NOVEMBER 11, 2009 FUNDRAISER …
Commission Candidates; Chris Vincent,Scot Sasser, Edmund Malkoon,John Oughten & Ben Freeny
Candidate Mayor Minnet and Candidate (from the north end of town) Scot Sasser and family..
Candidate (from the north end of town )Edmund Malkoon and Rosalie Malkoon…
Candidate John Oughten (south end of town) and Candidate Mayor Minnet…
Candidate Chris Vincent’s daughter Paige and “Elvis”…
Dear Readers…at the November 11, 2009 UOT Fundraiser that really brought out the crowds…with an estimated 180+ spilling out onto the corner of Commercial Blvd. and A1A… all eyes were on the candidates and they did not disappoint…In fact their speeches each offered what this town has been clamoring for, for a very long time……A change for the future of LBTS and the people who can make it happen!…
Chairman of UOT Bob Fleishman (pictured above)…
The Chairman of UOT Bob Fleishman, welcomed all and was overcome with seeing the outpouring of support for making that change a reality … He stepped up to the role of Chairman, knowing he was “good at what I do”…and that is getting people on board, making people want to participate and assuring people it can happen …From the response this evening…all agreed with Bob, he definitely was “good at what he does”…for in a matter of months his efforts succeeded in increasing the numbers of supporters for UOT to become the largest organization in LBTS!…
Editor Mark Brown (pictured above)…
Bob introduced Mark Brown, Editor of the By-The-Sea-Future newspaper and Mark introduced the evening’s keynote speaker Mayor Roseann Minnet…”Thank you Bob. Thanks to everyone for coming out tonight.I get the easy job this evening. I get to introduce the most popular and most respected person in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea–our Mayor Roseann Minnet.When Roseann was first elected two years ago, I was really happy for her, but I was also really concerned. The bad guys couldn’t beat her at the polls, so I knew they would try to beat her up on the dais. It started on day one and it continues to this day. We’ve all seen it. But you know what? Roseann has turned out to be a lot tougher than they ever imagined. She’s held her own on the dais and brought respect to the office of mayor. She’s been true to her word. She has been our voice on the commission. She has held the bad guys accountable for their actions. And she has done it with dignity and class that we can all be proud of. We all know that Roseann doesn’t need this job. It’s not an ego trip for her, or a way to carry out a personal agenda. Roseann is doing this for us, and now it’s our turn to stand up and show our appreciation. We need to reelect Roseann, and also to elect two new commissioners who will be on our side for a change, and who will work with Roseann to bring our community together and move the town forward. They need your money, they need your energy, and they need your vote. It’s our turn now, and it all starts right here with our current and soon-to-be reelected Mayor Roseann Minnet.”
Candidate Mayor Roseann Minnet (pictured above)…
Mayor Minnet came up to a thunderous applause…She thanked all for their support and encouragement, and before she spoke about what what was facing us she asked all to take a moment to remember and honor “those who have served or are serving our country to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today, on Veterans’ Day.”…She thanked UOT for the the invitation…She said “the past months have been an interesting rollercoaster ride in the Town of Lauderdale-By-The Sea”…She acknowledged the previous night’s meeting with the antics displayed front and center, telling all in the room it is time …”We must get common sense,control, respectability and most importantly accountability back into the hands of the people of Lauderdale-By- The-Sea!”…She spoke of questions asked being answered with “smoke and mirrors”…..She told the crowd about the “behind the scenes grassroots efforts” by those who feel it’s enough!…Then she launched right into the rallying cry that had all in attendance fully engaged…”McIntee and Silverstone must go!”….She went on to speak of the commitment she saw in this room of those who are working together in agreeing, that though they may not agree on everything, they agree on one thing…”McIntee and Silverstone must go!”….Mayor Minnet told these supporters “This is an important battle and we must win the war if we intend to bring the community back to its center, its residents and its business and hospitality core!”… She reminded all “We have 118 days from today until the election on March 9th.”…again saying “McIntee and Silverstone must go!”…She had the crowd pumped up…. She spoke of reaching out ….”I look our upon this crowd and I do not see division. I see people representing the north , the south, the homeowners, condo owners and many of our businesses. This is why we have the strength and the power. We are able to be inclusionary and respect everyone’s opinion.”… She said in the last past months there has been much to be positive about….people are fully aware “of the misinformation, the deliberate lies, the half truths and the manipulation of words.”…”This is a very pivotal time for our town. We cannot afford to lose the next election. We must work together….” She encouraged all to get the word out….seeing a room full of volunteers full of enthusiasm …as they again joined in “Mcintee and Silverstone must go!”…The applause was deafening!….
