Saturday, November 10, 2007
The Florida Times-Union: St. Johns to seek moratorium on northwest growth
The Florida Times-Union
November 5, 2007
St. Johns to seek moratorium on northwest growth
By PETER GUINTA,
St. Augustine Record
The St. Johns County Commission has told its legal staff to write an ordinance that would impose a growth moratorium on County Road 210 near Interstate 95.
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District 1 Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson said Friday that frequent and dangerous traffic backups at Interstate 95 and County Road 210 had become "insane" and that it was time to do something.
"That intersection has reached a critical point," Stevenson said. "(But) we still have projects coming. I would like to freeze things in place until we get a fix on the problem. This is a health, safety and welfare issue."
A moratorium would not affect projects already approved.
But it might delay the start dates of some projects, stop approval of new plans, prevent changes in land use amendments and prohibit major rezonings. It also might be possible to redirect local impact fees away from smaller roads and toward that intersection, Stevenson said.
County Administrator Michael Wanchick said, "(The wording of the ordinance) would depend at what stage in the development process we choose to act. That's part of the analysis we need to do."
Wanchick said he'd like to reach out and involve all "interested parties. We don't want to harm anybody, but we can't allow this condition to continue. It's a proactive, positive step if handled correctly."
The commission has often said the County Road 210 and I-95 intersection is the most dangerous in the county.
Stevenson said improvements are not just to speed commutes to work but to increase public safety.
In addition, repairs would also smooth hurricane evacuation and emergency services.
On weekday mornings, long lines of traffic stretches west from the intersection for 2 miles. Drivers wait up to 45 minutes to get onto I-95. In the evening, they return from Jacksonville and try to exit I-95 at 210.
But a long, slow queue forms, backing up into I-95, risking collisions.
Federal and state governments have provided little money to help, Stevenson said. Last year, U.S. Rep. John Mica, Republican Winter Park, found $3 million to lengthen the off-ramp, but there are still backups onto the interstate.
Commission Chairman Ben Rich said the county must reduce traffic pressure there,
"When does it get so dangerous that a worst-case disaster happens on I-95?" he said.
"Moratoriums are a tool that government uses when things aren't right. We can't keep adding to the problem," she said.
Vice Chairman Tom Manuel said the county's legal staff will first have to do a great deal of research on how this can be accomplished.
Public hearings will also have to be held before any measure is passed. "This is a very big legal issue," Manuel said.
County Attorney Patrick McCormack said a moratorium can't just be imposed and then forgotten.
"The county has to be actively working on solutions to the problem," he said.
Wanchick said it is a significant but necessary step. "It holds development in place for a period of time. It's not in anyone's interest for the situation to continue."
Already 60,000 homes are approved for construction in north St. Johns County, Stevenson said.
Some traffic relief may be on the way. Bartram Parkway's opening in February will give drivers a new route from Race Track Road to Old St. Augustine Road.
Also, the Department of Transportation is actively acquiring right of way for the new $1.8 million river crossing bridge, which will have a clover- leaf at I-95.
"Right now, 40 percent of the traffic on State Road 16, International Golf Parkway and C.R. 210 comes from Clay County," Stevenson said.
On the down side, though, the Twin Creeks project is stalled. The developer of Twin Creeks has a multi-million-dollar road-building agreement with the county on County Road 210's eastern leg.
If that does not happen, the county may have to pay for that connector.
"What I don't want is for this (moratorium) to have a chilling effect (on development) in the Northern Development Area," Stevenson said. "There is plenty of vested land with concurrency that is approved."
This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/110507/met_215050130.shtml.
November 5, 2007
St. Johns to seek moratorium on northwest growth
By PETER GUINTA,
St. Augustine Record
The St. Johns County Commission has told its legal staff to write an ordinance that would impose a growth moratorium on County Road 210 near Interstate 95.
--------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------
District 1 Commissioner Cyndi Stevenson said Friday that frequent and dangerous traffic backups at Interstate 95 and County Road 210 had become "insane" and that it was time to do something.
"That intersection has reached a critical point," Stevenson said. "(But) we still have projects coming. I would like to freeze things in place until we get a fix on the problem. This is a health, safety and welfare issue."
A moratorium would not affect projects already approved.
But it might delay the start dates of some projects, stop approval of new plans, prevent changes in land use amendments and prohibit major rezonings. It also might be possible to redirect local impact fees away from smaller roads and toward that intersection, Stevenson said.
County Administrator Michael Wanchick said, "(The wording of the ordinance) would depend at what stage in the development process we choose to act. That's part of the analysis we need to do."
Wanchick said he'd like to reach out and involve all "interested parties. We don't want to harm anybody, but we can't allow this condition to continue. It's a proactive, positive step if handled correctly."
The commission has often said the County Road 210 and I-95 intersection is the most dangerous in the county.
Stevenson said improvements are not just to speed commutes to work but to increase public safety.
In addition, repairs would also smooth hurricane evacuation and emergency services.
On weekday mornings, long lines of traffic stretches west from the intersection for 2 miles. Drivers wait up to 45 minutes to get onto I-95. In the evening, they return from Jacksonville and try to exit I-95 at 210.
