Brickell Homeowners Association: PAC

November 2006
City of Miami Commission, District 2
Brickell Neighborhood PAC Endorses Commissioner Linda Haskins in Runoff Election

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee announced its endorsement of Linda Haskins for City of Miami Commissioner, District 2. This race will be decided in the runoff election on Tuesday, November 21, 2006, when incumbent Haskins faces challenger Marc Sarnoff.

Commissioner Haskins seemed to best understand the concerns of the Brickell neighborhood, especially as they related to construction sprawl, and the ability, or inability, for residents to move about their neighborhood on foot or by automobile, Brickell Neighborhood PAC Chair Tory Jacobs said. She vowed to support a comprehensive study of traffic in the Brickell corridor, and to enact restrictions on truck deliveries and construction obstruction like other large metropolitan areas have done.

"As we become more dense, as we see in the Brickell and Omni areas, it’s nearly impossible to get around due to the construction. Not only are the streets blocked; the sidewalks are blocked as well," Ms. Haskins told the PAC Steering Committee during her interview. "This shouldn’t be happening."

Commissioner Haskins at groundbreaking of Brickell Avenue
Streetscape Improvement Project

Ms. Haskins said she is not yet convinced by some early opinions rejecting possible traffic solutions that many have high hopes for. The two-waying of Eighth Street...a Brickell tunnel... port tunnel options. "Why won't they work?" she asked. Every option has to be thoroughly explored and the numbers run.

Ms. Haskins' experience as a financial professional, most recently as the City's Director of Finance, and her background in turning around troubled companies, were other important factors in the PAC’s selection.

The District 2 Commissioner seat is an important one to the Brickell neighborhood, since the City controls many factors that impact quality of life for neighbors and businesses. Police protection, construction sprawl, and code enforcement are major areas of residents' concerns and are all controlled by the City of Miami.

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC, a separate entity from BHA but with overlapping interests, makes endorsements for offices of importance to the Brickell neighborhood after a process that involves written questionnaires, observation and interviews to delve deeper into matters of importance to Brickell. Endorsements are made with the best interests of the neighborhood in mind.

October 27, 2006
Brickell Neighborhood PAC Endorses Frank Rollason for
City of Miami Commissioner, District 2

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee, serving the Brickell residential community from the Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway, announced its endorsement of the candidacy of Frank Rollason for City of Miami Commissioner, District 2, in the upcoming election November 7.

Tory Jacobs, Brickell Neighborhood PAC Chairman, said that after a comprehensive review process, the Steering Committee determined that Frank Rollason was their top choice from a field of seven candidates. The PAC cited to his broad experience in many areas of City government for 40 years, his practical, common sense approach to problem solving, and his pledge for work for change in the way the City operates.

"Frank has a long history of heading up critical city departments, and has always been a go-to guy for getting things accomplished," Mr. Jacobs said, recalling a number of occasions when Brickell neighbors needed action or assistance from the City and Mr. Rollason responded and solved problems.

City troubles that Mr. Rollason told the Brickell Neighborhood PAC need immediate attention included a police force facing eminent "crisis" due to years of stalled negotiations between the union and City leaders, driving officers to better-paying jobs in other municipalities; development that’s not going in the right places where the infrastructure exists to support it; and a "ward politics" mentality among a commission protecting district interests rather than taking a citywide view.

The District 2 seat will be decided November 7th, with a runoff election November 21st if no single candidate receives at least 50% of the vote.

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC was formed nine years ago when Brickell homeowners realized they needed stronger representation before governmental bodies impacting the neighborhood. It has proven effective ever since in garnering the attention that residents in the Brickell corridor seek for issues of concern. Preventing commercial encroachment, maintaining a residential ambiance and controlling growth and traffic are among Brickell residents' chief concerns.

Mr. Jacobs says that the Brickell PAC empowers homeowning taxpayers with vested interests in the Brickell Neighborhood but who are not eligible to vote. The PAC provides a voice in the election process for Brickell residents, some 16,000 strong.

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee, serving the Brickell residential community from the Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway, endorsed candidates in three races in August before the primary, all three of whom advanced to runoffs in the November 2nd General Election. In September two additional endorsements were added to the list.