The candidates were brought up in alphabetical order starting with the south end of town…Ben Freeny/ John Oughten/ Chris Vincent….and then the north…Edmund Malkoon/Scot Sasser/ Candidate Beverly Kennedy withdrew before the event…
Candidate Ben Freeny-(pictured above)…
“This is a great crowd tonight and I thank all of you for coming out to support the future of Lauderdale by The Sea. This is a very exciting time, a positive time, we are taking action to improve our town. We’re here to push forward change for a better Lauderdale By The Sea, from the bricks and mortar to the expressions on our residents and visitors faces.We do have a daunting task ahead, the task of bringing leadership to our town.Not just on the dais,… but in Town Hall,… as well as the streets and neighborhoods. The key here is positive, honest, open, and efficient leadership.People have been telling me over the past few months to study and learn about the issues.I have had many conversations with people in town. Thank you all for the phone calls and all of your input.I have reviewed town documents, read minutes from meetings, and watched too many videos of meetings.I have also had conversations with officials in Broward County to get their view on community governance and what the issues are they face.’…He went on to add…”My primary goal is to insure that through commission direction to a Town Manager and a town administration that our dollars are spent appropriately and wisely. And that reporting of our financial activity is available in laymens terms so that we all know what is going on.”…after giving some specifics he said “By replacing Jerome McIntee and Jerry Silverstone we will develop a cohesive commission that can get down to business and find solutions to those challenges. I am a team player, and as a member of the commission I will make all effort to address these concerns.I believe, for the south part of town that there be maximum height limits at 44 feet, no questions, no loopholes, no exceptions. Put this issue to bed once and for all.I believe in the Lauderdale By The Sea Volunteer Fire Department, and that they should have professional support and guidance to be the best in the county.I believe that a well qualified Town manager who builds a competent staff can manage the day to day operations of the town and support the commission ,… And supporting the commission in their decision making.I believe in and will push for a comprehensive Ethics Standard for the Town Commission, all appointed positions and the town administration. An Ethics standard is not developed as a tool to limit activity and behavior. An Ethics Standard is established as a framework from which to work, guideposts to those who serve the public trust, a promise to the people that we will operate, above board, openly and honestly.I believe we must have aggressive resolution to all legal issues facing the town.I believe that the commission has the responsibility to develop and implement long term community planning.This should include community involvement, budgets, deadlines, forms of funding and professional consultation. And the key here is implementation, and a commitment to follow through.We do not have the funds today, but my job as commissioner is to plan for tomorrow, next year and your future.I do want to say that we have a great slate of candidates here in the south part of town. I am proud to know them, and any one of us will fill that commissioners seat very successfully. My goal is to beat Jim Silverstone!”….