But a long, slow queue forms, backing up into I-95, risking collisions.
Federal and state governments have provided little money to help, Stevenson said. Last year, U.S. Rep. John Mica, Republican Winter Park, found $3 million to lengthen the off-ramp, but there are still backups onto the interstate.
Commission Chairman Ben Rich said the county must reduce traffic pressure there,
"When does it get so dangerous that a worst-case disaster happens on I-95?" he said.
"Moratoriums are a tool that government uses when things aren't right. We can't keep adding to the problem," she said.
Vice Chairman Tom Manuel said the county's legal staff will first have to do a great deal of research on how this can be accomplished.
Public hearings will also have to be held before any measure is passed. "This is a very big legal issue," Manuel said.
County Attorney Patrick McCormack said a moratorium can't just be imposed and then forgotten.
"The county has to be actively working on solutions to the problem," he said.
Wanchick said it is a significant but necessary step. "It holds development in place for a period of time. It's not in anyone's interest for the situation to continue."
Already 60,000 homes are approved for construction in north St. Johns County, Stevenson said.
Some traffic relief may be on the way. Bartram Parkway's opening in February will give drivers a new route from Race Track Road to Old St. Augustine Road.
Also, the Department of Transportation is actively acquiring right of way for the new $1.8 million river crossing bridge, which will have a clover- leaf at I-95.
"Right now, 40 percent of the traffic on State Road 16, International Golf Parkway and C.R. 210 comes from Clay County," Stevenson said.
On the down side, though, the Twin Creeks project is stalled. The developer of Twin Creeks has a multi-million-dollar road-building agreement with the county on County Road 210's eastern leg.
If that does not happen, the county may have to pay for that connector.
"What I don't want is for this (moratorium) to have a chilling effect (on development) in the Northern Development Area," Stevenson said. "There is plenty of vested land with concurrency that is approved."
This story can be found on Jacksonville.com at http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/110507/met_215050130.shtml.
Letter: The beautiful views you may save may be your own March 18, 2001
Letter: The beautiful views you may save may be your own
Edward A. Slavin Jr.
St. Augustine
Local forests are under siege, destroyed before our eyes. Why was a beautiful spot once covered by woods (the northwest corner of state roads 312 and A1A) denuded by bulldozers, destroyed to erect yet another you-store-it business -- tacky and unshielded by trees, which landowners unwisely wiped out? Why did the county, leasing Anastasia state park lands, destroy five to 10 acres of trees and wildlife habitat for no good reason, without fine, firing, penalty or lease cancellation? Why did ''nonprofit'' Flagler Hospital destroy its beautiful trees for yet another parking lot? Do some businesses have a libido for the ugly? When will the orgy of tree killing and billboards stop? Who thinks it attracts tourists? Who is made happy by it? Who profits from wanton destruction of natural beauty and pleasures?
Where else are artists, musicians and entertainers hounded by police and banned from a pedestrian-only street, their free speech rights repeatedly censored on government orders, backed with arrests and the awesome power of the state? Communist China? Cuba? Horse-drawn carriages slow down automobile traffic on St. Augustine's major streets, with no complaint from self-aggrandizing burghers who ban artists from no-auto St. George Street.
Lincoln took ''public opinion baths,'' listening to Americans. Why are local citizens limited to three-minute statements, while loquacious developers' (and censors') time is effectively unlimited? Elsewhere, citizens speak and question freely. Here, citizens are too often rudely cut off. Why?
Why did County Commission's Nocatee weekday hearings commence at 1:30 p.m.? Why are most government meetings during workdays, preventing most from attending? Elsewhere, meetings are at night to make it easier for citizens to participate.
First, commissioners approved the unwanted new Nocatee city. Then, to ''protect'' the public, St. Johns County Commission passed an unwanted ''leash law'' to keep any dog anywhere from running around without a leash -- even on the beach at midnight in winter. Local ''hassle you'' governments too often let forest-killing developers have their way, while other citizens are pestered. This may violate equal protection.
Commissioners voted to leash the wrong citizens. There is a problem here with unfettered developers, not dogs. In approving Nocatee, the commission accepted assurances about the Davis family's goodness, refusing to ''look a (supposed) gift horse in the mouth.'' A Jacksonville weekly newspaper (''Folio Weekly'') has reported without contradiction that the Davis family's Dee-Dot Ranch sold land to the state of Florida, which turns out to be contaminated with illegally dumped toxic waste from dry cleaners, laboratories, metal and plastic manufacturing -- petrochemical poisons, solvents and heavy metals. If three unwise commissioners had not rushed to approve Nocatee Feb. 23, the results of investigations of toxic dumping on Davis family land might have been discussed.
Let's ''leash'' tree-killing developers -- let's ''curb'' and ''collar'' their power to destroy and uglify St. Augustine and St. Johns County and our natural heritage. Register and vote. The beautiful views (and cherished freedoms) you save may be your own.
Edward A. Slavin Jr.
