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January 29 - February 4, 2016
The Town-Crier
www.gotowncrier.com
OUR OPINION
30 Years Later, Challenger Casts A Long Shadow On NASA
Thirty years ago, the United States suffered a serious blow to its psyche. Even more importantly, it suffered a serious blow to its worldly exceptionalism. And our nation has never truly recovered. It was during the crisp morning hours of Jan. 28, 1986, when the Challenger space shuttle soared into the sky like so many prior missions. But just 73 seconds into its flight, disaster struck, with an explosion that ended up killing all seven crew members: Michael J. Smith, Dick Scobee, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, Judith Resnik, and New Hampshire school teacher Christa McAuliffe. The disaster resulted in a 32-month hiatus in the space shuttle program, as well as the formation of the Rogers Commission, a special panel appointed by President Ronald Reagan to investigate the accident. In its study, the Rogers Commission found that NASA’s organizational culture and decision-making processes had been key contributing factors to the accident. Further, NASA managers had known for nearly 10 years that the shuttle’s solid rocket boosters’ design contained a potentially catastrophic flaw in its O-ring seals, but they had failed to address this problem properly. The Challenger disaster remains one of those unique and singular moments etched into the collective and individual souls of those who watched it unfold. Like the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the falling of the Twin Towers on 9/11, there are millions who can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing when Challenger exploded. In fact, it may have been the first major disaster broadcast live and uncut to the world; the launch was broadcast live on CNN and was being simultaneously shown at countless schools across the United States in recognition of McAuliffe’s involvement with NASA’s “Teacher in Space Project.” It is likely more children than adults witnessed the event while at school that day. Media coverage of the accident was extensive; one study reported that 85 percent of Americans surveyed had heard the news within an hour of the accident. In a televised address to the nation that night, President Reagan told a shocked and grieving
nation that the legacy of Challenger would not be curtailed ambition for the space program, but accomplishments that would have made Challenger’s crew proud: “To reach out for new goals and ever-greater achievements — that is the way we shall commemorate our seven Challenger heroes.” But through a wider view of history, that was not to be. In many respects, Challenger derailed the unparalleled American space program so much so that it never truly recovered. Despite occasional successes, like the Hubble Telescope in 1990 and collaborative efforts with other nations on the International Space Station, the body blow of Challenger is one that has left NASA a hobbled shell of what it once was. The agency that put a man on the moon suffered terrible damage to its reputation, followed up more than a decade later by the disintegration of the Columbia space shuttle during re-entry in February 2003. This is ironic, given the near universal reverence nearly all Americans had for NASA from the mid-1960s until Challenger. The space race pitted the former Soviet Union against the United States, creating a post-World War II Cold War scientific golden age. Fifty years ago, we had a space rival to fight. By 1986, the United States had far and away won the space battle, and Challenger became not only a signal of our own mortality, but of NASA’s insulation from accountability. Since then, the space shuttle program has ended and NASA largely looks to less lofty efforts, as private firms compete to lead a new space era where American space exceptionalism is challenged by other nations around the world. We Americans fantasize about space adventures in Star Wars and Star Trek, but NASA has neither funding nor a spacecraft to deliver astronauts to Mars any time soon, and its budget is minuscule compared to other federal projects. This is depressing. If the United States looks to continue standing high on the lofty pedestal of world leadership, space exploration is one area where we have a chance of truly taking the torch and running with it. Fifty years ago, we were champions of space. America has a duty and an obligation to reclaim that crown.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Swift Endorses Martha Webster For RPB Mayor
First I must respond to Jess Santamaria’s full page political advertisement in last week’s Town-Crier warning both Martha Webster and I about encouraging residents to attend Royal Palm Beach Village Council meetings and speak out about a project that will impact their neighborhood. Mr. Santamaria, this country has a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that protects free speech at public meetings. Yes, at times, it can be loud, boisterous and the people speaking may not agree with you, however most Americans call that democracy in action. You also insinuate that I ignore the legal advice of our village attorney. All the statements I made at the RaceTrac meeting were discussed with our attorney prior to the meeting. Prior to the vote, I asked our attorney, “Does the council have the legal right to reduce the number of fuel pump stations?” She indicated that we had that right as long as we could show that the project does not meet Special Exception Standard No. 7 (the special exception is compatible with the character and living conditions of the existing neighborhood in which it is to be located). I provided six pages of testimony indicating why the project does not meet that standard. Councilman Jeff Hmara used that legal argument to reduce the number of pumps from 20 to 16. And finally, Mr. Santamaria states that in 1998, he won the Saratoga lawsuit against the village. He lost that lawsuit and paid the village $15,500 in attorneys’ fees (check #40188, dated Sept. 9, 1998). The intent of his advertisement was to smear the reputations
of both former Councilwoman Martha Webster and myself for speaking up for our residents at a public meeting. Ms. Webster is running for mayor, and Mr. Santamaria is concerned that his next hand-picked mayoral candidate now has some real opposition. I am endorsing Martha Webster for mayor of the Village of Royal Palm Beach. For some, that may seem odd, since we have campaigned against each other in past election cycles. What I have learned is that we both share the same concern as to where this village is headed in terms of future development, and we cannot continually elect our mayor based on the wants and needs of the largest landowner in town. I have been impressed with Martha’s ability to engage our residents and have them attend meetings — that is always a good thing. In fact, in my 29 years on the council, I have never received so many phone calls, personal letters and e-mails from residents concerning a proposed project. I applaud Martha’s advocacy for our residents. I would like those residents who have supported me in the past to seriously look at the upcoming mayor’s race and choose the person you think would listen to your concerns and best represent all the residents of our village. I believe Martha is your best choice. She has five years of experience as a councilwoman and vice mayor in Royal Palm Beach. She is well-known to our residents and local business community, and has represented the village as a Palm Beach County League of Cities board member; but most importantly, she is not beholding to any developer or special interest group. Please consider Martha Webster on March 15. Councilman Dave Swift Royal Palm Beach
Tax Us More To Support Development?
