WMG Volume 7 • Issue 6 February 19, 2020
Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE
COMMUNITY
Rep. Deutch Endorses Bloomberg for President
But stays silent on accusations of sexual harassment against the former mayor By Jason Parsley U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch endorsed former Mayor Michael Bloomberg for president last week, citing his commitment to strengthening gun laws and fighting climate change. “While states across the country have taken steps to strengthen gun laws, America continues to fall victim to gun violence. We need to take immediate action before another mass tragedy unfolds, and tomorrow is too late to start. Mike Bloomberg will make gun safety a national priority and he has a plan that could actually prevent these atrocities from happening,” Congressman Ted Deutch said in a prepared statement. “Not only that, Mike is our country’s answer to fighting pressing issues like climate change and will use integrity and real leadership to restore America’s place in the global community.” However Deutch did not address Bloomberg’s stop and frisk policy that targeted minorities in New York City, or his decades old lawsuits against him accusing him of sexual harassment and the degradation of women. Bloomberg has repeatedly apologized for his stop and frisk policy, but in the past has repeatedly denied the sexual harassment allegations.
Deutch, who serves on the House ethics committee, has been a leader in combatting sexual harassment. In 2018 he led the charge on the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 Reform Act, which according to his website “will improve workplace protections in Congress and strengthen responses to sexual harassment cases.” Deutch said at the time: “The halls of Congress are not absent from sexual harassment. Just like every other workplace in America, we need to strengthen our anti-harassment policies for Congressional offices to create a safe environment for all employees. We are sending an important message to the entire country that perpetrators - even Members of Congress - will be held accountable. With unanimous passage of this bill in the House, we are starting to change the culture by preventing future abuse and empowering victims to seek justice without fear of retribution.” Additionally when former Minnesota Senator Al Franken came under scrutiny in 2017 for allegations of sexual misconduct Deutch appeared on CNN telling the host the photos of Franken pretending to grope a woman were “absolutely revolting.” On the same show Deutch also supported a Senate
DEUTCH, WHO SERVES ON THE HOUSE ETHICS COMMITTEE, HAS BEEN A LEADER IN COMBATTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT.
investigation into the allegations even though many of them happened before Franken took office. Franken later resigned. “I saw a statistic last night that one in six women in America claimed to have been sexually harassed in the workplace and it’s not just Congress, and we need to do more […] but it’s every workplace in America,” Deutch told CNN at the time. “This is a moment of reckoning in this country, it’s really an important conversation we need to have.” Rep. Deutch also said, “Well, in my role on the ethics committee I, I would want to have the opportunity to speak with the woman who I’ve seen on television.” SFGN reached out to Deutch’s office by email twice for comment, but did not get a reply back before press time. Over the weekend Washington Post published an in-depth story looking at some of the allegations including whether Bloomberg once told a pregnant to “kill” her unborn child. According to the Post, Bloomberg, through his lawyer, denied ever saying it. However the Post was able to track down another employee who worked at the company at the time, who corroborated the woman’s story. In addition GQ reported that Bloomberg and his company have fielded about 40 sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits over the years. Last month Bloomberg was confronted by one of hosts of the View on ABC over some of the allegations where he told the hosts
Rep. Ted Deutch. Photo via Facebook.
he would not release the women from the nondisclosure agreements. “We don’t have anything to hide but we made legal agreements, which both sides wanted to keep certain things from coming out, they have a right to do that,” Bloomberg said on the show. “Remember, just because you signed a nondisclosure doesn’t mean you can’t talk about other things. You just can’t talk about what was in that agreement where perhaps you don’t disparage the other party or you don’t want to retell a story, whatever it is.” Deutch represents Florida’s 22nd congressional district that covering parts of Broward and Palm Beach Counties including Wilton Manors. WMG
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OPINION
Bye-Bye Biden – The Democratic Establishment Takes a Hit And here’s a preview of our local races
February 19, 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 6 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
By Sal Torre Photo via PxHere.