St. Augustine
Local forests are under siege, destroyed before our eyes. Why was a beautiful spot once covered by woods (the northwest corner of state roads 312 and A1A) denuded by bulldozers, destroyed to erect yet another you-store-it business -- tacky and unshielded by trees, which landowners unwisely wiped out? Why did the county, leasing Anastasia state park lands, destroy five to 10 acres of trees and wildlife habitat for no good reason, without fine, firing, penalty or lease cancellation? Why did ''nonprofit'' Flagler Hospital destroy its beautiful trees for yet another parking lot? Do some businesses have a libido for the ugly? When will the orgy of tree killing and billboards stop? Who thinks it attracts tourists? Who is made happy by it? Who profits from wanton destruction of natural beauty and pleasures?
Where else are artists, musicians and entertainers hounded by police and banned from a pedestrian-only street, their free speech rights repeatedly censored on government orders, backed with arrests and the awesome power of the state? Communist China? Cuba? Horse-drawn carriages slow down automobile traffic on St. Augustine's major streets, with no complaint from self-aggrandizing burghers who ban artists from no-auto St. George Street.
Lincoln took ''public opinion baths,'' listening to Americans. Why are local citizens limited to three-minute statements, while loquacious developers' (and censors') time is effectively unlimited? Elsewhere, citizens speak and question freely. Here, citizens are too often rudely cut off. Why?
Why did County Commission's Nocatee weekday hearings commence at 1:30 p.m.? Why are most government meetings during workdays, preventing most from attending? Elsewhere, meetings are at night to make it easier for citizens to participate.
First, commissioners approved the unwanted new Nocatee city. Then, to ''protect'' the public, St. Johns County Commission passed an unwanted ''leash law'' to keep any dog anywhere from running around without a leash -- even on the beach at midnight in winter. Local ''hassle you'' governments too often let forest-killing developers have their way, while other citizens are pestered. This may violate equal protection.
Commissioners voted to leash the wrong citizens. There is a problem here with unfettered developers, not dogs. In approving Nocatee, the commission accepted assurances about the Davis family's goodness, refusing to ''look a (supposed) gift horse in the mouth.'' A Jacksonville weekly newspaper (''Folio Weekly'') has reported without contradiction that the Davis family's Dee-Dot Ranch sold land to the state of Florida, which turns out to be contaminated with illegally dumped toxic waste from dry cleaners, laboratories, metal and plastic manufacturing -- petrochemical poisons, solvents and heavy metals. If three unwise commissioners had not rushed to approve Nocatee Feb. 23, the results of investigations of toxic dumping on Davis family land might have been discussed.
Let's ''leash'' tree-killing developers -- let's ''curb'' and ''collar'' their power to destroy and uglify St. Augustine and St. Johns County and our natural heritage. Register and vote. The beautiful views (and cherished freedoms) you save may be your own.
Letter: Nocatee plan threatens safe hurricane evacuations (February 10, 2001)
Letter: Nocatee plan threatens safe hurricane evacuations
Edward A. Slavin Jr.
St. Augustine
Over 6000 residents of Galveston Island, Texas, lost their lives in the 1900 hurricane. Weather radar now provides advance warnings, allowing island/coastal residents to evacuate. Let's not thwart hurricane emergency planning, putting lives at risk.
Who wants to realign State Road 210? The Davis Family (Winn-Dixie founders) and PARC Group, developers of proposed Nocatee, a ''new town'' (in reality a two-county city with 15,000 homes, over 38,000 people, and millions of square feet of commercial space). They could easily block evacuation routes for Ponte Vedra, Palm Valley and other communities. Their notion of building Nocatee hurricane ''safe-rooms'' close to sea level is, at best, facetious. Safe rooms (useful in tornadoes) would not change the fact that Nocatee's ill-advised location endangers evacuation of coastal communities, residents of which are at risk and may need to evacuate to Interstate 95 in hurricanes.
Long Island Electric Company wasted $6 billion on its Shoreham, N.Y., nuclear power plant without an effective evacuation plan. Effective evacuation of Long Island is impossible due to the isolated nature of islands (bottlenecks getting to the mainland) and population growth. Shoreham was scrapped and ratepayers were forced to pay higher rates due to one company's reckless excuse for ''planning.'' Tens of millions of dollars were spent on evacuation plan litigation. Counties won their fight to protect citizens and property against LILCO's poor planning. Will PARC Group leave St. Johns County holding the bag for Nocatee?
Hurricane Floyd wrought the largest peacetime evacuation in American history. Even with four lanes, if State Road 210 is realigned through Nocatee's ''Town Center,'' Nocatee could cause a Galveston-style hurricane disaster. Nocatee should be rejected due to its badly located built-up ''Town Center'' area, which would impede evacuation in the event of a hurricane, threatening a public nuisance. If people are someday stranded in the middle of a hurricane because of heedless greed, we will rue the day if one family had its way.
The truth must be heard: The Record should fully inform us about costs, benefits and conflicts of interest.
Nocatee should be shelved as a reckless, bad plan -- second rate, shoddy and irrational -- as shown by thwarting effective evacuation of Ponte Vedra and other island communities, whose residents may be required to ''drive to I-95 to stay alive.'' We can't afford the risk to lives and property, landscape and wildlife, bears and wetlands. You might wish to tell your local Winn-Dixie managers what you think of the proposed city of Nocatee. Ask them to share your thoughts with the Davises.
