Coronado Common Sense

Emergency Preparedness Seminar On April 14th For Cays Residents

 

The Coronado Cays Homeowner's Assoc. Safety Committee is presenting an Emergency Preparedness Seminar on April 14th, 2012 from 9:00am-11:00am in the Grand Caribe Room, 505 Grand Caribe Isle.

The purpose of the Seminar is to make residents of the Cays aware of potential disasters and how to prepare themselves and families in the event of a major disaster in the Cays.

Speakers will be: Chief Perry Peake, Coronado Fire Department; Ana Ortiz, American Red Cross and Susan Heavilin, CERT.  As well, Fred Brown, President of CERO and the Cays Radio Officer will be speaking about the communications system that has been established to keep us all informed during an emergency.

At the end of the seminar, a drawing will be held for two 72-hour survival kits.  Coffee and pastries will be served.

Please RSVP to Michelle Junet, (619) 429-9601 or michellejunet@att.net.

This might be the meeting that will save your life and that of your loved ones!!

Submitted by Michelle Junet

Breakdown Of A Planned Community

By Ella Croshier

March 8, 2012- The very essence of a Planned Community is that the property owner relinquishes some of his individual property rights to the collective will of the community as set down in the governing documents. The major advantage to this type of arrangement is the implied understanding of “What you see and what you like will stay that way”. However, some, even though they signed on to the rules of the Coronado Cays Planned Community, chose to find a way to get around the rules and with the cooperation of the HOA Board of Directors and the City of Coronado found a way to do it. However, like the “Sorcerer’s Apprentice” with no rules they have unleashed the destruction of the Planned Community.

It is interesting to note The Cays Architectural Committee is finally faced with a request they must reckon with due to exceeding their limitations. Paul and Jan Plotkin have requested approval for a complete teardown and rebuild of 13 Port of Spain Road, a single level end unit in a group of attached townhomes asking all correspondence be directed to attorney firm of Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith. Having lived in the Cays for 33 years and experienced the HOA process regarding construction changes they are aware their request is a first for a complete teardown/rebuild of an attached townhome. The Plotkins previously obtained approval to make construction changes to 17 and 19 Port of Spain, which they own and cite them as similar changes. Their request states the HOA BOD ‘Must” approve their request that the AECC has limited powers for design, materials and workmanship. The sequence of events changing “THY SHALT NOT BUILD into THOU SHALT BUILD" are as follows:

CCHOA Governing Documents did not permit expansions in several villages prior to adoption of the Specific Plan Ordinance adopted Dec. 2001.

Did the CCHOA BOD instead of denying individual requests to expand decide to investigate ways to allow major remodeling and reconstruction without a vote from Coronado Cays Homeowners as required by the Coronado Cays Governing Documents?

CCHOA BOD requested and received cooperation from City of Coronado to eliminate the Special Use Permit Agreement between the developer and the city prior to its expiration date of December 21, 2016.

The SUP or Special Use Permit was a document negotiated and agreed on between the City of Coronado and the developer of the Coronado Cays. The SUP contained land use, building codes, other regulations under which the Coronado Cays was developed.

Enforcement of the building codes was a Coronado Cays responsibility CITY OF CORONADO adopted Cays Specific Plan Ordinance December 2001.

The building codes contained in the Coronado Cays Specific Plan were the building codes contained in the previous Special Use Permit.

New building permits and code enforcement became the City of Coronado responsibility.

 

CCHOA adopted a resolution giving them power to make rules for construction changes.** Note

CCHOA BOD expands membership handbook, previously used as a quick reference to rules governing common grounds, etc., now used as a building construction code book.**Note

**These two BOD actions are difficult to understand after the adoption of The Coronado Cays Specific Plan and the City of Coronado assumed authority over building permits and codes.

 

Did the HOA BOD and Coronado City Council knowingly cooperate in a scheme to circumvent the Coronado Cays Governing Documents for the purpose of being able to make major construction changes on homes in the Coronado Cays Planned Community? Did they overreach their authority? Some homeowners believe it appears they did. Here is information for you to judge for yourself.