Do you need an “argument” for opposing new development anywhere in Palm Beach County? It has been argued in the past that “development does not pay for itself.” Need new proof? Palm Beach County, with the support of most municipalities, and many services provided by all, including roads, bridges, schools, environmental resources, etc., are all arguing that we need a referendum that assesses everyone an additional 1 cent sales tax on everything we buy just to pay for these “amenities” of convenience. If new development generated enough in impact fees, prop share, etc., would there be a need to go to the general public to support a new additional sales tax on everything we buy? Each and every development approved comes with some sort of unique argument of how it will be an improvement to the economy, generate revenue for the government and just generally be an economic boon. Why is this not being borne out? I am sure that some of you, who have lived here long enough, remember that until just a few years ago, we were already paying a half-cent more in sales tax just to cover the Palm Beach County School Board, which needed to build new schools or expand existing ones. Now they are claiming that they need more revenue for the same, exact purpose. Why is new development, an economic boon, not generating enough revenue to cover the cost? Ask your local and county officials who keep approving new development! Patricia D. Curry The Acreage
Remember, We Are A Country Of Laws
I would like to bring to the attention of my fellow residents in Royal Palm Beach the “We Are a Country of Laws” commentary by Jess Santamaria in last week’s edition of the Town-Crier. If you have not already read it, you should. It describes past acts by the Royal Palm Beach Village Council at the time that did not follow the law and resulted in expensive lawsuits for our village and taxpayers. This is precisely the situation we could have found ourselves in had Martha Webster and her followers succeeded in their efforts to defeat the RaceTrac proposal for our village. Had this group succeeded in convincing our representatives on the council to defeat the RaceTrac proposal despite the fact that RaceTrac had complied with all the legal requirements, a subsequent lawsuit would have been a distinct possibility. Thus, under a façade of speaking for the people, this group could have created a huge liability. I ask you to think about it: are these the individuals we want representing us on our village council? In addition, those of us who attended the public meetings were both annoyed and embarrassed by the behavior of those shouting out, jumping up out of their seats in protest and generally behaving like spoiled children in defiance of the mayor’s and council’s requests for respect and adherence to the rules. So I leave it up to you, my fellow Royal Palm Beach residents, is this lack of civility, bordering on civil disobedience, the kind of representation we want on our council? Arlene Olinsky Royal Palm Beach
Gunfight At The Lox Groves Corral
The phantom of the town’s opera has filed a complaint with the Palm Beach County Office of the Inspector General. The complaint reflects a significant lack of understanding and appreciation of Underwood Management in its service to the Town of Loxahatchee Groves. The opposition to Underwood Management for the past eight months consists of only two people who have publicly expressed their exceptions: one being Councilman Jim Rockett and the other Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District Supervisor John Ryan. The actions of these “guns for hire” have been an effort to disrupt the town’s progress, are both persons of interest in state investigations, and are up for re-election. The phantom alleges, “Town manager formed an advisory committee of his own initiative that was intended to provide advice to the town council regarding proposed changes to the Unified Land Development Codes regarding the rental of recreational vehicle trailer space allowed on properties.” The complaint asserts that the advisory committee meetings were not publicly noticed, their agendas were not published and no minutes were taken. Mayor Dave Browning responded to the OIG, “The allega-
tion that an advisory committee was established is false.” We cannot prevent questionable challenges in the form of complaint filings with the OIG. Everyone has rights to be heard and appropriate recourse for wrongs, but public and legal attacks should be fact-based and well-considered. Unproductive efforts result in unnecessary expenses — especially legal. Better approaches are participation in conversations with residents on both sides of the fence, and taking time to understand the reasons for the town manager’s actions. Elected public officials with background issues and frustrations with their own circumstances should better consider their actions and the unintended consequences on the residents and not simply focus on the phantom’s agenda. If unsubstantiated attacks against Underwood Management are intended to get attention for political reasons, hopefully the general public will consider this in the upcoming town election in March with Mr. Rockett and the LGWCD election in June with Mr. Ryan. The phantom’s complaint to the OIG is an example of unfortunate, disjointed anger. All of us would be better served if the phantom’s “guns for hire” stay informed, participate in town workshops and support positive developments in the Groves. Keith Harris Loxahatchee Groves