Nocatee's economics may no longer be attractive in a recession and after Congress enacts President Bush's proposed income tax cuts and estate tax repeal. The Davises might wish to consider donating some of their beautiful family land for a park (including Nocatee and the D-Dot Ranch), instead of threatening evacuation and overdevelopment nightmares for generations to come.
(c) St. Augustine Record 2001
Edward A. Slavin Jr.
St. Augustine
Over 6000 residents of Galveston Island, Texas, lost their lives in the 1900 hurricane. Weather radar now provides advance warnings, allowing island/coastal residents to evacuate. Let's not thwart hurricane emergency planning, putting lives at risk.
Who wants to realign State Road 210? The Davis Family (Winn-Dixie founders) and PARC Group, developers of proposed Nocatee, a ''new town'' (in reality a two-county city with 15,000 homes, over 38,000 people, and millions of square feet of commercial space). They could easily block evacuation routes for Ponte Vedra, Palm Valley and other communities. Their notion of building Nocatee hurricane ''safe-rooms'' close to sea level is, at best, facetious. Safe rooms (useful in tornadoes) would not change the fact that Nocatee's ill-advised location endangers evacuation of coastal communities, residents of which are at risk and may need to evacuate to Interstate 95 in hurricanes.
Long Island Electric Company wasted $6 billion on its Shoreham, N.Y., nuclear power plant without an effective evacuation plan. Effective evacuation of Long Island is impossible due to the isolated nature of islands (bottlenecks getting to the mainland) and population growth. Shoreham was scrapped and ratepayers were forced to pay higher rates due to one company's reckless excuse for ''planning.'' Tens of millions of dollars were spent on evacuation plan litigation. Counties won their fight to protect citizens and property against LILCO's poor planning. Will PARC Group leave St. Johns County holding the bag for Nocatee?
Hurricane Floyd wrought the largest peacetime evacuation in American history. Even with four lanes, if State Road 210 is realigned through Nocatee's ''Town Center,'' Nocatee could cause a Galveston-style hurricane disaster. Nocatee should be rejected due to its badly located built-up ''Town Center'' area, which would impede evacuation in the event of a hurricane, threatening a public nuisance. If people are someday stranded in the middle of a hurricane because of heedless greed, we will rue the day if one family had its way.
The truth must be heard: The Record should fully inform us about costs, benefits and conflicts of interest.
Nocatee should be shelved as a reckless, bad plan -- second rate, shoddy and irrational -- as shown by thwarting effective evacuation of Ponte Vedra and other island communities, whose residents may be required to ''drive to I-95 to stay alive.'' We can't afford the risk to lives and property, landscape and wildlife, bears and wetlands. You might wish to tell your local Winn-Dixie managers what you think of the proposed city of Nocatee. Ask them to share your thoughts with the Davises.
Nocatee's economics may no longer be attractive in a recession and after Congress enacts President Bush's proposed income tax cuts and estate tax repeal. The Davises might wish to consider donating some of their beautiful family land for a park (including Nocatee and the D-Dot Ranch), instead of threatening evacuation and overdevelopment nightmares for generations to come.
(c) St. Augustine Record 2001
KUDOS TO FLAGLER COLLEGE
KUDOS TO FLAGLER COLLEGE for recognizing Club Unity (see below).
It's about time. Now Flagler College can see about starting a law school, the sine qua non of which is complying with the American Bar Association accreditation Standards for Approval of Law Schools, which bar anti-Gay and other forms of invidious discrimination.
I hope that Flagler College soon grants tenure to experienced faculty and encourages faculty and other employees to form free democratic trade unions with collective bargaining.
It's about time. Now Flagler College can see about starting a law school, the sine qua non of which is complying with the American Bar Association accreditation Standards for Approval of Law Schools, which bar anti-Gay and other forms of invidious discrimination.
I hope that Flagler College soon grants tenure to experienced faculty and encourages faculty and other employees to form free democratic trade unions with collective bargaining.