THOU SHALT NOT BUILD:

KRANZ LETTER:
April 30 2001 letter to City of Coronado City Manager Mark Ochenduszko re Specific Plan from Robert L. Kranz, General Manager Coronado Cays HOA (cc: Board of Directors)…

”Dear Mr. Ochenduszko…Attached is a resolution approved by the Association Board of Directors regarding the expansion of zero lot line houses. This issue has been discussed at several Board of Directors’ meetings. The intent is to allow zero lot line homes to be expanded only on the ground floor only. The Board does not want to allow second story additions because the inevitable effect that such expansions would have on neighbors…Please incorporate this language in the final draft of the Specific Plan as follows: “Any modification, addition, reconstruction or replacement of a home constructed utilizing the special side yard may be expanded only on the first floor and only within a rectangular area formed by a projection of the outer most exterior walls of the home as constructed by the original developer”…Sincerely, Robert L. Kranz, General Manager”.

SPECIFIC PLAN ORDINANCE - 90.10.100 (C) SPECIAL SIDE YARD…”Any modification, addition, reconstruction or replacement of a home constructed utilizing the special side yard may be expanded only on the first floor and only within a rectangular area formed by a projection of the outermost exterior walls of the home as constructed by the original developer”.

The Kranz letter clearly articulates the intent of the HOA BOD and their reason for THOU SHALT NOT BUILD in the four Village Residence Zones (Bahama, Trinidad, Jamaica, Port Royale. The City Council later approved an amendment to allow the Egret Model in Port Royale to reduce their required 10 foot side yard to six feet. No other changes were made.

THOU SHALT BUILD;
City of Coronado Mayor Tom Smisek, over loud objectio from many homeowners took the position that the city had always allowed second stories and disregarded the language in the City’s own Ordinance “only on the first floor and only within the outermost area formed by a projection of the outermost exterior walls of a home constructed by the original developer” declaring it was a matter of interpretation. Did Mayor Tom Smisek and the City Council need a dictionary of the English language or did they have an agenda?

Although the language has not changed except for the one amendment of which HOA members were not allowed to vote, the Coronado Cays AECC and HOA BOD and the City of Coronado have been approving expansions on zero lot line homes, townhomes, and condominiums on both first and second stories and in some cases even expanding the footprint on the first floor.

SPECIFIC PLAN GENERAL PROVISIONS – 90.10.100 (C) Effect: “These provisions with respect to the Coronado Cays constitute a comprehensive plan of development, control and regulation by the City of Coronado, except as may otherwise be provided herein The City of Coronado recognizes that a master planned community has been developed and that this specific plan is necessary to maintain the unique quality of the Cays, including the right to continue the land uses existing on the effective date of the plan codified in this title”.

THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT (January 21, 1968):
Does the “effect” of the SPECIFIC PLAN mean the “Cays right to continue land uses”…mean continuing land uses according to the building code in force in 1968 or the building code effective when the Specific Plan Ordinance became effective 2001?

The City of Coronado says they will approve permits approved by the HOA. The HOA BOD passed a resolution (Enactment of Rules) giving themselves the power to make construction rules for the Cays and put them in the Cays Hand Book, originally created as a quick reference for rules to manage the common grounds.

WHO AND WHY???
The HOA BOD requested the City of Coronado eliminate the Special Use Permit agreement between the developer and the City of Coronado and replace it with the Specific Plan Ordinance. The reason why is because the governing documents didn’t permit building expansions except for custom homes. The governing documents provides a process to make amendments by vote of the membership but they did not do that. The City of Coronado agreed to their request. Why??? Perhaps because it would bring in more tax dollars to the city from the increased square footage of the building expansions.