Poor results in Iowa, New Hampshire and national polls might be the knockout punch for Biden’s presidential aspirations. However, the bigger story this past week is how fast the desperate ruling class of the Democratic Party is acting like a bunch of rats jumping off a sinking ship scurrying to get onboard the Bloomberg bandwagon. What we are really witnessing here is another nail in the coffin of American democracy, bringing us ever closer to a new American oligarchy. Back in the 2016 presidential primaries, Bernie Sanders’ popularity and success were totally dismissed and discounted by the Democratic Party establishment. Yet the money and votes kept pouring in. Four years later we are still seeing the same treatment. Bernie Sanders is the front runner of the Democratic primaries, his fundraising from non-corporate donors far outpaces all others, and yet our Democratic Party leadership cannot get out of each other’s way to embrace Michael Bloomberg as the savior of the party. This is the same party leadership that resurrected Joe Biden as their savior, only to see their hopes dashed once again by Bernie Sanders’ popularity and fundraising success. A popular candidate with strong appeal to young voters, a loyal following, an unbelievable grass-roots fundraising machine that brings in millions from average citizens should be a godsend for any campaign. Unfortunately, the power structure seems to want another billionaire, whose appeal is purchased by his wealth. Looks to me like our democracy is quickly becoming an oligarchy, ruled by very wealthy billionaires. I guess we can find some comfort with the fact that Billionaire Bloomberg at least supports and gives plenty of his money to worthy causes favored by many Democrats. However, Bernie Sanders is still the front runner and the rightful standard bearer for now. Leaving the national stage behind, my attention focuses back on local issues here within the borders of our Island City. With
WMG Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • Sallie James
Correspondents
Sal Torre • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing the topic of elections already on our minds, I might as well talk about our own local elections. Municipal elections for Mayor and City Commission are already beginning to take shape. Our Mayor, Justin Flippen, has announced that he will be seeking re-election, along with City Commissioner Julie Carson. Vice Mayor Tom Green, our long-serving and popular commissioner, will not be seeking reelection, thus ending his 12year run serving our city. Candidates stepping up to throw their hats into the race so far include Chris Caputo and Michael Bracchi for City Commission. Bracchi is currently serving on the city’s Budget Review Advisory Committee. There is still plenty of time for others to jump into the race, so residents will have to wait a few more months to see what the final line-up will look like. One thing for certain is that Wilton Manors residents will be losing a champion for protecting single-family neighborhoods with Vice Mayor Tom Green stepping down comes November. Tom has always voiced a very strong opinion on the need to protect our residential neighborhoods from the negative effects of short-term rentals. His strong voice and advocacy on this issue, along with securing a rail station for our city, his work with the regional MPO, his vocal support for home rule against the Florida legislature, his commitment to address environmental issues, his work with the Florid
THERE IS AN OLD SAYING, “ALL POLITICS ARE LOCAL.”