Club Unity gets OK from Flagler
Club Unity gets OK from Flagler
From staff
Publication Date: 11/07/07
Flagler President Bill Abare approved on appeal the application of Club Unity, a club that aims to create a supportive environment for the gay, lesbian and transsexual community. The club had previously been denied by Dean of Student Services Daniel Stewart, who said "(The club's) purpose does not fall within the realm of the mission of the college." The club appealed, and on Oct. 29 Abare approved the club and sent a letter to Chris Lauth, Club Unity's executive director, according to an article in Flagler's Gargoyle newspaper. Lauth was not available for comment, but sophomore Bobby Webb of Wallingford, Pa., a member of Change Flagler College, an advocacy group at the school, said, "We're excited, really excited. Surprised, very surprised. It's definitely a step forward." According to the club's Web site, flaglerclubunity.tripod.com, board members will meet in the upcoming weeks to plan for their first official meeting. It also says, "Special thanks to all of our supporters and Dr. Abare for standing up and making the right decision." Renditions of the club have been attempting to get approval since 2004.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/110707/news_stories_007.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
From staff
Publication Date: 11/07/07
Flagler President Bill Abare approved on appeal the application of Club Unity, a club that aims to create a supportive environment for the gay, lesbian and transsexual community. The club had previously been denied by Dean of Student Services Daniel Stewart, who said "(The club's) purpose does not fall within the realm of the mission of the college." The club appealed, and on Oct. 29 Abare approved the club and sent a letter to Chris Lauth, Club Unity's executive director, according to an article in Flagler's Gargoyle newspaper. Lauth was not available for comment, but sophomore Bobby Webb of Wallingford, Pa., a member of Change Flagler College, an advocacy group at the school, said, "We're excited, really excited. Surprised, very surprised. It's definitely a step forward." According to the club's Web site, flaglerclubunity.tripod.com, board members will meet in the upcoming weeks to plan for their first official meeting. It also says, "Special thanks to all of our supporters and Dr. Abare for standing up and making the right decision." Renditions of the club have been attempting to get approval since 2004.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/110707/news_stories_007.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
Letter: College should explain Unity Club status
Letter: College should explain Unity Club status
Melissa Wos
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 04/23/07
Editor: Recently a group of students attempted to get a club approved at Flagler College. The club was called Unity and was meant to bring together the gay and straight students in an alliance. This group has been trying to get approved by the administration for more than five years and has yet to get passed by the dean and president of the college.
I am writing to you as a plea to help these kids get recognized. The administration at Flagler College has stated that it is "not ready" for a club such as this on at Flagler even though more than 200 students signed a petition to get the group approved.
I ask that maybe someone can interview the president or dean of Flagler College in an attempt to shed some light on the ridiculous nature of their decisions to ostracize the gay student population.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/042307/opinions_4545557.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
Melissa Wos
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 04/23/07
Editor: Recently a group of students attempted to get a club approved at Flagler College. The club was called Unity and was meant to bring together the gay and straight students in an alliance. This group has been trying to get approved by the administration for more than five years and has yet to get passed by the dean and president of the college.
I am writing to you as a plea to help these kids get recognized. The administration at Flagler College has stated that it is "not ready" for a club such as this on at Flagler even though more than 200 students signed a petition to get the group approved.
I ask that maybe someone can interview the president or dean of Flagler College in an attempt to shed some light on the ridiculous nature of their decisions to ostracize the gay student population.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/042307/opinions_4545557.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
Guest Column: Club Unity belongs on college campus
Guest Column: Club Unity belongs on college campus
ERIC WALDRON
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 04/22/07
You could spend an awful lot of time debating the ethical implications surrounding the Flagler College administration's decision to edit -- and ultimately censor -- a story in its publication, The Gargoyle, concerning "Club Unity," a thinly-veiled Gay-Straight Alliance. The constant battle of whether the paper is a journalistic instrument or a public relations mouthpiece of the college will rage on far beyond this scrimmage.
Regardless of one's opinion of the apparent totalitarian actions of the administration, the real issue at hand is the blatant homophobia in the office of Student Services and the President's Cabinet. By once again delaying and -- probably -- denying a student organization that would serve both the gay and straight communities at Flagler College, the administration is making prejudice policy and discrimination decree.
As a president's Council Scholar, who graduated last week, I am outraged.
In an interview with The Gargoyle, Dean Stewart -- without a spokesperson after his last verbal blunder concerning a previously proposed Gay-Straight Alliance caused uproar in local media -- said he thought such a club conflicted with the college's conservative mission.
Interestingly enough, around the same time the proposed "Club Unity" was submitted for approval, clubs for philatelists and outdoor enthusiasts both sailed through administrative offices. Evidently, peeling previously-licked stamps off old envelopes and circumnavigating Anastasia Island in your kayak fit right in with Flagler's dry campus and no inter-dorm-visitation policies. One might argue a lack of inter-dorm visitation encourages homosexuality but, alas, I digress.
For a liberal arts college without any official religious affiliation, Flagler currently boasts no less than four Christian clubs, including the evangelist Campus Crusade for Christ whose mission statements includes to give others "a new life in Christ." As an openly gay and proudly Jewish student, I do not feel a warm invitation to any of them.
While it is a tragedy that a college Gay-Straight Alliance would have to masquerade as "Club Unity" so the name wouldn't offend school officials administering approval status, the goals are still important to our college community.
Organizations like Flagler's proposed "Club Unity," by any other name, have existed in other schools around the world for decades, helping to provide a supportive environment where students, regardless of sexuality, can grow stronger -- academically, socially and personally -- to better participate in a diverse world. Everyone -- from students to administrators to faculty -- should thrive in an educational environment free from discrimination.
Countless well-renowned educational organizations, such as the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors, all support the goals and ideals of Gay-Straight Alliances. Why can't Flagler College's administration?
Why do President (William) Abare and Dean (Dan) Stewart then insist on institutionalizing injustice and alienating a large proportion of Flagler's student body?
In the wake of public outrage over verbal assaults by actor Isaiah Washington and columnist Ann Coulter on the gay community, it has become very clear that a majority of Americans feel homophobia has no place in society. Washington came out with a statement apologizing for his comments and checked himself into rehab. It seems pretty trendy.
