tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.comments2011-08-30T11:01:46.729-07:00Palm Bay FreedomUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-32263701664510126992011-08-30T11:01:46.729-07:002011-08-30T11:01:46.729-07:00The stormwater fees are totally RIDICULOUS and I a...The stormwater fees are totally RIDICULOUS and I agree that it needs to be GONE. We are being taxed for what mother nature does naturally. What's next...taxes on the amount of air we breathe?Mary Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09362162832043388324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-67140768188950551832011-07-12T21:31:30.735-07:002011-07-12T21:31:30.735-07:00does anyone think that the folks that own all thos...does anyone think that the folks that own all those empty lots are going to pay an additional 300 bucks a year? They won't and the city will spend thousands trying to collect past due amounts...Mr. Nice Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09295738874779805156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-6424310537617010812011-07-11T13:41:24.214-07:002011-07-11T13:41:24.214-07:00Your prediction, Cathy, is spot on. Of course, the...Your prediction, Cathy, is spot on. Of course, they won't figure this out until revenues will not be able to pay for any essential services and no one in their right mind will buy our municipal bonds.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-45339412905865408712011-07-11T07:47:45.201-07:002011-07-11T07:47:45.201-07:00Has the council looked around at all the empty hom...Has the council looked around at all the empty homes in Palm Bay? The company's that have down-sized, or went out of business all together. The people in Palm Bay are hurt with this economy. Struggling for gas and food. I predict adding taxes, to a community that is going bankrupt in many cases, is rediculous. What you will see if this happens is additional empty houses.... with pretty new city trash cans in front of them. Get real.Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08723149429266205189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-49810064233576916432011-07-09T19:46:15.057-07:002011-07-09T19:46:15.057-07:00I didn't mean to make you, Amy, or BillH, feel...I didn't mean to make you, Amy, or BillH, feel like you're novices at the filth going on in City Council. You're right, Amy, it's hard to play fair when your opponent isn't playing by the rules. Just give it one more shot, Amy, and BillH. There are times when opportunities present themselves well after those who are awake have been warning people for so long while the masses have been distracted and asleep. Those to whom you've given those fliers and talked to about these issues will remember you while their taxes are being raised, and a new fire fee has been imposed, and their roads lack maintainance because the few are living large at the expense of the many. The American Revolution didn't happen over night. It took years of great activists - like yourself - to ignite the fire of liberty in the hearts of men. The more the British kept injuring the colonists, the more Jefferson was able to write on the Declaration of Independence, and Paine was able to write in his Common Sense pamphlets that appealed to the injured. The more City Council and the Firefighters keep injuring those who are still asleep, it will be our voice of reason which will guide the people's frustrations. Everyone has a part to play in the cause, and Amy, I think you and BillH started something that was an intregal part. I hope you'd join us and continue it :)Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-75766683095623478652011-07-09T08:23:13.049-07:002011-07-09T08:23:13.049-07:00To: Mr. Santiago
Thank you for the information to ...To: Mr. Santiago<br />Thank you for the information to get involved. I can only speak for myself, but with all due respect, BillH and myself have not "just" become aware of the situation and the other "quagmire" going on with the City Council and Firefighters. We both actively got involved last year's tax issue and election. We went to council meetings, handed out flyer's,waved at street corners,helped organize informative HOA meetings , contacted Fla Today to do a story on this, did interviews, talked to neighbors, anyone else who would listen, trying to get the residents actively involved and informed of what was going on.As is painfully obvious from the lack of responses to this issue on this very website.It is difficultto keep positive when it seems we were wasting our time, energy and breath, going to work everyday trying to budget our own households, while are elected officials are playing games with are money and can't keep their own house clean.I appreciate your positive approach, but as I found out some members of the City Council and the Firefighters do not play well in the sandbox. If you recall, the Firefighters used scare tactics on the residents of Palm Bay, threatened some City Council members and their families, getting one of their own on the council by any means and so on. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire (please excuse the pun).It's time to stop trying to go the politically correct way. Palm Bay residents need to take action through the courts or other means !!!! It is obvious that we are dealing with morally corrupt people on the Council and Firefighters.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776812092041128697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-11975196708119550882011-07-08T17:42:54.182-07:002011-07-08T17:42:54.182-07:00Here are four great solutions, and if we get start...Here are four great solutions, and if we get started, we can probably stop the ridiculous tax increase or build up enough momentum for a possible recall:<br /><br />(a) Get connected with a local activist group that deals with local issues. There's a group I'm a part of called the Conservative Constitutional Caucus (CCC). Their email is: cccaucus@cfl.rr.com and the Chair's name is Kieth Rigler. We meet every last Monday. Please email Kieth as soon as possible so he can send you updates.<br /><br />(b) Show up to the budget workshops and meetings and let them hear you (The People).<br /><br />(c) Let your neighbors know what's going on and encourage them to become active, as well.<br /><br />(d) Keep reading and guide your friends to local journalism like this one and FLORIDA F.A.C.E.O.F.F. (You see it on the left hand side under "Real Journalism."<br /><br />If Miami-Dade can recall a popular revenue-grabbing Mayor. We, too, can make City Council bend to our will.<br /><br />db, Amy, BillH, you're all just becoming aware of this and all the other quagmire going on. That's the first step and a good step. The next step is to somehow get active and start shaking things up (positively). <br /><br />My hope is that you're all encouraged.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-42638775980139098212011-07-08T16:12:30.776-07:002011-07-08T16:12:30.776-07:00To: db
My thoughts exactly. I tried to get involve...To: db<br />My thoughts exactly. I tried to get involved with last year's tax increases with no avail, felt like I was fighting all alone, except for a few. The residents of Palm Bay need to stand together and take some kind of legal action against the Fire Department and/or council members. It is apparent that they are not listening to just our voices. Any suggestions on how to do this is welcome.Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776812092041128697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-79487900961579041022011-07-08T15:57:17.289-07:002011-07-08T15:57:17.289-07:00Palm Bay should be doing what they can do to reduc...Palm Bay should be doing what they can do to reduce taxes and fees. Under no circumstances should a fire department cost so much that its’ own residence can't afford it. Possibly the counsel members should look into leasing a fire department instead of having the city continue to increase taxes to pay high salaries and pensions. At least Kristine understands that the taxes are too high now and an increase will only cause additional pain and possibly lost taxes due-to citizens fleeing.dbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02840753859910275717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-28713476780184408442011-07-08T15:16:48.338-07:002011-07-08T15:16:48.338-07:00If you watch the video of the "special meetin...If you watch the video of the "special meeting" you can see how worried the Council members are that this tax hike is illegal. They want to go to the State Attorney and Courts for permission. Can the Palm Bay residents do the same in the courts to fight it?Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776812092041128697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-90379979528638346142011-07-08T15:12:46.583-07:002011-07-08T15:12:46.583-07:00To Harry,
Just watched the July 7th meeting on the...To Harry,<br />Just watched the July 7th meeting on the City of Palm Bays website. Do you know what the "Fire Fee" Special Asessment is that they are trying to raise our Taxes again for? The fire Department is totally out of control again. What can we do to turn this around. One more tax increase for me and will "walk away" from both my homes in Palm Bay. Enough is Enough !!! Kristine again is the only one sticking up for us !!!!!!Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776812092041128697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-84733002021651661852011-07-08T14:40:53.355-07:002011-07-08T14:40:53.355-07:00To Amy: It was up for discussion, yesterday, durin...To Amy: It was up for discussion, yesterday, during "Special Meeting" (That's code for secret out of the public ear). But I didn't see it as on the agenda for the regular meeting. I believe City Council is supposed to vote on a final tax rate in September - I'll have to double check that.<br /><br />To BillH: Don't give up yet, buddy. With more people like you and Amy getting informed and involved, we can actually turn this around. Remember what Miami-Dade did? The citizens there recalled a popular Mayor because he raised taxes and added fees to line the pockets of his cronies.