Jimmy Morales
After a comprehensive review process, the PAC Steering Committee determined that Commissioner Morales, who has served the Brickell community as the Miami-Dade County District 7 representative for the past eight years, has earned the trust and support of residents. Along with the strongest track record for looking out for Brickell neighborhood concerns while effectively serving all of greater Miami-Dade, the committee felt that Commissioner Morales has proven himself to be a man of integrity.

Carlos A. Gimenez
In the County Commission race for District 7, which encompasses Brickell Avenue, the PAC endorsed Carlos A. Gimenez. The Brickell neighborhood enjoyed a professional, responsive relationship with Mr. Gimenez when he served as City of Miami manager, and it was this experience in public administration that demonstrated he can hit the ground running. (The other Miami-Dade Commissioner serving part of the BHA membership geography is Bruno Barreiro, District 5, who won his re-election bid unopposed.)

Michael Kosnitsky
In the School Board race for District 3, Michael Kosnitsky won the Brickell Neighborhood PAC’s approval due to his reputation for understanding the numbers behind the equation and being tough when the job calls for it. He is in a runoff against Martin Karp.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
The Brickell Neighborhood PAC endorsed the re-election candidacy of Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for U.S. House of Representatives, Congressional District 18, citing her strong track record for public service since first being elected in 1989. She has consistently reached out and stayed in touch with her constituents while serving in Washington, DC.

GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND
Building Better Communities
The PAC gave its nod to all eight of the questions comprising the $2.9 billion General Obligation Bond proposals. The PAC said that needed, major capital improvements would be made throughout Miami-Dade County with these bonds, improvements not undertaken since the 30-year Decade of Progress Bonds projects were completed. That program won favorable voter approval in 1972. The GOB question will be presented as eight separate questions; the PAC endorsed all eight. (see Huge Bond Program Aims to “Build Better Communities” in this issue)

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC was formed seven years ago when Brickell homeowners realized they needed stronger representation before governmental bodies impacting the neighborhood. It has proven effective ever since in garnering the attention that residents in the Brickell corridor seek for issues of concern. Preventing commercial encroachment, maintaining a residential ambiance and controlling growth and traffic are among Brickell residents’ chief concerns.
The Brickell PAC empowers homeowning taxpayers with vested interests in the Brickell Neighborhood but who are not eligible to vote. The PAC provides a voice in the election process for Brickell residents, some 16,000 strong.
For more information on the history of the Brickell Neighborhood PAC and its stands on previous elections and issues, please see www.brickellhomeowners.com/
pac.html

Reprinted from BHA News, Vol. XIV, No. 3 Fall 2004
President's Column By T. Sinclair (Tory) Jacobs: What is the Relationship Between the Brickell Neighborhood PAC and BHA?

Tory Jacobs

Seven years ago, BHA Directors came to the realization that we could be more effective in gaining favorable consideration for our neighborhood concerns by taking a more active role in the political process.
BHA is funded by annual dues assessed on its member associations. The Documents governing many, if not all, of the members may be interpreted to restrict use of fees to advocacy for issues, but not for individual candidates.
And so the Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee (PAC) was born, supported solely by voluntary donations, open to broader membership than BHA and registered with the State. The State mandates two officers, a chairman and a treasurer with periodic reports of revenues and disbursements. The volunteer PAC donors set up a steering committee from among those who volunteered to serve.

The Steering Committee’s focus is how best to achieve the neighbors’ goals. To this end, a Political Scientist, Ph.D., is retained to design questionnaires for each race and then to evaluate responses, grading on a scale, a proven practice in this discipline. In addition, for selected races, candidate interviews are also conducted.
Finally, the PAC Steering Committee’s recommendations are presented to BHA membership for consideration. The BHA Community should recognize that they are being given professional evaluations and recommendations to best serve the Neighborhood.

Elsewhere in this issue of BHA News are the PAC’s findings for the November 2nd election. We believe residents of the BHA Community will be well served by voting in accordance with these recommendations, but, more important to BHA, however, we encourage you to vote regardless of whether you accept the PAC’s recommendations, because the more voters actually voting in the Brickell precincts, ’ears.