DID BOTH THE CITY AND THE HOA BOD OVERREACH???
The SUP was an agreement between the City of Coronado and the Developer. The Developer’s interest in the agreement INURED to the individual homeowner (not the HOA BOD). Any changes in the SUP agreement was to be determined by the City of Coronado and the homeowner (not the HOA BOD). The SUP was eliminated without a vote of the membership. The HOA BOD told the City Council they had the authority to speak for the homeowners. The HOA attorney confirmed their right referencing General Powers in the By-Laws.

COMES THE RECKONING
The Plotkin’s Plight…Having lived in the Cays 33 years, owned and made construction changes on two other townhomes, they are familiar with THOU SHALT NOT AND THOU SHALT. Had the SUP not been eliminated and the HOA BOD and the City of Coronado not decided to open up the Cays Planned Community to what has been described as a MAJOR LAND USE CHANGE the HOA wouldn’t have to be concerned with a possible law suit.

A LEG TO STAND ON:
Cays Specific Plan Ordinance:…Village Townhomes – 90.12.030 Development Standards state, “SINGLE-STORY TOWNHOUSES AS CONSTRUCTED BY THE ORIGINAL DEVELOPER CANNOT BE CONVERTED TO TWO STORIES. Call it what you want but a mezzanine is just another word for second story with a minor exception. The roof must be raised on the single level end unit and the increased size and appearance affects the compatability of design in the area. The HOA AECC should not recommend approval to the BOD. The HOA BOD should deny the Plotkin’s request.

A dictatorial governance is not what home owners expected when they bought into the Cays Planned Community. Extending special privilege to a few that negatively affects others is not what they had in mind. However, NIMBY syndrome prevails for those who are aware and do nothing to protest. Those who are unaware perhaps it’s time to get educated. It’s your community and your responsibility.

Letter to the Editor: Enjoying Time At Coronado Cays Dog Park

 

26 October 2011

Coronado Cays residents invited me to meet with them today at the Coronado Cays dog park. They are a strong community within our island community. I enjoyed spending a couple of hours here with Cays residents and their playful dogs . . .  listening to residents and answering questions about our city.


Councilwoman Barbara Denny

 

"Next Steps" After The June 8th Election

Before Jim Benson came out of retirement to become Coronado's interim City Manager, he was the Director of Engineering. During that time, he was the presenter for the Tunnel Workshop that took place on February 19th, 2009. That was a little over one year ago.

Below is Slide 14 of Mr. Benson's presentation on the SR 75/282 Transportation Corridor Project. This slide reviewed the "Next Steps" and it caught my attention because it is the 2010 year slide.

In case you missed it, I'd like to draw attention to the August 2010 entry . . . Council Select Preferred Alternative. My understanding of that text is if Prop H receives a favorable (YES) vote in the June 8th election, then the Council will choose which alternative will be selected. Five people will make a decision that will affect all Coronado residents.

I just thought that this was an interesting slide.

Letter to the Editor

WHEN IS A BUILDING CODE NOT A BUILDING CODE????

The answer is when it applies to the Planned Community of Coronado Cays.

Currently, building is proceding on zero lot line homes with second stories permitted by the City of Coronado.  The Coronado Cays Specific Plan Ordinance Section 90.10.100 states expansions are allowed only on the first floor and only within the outermost walls as constructed by the developer.  

The only decision by the Coronado City Council to modify the Ordinance was to allow the Egret Model in Port Royale Village to extend building four feet into the side yard, reducing the setback from 10 to 6 feet.

Because of the City Council’s erroneous misinterpretation of Ordinance (Coronado Cays Specific Plan (paragraph “C” 90.10.100), second story additions are being constructed on all models of zero lot line homes throughout Jamaica, Bahama, Trinidad and Port Royale, provided the 2nd story is moved back five (5) feet from the zero lot line.

The effect of this misinterpretation of the ordinance by the City Council is as follows:

1. Second stories are being allowed in all villages and for all model homes if moved back from the zero lot line.

2. Only the Egret model home (only in Port Royale Village) is allowed to expand 4 feet into side yard.

3. The expansion into side yards in all villages for all models of homes except for the Egret Model would be illegal!  It violates the building code!