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-83864998814471445452011-07-08T09:54:14.172-07:002011-07-08T09:54:14.172-07:00Year after year millage increase, my property and ...Year after year millage increase, my property and income continue to plummet but yet no relief on property taxes amazing I plan on moving my business and residence to a more tax friendly area. Let the idiots on city council continue to fund outrageous Firefighter pensions and decimate palm bay.BillHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12445667534936933619noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-81067467243503355472011-07-08T06:42:37.327-07:002011-07-08T06:42:37.327-07:00Does anyone know if they passed the new tax rate o...Does anyone know if they passed the new tax rate on the July 7th meeting?Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01776812092041128697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-91342456399198702782011-03-09T10:54:08.231-08:002011-03-09T10:54:08.231-08:00Some very good points, Jone. On # 4, I believe in ...Some very good points, Jone. On # 4, I believe in creating an enviornment conducive to success, and making Palm Bay, as much as possiblen a free market and business-friendly place. That's why I am all for the eradication of all business fees. If we are paying taxes, already, then why pay twice if I am a business owner.<br /><br />On # 5, we both might have a fundamental difference on this issue. Redlight cameras are unconstitutional (i.e. 5th Amendment). They have been found unlawful in certain federal court circuits around the nation.<br /><br />Then again, these are my opinions.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-57458617073556774732011-03-09T10:44:55.473-08:002011-03-09T10:44:55.473-08:00My hope is that this new initiative is done wisely...My hope is that this new initiative is done wisely. Although, management of the city is obviously not as wise as we like. That's why we need some new councilmembers who understand these issues and improve infrastructure.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-22012163007459002262011-03-09T04:41:58.386-08:002011-03-09T04:41:58.386-08:00#4 - Agreed that the business fees are outrageous,...#4 - Agreed that the business fees are outrageous, but to suspend them also seems unreasonable. Employees connected to those offices have salaries... Reducing the fees, YES, especially for small businesses.<br /><br />The Impact Fees are outrageous, particularly the last raise. In this economy buying a home or business structure is a major decision that has already been rejected by too many due to the size of the Impact Fee. The City has little to offer to justify that fee ... other than to dun buiyers with other fees that are mounting in cost to residents.<br /><br />#5 - We disagree with the red-light cameras. They're an aid to law enforcement, backdoor though that may be. There are far too many accidents and speeders offering an opportunity for more accidents at intersections ... and more often than not the drivers are drugged up or couldn't pass a breathlizer test. The cameras are also an aid for fleeing criminals, as well as giving the City traffic managers a heads-up for congestion areas that might be relieved by lowering the MPH or installing more lights/stop signs.WriterJChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162534008461767263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-54807898482690880982011-03-09T04:17:51.702-08:002011-03-09T04:17:51.702-08:00Harry, about 13 years ago, the City decided to res...Harry, about 13 years ago, the City decided to resurface roads. Did they begin with those heavily traveled where pot holes existed (each filled in on a regular absis until the next rain washed them out)? Of course not. They chose a SE area of a small community that had one egress path. Not one inch of those roads 9covering several miles) had a pothole, but the main throughfares surrounding the area were a disaster -- and ignored.WriterJChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04162534008461767263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-41592734732206667982011-01-27T20:57:45.877-08:002011-01-27T20:57:45.877-08:00Thanks, David. I just believe in the truth as well...Thanks, David. I just believe in the truth as well as the right to life, liberty, and property.Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-66370967126543693122011-01-27T18:14:40.253-08:002011-01-27T18:14:40.253-08:00Harry has consistently hit home runs with his thou...Harry has consistently hit home runs with his thought process, we need him a leadership role in our community!Mr. Nice Guyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09295738874779805156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-43932150184926892732011-01-23T08:47:56.264-08:002011-01-23T08:47:56.264-08:00Peter and Dave the both of you are on point, we ne...Peter and Dave the both of you are on point, we need to get involve in our local muncipalities, and restore the Republic one level of government at a time. <br /><br />The Hammonds, we will meet on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at 12 p.m. at Bob Evans - most likely. I'll let you know in about a week.