Dear Friends,
When it comes to "Green" cars, most of us think first about about the Toyotas, Hondas, and even the French made Smart Car which I drive. Unfortunately, American companies have lagged behind imports when it comes to environmentally friendly vehicles, but that will soon change.
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN
With our economy at record low levels, America needs U.S. car makers to step up to the plate and deliver. In an effort to shed light on the latest and possibly greatest
"Green" cars to ever come out of Detroit, I've invited American companies to showcase their newest Eco-friendly and hybrid vehicles to you here in South Florida. Our event last month with Chevy and GM was a success. Part Two in my
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN series will be
Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. in front of Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive in Coconut Grove.)
Ford is the only American Car company NOT to take federal bailout money. Company executives will present for us:
The 2010 Ford Fusion
Hybrid which recently was declared the "most patented" car in American history. 119 patents on file for technology and innovations.
The 2010 Ford Escape
Hybrid --Rated the most fuel efficient SUV on the planet at 34 MPG.
The 2010 Mercury Milan
Hybrid--41 MPG
Each of these cars will be on hand in front of City Hall for our
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN event. Check under the hood, kick the tires, sit behind the wheel. Ford execs
will even let you take the cars out for a quick spin. It's a great opportunity to see what American car makers have to offer. This is your chance to see these hybrids up close and personal and ask all the questions you want to the people who are touting their success. Hope to see you here for this unique event
Tuesday, June 30th at 6:30 p.m. in front of Miami City Hall at 3500 Pan American Drive.
We are very grateful to be joined by our friends at:
who will offer tips and advice on how to make your own cars run more efficiently. Learn great common sense ideas on how to
save cash and
help preserve the environment.
City of Miami Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff
Dear Friends,
When it comes to "Green" cars, most of us think first about about the Toyotas, Hondas, and even the French made Smart Car which I drive. Unfortunately, American companies have lagged behind imports when it comes to environmentally friendly vehicles. But that will soon change.
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN
With our economy at record low levels, America needs U.S. car makers to step up to the plate and deliver. In an effort to shed light on the latest and possibly greatest
"Green" cars to ever come out of Detroit, I've invited American companies to showcase their newest Eco-friendly and hybrid vehicles to you here in South Florida. Our first
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN event will be
Thursday, May 21st at 6:30pm in front of Miami City Hall (3500 Pan American Drive in Coconut Grove.)
Chevrolet executives will present for us:
The 2009 Chevy Tahoe
Hybrid which recently was named GreenCars.com "Car of the Year"
The 2009 Chevy Malibu
Hybrid
The 2009 Cadillac Escalade
Hybrid
2010 Chevy Camaro
(29 mpg highway)
Get your first look at this fuel efficient muscle car that is back on the market for the first time in 7 years.
Each of these cars will be on hand in front of City Hall for our
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN event. Check under the hood, kick the tires, sit behind the wheel. Chevy and GM execs
will even let you take the cars out for a quick spin. It's a great opportunity to see what American car makers have to offer. We are already planning follow-up events with other American companies. This is your chance to see these hybrids up close and personal and ask all the questions you want to the people who are touting their success. Hope to see you here for this unique event
Thursday night, May 21st at 6:30pm in front of Miami City Hall at 3500 Pan American Drive. Stay tuned next month for information regarding the next
GO GREEN,
BUY AMERICAN event with Alternative fuel vehicles from FORD. We are very grateful to be joined by our friends at
Miami Goin' Green who will offer tips and advice on how to make your own cars run more efficiently. Learn great common sense ideas on how to save cash and help preserve the environment.
Paul Walker Park
One of the biggest thrills of being an elected representative is to see what starts out being an "initiative" become a reality. Restoring the once beautiful Paul Walker Park in Downtown was one of my very first goals when I was elected Commissioner. It is extremely gratifying to to see this pocket park restored to its former glory after being dormant for so long. The park is located at 46 W. Flagler Street and is a great place to enjoy a lunch out in the fresh air.
Paul Walker, seen in the above pictures with his wife Mary, was instrumental in bringing Miami-Dade College to Downtown. He is also recognized for his actions as President of Richard's Department Store where he ended the policy of segregated restrooms and drinking fountains and offered store credit to anyone who recently arrived from Cuba and was trying to start a new life. We are very proud to honor Mr. Walker and his achievements with this beautiful park. I'd also like to thank Mario Maung, GM of ParkSafe Systems, for the generous use of his limousine for the Walker family's transportation to the event.
Summer Learning Program
We reported last month that one of our local elementary schools was in danger of losing their very successful Summer Learning Program due to budget cuts. I requested help from community members like yourself to raise $16,000 to cover the cost of the four certified teachers and the overhaul of the school's ball field so the kids can exercise safely during the hot summer months. I am extremely proud to report back that your thoughtfulness and generosity have paid off! Principal Eva Ravelo is reporting to me that we have just about reached our goal! Thanks to your support the young students at Coconut Grove Elementary will be able to attend the the Summer Learning Program.
