Letters
As you will see below, several Hollywood residents wrote in response to our article about the recent failed attempt to require the CRA Directors to report to the City Manager.
From County Commissioner Sue Gunzburger
Commissioner Blattner's suggestion to put the CRA's under the city manager was sensible and reasonable. They certainly should adopt the same rules as the city does in spending its money. Competitive bidding must be the rule. Also spending should be within the standards set by the state. Most of all the budget needs careful review by the city manager and commission as its costs affect what is left for the rest of the city to spend. In these times of diminishing resources conservation of expenses is a must!
From James Bullock
It's unfortunate that four commissioners want to keep the CRA outside the City government structure; that said, it is not surprising that they want to preserve a structure which will foster give-aways and boondoggles. So many of us had hope for better.
From Ed Holodak
Dear Editor:
CRA CHANGES....seems a rather oxymoronic title, in truth - NOTHING has changed in Hollywood. As a candidate for office I participated in numerous debates, forums, and discussions regarding the need for change in Hollywood in general and in the CRA in particular. Two of the newly elected commissioners campaigned on this theme, one of whom beat me in the election, yet given their first opportunity to live up to their campaign promises, they failed.
They failed the citizens of Hollywood who elected them and the citizens of Hollywood who had no voice in their election; about the only people that seem to have benefited from their apparent change of heart, are those that like the status quo in Hollywood - the lobbyists and developers! New faces on the Commission has meant little change for Hollywood. The disappointment in palpable.
Would placing the two (2) CRA Directors under Cameron Benson's direct line of management solve all of the problems the CRA and Hollywood face? NO, but it would have been a shot over the bow of the Status Quo Ship that Hollywood perpetually represents. The move would have streamlined management, would have given the City Manager more control over spending, planning, coordination of the CRA and Hollywood development. Most importantly, it would have proven to the people of Hollywood that their elected officials had finally lived up to their campaign promises.
But alas, Hollywood is once again the home of status quo and broken campaign promises. I applaud Mayor Bober and Commissioners O'Sheehan and Blattner for attempting to make a difference in Hollywood and make change for the better. My disappointment with the newly elected commissioners is tremendous, one is my district commissioner, and the other was someone who campaigned on the same themes that I did - that Hollywood needed change, that the CRA was out of control, that it was time for new blood. The bodies have changed, but the blood coursing through them remains the same....too bad for Hollywood.
From Guillermo Cancio
Experience within the City of Hollywood, has shown that indeed, CRAs are a waste of taxpayers money. Consequently the two should be dissolved and their fancy and well paid managers sent packing. Probably it would not be a bad idea to initiate a campaign to do so. And if you have not perceived it, Sherwood and Asseff are more of the same. I have not heard a lot about Sherwood, but Asseff always got along very well with the well connected in Hollywood, including Giulianti et al. (See Hollywood Gazette). What a shame that we keep electing the same ... again and again. Bush league indeed.
From Cynthia Eason
Once again, you said it clearly & succinctly. Is anyone listening?
From Edward Tobey
Alan, Bernie, and Barbara still control the commission. I now believe Hollywood will never again be a city to be proud of. The new game is give one of the chosen few a pass and let them vote NO! The truth is that Hollywood's citizens really don't care. Truth be told, Peter Bober is not a strong enough person to control the big three! The current commission is more pro development than any former commission....
From Pete Brewer
I have read the County Auditor's June 19, 2003 Compliance Review of the Hollywood CRAs several times and I cannot believe his red flag concerns have not been heeded! After all of the recent meetings regarding the CRA Administration, one only has to read this review to know what is wrong.
1- The City of Hollywood and the County have created one CRA, but the city has established two separate trust funds for this agency. The County Auditor recommended that Hollywood use only one trust fund as required by the Florida Statues.
2- The County Auditor noted that a complete report of activities is required, with a financial statement setting forth the operating expenditures for the fiscal year. The report of activities should include sufficient information to enable the reader to ascertain that all expenditures are in compliance with the approved redevelopment plan. The Auditor noted that Hollywood CRA reports do not meet statutory standards.
3. The Auditor pointed out that Hollywood has established two separate offices and administrative staffs for its CRA, including two executive directors. He pointed out that Florida Statutes allow only a single executive director for a CRA.
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