Eric Waldron graduated last week from Flagler College. He says he is not affiliated with Club Unity or the Gargoyle.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/042207/opinions_4531702.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
ERIC WALDRON
St. Augustine
Publication Date: 04/22/07
You could spend an awful lot of time debating the ethical implications surrounding the Flagler College administration's decision to edit -- and ultimately censor -- a story in its publication, The Gargoyle, concerning "Club Unity," a thinly-veiled Gay-Straight Alliance. The constant battle of whether the paper is a journalistic instrument or a public relations mouthpiece of the college will rage on far beyond this scrimmage.
Regardless of one's opinion of the apparent totalitarian actions of the administration, the real issue at hand is the blatant homophobia in the office of Student Services and the President's Cabinet. By once again delaying and -- probably -- denying a student organization that would serve both the gay and straight communities at Flagler College, the administration is making prejudice policy and discrimination decree.
As a president's Council Scholar, who graduated last week, I am outraged.
In an interview with The Gargoyle, Dean Stewart -- without a spokesperson after his last verbal blunder concerning a previously proposed Gay-Straight Alliance caused uproar in local media -- said he thought such a club conflicted with the college's conservative mission.
Interestingly enough, around the same time the proposed "Club Unity" was submitted for approval, clubs for philatelists and outdoor enthusiasts both sailed through administrative offices. Evidently, peeling previously-licked stamps off old envelopes and circumnavigating Anastasia Island in your kayak fit right in with Flagler's dry campus and no inter-dorm-visitation policies. One might argue a lack of inter-dorm visitation encourages homosexuality but, alas, I digress.
For a liberal arts college without any official religious affiliation, Flagler currently boasts no less than four Christian clubs, including the evangelist Campus Crusade for Christ whose mission statements includes to give others "a new life in Christ." As an openly gay and proudly Jewish student, I do not feel a warm invitation to any of them.
While it is a tragedy that a college Gay-Straight Alliance would have to masquerade as "Club Unity" so the name wouldn't offend school officials administering approval status, the goals are still important to our college community.
Organizations like Flagler's proposed "Club Unity," by any other name, have existed in other schools around the world for decades, helping to provide a supportive environment where students, regardless of sexuality, can grow stronger -- academically, socially and personally -- to better participate in a diverse world. Everyone -- from students to administrators to faculty -- should thrive in an educational environment free from discrimination.
Countless well-renowned educational organizations, such as the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors, all support the goals and ideals of Gay-Straight Alliances. Why can't Flagler College's administration?
Why do President (William) Abare and Dean (Dan) Stewart then insist on institutionalizing injustice and alienating a large proportion of Flagler's student body?
In the wake of public outrage over verbal assaults by actor Isaiah Washington and columnist Ann Coulter on the gay community, it has become very clear that a majority of Americans feel homophobia has no place in society. Washington came out with a statement apologizing for his comments and checked himself into rehab. It seems pretty trendy.
Eric Waldron graduated last week from Flagler College. He says he is not affiliated with Club Unity or the Gargoyle.
Click here to return to story:
http://staugustine.com/stories/042207/opinions_4531702.shtml
c The St. Augustine Record
Sunday, November 04, 2007
The Congressman Who Helps St. Augustine City Hall's Mistakes
Rep. JOHN MICA's office brags on getting $1.3 million for our $22 parking garage.
We don't need federal funds for a WHite Elephant unadorned by any transit component like the trolley car system we had here in 1928.
MICA's office ignored Lincolnville community leader Peter Romano's trolley car proposal.
MICA has never responded to inquiries on the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Highway.
Rep. MICA's office also brags on trying to get federal funds to repair the roof on St. Augustine City Hall.
City Manager WILLIAM HARRISS' mistakes require federal bailouts. Get it?
Now if Rep. MICA would only support the St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Highway, he'd be helping our community instead of empowering the ancien regime's waste, fraud, abuse, misfeasance, malfeasance, nonfeasance and sloth.
See below.
Rep. JOHN MICA Seeks Federal Funds for St. Augustine City Hall
Rep. JOHN MICA Seeks Federal Funds for St. Augustine City Hall
Seventh Congressional District Rep. JOHN MICA brags of working to bring federal funds to pay for St. Augustine's neglected City Hall roof, for which a grant deadline was missed by City Manager WILLIAM HARRISS, who formerly employed a nephew to work on federal grants. MICA empowers our City of St. Augustine's mismanagement, waste, fraud, abuse and corruption. Rather than answer public questions about its waste, St. Augustine rubber-stamped City Manager WILLIAM HARRISS' bloated City budget. Now St. Augustine wants a federal bailout.
MICA's concerned about sand eroding in front of Ponte Vedra mansions. Meanwhile, MICA voted against the SCHIP children's health care program and voted against raising the federal minimum wage (less than 1/4 of the House of Representatives joined him). MICA pushes for earmarks for favored government contracts.
This Bush toady has his priorities straight from the GOP playbook: class warfare. Government only exists, in MICA's view, to fatten his campaign contributors, whether with government contractors or Ponte Vedra beachfront mansion owners (the sort who think they own the beach and persuaded Republican county commissioners to deed them back the county right-of-way without charge to keep surfers out..