Aug. 20, 2004: Brickell Neighborhood PAC Announces Key Endorsements
Morales, Gimenez and Kosnitsky Win PAC Support

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee, serving the Brickell residential community from the Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway, announced its endorsement of the candidacy of Jimmy Morales for Miami-Dade County Mayor for the upcoming primary election August 31.

Carlos A. Gimenez, candidate for County Commissioner of District 7, and Michael Kosnitsky, running for the School Board in District 3, were also supported by the Brickell Neighborhood PAC.

Tory Jacobs, Brickell Neighborhood PAC Chairman, said that after a comprehensive review process, the Steering Committee determined that Commissioner Morales, who has served the Brickell community as the Miami-Dade County District 7 representative for the past eight years, has earned the trust and support of residents.

“Jimmy Morales has proven himself to be a man of integrity who has been there for our neighborhood as well as for the greater Miami-Dade community,” Mr. Jacobs said.

“While most of the other leading candidates that we considered have served our community in various capacities, Jimmy had the strongest track record to serve in our County’s top elected position,” Mr. Jacobs said.

In the County Commission race for District 7, which encompasses Brickell Avenue, the PAC endorsed Carlos A. Gimenez. The Brickell neighborhood enjoyed a professional, responsive relationship with Mr. Gimenez when he served as City of Miami manager, and it was this experience in public administration that demonstrated he can hit the ground running.

In the School Board race for District 3, Michael Kosnitsky won the Brickell Neighborhood PAC’s approval due to his reputation for understanding the numbers behind the equation and being tough when the job calls for it.

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC was formed seven years ago when Brickell homeowners realized they needed stronger representation before governmental bodies impacting the neighborhood. It has proven effective ever since in garnering the attention that residents in the Brickell corridor seek for issues of concern. Preventing commercial encroachment, maintaining a residential ambiance and controlling growth and traffic are among Brickell residents’ chief concerns.

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee is preparing for the coming election season by studying candidates and their positions on issues of importance to the residential Brickell corridor.

The process is carried out through research, questionnaires and, for top contenders, interviews. The PAC is focusing primarily on local races, the outcomes of which have the greatest direct impact on residents.

Candidates are queried on about major issues of county-wide importance such as citizens’ oversight boards, ethics, education and governmental structure. They are also asked about issues especially critical to residential Brickell and the surrounding areas, such as infrastructure planning and growth to keep pace with development.

Endorsements will be made and publicized for those races where there is a strong majority or consensus among PAC screening members. With the PAC representing the interests of some 16,000 residents, endorsement by the Brickell Neighborhood PAC signifies a strong vote of confidence for a candidate.

Serving the Brickell residential community from the Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC was formed in 1997 when BHA residents became frustrated by the lack of representation they were receiving at City Hall. Private developer and commercial interests were consistently winning out over the will of homeowners. The PAC, allowed to raise funds and support candidates and issues that align most closely with its constituents, has proven effective since its formation in garnering the attention of elected officials.

At the same time, the Brickell PAC empowers homeowning taxpayers with vested interests in the Brickell neighborhood but who are not eligible to vote. The PAC provides a voice in the election process for Brickell residents.

The Primary Election is August 31 and the General Election November 2 which will include any runoffs needed. BHA and the Brickell Neighborhood PAC encourage all registered voters to get to the polls on these two days.

Reprinted from BHA News, Fall Issue 2002
PAC Endorses Three Candidates, Supports Mayor's Transit Plan

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee announced its endorsement of the Jeb Bush candidacy for reelection as governor for the State of Florida. Jeb Bush, who received the PAC's endorsement four years ago when he first won office over Buddy McKay, was chosen over Bill McBride, the Democratic challenger for the Tallahassee top seat.

In the U.S. House of Representatives 18th District race, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC endorsed incumbent Ileana Ros-Letinen, a political veteran who has been a friend and advocate for the Brickell area. Most recently she recognized the work of the Brickell Homeowners Association, lauding the BHA's community leadership to be forever noted in the Congressional Record. Congresswoman Ros-Letinen is credited with a many accomplishments in Washington, DC, for Miami, especially for garnering $21 million in federal funding for the dredging of the Miami River, working closely with Senator Bob Graham.