4. The AEEC, a subcommittee of the Coronado Cays Home Owners Association, is requiring the building pad to be moved forward towards the street beyond the original footprint established by the developer. This is illegal!

5. All of the above violate the building code.

Members of the CCHOA discussed this with former Councilman Phil Monroe who lives in the Coronado Cays. They were told that the reason for changing to the Specific Plan from the SUP (Special Use Permit agreement between the city and HOA members) was to bring ENFORCEABILITY to the building regulations emanating from the powers vested in the City of Coronado. 

Although the Coronado Cays Home Owners Association is considered a quasi self-run entity, it still remains the duty and responsibility of the City of Coronado. This is because of the standards set forth in the Coronado Cays Specific Plan to carefully review the building code regulations (contained in the Specific Plan) and issue building permits which are in accordance with the regulations . . . and to deny those which are not.

Apparently the city is rubber-stamping any and all remodeling requests sent from the Cays. Why is this happening???

 

WHERE IS ALL THIS ENFORCABILITY??? 

The City Council has just appointed a new Residential Standards Improvement Procedure (RSIP) committee to study density and zoning in the city of Coronado.  Most of the people appointed have served on the previous RSIP committee.  Wouldn’t it be a good idea to include someone from the Cays on the RSIP committee?  The Coronado Cays are a part of the City.  Cays Homeowners are also citizens of Coronado.  Shouldn’t density and zoning be just as important in the Cays as in the Village???

Here’s some food for thought:  For years the only villages that permitted new and expanded construction were in the two villages of custom homes. They were not zero lot line homes. These villages are Green Turtle and Blue Anchor.  About 10 years ago, some who served on the Board of Directors investigated how to circumvent the rules, which resulted in the city eliminating the SUP agreement and creating a city ordinance.  Following that, the building and expansions began.  Objections by homeowners were ignored and shunned.  It became apparent the SUP was eliminated and the Specific Plan Ordinance created —to circumvent the governing documents of a Planned Community—to open it up to major land use changes.   The City Council was confronted with evidence to support the language and intent in the SUP, which was transferred into the Specific Plan City Ordinance. They ignored it and claimed the document needed clarification and decided that NO meant YES.  

The result of failure to follow the rules has resulted in many remodeling expansions approved by the City of Coronado. Some of which may be in violation of their own city ordinance and as a result is creating a major density problem on these zero lot line homes.  We have some new members on the City council; perhaps they will take it upon themselves to enforce the City Building Ordinance.  Coronado is a great place to live but unless we have leaders more interested in those who live here than investors and developers, it will become only a memory in years to come.  It’s never too late to do the right thing.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Ella Croshier

Cays Corner

Letter to the Editor

“Have a nice day” remarks in comments to my letter to the editor “Cays Planned Community” were very interesting.   However, I must have ruined Kyle Andrews’ day as he made several comments, some that were not printed due to their unacceptable content.  He suggested I contact him but he is not in the Coronado Phone Book.  Perhaps I will hear from Kyle and have the opportunity to change his mind by showing him supportive evidence.  He can then talk to that group of his friends he refers to and educate them on the truth of the matter.  In the meantime I hope to put Kyle’s mind at ease by letting him know every day is a nice day for me.

I very much appreciated the comment regarding an appointed City Attorney versus one elected by the citizens.  It is only natural the attorney doesn’t want to bite the hand that feeds him.  Perhaps the citizens will decide to elect their own City Attorney in the near future, I hope so.  That idea deserves some looking into.

My thanks to those who expressed their appreciation of the article in their comments on CCS and phone calls.  It is remarkable to learn just how many Cays homeowners have no clue about how all these building expansions have taken place in our planned community.  But then, when they learn that it all took place incrementally over a 10 year period they get the picture.  