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NEWS
RPB Zoners OK Landscape Modifications At Royal Plaza South
By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday recommended approval of an application by property owner Jess Santamaria for landscape site plan modifications at the Royal Plaza South, located at the northeast corner of Southern and Royal Palm Beach boulevards. Site Plan Coordinator Kevin Erwin noted that the original construction of the shopping center was completed prior to the adoption of the village’s landscape code and has had several additions over the years. “The applicant is seeking a
ITID
Better Drainage
continued from page 1 district to gravity-feed water to the village. “At the beginning of the supposed wet season, our staff held the water a little higher than the
major site plan modification in order to obtain approval for the existing landscaping on this site,” Erwin said. “The current landscaping on the Royal Plaza South site does not match the approved landscape plan, and in addition, it deviates from the current requirements of the village landscape code.” Erwin said that the applicant is seeking approval of the existing landscape plan under the major site plan modification approval process. He added that the shopping center is across the street from the Royal Inn, also owned by Santamaria, which also recently
went through a similar site plan modification process. There is a condition that if any of the existing landscaping material dies, it will be replaced with similar material that meets village code. Staff recommended approval of the application. Commissioner Richard Becher said he had spoken with landscape architect Richard Bartlett, who is in charge of the project, and gone to the site and walked around. “It seems that once RaceTrac gets done, I think it’ll look pretty nice, the whole facility,” Becher said. “The parking was neat; the plants were OK. I recognize
that there’s plants there that are substandard, but I’m not going to get into that. But under the circumstances, I’m going to vote for it because I think it’s something that needs to get finished once and for all.” Chairman Joseph Boyle pointed out that the plan will match the landscaping at the Royal Inn. “The landscape plan does not meet our code right now, but the good thing about it is that both sides of the street will meet any changes in the code in the future, which they didn’t have to do,” Boyle said. “In essence, what we’re doing is the applicant is voluntarily bringing it into the
village code, which I think is good for the village.” Commissioner Jackie Larson made a motion to approve the application, which carried 4-0. Commissioner June Perrin, who works for Santamaria, recused herself from voting. In other business, the commissioners recommended approval of: • A special exception use for Palm Beach Pit Crew tire and alignment shop at 160 Business Parkway. • Architectural approval to change the existing signage at 117 S. State Road 7 in the Lowe’s shopping center.
• Architectural approval for Nothing Bundt Cakes to deviate from the approved sign criteria to allow the use of its trademark and logo for its proposed store in the Anthony Groves Plaza at 171 S. State Road 7. • Architectural approval to allow a proposed Dunkin’ Donuts in the Anthony Groves Plaza to use its trademark and logo for a wall sign and a drive-through pricing sign. • Architectural approval for Acquired Realty & Investments at 11337 Okeechobee Blvd. to use one illuminated sign and a monument sign, and to paint the building exterior.
requirements,” Foy said. “We were trying to hold water at the beginning of the wet season so we don’t over-drain the canals. When it comes close to September and October, we’d better be prepared, and sometimes in August, we drop the waters purposefully and we come much closer to regulation. Unfortunately, it didn’t rain a lot in October like it’s supposed to,
and it took us two months to get back up. But we are operating the system appropriately, as close to regulation as we can.” Foy said that the district’s impoundment is currently receiving very little water, which he pointed out must be pumped twice when it is needed. “You’re paying twice to pump the water into the impoundment,” he said.
Due to recent actions of the SFWMD, he said it’s not desirable for ITID to send water west to the L-8 Canal anymore. “We might as well just directly discharge it to the C-51 Canal,” he said. “We are saving tens of thousands of dollars in pumping costs,” he said. “I like what you’re saying about saving money,” Supervisor Michelle Damone said.
Supervisor Ralph Bair said he thought it never made sense to pump water north and then west. “When we have light rains, it makes a lot of sense just to send it south,” Bair said. “We were trying to get more discharge in the south, so you did a good job keeping it about where it’s supposed to be.” Foy added that if the district had a storage facility planned in the
L-8 Basin as had been anticipated in the North County Plan, it could have had stored water for later use. “Because that was taken away for use in the Everglades, it doesn’t make sense, and the other response is, yes, we have a lot of discharge capability. We can discharge more than an inch per day as long as the SFWMD doesn’t cut us off,” Foy said.
BARRY S. MANNING DAWN RIVERA JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor Publisher General Manager
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