As former Senator Gary W. Hart said, "you won't get the federal government off your back until you get your hands out of its pockets."
Republicans were once fiscal conservatives. MICA's been dancing the pork barrel polka long enough -- anyfederal funds for the St. Augustine City Hall should come with strings, e.g., as part of a St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Highway.
Let's not reward WILLIAM HARRISS' waste with an earmark.
Seventh Congressional District Rep. JOHN MICA brags of working to bring federal funds to pay for St. Augustine's neglected City Hall roof, for which a grant deadline was missed by City Manager WILLIAM HARRISS, who formerly employed a nephew to work on federal grants. MICA empowers our City of St. Augustine's mismanagement, waste, fraud, abuse and corruption. Rather than answer public questions about its waste, St. Augustine rubber-stamped City Manager WILLIAM HARRISS' bloated City budget. Now St. Augustine wants a federal bailout.
MICA's concerned about sand eroding in front of Ponte Vedra mansions. Meanwhile, MICA voted against the SCHIP children's health care program and voted against raising the federal minimum wage (less than 1/4 of the House of Representatives joined him). MICA pushes for earmarks for favored government contracts.
This Bush toady has his priorities straight from the GOP playbook: class warfare. Government only exists, in MICA's view, to fatten his campaign contributors, whether with government contractors or Ponte Vedra beachfront mansion owners (the sort who think they own the beach and persuaded Republican county commissioners to deed them back the county right-of-way without charge to keep surfers out..
As former Senator Gary W. Hart said, "you won't get the federal government off your back until you get your hands out of its pockets."
Republicans were once fiscal conservatives. MICA's been dancing the pork barrel polka long enough -- anyfederal funds for the St. Augustine City Hall should come with strings, e.g., as part of a St. Augustine National Historical Park, National Seashore and National Scenic Coastal Highway.
Let's not reward WILLIAM HARRISS' waste with an earmark.
REP. JOHN MICA'S WEBSITE REPORTS MICA WORKING TO GET FEDERAL FUNDS FOR St. Augustine City Hall
St. Augustine City Hall
Rep. Mica is working with the City of St. Augustine to renovate the historic City Hall building. The St. Augustine City Hall, formerly the Alcazar Hotel, is one of two magnificent buildings designed by Henry Morrison Flagler during the late 1880’s. It is one of the few original treasures remaining from the Flagler era of 1888 – 1914. The Alcazar Hotel was widely considered one of the most historically significant buildings in Florida.
For 114 years, St. Augustine's skyline has been dominated by the Mediterranean Revival towers. The large square towers rise above the city and in their prime offered visitors a view they were unable to see anywhere else in the city.
Unfortunately, over the years strong winds and seasonal storms have severely damaged the buildings structure, windows and roof. This refurbishment project calls for the restoration of both the towers and the replacement of the windows and roof. It also includes major structural repairs.
The City of St. Augustine and the State of Florida have already invested nearly $1 million in preservation related efforts. As soon as this historic timepiece is fully renovated and restored, it will once again be viewed as one of the most dominant buildings in Florida.
Rep. Mica is working with the City of St. Augustine to renovate the historic City Hall building. The St. Augustine City Hall, formerly the Alcazar Hotel, is one of two magnificent buildings designed by Henry Morrison Flagler during the late 1880’s. It is one of the few original treasures remaining from the Flagler era of 1888 – 1914. The Alcazar Hotel was widely considered one of the most historically significant buildings in Florida.
For 114 years, St. Augustine's skyline has been dominated by the Mediterranean Revival towers. The large square towers rise above the city and in their prime offered visitors a view they were unable to see anywhere else in the city.
Unfortunately, over the years strong winds and seasonal storms have severely damaged the buildings structure, windows and roof. This refurbishment project calls for the restoration of both the towers and the replacement of the windows and roof. It also includes major structural repairs.
The City of St. Augustine and the State of Florida have already invested nearly $1 million in preservation related efforts. As soon as this historic timepiece is fully renovated and restored, it will once again be viewed as one of the most dominant buildings in Florida.
FIRST COAsT NEWS: Mica Tours Erosion Ravaged Beachfront1(June 2007)
Mica Tours Erosion Ravaged Beachfront
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Congressman John Mica toured erosion-ravaged beaches in South Ponte Vedra Beach Monday.
It was one of several coastal stops for Mica as part of a fact-finding tour in response to pleas for help from the locals.
"He's been getting calls from a lot of concerned homeowners 'cause there's a sense of helplessness that takes place. You know, you've got the ocean encroaching upon your house. The EPA's telling you you have to wait until it's 20-feet from your house. You know you're watching the love of your life disappear," said homeowner Clay Hanson.
Mica told reporters the erosion problem is threatening homes all along the Florida coastline.
"I think it's almost inevitable we're going to get another storm and I think we're going to lose some houses washing into the ocean before it's over," said Rep. Mica.
Mica says a long-term solution involves millions of federal dollars - some of which could be available in the fall if a measure passes through congress.
"What we're looking at is a short-term solution trying to protect as much property as possible with the homeowners and the county," said Mica.
First Coast News
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Congressman John Mica toured erosion-ravaged beaches in South Ponte Vedra Beach Monday.
