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The last question on the ballot this November is to move the elections in Biscayne Park from after Thanksgiving on odd years, to even years to coincide with the general elections in November.
We will save money: The savings is approximately $9,000 per election.
We will also get more people to vote: Access and increased voter participation are important characteristics of democracy. Current conditions allow only one day to vote in standalone elections, while general elections allow for early voting at multiple convenient locations and on Saturday.
I believe that increasing access and voter participation for Biscayne Park local elections will raise awareness and will get more people involved in our village and the local community.
The statistics speak for themselves. On average more than twice as many Biscayne Park residents vote in general elections than do in standalone elections (based on data obtained from Miami Dade County Division of Elections).
Sounds like a no brainer to me. Vote ‘yes’ on #258.
Chuck Ross, Biscayne Park
Ballot question misleads voters
I had to smile when I read what the town’s officials had proposed on my absentee ballot. Led by Mayor Dietch, our zoning laws, meant to keep our small sea-side town unique and quaint, have been continuously tampered with, leading up to this ballot question loaded with marvelous legal finesse.
The result of this question would be to redefine and weaken the charter amendment approved by most of our voters in 2004, while purporting to clarify it.
Clearly, this issue has not been put on the ballot to strengthen the language, but to weaken it to conform to the goals of Mr. Dietch’s super-charged development objectives.
Sadly, if this trend is permitted to continue, it will not be until misplaced projects, oversized buildings and other manifestations of overly permissive rules appear in front of our eyes, that we will know we were badly misled.
I’ll be voting “no” on this one.
Charles W. Burkett, Surfside
Ballot initiatives strengthen charter
Surfside’s voters have three important local issues to decide at the end of this election’s historically lengthy ballot. These are not new issues. They were recommended several years ago by the town’s charter review committee and have now been placed before the electorate. Residents have been advised of the issues in our monthly Gazette, at commission meetings, and most recently in a mailer. In addition, a detailed description of each item can be found on the town website. I felt it was important to further address each issue so that our residents understand the reasoning and benefits of each.
The first question, if approved, will amend our charter to include a preamble and citizen’s bill of rights that enhances transparency, promotes efficient administration, increases accountability, and insures fair and equitable treatment. While some of the protections already exist, they are scattered throughout our charter. A “yes” vote will add a preamble and comprehensive citizen’s bill of rights to our charter for the benefit of all Surfsiders.
The second question, if approved, will establish mandatory charter review. A “yes” vote will mean that the town shall perform charter review within a year of approval, and no later than every ten years thereafter. This is like a regular reminder to conduct charter review. Such a commitment is lacking today, and will institute a best practice obligation for Surfside.
The third question, if approved, will align the intent of the 2004 charter amendment requiring a referendum for any increases to height, density, or intensity of development with reality. Much has been made over the years since 2004 about alleged violations of this critically important community safeguard. A “yes” vote will clarify the language so that the requirements are consistent with our comprehensive plan, unambiguous and enforceable.
I want to assure you that these three items strengthen the protections in the charter for our residents individually and for the community as a whole. I welcome the opportunity to discuss these issues with you.
Daniel Dietch, Mayor, Town of Surfside
Miami Beach United, the activist group launched last year, starts a series of presentations on what makes a city great with with a forum Thursday.
Bal Harbour was ordered Tuesday to turn over millions seized by vice cops but not properly accounted for. 1351649266
At 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, hundreds of local residents will commemorate the 74th anniversary of "Kristallnacht," or the Night of Broken Glass, which was considered to be a major turning point in Hitler's campaign to annihilate Jewish people in the early days of World War II.Sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, participants will gather at the Holocaust Memorial at1933-1945 Meridian Ave. in Miami Beach for a program of inspirational addresses, poetry readings and musical performances. Speakers willinclude an eyewitness to "Kristallnacht," as well as Andrew C. Hall, Esq., the first child survivor of the Holocaust to serve as chairmanof the Holocaust Memorial.