League of Cities, and so much more will be a tremendous loss for all residents of our Island City. This loss puts a greater emphasis on who we choose to fill our City Commission seats come November. Not yet knowing all the final candidates, I will hold off offering judgement for now. Meanwhile, residents should get to know these new candidates, how they have participated over the years in our city government, participated in neighborhood associations, worked on improving our quality of life, and what their vision for tomorrow is for our city. We should look to judge candidates on what they have done and currently doing, not on some glossy election flyer showing up in your mailbox. Campaign kick-off parties have already begun, and many more campaign fundraising parties will be scheduled in the months ahead. Mayor Flippen will be kicking off this Thursday at Drynk, Commissioner Carson follows the following Thursday at Claudia Castillo’s Art Studio, and Michael Bracchi kicked off his campaign to a packed house at Richardson House two weeks ago. Stay tuned for more election madness as we move through our local, state and national elections. There is an old saying, “All politics are local.” Getting involved locally, knowing who your candidates are in municipal elections, participating in the electoral process, talking to neighbors, getting involved with community organizations, and voting for candidates who are truly knowledgeable about the issues facing our Island City will continue to make life just better here. WMG
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If you’re planning a night on the Drive soon, take advantage of the city’s ride-sharing program for $5 off your lift or uber! bit.ly/WMRideShare
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February 19, 2020
THIS, JUSTIN
The 2020 Legislative Session What does it hold for Wilton Manors? By Justin Flippen
NEWS
Pride Center Hosting Grief Presentation By John McDonald
Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
The 2020 legislative session is early this year, started on Jan. 14 and is scheduled to adjourn on Friday, March 13. As a mayor and local elected official, I am hopeful that this legislature will allow “local voices to make local choices,” keep big government in Tallahassee out of local matters best left to local communities and their local governments to handle, and limit efforts to restrict or preempt local government authority. This principle is called “home rule” and is recognized in the Florida Constitution as the right of cities to adopt any law as long as it does not conflict with State or Federal law. Wilton Manors is a city which takes particular pride in our diversity and inclusion, perhaps more than any other city in Florida, and our home rule authority has been essential in achieving an environmentally progressive and socially inclusive local city community. High on the city’s priority list is acknowledgement of the reality of climate change, increased severe weather events, and sea level rise. Florida desperately needs a statewide plan to address infrastructure resilience and to combat the impacts of increased flooding and higher temperatures. Every city in South Florida is facing this very real threat, and the Island City is no different. Funding is needed to assist municipal government in resiliency planning and implementation. I am encouraged that the governor has begun to address the issue by appointing a Chief Resiliency Officer and a Chief Science Officer. Progressive initiatives by the commissioner of agriculture and the Office of Energy are also appreciated. Sea level rise is a scientific fact, and the Southeast Florida Climate Compact recently came out with updated projections that demonstrate rising seas at a rate more rapidly than has previously been seen. Also on the city’s radar is water supply, both quality and quantity. It was conservatively estimated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that $16.5 billion is needed over the next 20 years in potable water infrastructure improvements for Florida, and wastewater and stormwater systems have similar needs. Water
gets to the essence of our survival as a society, and I hope the legislature will begin to prepare for the time in the near future where water could be in very short supply. There are several bills this session that address social equity for LGBT-plus people in Florida. The State Legislature should pass House Bill 41/Senate Bill 180 to ban the dangerous practice of conversion therapy. Studies have shown this practice victimizes and marginalizes individuals and is seriously harmful to mental health. Likewise, discrimination in the workplace or anywhere else based on sexual orientation and gender identity must no longer be tolerated in our State, and it is long overdue that we pass the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. While Airbnb, Vrbo, and other vacation rental business models are thriving and good for our economy, I hope the Florida Legislature will consider the negative impacts these rentals are having on traditional single-family neighborhoods. There is a place for this model in tourism meccas, but local governments should be able to regulate the bad behavior of their guests in places where people live and work every day. Finally, gratitude is extended to State Senators Farmer and Thurston, and State Representatives Dubose and LaMarca for their representation of citizens in Wilton Manors and the other cities of their districts. These legislators work hard on our behalf in our State capitol. Our fight to preserve our local and State constitutionally recognized home rule authority and our advocacy of our inclusive community values at the State level and beyond are reasons why “life’s just better here” in Wilton Manors.
A health care agency is bringing caregiver support to the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. With a focus on stress, community resources and tips and tactics, Vitas Healthcare is joining with the Pride Center for a presentation on caregiving. In what Pride Center officials are pitching as a quarterly event on the calendar, Vitas’ ‘Journey through Grief’ is Tuesday, March 3 at the Broward based LGBT center. Vitas is a subsidiary corporation under the umbrella of Chemed Corporation. Headquartered in Miami, the company employs 12,562 workers in the field of hospice care. ‘Journey through Grief’ is part education and part therapeutic, Vitas states in their promotional materials. “Members can share their struggles,
Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
triumphs, and resources with one another,” the flier reads. There is no cost to attend the presentation, officials at Vitas and Pride Center confirmed. WMG
The presentation is from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at Pride Center at Equality Park., 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305.