Candidate John Oughten-(pictured above)…
Came to “speak from the heart”…and told the crowd he had an “investment in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea” …speaking of his home and other real estate in LBTS…He asid he has “a stake in the community”…As a businessman and statistician he “was not pleased with the lack of fiscal responsibility” he has witnessed as a resident and taxpayer…”it is hurting our investments”…After speaking to some points of where the problems are prevalent in the current administration he asked all the veterans to stand and be acknowledged this day, as a veteran himself…The veterans stood to hear the applause of appreciation…He went on to say change was needed and new blood was required to see that change …He said that he will step aside for whomever is selected as the candidate from the south, he is a team player…ending with … “McIntee and Silverstone must go!”…
Candidate Chris Vincent-(pictured above)…
“I would like to Thank Unite our Town and the Marchelos family for this evening”….He said …”We need a fresh start, it is time to turn the page” and then introduced his wife Christine and his daughter Paige who were standing the crowd…He went on to give the audience some of his background…”In 1986 I moved to South Florida from Long Island New York. Moved to the South end of Galt Ocean Mile and I would ride my bike down to the pier on the weekends and go to Murphy’s for breakfast. That was when I discovered LBTS.Over the years I lived in other areas of Broward & Palm Beach County but always seemed to end up back in this area.In 1997 I met my wife Christine who coincidently was living in Lauderdale By The Sea. She is a graduate of Cardinal Gibbons and her family has owned in this town for over 35 years.”…They were married in 1998, and welcomed their daughter Paige into the word in 2000…He said “when our daughter was 2 we needed to decide where to put down roots to raise our family. The decision was easy.”… He was quick to add that they bought a home on Corsair Avenue and built their perfect home. …He spoke emphatically..”Our family loves this town.I have always followed the politics of this town and watched the meetings. In 2006 we were sucker-punched by 2 commissioners now it is time to knock them out of the race If you are looking for the best party planner I am not that man. That should be left to the nonpolitical wonderful volunteers that we have in this town.I bring to the table 20 + years of owning and running a successful drywall contracting business. I also own an additional business that oversees Trust Properties throughout the State of Florida for many major National Banks, one of our key programs is the securing and protecting of these properties in the event of a major storm. We also perform post storm assessment and assistance.Our current commissioner are working for the politics and not the people. They have a set agenda, I don’t . That is a problem.When elected I will not bring problems to the dais I will bring solutions. This community can not sustain another 4 years if the current commissioners are re-elected. We need a common sense approach with a vision for tomorrow and for the future of this town. I can do that!”…
Candidate Edmund Malkoon-(pictured above)…
“Good evening. I am Edmund Malkoon. Happy Veterans day to our men and women who are and have served valiantly for our country. I want to thank our Mayor, Roseann Minnet. You truly are an inspiration to all of us. We have all seen the pounding you have taken on the dais these past two years. I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to get you reelected. I know I can count on your support as well. I also want to acknowledge Commissioner Dodd and everyone for coming tonight to lend their support. I want to thank Louis and Spiro for making their restaurant available, and Bob Fleishman and the board of directors of Unite Our Town for organizing this event.As you probably know, and until we hear otherwise, I am running for commissioner against Jerry McIntee. This has not been a snap decision on my part.”….He continued….” Even though I only registered and declared my candidacy a little over two months ago, I have been planning this race against him for more than a year now.I know there are some of you out there who may have reservations about my candidacy. You think I’m too soft-spoken and reserved to stand up to him, or that I don’t have the fire in my belly to win this race. Well let me tell you something. You’re wrong. I believe that I am exactly the candidate that people are looking for now to replace McIntee on the commission. Let me tell you why, For the past two months, I have been knocking on doors in neighborhoods throughout the town. The one thing I hear most often from people is that they are sick and tired of all the fighting on the dais. They don’t want another angry, domineering, disruptive bully like McIntee, who has a personal agenda and does not treat the people or our business community fairly. They don’t want another commissioner who is part of the old guard, the new guard or any guard.What they want is someone who is independent, someone who will listen to people, not talk down at them. They want someone who will treat people with honesty and respect, someone who will put the best interest of the town ahead of their own personal interests. That’s the kind of candidate I am, and that’s why people in every neighborhood are responding so positively to me when I tell them that I am running against McIntee. Understand, I know what I’m up against in this campaign. McIntee is a machine. He will be out there campaigning seven days a week, and he’ll promise people anything in order to get their votes. But I promise you this. No matter how hard he campaigns, I will be out there working twice as hard. I’ll knock on every door in town, and then I’ll go back and knock a second time and a third time. As your candidate, I owe that to you. I’ll put everything I can into this campaign, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by my effort. I will only ask that you work just as hard on my behalf as I will for you. In closing, let me say that there is nothing more important to me than beating McIntee and Silverstone and regaining control of our town. If you feel that I am the best candidate, then I will accept the challenge. I’m ready to go to battle with McIntee and I’m ready to win. I appreciate your support, and look forward to standing here four months from now as we celebrate the most important victory in the history of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea. Thank you!”
