Mike Weinstein takes impact fee moratorium to next level.

[FayeforCure]

stephen, as much as I appreciate you pointing out how we might want to replace Mike Weinstein in a next election.............it's never going to happen for the following reason (see bolded quote):


Lead Letter: Who are the 99 percent?
Posted: November 13, 2011 - 12:08am  |  Updated: November 13, 2011 - 1:20amLetters from Readers
November 13, 2011 - 12:08am

If you set your alarm to awaken and commute to work, you are part of the 99 percent

If you made your children lunch, put them on a bus and wished them a great day at school, you are.

If you look at the bills piling up, while you work your fingers to the bone, and wonder who gets paid and who has to wait, you are.

If you worry about affording a college education, you are.

If you wonder what has happened to those who work hard, play by the rules, pay taxes and protect and provide for their love ones, you are.

If you truly think that the way to become the 1 percent is to vote the way they vote, then you are a chicken that befriends the colonel.

The 99 percent, the Occupy Wall Street crowd, is not about disorder, anarchy, class warfare, handouts, giveaways, assistance, rebel rousing, distraction, destruction or delusion.

It is about the human spirit, a kindness to others and a restoration of fairness and conscience to the American marketplace.

It is about self-preservation and compassion to one’s fellow man and the global neighborhood.

It is about working hard, pursuing the American dream and not being punished and hindered by a fraction so well connected, so well heeled, that enough is never enough.

It is not about battle lines and division of assets, it is about respect for all people and all those that are economically demoted because their income does not allow them to buy a voice.

When a significant percentage of people are removed from the democratic process because they can not afford to be heard, that their voice of reason is drowned out by the voice of money, then it is not about occupying a street but being heard.

When the nation’s highest court rules that a corporation is a person, then the system is indeed broken.

I will not believe that a corporation is a person until Texas executes one.

The 99 percent is the voice of every American who does not have the cash to be heard.

The 99 percent is you.



Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/opinion/letters-readers/2011-11-13/story/lead-letter-who-are-99-percent#ixzz1dbYviYUs

[FayeforCure]

that went right over my head, faye.

What do you mean?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be so cryptic. Just that most Republicans continue to vote party-line (in other words, with the 1%) no matter how destructive their candidate is.

If you truly think that the way to become the 1 percent is to vote the way they vote, then you are a chicken that befriends the colonel.

And since the Republicans far outnumber the Democrats in Mike Weinstein's district, there is no way to remove him...............

Which is why 95% of incumbents get re-elected...........many like Mica spend relatively little campaign money, just roll it over to the next election...........since they are assured of blind support by having far more Republicans (who vote with the 1%) than Democrats in their districts, as well as independents generally being Republican friendly in this area.

[FayeforCure]

I think the republicans are about to replay 1937 and be swept from power for another three generations.

Ah, you mean it's possible for me to step in and run against Weinstein?

[FayeforCure]

that went right over my head, faye.

What do you mean?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be so cryptic. Just that there are Republicans who continue to vote party-line (in other words, with the 1%) no matter how destructive their candidate is.

And since the Republicans far outnumber the Democrats in Mike Weinstein's district, there is no way to remove him...............

Which is why 95% of incumbents get re-elected...........many like Mica spend relatively little campaign money, just roll it over to the next election...........since they are assured of blind support by having far more Republicans (who vote with the 1%) than Democrats in their districts, as well as independents generally being Republican friendly in this area.

I think these next two election cycles are going to change that Faye.

The majority of the 99ers just ran out of unemployment money about a month ago.

First we need to get the Republicans to identify with the 99ers rather than be the foot soldiers for the 1%.

Maybe this video will help them understand how the 1% is screwing them too:

http://www.youtube.com/v/GVQPo62x3UI?

[dougskiles]

The environment is right for change.

I agree 100%.  I have been a life long Republican and can't stomach any more of the garbage these guys are pushing.  Although, I have to say, I am not too excited about the Dem's plans either right now.

But, if they (Democratic Party) made a serious push in NE Florida with some respectable candidates, I believe they would see some success.  It's just that right now, we have very few choices.  The last several elections I have pretty much been making decisions based on what I feel are the lesser of two evils.

[urbaknight]

Weinstein bill would halt impact fees; faces fire from local governments

Cities and counties would be barred from enacting transportation or school impact fees until mid-2015 under a measure filed Tuesday by a Jacksonville Republican.

Sponsored by Rep. Mike Weinstein, R-Jacksonville, the bill (HB 603) would prevent the levying of concurrency fees for roads and schools for development permitted before July 1, 2015 and completed before July 1 2016.

"I'm trying to help find ways to motivate potential projects and developments to get them off the starting line," said Weinstein, adding that he intends to get a Senate sponsor within the next several days.

Weinstein said the measure would help jump start a moribund construction sector and, spurring development during tough economic times, without completely taking control away from city and county officials. The bill allows local officials to override the moratorium by a two-thirds majority vote of the local governing body.

"If there is a project or a compelling need, local officials won't have their hands tied," Weinstein said. "It's a balanced approach to initiate development."

Representatives of local governments, however, say now is not the time, if ever, to further restrict the ability of cash strapped local cities and counties from using impact fees to pay for the infrastructure needed to accommodate growth.

"It is an egregious assault on home rule," said Cragin Mosteller, spokeswoman for the Florida Association of Counties.

Weinstein's measure is among a handful of proposals filed so far in an effort to reduce costs and permitting hurdles for developers - but also one of several that could cost local governments revenue.

Another measure (SB 760) would repeal the Local Business Tax Act, which gives cities and counties the ability to charge local companies for the right to do business in their communities. The repealer is sponsored by Sen. Alan Hays, R-Umatilla.


Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a proposed constitutional amendment, HJR 381, which seeks to prohibit increases in assessed value when the market value of a property falls. If approved by voters, the measure would take effect in 2013.

The measure also caps increases on non-homestead property at 5 percent and provides additional benefits to first-time home buyers. State economists say the measure will cost local governments more than $500 million a year in lost revenue.

Weinstein's proposal comes less than six months after Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a growth management bill that gave local governments more discretion in how their communities develop. The bill (HB 7207) re-enacted portions of a previously approved growth management bill (SB 360) passed by lawmakers in 2009 that was until recently tied up in court.

The 349-page bill reduced state oversight on development approvals, giving cities and counties more control over development decisions and whether to charge developers for roads, parks and schools. Backers say the state will continue to maintain oversight over projects that have significant regional impacts.

Mosteller said Weinstein's bill appears to fly in the face of that earlier initiative.

"Earlier this year, lawmakers seemed to say that growth management was a local issue," Mosteller said. "So why would why you now tie their hands."

http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403455/matt-dixon/2011-11-08/weinstein-bill-would-halt-impact-fees-faces-fire-local

Isn't Weinstein the one who proposed a law that would stiffen penalites for aggression against JEA workers instead of passing a low on behalf of the consumer, such as putting a cap on how much JEA can charge?

Don't get me wrong, I don't think JEA workers should be assaulted just for doing their jobs. There should be charges filed against hostile customers, but to treat utility workers like police, fire and rescue, NO! They aren't heroes, they're drones for an evil empire doing evil bittings. Protect the consumer first! We have no other choice but to deal with JEA, Work for us instead!

[urbaknight]

And if he is that same guy, let's get rid of him during the next election!