Reading teacher Maria Orjeda accepting donations
To see how grateful teachers and students are click on these links to see media coverage on this success:
WSVN-7 News Story
Miami Herald Article
I can't tell you how thankful I am to everyone who contributed to saving this wonderful and effective program for these deserving children. Your help is absolutely going to make a positive difference in their lives!
Students celebrate the survival of their Summer Learning Program
"We are very happy that you've taken an interest in our school and that so many people in our community have come forward to help us out, says reading teacher Maria Orjeda.
Our entire community benefits from local schools, and it is incumbent on all of us to step up to fill any gaps in funding.
I am extremely proud of our community and everyone else out there should be as well.
Israel Day
Commissioner Regalado, Commissioner Sarnoff, Consul General of Issrael Ofer Bavly, Mayor Diaz, Mayor Diaz's daughter Elisa, and Commissioner Spence-Jones
I am very proud to have taken part in a special tribute to honor the State of Israel's 61st Independence Day. Israel is one of our nation's most trusted allies and our entire City leadership supports their struggle to remain a state. "The City of Miami has once again highlighted the strong bond of brotherhood and common values that the State of Israel and Miami share," says Israeli Consul General Ofer Bavly. The City also granted a special honorary citizenship to Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit.
Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit
On June 25, 2006, 19-year old Gilad Shalit was abducted on the Israeli side of the border with Gaza and has been held in captivity ever since. We join Gilad's family and all Israelis in calling for the safe and prompt release of this young man. We are very proud to bestow Gilad Shalit as an honorary citizen of Miami.
Clean Vehicle Parade
Kicking off the Clean Vehicle Parade in Miami
It's not often that you get a chance to promote preserving the environment and compete for a world record at the same time, but that is exactly what our friends at the great organization Miami Goin' Green attempted with their spectacular "Clean Vehicle Parade."
I had the honor of leading the parade from the Miami Science Museum to City Hall. Hundreds of people took part in what was to be the largest alternative fuel vehicle procession in history. It was a great time to send an important message that alternative fuel vehicles are here to stay and are our best hope for the future of transportation. That future must begin now.
I am often asked about my position in regards to the proposed Marlin’s Stadium deal. I feel it is important that all city and county commissioners are open and up front on this important issue to our community. Please allow me to share a letter I recently sent to a local newspaper regarding my stance on the current stadium vote.
Date: February 25, 2009
To: Miami Herald Editorial Board
As an attorney by profession, and as one of five commissioners for the City of Miami, I draw on my professional experience to protect the taxpayers of Miami. I take this responsibility very seriously.
I fully support a stadium for the Marlins-that makes financial sense for the taxpayers of the City as well as the County.
We now know as a result of the recession the bed tax money to be utilized to pay for the financing of the stadium is down 12% this year. We simply do not have a crystal ball to project when the recession will end or when the financial markets will embrace the purchase/sale of bonds based exclusively on the revenue stream of the bed tax. In her interview with Florida Trend, Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink stated, "The credit crisis has caused the tax-exempt bond market to cease functioning for all practical purposes." As the projections presently stand, the general fund will be exposed to pay the costs of the stadium (and the inevitable overruns), competing with police and fire budgets.
The projection by the County Manager demonstrate a 2% reduction in bed tax on an annual basis for 2 years, followed by flat years, progressing to 5% increases on an annual basis. We know the February 13, 2009 projections are already wrong, clearly demonstrating a 10% shortfall in the first year. The County Manager has allegedly fashioned a creative financing plan to meet the downfall of bed tax revenue by issuing interest only bonds. To most this is analogous to not paying the principal on your home mortgage for years. This results in approximately $600 Million in bonds, costing the taxpayers more than 3 times the bond amount or $1.8 Billion, and that is without the inevitable cost overruns.
My 3 changes to the Contract requires the Marlins to shoulder the cost overruns, allow the City and County to receive the naming rights revenue to expeditiously retire the bonds (reducing the interest payment or $1.8 Billion amount), and most importantly, not allow the Marlins, L.P. to flip this team for a profit upon receipt of the stadium rights.
If the Marlins want the County and the City as partners, then they should act as fair and equitable partners. If the taxpayers' investment increases the value of the franchise and the Marlins sell the franchise (appreciating the team is still obligated to remain as a tenant), the increased value created by the taxpayers' investment must be returned to the citizens to retire the debt, removing the exposure to the general fund to pay for this stadium.
