P u b l i s h e d i n c o o p e r a t i o n w i t h T h e M i a m i B e a c h C h a m b e r o f C o m m e r c e ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––– S u p p o r t i n g L o c a l B u s i n e s s e s s i n c e 1 9 5 8
SEPT. 8 - 21, 2010 ––––––––––––––– www.communitynewspapers.com ––––––––––––––– Phone: 305-669-7355
Budget Cuts Imminent BY MAYOR MATTI HERRERA BOWER
I do not have to tell you that the past couple of years have been tough economically for all of us, but I do want to give you a peek inside what we at the city have been doing to protect and serve your interests – on a shrinking budget. Over the last two years, we’ve identified more than $50 million in cuts from the budget, as well as eliminating about 250 full-time positions by streamlining every city department and doing more with less. Right now, we are looking at a gap of about $32 million for next year’s budget, which starts on October 1. That is a lot to cut from a total budget of less than $240 million (especially since pension costs keep rising). Since we have already made all the obvious cuts, we had to put everything on the table to continue to run this city at the level you expect and deserve. Let me tell you, it has been a painful process as we sit together and dissect the budget line by line, deciding whether to reduce or eliminate certain programs, services and jobs – or to raise some fees and possibly the millage. We also had to wrestle with our unions, asking them for nearly $15 million in concessions to help get us to $32 million. In some cases, the debates have been long and loud as we have tried to make sure that the City of Miami Beach continues to provide the best possible service to the most people. We have looked at everything from how many times a month we cut the grass to how many lifeguards are watching the beach, and whether to reduce grants to social service and cultural organizations. Something a lot of people do not realize is that only about 28 percent of the
––––––– See
BUDGET, page 3
City of Miami Beach celebrates 90th Anniversary of Women’s Voting Rights
Miami Beach community leaders march to commemorate 90 years of women’s rights. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
BY COMMISSIONER DEEDE WEITHORN
O
n August 26th I led a march on Lincoln Road to commemorate the 90th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in the United States, and I specifically use the word “win.” The fight for this simple right lasted over 70 years and involved many amazing and diverse women along the way. The one thing these heroes had in common was that they would not give up until they had won the vote and after that they continued to fight, as we do today, for the full equality for all Americans. Without women such as these; Susan B. Anthony,
Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, Lucy Stone, and too many more to name, I know I would not be where I am today, an elected official in the State of Florida, which coincidently did not ratify the 19th Amendment until May 1969. Women’s Equality Day, established in 1971, was born out of Representative Bella Abzug desire to commemorate the passage of the 19th Amendment and to call attention to women’s continuing efforts toward full equality. As it stands today women are 51% of the population, but less than 17% of the congressional seats in Washington DC, and less than –––––––– See
VOTING RIGHTS, page 3
To Our Community Letter f rom the Chairman The mission of the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce is to promote the economic wellbeing of Miami Beach’s citizens, to improve the quality of life for the entire community, and to communicate the view of the business community on major issues of public policy. Working with our publisher, we believe that the Miami Beach News will provide an expanded outlet for us to communicate with our greater community. Miami Beach brings the best of all worlds together. Chamber businesses represent many different industries, cultures and interests. The Miami Beach News will provide the community with perspectives about issues that affect our community, indepth looks at our member organizations, and information about upcoming events. As you will read in this issue, the City of Miami Beach is facing a number of budget cuts that will affect both residents and businesses. The challenging economy concerns all of us, and we must continue to work together on solutions. We have so much to offer — from our beautiful beaches to exciting nightlife to a wide array of artistic expression, Miami Beach is truly a wonderful and unique destination. One innovative program is the Miami Beach IN Card, a joint venture between the Chamber, the City of Miami Beach and Miami Beach Convention and Visitors Authority, helping participating members promote their businesses to both residents and our international tourist community. Working together, Miami Beach will continue to grow and thrive. We look forward to sharing future editions of the Miami Beach News. Aaron Perry Chairman of the Board Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce