Page 14 - Abacoa Community News - February '20

Page 14, Abacoa
Commissioner’s Update

Palm Beach County’s 2020 ecosystems that tie into those efforts. We are asking for the • Short-Term Vacation Rentals
We strongly support legislation to repeal the state
legislature’s continued support and funding for projects to

Legislative Agenda restore and maintain Lake Okeechobee, the Loxahatchee preemption of the regulation of short-term/vacation rental
River, and the Lake Worth Lagoon. Additionally, we are properties to allow local governments to regulate these
By Commissioner seeking policy changes and a recurring $50M appropriation properties to protect the health and welfare of residents,
Hal Valeche benefitting beach management, funding for Glades Region visitors and businesses. Unfortunately, a bill (SB 1128)
Palm Beach County, infrastructure improvements, funding to help residents has been proposed which could unravel any form of local
along with the School convert from septic to sewer systems, and legislation to vacation rental oversight and regulation. This bill, if
District, the League of enhance the development of alternate water supply sources. passed, would have the effect of preempting inspection,
Cities, and the Economic • Hurricane Response And Preparedness licensing and occupancy limits to the state. This is
Council has developed a Palm Beach County supports a public records exemption particularly concerning, as it pertains to commercial
joint legislative agenda for that protects residents from vendors seeking their uses in residential neighborhoods. Several constituents in
this year’s State legislative information in the aftermath of a storm. District 1 have complained to me about the operation of
session in Tallahassee. • Transportation/Glades Regional Initiatives short-term rentals in their communities that have created
These entities, supported We support funding to provide much needed nuisances, including excessive traffic, parking concerns,
by our lobbying teams, work improvements in the Glades, including road resurfacing, noise, and possible criminal activity. Some short-term
to protect the interests of our local communities. workforce and career training, water facilities, rail rental operators are suspected of illegally converting
Of paramount importance is defending home rule transportation, ecotourism, and development of an inland single-family homes into multi-family units. We think
authority. This is to ensure that preemptions are not passed port – all of which contribute to the economic growth of local regulation is essential to protecting the integrity of
that can prevent local governments from responding to the region. our established neighborhoods and preserving our quality
constituents needs. We seek to support sound legislation • Criminal Justice of life.
while blocking shortsighted bills that can result in unfunded We support diversion programs, re-entry efforts, I urge you to make your opinions known to your State
mandates to city and county governments. This is essential to and alternatives to detention for juvenile offenders. Representative and Senator on these and other statewide
being able to maintain current levels of service to the public. This requires upgrades to juvenile detention centers and issues of importance to you. Your voter registration card
Here is a summary of the issues and initiatives we have Department of Children and Families facilities. will indicate in which Florida House and Senate districts
identified as priorities for the 2020 session: • PreK-12 Education you reside. Here are the State elected officials representing
• Affordable Housing/Homelessness We support an increase in the base student allocation to North County:
Homeless programs require a dedicated revenue stream. provide meaningful salary increases to all PreK-12 teachers
The Sadowski Housing Trust Fund should be restricted and support staff; expansion of Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Representative Rick Roth, Delegation Chair
to appropriations for affordable and workforce-housing programs; enhancement of career and technical education District 85, (561) 625-5176; rick.roth@myfloridahouse.gov
projects, as was the intent of the fund. programs; creation of a dedicated revenue stream for
• Substance Abuse/Sober Homes/Mental Health safety and mental health reforms mandated by the Representative Mike Caruso
Based on the recommendations of the Sober Homes Marjory Stoneman Douglas Act; and, the requirement for District 89, (561) 750-2396; mike.caruso@myfloridahouse.gov
Task Force, we urge the legislature to support programs accountability and standards for all schools, including
for life saving interventions, medically assisted detox, school hardening, safety and security. Senator Gayle Harrell
and diversions from the criminal justice system for those • Palm Beach State College And Florida Atlantic District 25, (772) 221-4019; Harrell.gayle.web@flsenate.gov
suffering from opioid addiction. Additionally, we are University
requesting the legislature to provide additional beds for Increase operational funding and capital outlays to Senator Bobby Powell
mental health treatment, with a focus on youth services. complete medical and life science facilities. District 30, (561) 650-6880; Powell.bobby.web@flsenate.gov
• Water And Natural Resources • Economic Development
The federally funded Comprehensive Everglades Fund incentive programs that support economic growth, As always, you are welcome to contact me at (561) 355-
Restoration Plan is the most critical, long-term workforce housing and financial stability for regional 2201, or by email at hvaleche@pbcgov.org. My staff and I
environmental project in Florida, and there are significant businesses. are happy to assist you.
projects in our county affecting our water resources and
Town Of Jupiter

News

By Ilan Kaufer, Town Of
Jupiter Councilman
Happy February,
Hope you had a great
start to 2020 and the spring Revolution Dating is a
is going well! “class act” and it gives
Strategic Planning
In January, the Town people, regardless of age,
Council discussed and set ry, M.S. a chance to meet the right
strategic priorities for 2020. Matchmak person at the right time.
I have proposed several new
initiatives that are focused
on public safety, environmental issues, veteran services - Joella Cain, Publisher
and community recreation. Some of my specific proposals Florida Woman Magazine
include: Public discussion by council of use of open space
funds approved by 2019 referendum; home improvement
grant program for veterans (adding on to the existing home
improvement program); discussion with Palm Beach County
concerning improvements to North County Aquatic Center,
including swim safety programming. At the time of the
deadline for publication, the meetings have not been held
so I will provide an update next month on the results of my Happy Valentines Day!
proposals.
Ride Safe Jupiter
Many of you may have seen that the Ride Safe Jupiter
program ran over New Year’s Eve. Almost 200 people
participated in the ride sharing program that evening and Kelly Leary, M.S.
officers reported zero DUIs. I am excited that this program, THE Florida Matchmaker
which is part of the DUI reduction strategic initiative I R.S.V.P. Today to Join
proposed last year, is making significant progress and will One-on-One Matchmaking Start Your Decade Right! It’s Your Turn!
continue into 2020. NOT Online Dating ...ask about our One-on-One Dates!
Veterans Memorial Single Parties (Optional)
While a specific date has not been announced at the time my Private and Con dential
article was due, please keep an eye out for the announcement 90% Success Rate CALL TO SPEAK TO A LIVE MATCHMAKER NOW!
of the groundbreaking ceremony for the Town’s new Veterans All Clients Pre-Screened 561.630.XOXO (9696 )
Memorial. I remain so appreciative for all of you who Representing Ages 21-80+
supported my proposal to create this memorial! *Schedule Your Appointment to Meet THE Florida Matchmakers Today.
As always please contact me with any comments or
questions at ilank@jupiter.fl.us and follow me on Facebook REVOLUTIONDATING.COM
at www.facebook.com/Councilorkaufer or on Twitter @
Councilorkaufer.