<br /><br />In Liberty!Harry Santiago Jrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18045905174126204170noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-40551731755358232472011-01-22T11:36:23.783-08:002011-01-22T11:36:23.783-08:00The obvious answer is the same here in PB as it is...The obvious answer is the same here in PB as it is all levels of Govt as well as in every household- cut discresionary spending. Every dollar our City spends needs to be reviewed with a fine tooth comb to verify wether it is essesntial and/or Constitutionl. Many programs within our City need to be drastically scaled back or removed completely. This process will also place responsiblity back into the hands of the Citizenry who have regretably become comfortable with the cradle to grave, nanny state mentality of an over reaching, ever growing, and intrusive Government sense of entitlement. <br />Our previously City retirees entered into a binding agreement with the City & need to be paid in full, deservedly so. The retirement programs of the current workforce will require serious review and will necessarily require significant modification. We cannot afford to be straddled with a continuation of the fiscal situation we are currently in due to these ridiculous "golden" retirement plans paid for with IOU's and higher taxes.<br />I personally, have no faith in the current City Council to take the drastic measures required to bring us into sound financial footing. We need to request and demand open budget workshops where the Citizens can be more involved in, and have a more open say into the budget decision making proccess.<br />Anything short will simply be an extension of our current tax & spend policies that have led to miles & miles of unpaved roads & more parks sitting idle.<br />I have my pitchfork & torch- when & where?Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12032391640438446997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-64129163423065235932011-01-22T07:30:34.854-08:002011-01-22T07:30:34.854-08:00Who are the dumb-asses that continue to go along w...Who are the dumb-asses that continue to go along with Predatory trickle-around never down wealth economics? Or that the top 20% income earners have 85% of the nations wealth leaving scraps for the other 80% who are in the money and not mentioning the million totally left out. Because the past 40 years jobs & manufactoring have been exported plus the Federal govt has been subsidizing "legal immigration" to treasonously supply business with a conforming indefinite cheap labor force. <br /><br /> Stagnating worker wages,reducing several generational american organized labor. The attacks from Govt & business in the fleecing of American citizens is starting to meet resistance. I and many other don't need to be told to suck-it up, tighten the belt or any other garbage from any Kleptocrat that's been part of the problem and fails to acknowledge or act on proper solutions for the citizens.<br /><br /> Simple put the abuse,corruption,fraud,deception colaborated by business & govt with an agenda of "profits for the few only OVER financial security for the citizens" must come to an end in USA and the state of Florida. Acknowledge this point, Business or govt enties in the state of Florida will smile & gladly take peoples money when they are willingly or no so willingly patronizing their products or service. Then the smile changes when the patron wants or needs a job! This to must change in-fact who has rule & control or ownership over what must change in USA. The citizens need legal rule & control over money,business & govt just for their own interest and financial security.<br /><br /> That would be a true direct daily Democracy without any representative govt who are embedded with bribes from the wealthy puppet-masters. I'm in my mid fifthies and totally feed-up with our form of Capitalism & phony representative govt whom i view as Kleptocrats running a Kleptocracy regardless of party affilliation name.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11180370638201285461noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-41232975161944644422011-01-21T19:33:30.666-08:002011-01-21T19:33:30.666-08:00When and where do we meet to handle this problem?When and where do we meet to handle this problem?MsJeanniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16651805975247618179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6191038282436623011.post-19070788793917220792010-12-17T14:36:05.050-08:002010-12-17T14:36:05.050-08:00Awesomely and splendidly well said Harry!!! You ro...Awesomely and splendidly well said Harry!!! You rock Bro'!!! Keep fighting my friend!! We are winning & WILL win BIG in 2012!!! Merry Christmas fellow Freedom Fighters & TEA Party Patriots!! USA!!Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12032391640438446997noreply@blogger.com