The Public Hearing for eliminating the rule to prevent second story additions in Mardi Gras Village is scheduled to take place at the regular CCHOA meeting on September 24th.  Written notification of this hearing is supposed to be sent to each CCHOA member in the Cays 1198 living units.  Each and every owner should make an effort to be at this meeting and voice their opposition if they want to preserve their planned community.  Instead of architecturally-designed villages, they will be boxy mini-mansions with increased density far exceeding what is allowed in the “Village” of Coronado.  

The CCHOA Board of Directors are not concerned with the majority of people who purchased their home in the Cays Planned Community of “You Get What You See.” Rather they are affixed on opening up the planned community to a major land-use scheme in violation of the CCRs (governing documents) and the Specific Plan City Ordinance.  See you at the meeting. 

Ella Croshier

Cays Corner

Letter to the Editor

CORONADO CAYS – UNPLANNED COMMUNITY???

You bet it is.  And a few years down the pike you won’t recognize there ever was a plan.   You will begin to see expansions maximizing all possible space available on zero lot line homes.  The character and charm of these villages will be gone.

DENSITY will have increased many more times than that in the city of Coronado. These radical changes unheard of in a planned community will mean a loss in value of your home while developers buy up homes for sale to maximize their size and sell them for a profit. That’s what developers do.  Did you buy your home to be in the middle of a construction zone? Think about it because that’s what’s going on.  

I bought my home in the Cays over 30 years ago and my deed stated I was buying into a Planned Community Development governed by CCRs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions).  That I automatically became a member of a nonprofit Corporation entitled to one vote in the Association.  I read the CCRs and understood the zero lot line homes wouldn’t be expanded.  Whether you live in a zero lot line home or not, any construction changes in a Planned Community affects you and your way of life.  

As a Real Estate Professional I understood the governing documents promised me certain rights and protections to assure the Community I bought into would remain as it was except for minor changes. For many years, that was the case.  But it all changed due to a monumental plan hatched about 10 years ago to permit expansions on zero lot line homes not otherwise allowed.  This affects 5 out of 10 villages in the Cays.  

This whole scheme came about supposedly because some homeowners expressed a desire to the Home Owners’ Association (HOA) Board to expand their zero lot line homes.  Instead of advising them it was against the rules, the game plan began. The HOA Board of Directors and the City of Coronado conspired to find a way to circumvent the governing documents to make that possible.  Amending governing documents at that time required 75% yes votes from the membership and they knew that had no chance to pass.  

The plan required eliminating the SUP (Special Use Permit) and creating a Specific Plan Ordinance without the vote of the membership.  Inquiring homeowners were advised it was to eliminate unnecessary language beneficial only to the developer during the development stages and to make it easier for people who work with it on a daily basis. Of course that was a lie and the real reason was to expand those zero lot line homes.  Changes to the SUP required a court order. Changing an ordinance could be done by request. Big difference.

Homeowners objected to their Board of Directors. They were told it was a city ordinance and to go to the city.  The city, in turn, told them it’s an HOA issue and to take it to the HOA.  I believe that’s a prime example of the run around.

They succeeded in eliminating the SUP and creating the Specific Plan Ordinance. But the language remained the same, no expansions on zero lot line homes except only on the first floor and only within the outermost walls as constructed by the developer.  

When the city was confronted with these violations they had no place to hide so they trumped up a phony excuse that the language was not clear.  They insisted on changing the rules to fit the crime and continued to violate the ordinance.  How unethical is that? The language and intent was clear. They simply went along with the CCHOA Board of Directors who had previously approved the expansions.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. At the Thursday, July 23rd Regular HOA meeting, members found the HOA Board ready to adopt yet another resolution to eliminate another provision in the Specific Plan Ordinance. That provision prevents second story additions in Mardi Gras zero lot line condos.  They had not had the required member hearing and when it was brought to their attention, they postponed the meeting until Sept. 24, 2009. On that date, regardless of any protests, they will adopt the rule as planned.  Even so, each and every homeowner—whether in that village or not—should attend this meeting and object to violating the governing documents and the city ordinance. 