Let me close by dispelling all rumors of grandstanding....the County Manager's Memo detailing the terms and conditions of the stadium financing is dated February 13, 2009. I only became aware of it on the date of the Friday, February 13, 2009 hearing. The better question is why wait to issue the 25-page memo the day of the hearing. The details of the financing should have been clearly laid out by the administrations of the City and the County - this is their agreement they having been working on and all issues should have been thoroughly vetted.
Whether to vote for the stadium if it only is paid for by the bed tax revenue, is a policy decision for each Commissioner. To vote for the stadium, not understanding the financing, is exposing the General Fund to stadium payments - this is a failure to exercise a Commissioner's fiduciary obligation to the public.
I make no apologies for standing up for what I believe is right, especially for the residents in my district who have entrusted me to make the tough decisions when needed. I can't think of a more necessary time than now.
Commissioner Marc David Sarnoff
City of Miami-District 2
Protecting American Jobs
Unbelievable as it may sound, a federal program may be actually keeping South Florida workers out of a job. The H2B visa program is designed to allow companies to bring in foreign workers for temporary jobs, but only if they are specialists and there are no American's able to do the work. But one local TV station discovered some South Florida construction projects are abusing the system to hire cheap labor from other countries---while Miami workers remain unemployed. That is simply unacceptable. Click on this link to watch Jim DeFede's story.
CBS 4 Investigative Report: Giving Away American Jobs
At the February 26th Commission meeting I proposed a resolution, which was passed unanimously by my fellow Commissioners, that is designed to protect our workers. Any company that wishes to do business with the City of Miami must first detail how many, if any, H2B visa workers they plan to use, and why they are specifically needed? Let's put the accountability where it belongs---on us,your elected leaders. If taxpayer money is being used to pay companies who choose not to hire American workers---for whatever reason---our residents deserve to know.
There must be transparency in the process. We will also press the issue with President Obama and his administration to keep tighter reigns on the current H2B visa program. The former administration cut back on oversight which has made it far too easy for companies to abuse the system. We must stand up for working families. With our economy at historically dismal levels, the time to act is now.
Abandoned Barges Removed
Three abandoned barges lurking perilously underneath the water of Miami Marine Stadium will soon be cleared from the area---at no cost to the city.
The barges, seen in the above image from Google Earth, have been blamed for multiple boating accidents and have endangered local rowers.
A contracting company working with the Fish and Wildlife Commission will begin removing the hazardous debris within the next month.
My office has been pushing for this project to happen and I'm very happy to see this area will once again be safe for those looking to enjoy a day on the water.
Dear Friends,
As our nation embarks on this historic era of change, the level of excitement in our City is at unprecedented levels. There is a tangible feeling of excitement and sincere optimism around Miami.
There is a new sense of fairness and openness in government that will no doubt be reflected in the way we operate at the City level. Below you'll read how President Obama's plan to "make a clean break with business as usual" can and should be emulated right here in the City of Miami.
Whether you were one of the throngs of thousands brave enough to handle the frigid temperature in D.C. to witness the historic inauguration in person---or joined me at the local viewing events at the Arsht Center and the Gusman Center for Performing Arts---it's up to all of us to harness the passion and energy to truly make a difference in our community.
It's clear there are tough choices to be made, but failing to embrace the challenge is not an option.
Our Chance to Lead by Example
Less than 24 hours after being sworn in, President Obama announced a salary freeze for senior White House staff. "Families are tightening their belts, so should Washington," the President said.
Sound Familiar? It should. This is exactly what I proposed during the January 15th City Commission meeting.
Commissioner Tomas Regalado also supports the idea, but our three remaining fellow commissioners voted against it, essentially killing the plan for now. Whether it saves one million dollars or one hundred dollars, the fact of the matter is that we are in a crisis situation and every single dollar saved can make a difference.
What a great opportunity we allowed to slip through our hands---to take the lead on making tough sacrifices a week before our new President takes the same stand.
It's no secret that our City, State, and nation are coping with severe economic pain. As elected leaders, it's our responsibility to make the tough decisions which in the end will benefit us all.
We are experiencing unprecedented economic hardships communally and individually. We can address the problem head on or put our heads in the sand while our tough economic times grow worse. As our President says, "It's our duty to make sure we're spending precious tax dollars wisely and cutting costs whenever possible."
I am not suggesting salary reductions or lay-offs of anyone, simply a temporary salary freeze of well paid public servants. By implementing this policy we may be able to stave off layoffs, even if we saved 1 or 100 jobs that would be less financial pain inflicted on those families.
It's been reported that 84,000 jobs are expected be lost in the metropolitan area in '09, the third highest job loss in the nation.
I am very grateful to have the honor of being elected as a City Commissioner and serving the community I love. I encourage my fellow City Commissioners, and all elected leaders in South Florida to heed the call of our President that "Public Service is simply and absolutely about advancing the interests of all Americans," and in this case all South Floridians.