It was one of several coastal stops for Mica as part of a fact-finding tour in response to pleas for help from the locals.
"He's been getting calls from a lot of concerned homeowners 'cause there's a sense of helplessness that takes place. You know, you've got the ocean encroaching upon your house. The EPA's telling you you have to wait until it's 20-feet from your house. You know you're watching the love of your life disappear," said homeowner Clay Hanson.
Mica told reporters the erosion problem is threatening homes all along the Florida coastline.
"I think it's almost inevitable we're going to get another storm and I think we're going to lose some houses washing into the ocean before it's over," said Rep. Mica.
Mica says a long-term solution involves millions of federal dollars - some of which could be available in the fall if a measure passes through congress.
"What we're looking at is a short-term solution trying to protect as much property as possible with the homeowners and the county," said Mica.
First Coast News
REP. JOHN MICA PRESS RELEASE, 8/1/2007: Mica Secures Beach Restoration Funds
August 1, 2007
Mica Secures Beach Restoration Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-St. Johns) announced today that several Northeast Florida beach restoration projects have been approved by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which passed in the House late Wednesday evening. Projects to study and restore beaches in St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia counties were approved.
“With homes and oceanfront property in Ponte Vedra in danger and Highway A1A in Flagler County falling into the ocean, this action by Congress was critical,” noted Rep. Mica.
Additionally, Rep. Mica has secured $500,000 for funding in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist in developing a solution to deal with beach erosion and restoration in St. Johns and Flagler counties. The funding would be available in the new Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2007, if approved by the U.S. Senate.
Rep. Mica met with St. Johns County and local officials on June 11 to examine the damage caused by the recent storms that ravaged our coastline.
“With the federal funds, the Army Corps will be able to conduct a feasibility study to determine the costs and benefits of a beach renourishment project. These beaches are important to local economies and protection of this resource is of the utmost importance to residents and visitors alike”, stated Rep. Mica.
The 1999-2000 hurricane inflicted erosion problems that now threaten St. Johns County’s primary emergency evacuation route - State Road A1A. Due to tropical storms and major hurricanes, the ocean shorelines in this region have been subject to significant damage. Federal funds will aid in paying for a Corps Engineer Beach Restoration Study.
“I wanted to make certain that whatever beach restoration remedy is adopted by the Corps, the money and sand do not wash into the ocean,” Rep. Mica emphasized.
A major provision of the legislation that Mica was able to include in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress were the first actual funds to conduct restoration projects for Florida’s Everglades.
“The Florida Everglades, an environmental state treasure, must be preserved and restored. This bill represents a milestone in that effort,” said Rep. Mica.
This legislation also included record approval of sewer and water projects in the region. These measures were spearheaded by Rep. Mica who serves as Republican Leader on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Demands to keep our water clean and the need to process waste has dramatically increased with the explosion of Florida’s population,” said Rep. Mica. “ These funds will help keep our water and sewer bills down and maintain a viable public water and waste treatment systems for our local communities.”
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Mica Secures Beach Restoration Funds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-St. Johns) announced today that several Northeast Florida beach restoration projects have been approved by Congress in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) which passed in the House late Wednesday evening. Projects to study and restore beaches in St. Johns, Flagler, and Volusia counties were approved.
“With homes and oceanfront property in Ponte Vedra in danger and Highway A1A in Flagler County falling into the ocean, this action by Congress was critical,” noted Rep. Mica.
Additionally, Rep. Mica has secured $500,000 for funding in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, passed in the U.S. House of Representatives last week, for the Army Corps of Engineers to assist in developing a solution to deal with beach erosion and restoration in St. Johns and Flagler counties. The funding would be available in the new Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2007, if approved by the U.S. Senate.
Rep. Mica met with St. Johns County and local officials on June 11 to examine the damage caused by the recent storms that ravaged our coastline.
“With the federal funds, the Army Corps will be able to conduct a feasibility study to determine the costs and benefits of a beach renourishment project. These beaches are important to local economies and protection of this resource is of the utmost importance to residents and visitors alike”, stated Rep. Mica.
The 1999-2000 hurricane inflicted erosion problems that now threaten St. Johns County’s primary emergency evacuation route - State Road A1A. Due to tropical storms and major hurricanes, the ocean shorelines in this region have been subject to significant damage. Federal funds will aid in paying for a Corps Engineer Beach Restoration Study.
“I wanted to make certain that whatever beach restoration remedy is adopted by the Corps, the money and sand do not wash into the ocean,” Rep. Mica emphasized.
A major provision of the legislation that Mica was able to include in the Water Resources Development Act passed by Congress were the first actual funds to conduct restoration projects for Florida’s Everglades.
“The Florida Everglades, an environmental state treasure, must be preserved and restored. This bill represents a milestone in that effort,” said Rep. Mica.
This legislation also included record approval of sewer and water projects in the region. These measures were spearheaded by Rep. Mica who serves as Republican Leader on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
“Demands to keep our water clean and the need to process waste has dramatically increased with the explosion of Florida’s population,” said Rep. Mica. “ These funds will help keep our water and sewer bills down and maintain a viable public water and waste treatment systems for our local communities.”
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