|
Linda Hughey |
|
|
From Where I’m Watching His Time is Over Fifteen years ago when the Palm Beach Gardens City Hall sat on top of the hill, Councilman Eric Jablin expressed a passion in his heart for the city and its residents. As I have watched closely over the years, even supporting Jablin in the past, the negative changes in him have become blatant. Today, that passion has moved from his heart and changed into greed and power in his hand and head. Jablin has become the poster child for why we need term limits. The changes at first were subtle but have become fodder for the gossip mill. Back in 2002, Jablin held signs outside a polling place for fellow council member David Clark. When Palm Beach Post writer, Tom Collins, tried to get his picture, Jablin hid the sign behind his back, knowing he was crossing the line. As the years moved forward, Jablin has tried to become more controlling of those around him, at times being the ultimate puppeteer. The strings tying him to developers, lobbyists, council members and others are quite a tangled web. But what’s the saying, “follow the money”? You’d be surprised where it might lead. The last 3 years have seen the darker side of Jablin, at times explosive. At the first candidate forum for this year, held at PGA National, Jablin exploded into a tirade against his opponent. At the recent Honda Classic event, Jablin, representing our fine city, pitched a fit because they didn’t have the blue-colored hat he wanted; embarrassing Mayor Russo and others. A PGA National resident was asked to hold a candidate debate to include Jablin, and his opponent, Jeff Miller, in his home. The audience had Miller to themselves, since Jablin chose not to attend, much to the chagrin of the host. Back when Mayor Russo, and former Council member Lauren Furtado supported the creation and work of “Gardens United”, Jablin worked to undermine their efforts. When Christ Fellowship Church sought to expand their campus, Jablin had his minions from the Northlake Boulevard Neighborhood Coalition to oppose the church, even though not all the neighborhoods on Northlake were represented. Last year, Joel Channing’s daughters asked the city to name a street after their father in honor of his birthday. Channing has been more than generous to the city and it would have been a fitting tribute. However, normally chummy, Jablin was on the outs with Channing at the time. So much so, that it was Russo presenting a key to the City to Channing at his party. Nothing was ever mentioned at a council meeting, so the rank and file residents were not afforded the opportunity to fete Channing. But within a short time Channing was back in Jablin’s good graces and Channing’s project behind the Doubletree Hotel was approved. Jablin supported the Landmark in Downtown at the Gardens, much to the dismay of residents. But speak of high -rises at Shoppes on the Greene, and Jablin takes on the “not in my back yard” mentality. At a recent candidate forum, Jablin promised, if reelected, one of the first things he would do is bring Ordinance 8, 2008 to the table and vote for it. This ordinance addresses height waivers. This ordinance and the ordinance regarding creating a community taxing district in Parcels 5A and 5B benefits developer Dan Catalfumo. After Riviera Beach didn’t hand over their oceanfront, Catalfumo has been trying to recover his assets in the Gardens. Apparently he’s found a friend in Jablin. Jablin missed the council meeting when this issue was scheduled, commenting the issue was nothing really. However, there are a lot of residents who feel it is a big deal, a very big deal; since it will change the city’s skyline if it is approved to Catalfumo and Jablin’s liking. The City of West Palm Beach may not be the only municipality with a “pay-to-play” perception. The annual Hanukkah party, per Jablin, is a private party the city allows but does not fund. However the city budget has funds noted for the event. Jablin says the city pays for the party and then is reimbursed by donors. Is this a special privilege just for Jablin or can all city residents hold parties and reimburse the city afterward? The event invitations went out to people as far away as Boca, but not all the residents of Gardens received an invitation. No one is saying who authorized and paid for the mailing, let alone who created the invitation list. Recently, a Palm Beach Post article addressed the investigation by the FBI into the relationship of County Commissioner Burt Aaronson, his film foundation, and trips received from supporters. Hopefully when the FBI finishes with the County, they’ll find time to investigate the connection between Palm Beach Gardens’ Art in Public Places and Jablin’s Palm Beach Gardens Cultural Art Society, founded and directed by Jablin. Checks have come into City Hall to Jablin. What’s that all about? The 501(c)3 entity , created 3-5 years ago, has many of the same names on it as seen on other Jablin projects. And what do the financial records show? Jablin’s disregard for Florida’s Sunshine Law is surpassed only by his “it’s my way or the highway” attitude. His reported discussions to turn over the City’s EMS services to the County have many on edge. The city’s residents enjoy some of the best response times in Florida. This change to County services could necessitate the closing of some of the fire stations, including the one at Frenchmen’s Reserve. Someone once admired for his dedication to the city, it is now time for Jablin to step aside and allow the city to come out from under his shadow. Recently, Jablin’s taken trips to St. Augustine to look at homes. I wish him well. Please exercise your hard-won right to vote on Tuesday, March 11. It is a privilege and a responsibility. |