State Representative Gustavo Barreiro also received the Brickell Neighborhood PAC's endorsement for his candidacy for a second term in Tallahassee representing District 107, which includes a significant portion of Brickell Homeowners Association residents. Running against newcomer Rafael Antonio Velasquez, Brickell leadership has found Representaive Barreiro to be responsive and accessible, and looks forward to working with him on matters of importance to the Brickell area.

PAC Gives Nod to Transit Surtax
The Brickell Neighborhood PAC took a stand in favor of the Miami-Dade County ordinance calling for a half-penny sales surtax for transit system capital improvements. Recommending a "yes" vote to Brickell neighborhood voters, PAC steering committee members viewed the proposed East-West corridor linkage, bus service expansion and Metrorail expansions as critical to improved quality of life throughout the County and essential to Miami's position as a vital, healthy metropolis and world-class city. If passed, the surtax would provide a funding mechanism to extend the Brickell Shuttle service, which doesn't have a dedicated source of operational funding after mid-2003, according to Mayor Penelas.

"Home Rule" Amendment Opposed
The PAC took a stand on only one of the 10 state constitutional amendments that will be on the November 5 ballot: No. 3, a critically important but little understood amendment, the "Home Rule" question. The PAC is against Constitutional Amendment No. 3, which if passed, is largely viewed as presenting a serious risk to our local government's autonomy.

The Brickell Neighborhood Political Action Committee announced its endorsement of the candidacy of Manny Diaz for City of Miami Mayor in the upcoming election. After a comprehensive review process of the 10 candidates, the PAC Steering Committee determined that Mr. Diaz, a new face on the political landscape, offers a businesslike approach to assessing problems and developing solutions - just what Miami needs now.

The PAC Steering Committee said they felt that Manny Diaz has a keen appreciation of the importance of neighborhoods, which is important for Brickell as well as for all of the other City neighborhoods.

"While all of the other leading candidates have already served the City in various capacities, Manny Diaz offers Miami voters a new perspective and a much-needed breath of fresh air in the City of Miami's top elected position," PAC Chairman Tory Jacobs said.
"Two years ago, the PAC took a bold step in endorsing the election of a political newcomer, Johnny Winton, to the City Commission, and Commissioner Winton has more than proven himself," Mr. Jacobs said. "We predict similar success in our support of Manny Diaz."

In the City of Miami Commission races, the PAC endorsed Joe Sanchez and Arthur Teele, Jr. for reelection in Districts 3 and 5, respectively. In both of these cases, their experience, and the leadership the two have shown while in office, worked in the City's favor in the view of the Brickell PAC. They are important allies to Commissioner Winton whose district encompasses the Brickell area.

Serving the Brickell residential community from the Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC was formed four years ago when BHA residents became frustrated by the lack of representation they were receiving at City Hall. Private developer and commercial interests were consistently winning out over the will of homeowners. The PAC, allowed to raise funds and support candidates and issues that align most closely with its constituents, has proven effective since its formation in garnering the attention of elected officials.

For more on the history of the Brickell PAC and its stands on previous elections and issues, click on Brickell PAC on main menu.

At first, whoever wins the City's highest office may not seem of critical importance to residents in the Brickell area. Afterall, many say, "it's just politics." However, in the past four years since the formation of the Brickell Neighborhood PAC, residents have seen that this office, along with each of the five elected Miami City Commissioners, have a direct impact on issues affecting our neighborhood, quality of life and wallets.

History Can Repeat Itself
It was hard lessons that originally lead to the formation of the PAC, and the motivating force that has kept the watchdog group strong ever since.

Residents may recall that the Brickell PAC, along with support from other grassroots Miami groups, helped to eliminate an unfair $160 per condo unit "Fire Rescue Fee" a few years ago, and won a more equitable formula for the fee. Next the PAC proved successful in the fight to eliminate a supplemental waste fee imposed unfairly on condominium owners to shore up the City's financial gaps.

Two Winners and Counting
The PAC also took a bold step and endorsed the election of political newcomer Johnny Winton to the City Commission two years ago. Commissioner Winton has proven himself to be man of action and principle, helping to steward the City of Miami's financial recovery, responding to Brickell neighborhood concerns and undertaking important initiatives to move the City of Miami into its rightful place as a leading metropolitan city in this hemisphere.