If the HOA Board of Directors have determined the Cays is no longer a planned community, don’t they owe members the courtesy to let them know how they gave themselves the power to speak for every member without their vote?  Don’t you think they should be able to tell you why they took it upon themselves to make such a determination?  If members no longer have the rights promised to them in their deeds and governing documents, why would they want to continue paying dues to support a Board of Directors and their hired General Manager? Those are my thoughts.  What are yours?

Ella Croshier

Cays Corner  

Channel Maintenance Law Suit

CAYS CORNER

By Ella Croshier

 

One very important issue affecting all homeowners is Channel Maintenance.  The city and HOA Board have been in negotiation settlement terms for over two years now. The next court date is scheduled for May 17th. Owners have yet to learn what to expect regarding their responsibility or how much they will be assessed.  Supposedly they will have an opportunity to vote.  Only The Shadow Knows what choices will be available to choose from. 

In 2001 when the Special Use Permit was replaced by the Specific Plan Ordinance, the Channel Maintenance portion was not included and still remains as a remnant left in the original SUP agreement expiring at the end of 2016. 

 

Had our HOA not filed a law suit against the city, perhaps the HOA and the City could have worked out an agreement whereby our HOA members who are directly affected would have equal access to the information.  It seems like the only ones put at a disadvantage, in not knowing what’s going on, are the homeowners.  Does this sound like some of that dictatorial takeover going on in our Federal Government?  You be the judge.

The price tag on this law suit should be a doozy.

Who Will Be Our New Councilmember?

CAYS CORNER

by Ella Croshier

Who will be elected in the June 2009 Special Election to fill the council seat left vacant by Casey Tanaka?  He gave it up to run for and was elected mayor of Coronado last November 2008.

With the March 6 deadline looming before us, only three people have filed to run for the balance of Tanaka’s term remaining.   Both Phil Monroe and Barbara Denny campaigned for office prior to last November election and have been pretty well introduced through media and public appearances.  New to the race is Jerry Mitchell. 

My words of wisdom previous stated, “Know your Candidates” still holds true.  And qualifications for good leaders still hold true.  I put my money on Barbara Denny before and I’m doing it again. Let me state here that I know well all three candidates.  Both Jerry Mitchell and Phil Monroe live in the Coronado Cays.

I have a problem with both Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Monroe regarding conflict of interest.  Mayor Casey Tanaka has advised that City Councilmembers pretty much decide for themselves when they should recuse themselves from voting. However, that doesn’t prevent them from “poisoning the well.” Forgive me if I seem overly suspicious.

Mr. Mitchell has stated that he thinks the Cays should be represented on the council.  Every citizen in Coronado is expected to be represented on the council.  He says he doesn’t feel he will have a conflict of interest. Mr. Mitchell has been involved in efforts to develop North Grand Caribe Isle and serves on that Coronado Cays Committee at this time.  The property is in the city of Coronado and leased from the Port Authority. Does that not pique your interest?  I won’t be voting for him. 

Mr. Monroe was on the City Council when our Special Use Permit Ordinance was eliminated and the Specific Plan Ordinance adopted in 2001. He served on the Coronado Cays Board of Directors and the City Council in 2002.  With the exception of Mr. Tanaka, the rest of the city council (including Mr. Monroe) supported efforts made by our HOA Board of Directors to change the Specific Plan Ordinance 90.10.100.  This allowed second story additions and expansions to be built on zero lot line homes. Cays owners, who realized what this was all about, objected! So the only change to the ordinance was a side yard reduction regarding the Egret Model found in Port Royale.  However, both the CCHO Board of Directors and the City continue approving building expansions on zero lot line homes, not only in Port Royale (the Egret Model) but in the other four villages of zero lot line homes, (Jamaica, Bahama, Trinidad and Port Royale).  Mr. Monroe strongly supported opening up our Cays Planned Community to major construction changes not allowed in our governing documents.  I won’t be voting for him.