I have asked that my motion to freeze salaries be brought back before the Miami Commission on February12th. Each Commissioner is also expected to be briefed on this issue by City Staff.
In the City of Miami, we've lost the opportunity to take the lead on this issue and set a precedent for other cities to follow. It's now up to each of us to follow the lead of President Obama and "make a clean break from business as usual," for the best interest of all of our constituents and residents.
Since the Miami Herald published my call to freeze the salaries of select City of Miami Workers during this time of economic crisis on Jan 26th, my office has fielded dozens of phone calls in support of such a move. There are also plenty of questions regarding who would be affected if the freeze is approved by Commissioners. I want to make it clear that only so-called “executive” salaries are being discussed for the temporary freeze. There are hundreds of hard working, dedicated employees who are making nothing near what our highest paid public servants are being paid. It is not our intention to freeze the income of those who are working at or near the bottom of our city’s pay scale. Non-union employees were mentioned specifically, because union workers are under contract till 2010. President Obama has set the tone for our Country that we must show courage and address this financial crisis head-on and “do something to make government trustworthy in the eyes of the American people.”
Miami Commissioner Marc Sarnoff’s Visual Parks Initiative Transforms Vacant Land into Public Green Space
---Brickell Property Owned by Developer Tibor Hollo is First in a Series of Would-Be Development Site to Become a Temporary Park.---
(Miami, FL)—City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc D. Sarnoff, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, City Manager Pete Hernandez, and Florida East Coast Reality Chairman Tibor Hollo unveiled plans to create a temporary park on a vacant Bayfront site at 1201 Brickell Bay Drive on Wednesday, December 17th at 11:30am.
“The real estate recession has created an opportunity for the citizens of Miami to see vacant lots maintained in a park-like manner,” says Commissioner Marc Sarnoff.
The Commissioner’s Visual Parks Initiative was created in 2007 and is being used as the model to remake several other vacant properties around the city into parks the public can enjoy.
In addition to Mr. Hollow’s Brickell property, other sites in discussion to become parks include the Lerner site (a vacant lot on Flagler Street adjacent to Macy’s,) The Oasis property on NE 79th street and Biscayne Bay, and the Millenium site on the Miami River (between South Miami Avenue and the Metrorail.)
“Our Mayor and City Manager are committed to making these parks a reality and I’m grateful to developers like Mr. Hollo for their outside-the box thinking,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.
Dream of Downtown Pocket Park Now Close to a Reality
(MIAMI, FL)-
--City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, together with Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, and Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Chairman Commissioner Joe Sanchez, joined DDA Board members and local business owners for the groundbreaking ceremony for the Paul S. Walker Mini-Park on Tuesday, December 2nd, at 11am, at the park site at, 46 W. Flagler Street.
The park in the heart of Miami is being resurrected in the same site where it stood 15 years ago. “Bringing the Paul S. Walker Park back to life was my first initiative as commissioner. I’m very proud to see the hard work of so many people lead to what will soon be an oasis for the public to enjoy,” says Commissioner Sarnoff.
The park will be approximately 4200 SQ.FT. and will serve the downtown office crowd and tourists during daytime hours. The $284,993 cost is coming from DDA funds and a Homeland Defense Neighborhood Improvement Bond issued to Commissioner Sarnoff through District 2.
Bringing the Paul S. Walker Park back to life is the very first initiative I undertook since becoming a commissioner. Once completed, the park will become a destination for all those who spend hours each day downtown for work---there will be no better place to enjoy a quiet lunch or simply take a breather from a hectic workday.
The idea is to re-energize the Flagler street area and this park will serve as a catalyst to three similar projects downtown---each one serving to further our efforts to make Miami the “Greenest City in America.”
I thank Mayor Diaz for his tremendous efforts to help make the park a reality and for leading charge to make a greener Miami, DDA Chairman and my fellow Commissioner Joe Sanchez for doing an outstanding job securing the necessary funding and for all his support on this project, and everyone at the DDA, the City, and community members who’ve contributed so much.
Homebound Miami Residents Have Thanksgiving Meals Delivered to Their Door
Miami, Florida-
Unable to leave their homes due to disability, illness, or elderly age, dozens of Coconut Grove residents are not able to pick up donations from local charities. On Tuesday, November 25th at 10:00am, they are getting the help they need.
City of Miami District 2 Commissioner Marc Sarnoff, The South/West Grove NET Office, and the Coconut Grove “Positive Partners,” have identified 50 residents in severe need and hand delivered complete Thanksgiving meals plus additional supplies.
So many of our friends and neighbors are unable to stand in line at donation sites, therefore we must make the special effort to identify those in sincere need and do whatever it takes to lend them a helping hand.
I thank the outstanding staff of the South/West Grove Net office lead by Karen Cooper for their amazing work. I also must congratulate the amazing volunteers who worked together on behalf of their neighbors in need.
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