Commissioner Winton has been a helpful ally, tackling complex issues of vital interest to Brickell, including a comprehensive approach to dealing with the traffic quagmire that clogs our neighborhood's roadways; opposing proposed waterfront development in Brickell Park and Bicentennial Park; and fighting encroachment of commercial establishments in our neighborhood.

Equally important on issues affecting Brickell residents' quality of life has been Miami-Dade Commissioner Jimmy Morales, whose recent reelection was also endorsed by the Brickell Neighborhood PAC.

Commissioner Morales has been responsive to Brickell concerns, including working toward the proper allocation of developers' impact fees to the neighborhoods where development is taking place, rather than to the general operating fund. With all the new construction underway in the Brickell area, the BHA is working to be sure those developers' fees fortify our neighborhood.

The upcoming election gives Brickell residents the opportunity to strengthen our association's impact on issues - your issues - by adding to the number of elected officials who share our vision of Brickell. The PAC is working to influence the results of the City of Miami mayoral race, as well as commission seats up for election.

It's All About Process
The PAC's process involves an in-depth analysis of where the mayoral candidates stand on key issues of importance to the Brickell neighborhood. Candidates were asked to complete a 15-question survey to share their views on specific areas. Topics on the questionnaire included the city budget, taxation and fees, effectiveness of government functions and planning and future growth. Responses are being analyzed.

The PAC anticipates announcing its endorsments in early October.
Feedback from residents has also been helpful as have financial contributions to fund the PAC's work. Dozens of residents answered the PAC's call for financial support this summer, and the responses keep coming.

Your Involvement Needed
Residents are asked to remain vigilant with the PAC, and staying tuned to what our City government is doing. The PAC will continue its efforts to stop the proliferation of unfairly imposed fees and taxes, and wants to ensure that the candidate elected as mayor recognizes that the City of Miami is on the road to financial recovery. Residents need a mayor that won't thwart the progress that has been made to date.

Commissioner Johnny Winton, whose district encompasses the Brickell area, spoke of the importance of the upcoming election when at the New World Center Action Committee meeting at the annual Goals Conference of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce in June. "Many of the candidates are committed to turning this administration upsidedown," he said. "Consider carefully who you are going to support."

Investing in the Future
Just as the PAC has won on issues in the past, it can help win better representation in government. By supporting your PAC's efforts to screen and evaluate candidates and publicize where they stand on key issues, your concerns for where we live are translated into an action plan for our neighborhood. All residents are needed to be a part of it.

Also, it is important to remember that the PAC empowers homeowning taxpayers with a vested interest in our Brickell neighborhood but who are not eligible to vote. It provides a voice in the election process.

To achieve continued success, our PAC needs residents' support to do its work. If you haven't made your contribution this year, please take a moment to write your check and send it to the PAC with the form below. Remember, your investment serves your neighborhood.

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC is gearing up for the hotly contested City of Miami mayoral election this coming fall. Mayor Joe Carollo, former mayors Xavier Suarez and Maurice Ferre are among the declared candidates running for mayor.

Gloria Konsler of One Tequesta Point was recently named PAC Treasurer, taking over the office from Mel Frankel, BHA Director and founding PAC member.

Brickell Neighborhood PAC Results After September 2000 Election
At the polls on September 5th, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC was successful in seeing its endorsed candidate for the District 7 seat of the Miami-Dade County Commission, Jimmy Morales, elected for another four-year term.

While the Brickell Neighborhood PAC's endorsed candidate for District 5, Alvaro "Al" Fernandez, was not supported by the overall electorate, in the Brickell neighborhood precinct #541, Fernandez was defeated by only five percentage points versus 44 percent in the overall county tally. Brickell area voters supported the endorsement of the Brickell Neighborhood PAC, attesting to its growing effectiveness.

The PAC will continue to fight to save our Brickell Park, to monitor progress on the Brickell Avenue median enhancement program, and to serve as watchdogs of local government. We're keeping an eye on commercial and residential developments in our neighborhood, zoning laws, and any new taxes and fees that government officials impose without the input of citizens.

The Brickell PAC Steering Committee extends its gratitude to all those who supported the PAC with volunteer time and financial support.

