 2010 ballot by a 3 to…