I have closely observed these violations of both the CCHOA Board of Directors and the City of Coronado over the past few years. I will not support any of them who conspired to circumvent our governing documents and allow these building expansions to continue.    

I have found neither Phil Monroe or Jerry Mitchell deserving of my vote. I will be voting for good, honest leadership with no conflict of interests or personal agendas. I will be casting my vote for Barbara Denny and I hope you will, too.

Keep tuned for more to come. There is much more that has been hidden in the archives of the Coronado Cays that has not yet been exposed.

New City Council Candidates For June Election

CAYS CORNER

by Ella Croshier

 

Wow! It looks like there is going to be some hot and heavy campaigning going on to fill Mayor Tanaka’s vacated city council seat.  You recall the mayor said he felt it should be an elected person rather than an appointed one to be more fair.

Whispers abound that Phil Monroe is going to toss his hat in the ring, AGAIN.  He just doesn’t seem to get enough.  I don’t think Mayor Tanaka needs his help as he seems to be holding his own and doing a good job of it.  You know how it gets with too many chiefs and not enough Indians?  I thought Phil would be happy to hang it up and go golfing.  Must be that Ego thing. 

And, none other than Jerry Mitchell has indicated his desire to run.  What’s going on with these older guys?  Haven’t they heard about the “Golden years”?  Guess it’s hard to give it up after pushing it for so many years. 

Jerry lives in the Cays on the Point and is noted for his interest in development of North Grand Caribe Isle, a nice piece of terra firma that has interested many developers in the past.  Jerry serves on the North Grand Caribe Committee for the HOA and has all the latest scoop on the latest proposal.  Cays residents have been lucky for many years to get cooperation from the City of Coronado and Port Authority to prevent hotel projects in our residential community.  However, there is no guarantee that will remain the case.  I believe Jerry himself had an interest at one time.  The main objection of Cays residents is traffic that would be created in our residential neighborhood if a hotel type development took place there.  Don’t know who would want to build anything in this economy.  And, it looks like hotels are not doing a booming business.  It’s very possible that Jerry has just become attached to the matter since he has been so long involved in it. 

I am thinking Mayor Tanaka could use someone he can work well with and I am hoping to see Barbara Denny throw her hat in the ring again.  She is a smart lady, well educated and pleasant to work with.  She has a surprising background and knowledge that our city could use.  And—best of all—no personal agenda, no connection with builders.  How refreshing can that be?  She is a small person but she can hold her own on any level.  I am hoping to put my X next to Barbara’s name.  I believe she truly has our City’s interest at heart and for the people that live and pay taxes here.  My kinda gal.

Jerry has indicated we need someone from the Cays to represent us, or that’s what I heard.  And, it was suggested that it wouldn’t be a conflict of interest.  Well I say that all depends.  Phil Monroe and others who lived in the Cays felt they needed to recuse themselves in the past.  Mayor Tanaka says that decision is left up to the individual councilman.  Of course I don’t see whether it is important or not to recuse if you have already done the damage of poisoning the well and that too has been done in the past.

With all the corruption up and down the governmental landscape, we can only do the best possible to know our candidates and mark the X.  What they deliver is most generally not what was promised.  Look what’s happening in Washington with Obama.  He can’t seem to select anyone with clean skirts to serve in his cabinet.  And, I fear there will be many more. 

But what about all this free money?  Gosh, maybe Coronado can cash in.  We have the lobbyists working for us at considerable expense.  Perhaps they can pull some more rabbits out of the hat.  Think of all the unnecessary building projects  we could come up with like that life guard building on the beach. 

My apologies for being out of touch with Cays Corner News.  I have been busy gathering the harvest and will be spreading the word regularly.  I welcome comments and appreciate hearing from you. 

By the way don’t believe that old adage “No news is good news”.  That simply isn’t so. The better informed you are, the better able you are to make decisions.