Candidate Scot Sasser-(pictured above with family)
” Hello, my name is Scot Sasser. Since I have not had the opportunity to speak directly to many of you I thought I would first introduce my family, give you some information regarding my background then answer a few of the important questions I know many of you have for me.” Scot introduced his family and provided some background …He is originally from Georgia and he and his wife Teresa have been married 19 years. I have been in banking for the past 23 years, specifically the Bankcard Industry. I have worked with and for the largest banks in the world including Chase. I have managed teams of over 100 people, built new businesses both national and international, managed business development enterprises and have and had P&L, budget and strategic planning responsibilities. I currently work for the nation’s largest private bank, First National Bank of Omaha running Strategic National and Mid-Market Business Development.”…He then took the opportunity to answer questions many had in the room being it was his first speech outside of stepping up to the podium for public comments at commission meetings in Jarvis Hall..”Why me? Why now? First and foremost, I wanted to take the time to make the right decision. I wanted to make sure that I would be able to put forth the effort that this town, you deserves. There is no way that I would run if I felt I would let you down in any way. In addition and in full disclosure I tried to talk myself out of this several times. Each time I felt I had succeeded I attended a town meeting and came out of each one feeling I had to run. The fact is, I just want to return a voice back to the people, bring good government back to this town and remove unethical, personal agendas from the dais. This is probably a good segue to the next question I know many of you have.What do I stand for? First and foremost I stand for a restoration of honesty, integrity and respect to our town government. Respect for other dais member. Respect for members of the public. Respect for conflicting opinion. I feel it is my obligation to serve not be served.”…He spoke of fiduciary responsibility…”These are difficult times for all of us. It’s not just about keeping tax millage rates even. It’s also about wasteful spending.” He gave some examples such as Two million dollars for a public safety building before selling other property a decision made unilaterally and too soon. Three hundred thousand for an early penalty on a loan payoff and commissioners voting for insurance, cell phones for themselves…On the subject of accountability…he brought up the need for oversight committees..and spoke also of ethics and transparency with “no more hidden agendas. Only Town Agendas.”…”In summary I want to return a sense of dignity and pride to our town. With the things already mentioned in place we can start to move beyond pettiness and discussions about Ordinances that are brought up for vote due to personal agendas and vendettas. You have met my family. You know we want to raise our children in a safe and hospitable place, a town that we can rear our children placing importance on getting involved in public service and giving back. Would any of you take their children or grandchildren to a Commission Meeting? My daughter works here, in this town, and I am concerned over the ugliness that will be revealed to her through this process but we have, as a family, endeavored to persevere for the better good. What better lesson can be taught? Truth be told, we are a town that is only 2 miles long. We should operate less like an organization and more like a town body. The body does not function properly without the full use of its members. Each of us is less effective without the full use of the others. We must return our true capabilities, not as a single candidate, but as a fully functioning body. Each doing their part and collaborating for the better good. I hope you will assist me in doing this. Thank you”
Athena-By-The-Sea’s “Elvis” and Athena owner Louis Marchelos (pictured above)…
The owner of Athena- By The Sea, Louis Marchelos came to the stage to say a few words about what brought this crowd to gather together this evening and to acknowledge what we are on the verge of in this town…a big win …In fact he added that “the decorations are not only for tonight because on March 9th we will have a victory party on election Night and will use all the decorations again!”… The whole place erupted in cheers!..
A perfect note to end on….Because after this night…after this turnout…after seeing and hearing these candidates…it looks like Louis will be using those decoration March 9th, 2010…for a crowd that will not only spill out onto the corner of A1A and Commercial Blvd…but that will most likely fill the streets with voters who cast their votes that day…..”UNITED FOR A POSITIVE CHANGE” in Lauderdale-By-The -Sea!…
And one things for sure …this writer will be there!!!!
more to come…
Tags: By The Sea Future Editor Mark Brown, Lauderdal By The Sea Unite Our Town Nov.11 2009 Fundraiser, Lauderdale By The Sea 2010 candidates for Commission Mayor Minnet-Ben Freeny-John Oughten-Chris Vincent-Edmund malkoon-Scot Sasser, Lauderdale By The Sea Athena By The Sea, Local Politics, Louis Marchelos, organizations, Scoops
