Yeah, Sure!

Vol. 5, No.13 13 October 2024

FANTASY

I walk into a bank and I say to the loan officer, "I want a loan of 62 million dollars." The officer says, "Yeah, sure."

NO! That's not what happens. The officer says, "Huh?"

So, then I explain that I plan to buy property, I plan to improve it, I plan to make substantial repairs, I plan to put other buildings on it. The officer looks skeptical. So, I continue, "In addition, I plan to pay the loan back without making any changes in my current income."

The officer's face looks very puzzled. So, I go on and say that I will appoint my family members to comment on my plans.

At which, point . . .

REALITY?

If I were that officer, I would want to see

1. clear plans for projects

2. a thought-through estimate on how much each will cost

3. an anticipated-time line on when the projects are likely to occur

4. an explanation of how the loan is going to be paid back

5. a description of the powers and structure of the group that is going to be commenting

As a South Miami resident and voter, I would like to know the reasons there has not been action taken in the past year to repair the Twin Lakes bridge. I would like to know the reasons the Manor Lane culvert is not under repair. And I would like to know the reasons an oversight committee was not put in place long before these obligation bonds amounting to $62 million dollars were fabricated.

(Parenthetically, the Manor Lane culver repair was being worked on by the former City Manager while I was in office. I think the City was at the point of negotiating with the County. I do not know what has been done about that culvert in the last couple of years.)

I might be quite willing to vote "Yes" to a number of referenda if they had details about specific projects.

Exactly how did the Commission change the Charter in the past year so that it is easier to plan for the long-term? If the Commission can change the Charter, what is the reason for asking residents during a national election to vote on a Charter amendment (Referendum 1)?

I wonder about how much the Mayor's PC has spent on the flyers it has mailed. I wonder why a man, who is a successful lawyer, did not use these flyers to go into detail about what he claims in bullet points.

GENERALITIES

Of course, the Mayor's PC is not the only Committee that spends money to publicize vague promises. There is only one position on the City of South Miami Commission that has two candidates. Perhaps they, themselves, will be more specific about priorities and processes.

Please plan to attend the Candidates' Forum

6:15 pm,

Thursday evening, October 24th,

Elks Lodge 1676

(6304 SW 78 Street, South Miami)

P. S. Unfortunately, there are no funds to provide refreshments, so please bring your own food and drink.

Stay safe, keep healthy!