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SouthFloridaGayNews Justin S. Flippen, J.D. “The People’s Mayor” Wilton Manors Mayor WMG
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February 19, 2020
Welcome to the South Florida Gay News. 2.19.2020 •
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POLITICS
FOCUS ON POLITICS
The Gazette’s Q&A with the candidates for City Commission
A Q&A WITH
CHRIS CAPUTO
CANDIDATE FOR WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSION By Sallie James
T
Chris Caputo. Photo via Chris Caputo, Facebook.
hree seats on the Wilton Manors Commission are up for grabs in the Nov. 3, 2020 election and the campaigning has begun to heat up.
Two 4-year Commission seats, occupied by Tom Green and Julie Carson, and the Mayor’s 2-year seat, occupied by Justin Flippen are up for election. Green is not running for re-election and Flippen has not yet announced if he is running for re-election To date, incumbent Julie Carson and political newcomers Michael Bracchi and Chris Caputo have announced their intentions to run for Commissioner. Here is our Q&A with Caputo. Visit SFGN.com/WMelection2020 to read the other candidate profiles and for other Wilton Manors election news.
CHRIS CAPUTO (Wilton Manors Gazette) Why have you decided to run for Commission? (Chris Caputo) When I moved here a little more than 15 years ago, I knew I found my home. I was clear this was a place I could be myself, build my business, and establish friendships that would last a lifetime. I was right. I’ve been blessed with some
“THERE ARE, UNFORTUNATELY, SOME REAL CHALLENGES FACING OUR CITY.” - Chris Caputo
CANDIDATE FOR WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSION
success in my life, a lot of which is owed to this community that provided a foundation for me to build upon. There are, unfortunately, some real challenges facing our city. Knowing I have the experience to have a positive impact, I feel called upon – compelled – to ensure our city is a great tomorrow as it was for my 15 years ago. What are your qualifications? I think one thing that might set me apart from other candidates is that I have proven expertise and qualifications directly related to the issues residents are most concerned about – economic development and diversity, housing affordability and fiscal responsibility. As a serial entrepreneur, I believe I’m the only candidate that has built multiple businesses from $0 to millions in revenue. My last business, Agile Element, is a real source of pride: we created about 25 high paying jobs in technology, and our team had 3 times more women and minorities than the tech industry average. When it comes to housing affordability, I’m certain I’m the only candidate that actually has hands-on experience
solving the problem: I’m incredibly proud of the Senior Affordable Housing project that was conceptualized and created thanks to the efforts of our Pride Center Board of Directors and Leadership Team. It is more than 7 years in the making: identifying the opportunity to qualify for tax credits, qualifying the right partners for the project, navigating complex city, county and state regulations and of course ensuring the project made financial sense for everyone involved. I’ve made SFGN’s Out50 list, received the Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award, Our Fund’s first ever NextGen Philanthropist Award, SMART Ride’s leadership award, and more. I’ve demonstrated my commitment to this community by raising $150,000-plus for local nonprofits. I’ve earned my seat on the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’ Board of Directors, as well as the honor of serving as Board Chair of the Pride Center, by walking the walk. I hold a Masters of Business Administration from FAU. Are you already involved in the city on boards, etc.? As you’re probably aware, I’ve been a regular
attendee and outspoken resident at city commission meetings for some time now. I’m involved in our community in so many ways, from participation on the Government Affairs council at the Chamber (where I chair the Affordable Housing subcommittee), to my involvement with WMBA, and my participation in community events. That being said, there have been some opportunities to be involved with our city that I’ve turned down. I’ve learned, for me personally, it sometimes is best to remain an “outsider” until you’ve secured a position where you can enact real change. I’ve seen some really great ideas come up in our various city boards that ultimately were shot down by commissioners – and I won’t be a part of that.
To read the rest of the interview, visit SFGN.com/WMelection2020.
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