Reprinted from BHA News, Summer 2000
President's Column by T. Sinclair (Tory) Jacobs: Are we getting our money's worth?

Not from the City, not from the County, but from our contributions to the Brickell Neighborhood PAC?

Let's go back to 1997. The City enacted a "Fire Rescue Fee" of $160 levied on every condominium unit and on all single-family homes, however, the tax was offset for single-family residents by a $160 credit on their garbage pick-up fees.

We formed a Political Action Committee - the Brickell Neighborhood PAC - and went to work. In March 1998, the City Commission (four to one) killed the "Fire Rescue Fee." However in April, in response to pressure from the Financial Oversight Board, the Commission imposed a much-reduced $24 fee assessed equally against single-family and condominium residences.

Even though a $2 per month fee per household wasn't onerous, there was considerable concern over the precedent being established as an end-run around the ad valorem tax cap. Our PAC helped spearhead the formation of TTUFF, a coalition to challenge the constitutionality of the "Fire Rescue Fee."

TTUFF Just Won Its First Battle!
In June, the Fourth District Court of Appeal found a similar "Fire Rescue Fee" in North Lauderdale illegal (see story page 8). Meanwhile, Miami's fee has escalated each year to its current rate of $61 per household. The new court position however, could mean eventually that the City has to refund all fees collected since imposition in 1998millions of dollars each year.

There's More...Serious $$$ More!
In March 1998, the City Commission enacted a "Supplemental Waste Fee" levied against all "commercial establishments" with specific designation of condominium units as "commercial." This imposed a fee of some $5 per unit payable by each condominium association.

Now, you might think that just telling the powers-that-be that condos, by zoning definition, are not "commercial" would resolve the misunderstanding, but this is not the way bureaucracy works. It required a new City Ordinance. Then, it actually took more than a year to secure refunds from the City, many over $2,000 per condo association.

Have we established that condos are not "commercial?" Let's hope so, but we just cannot be certain. Constant vigilance is required to protect our pocketbooks and the residential character of our neighborhood.

If you agree that Brickell Neighborhood PAC deserves your continued financial support, now is a good time to reach for your pen and checkbook and completing the PAC Support and Involvement form. We look forward to hearing from you.

Reprinted from BHA News, Summer 2000
Brickell Neighborhood PAC Tackles County Races

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC is asking BHA residents to lend their support and involvement to the Political Action Committee by making a contribution to the donation-supported group. Serving as neighborhood watchdog of local government, the PAC is at work for the fall election, surveying and querying candidates, and eventually endorsing those that will best represent matters of importance to the Brickell neighborhood.

By making a financial contribution, residents enable the PAC to leverage their interests by persuading the majority of Brickell voters to rely upon their conclusions and vote their convictions. The PAC has proven to provide the best opportunity to effect the outcome of the September 5th election, therefore residents are urged to be generous in considering a PAC contribution.

Success Under Our Belt
The Brickell Neighborhood PAC's involvement last year in the City of Miami election proved to be a valuable investment by garnering a very important result the election of the Brickell-endorsed candidate, Johnny Winton, to the City Commission.

Those who have been reading the newspaper and watching TV know that Johnny Winton has been able to bring several Brickell concerns to the forefront of the City's attention, concerns which especially affect our quality of life. Traffic quagmires on our home stretch of roadway, proposed waterfront development at Dinner Key and Bicentennial Park, the cleansing of the Miami River and the sale of Brickell Park are just some of the issues that our Commissioner has chosen to tackle.

Now residents have the opportunity to strengthen his impact on these issues and our issues by adding to the number of elected officials who share our vision of Brickell. Brickell can use its PAC to shape the results of the County races, but needs the help of residents to do it.

We Must Remain Vigilant With the PAC
As in the past, help is needed to stop the proliferation of unfairly imposed fees like the Fire Rescue Tax placed on homeowners in 1998, or the supplemental waste fee that was unfairly levied against condominiums until PAC and BHA activists defeated it.

Just as we won on these issues, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC can win us better representation in government by doing its work NOW. By supporting PAC efforts to screen and evaluate candidates, residents' concerns for where we live are translated into an action plan for our neighborhood.

To achieve continued success, our PAC needs your support. Please join the PAC by completing the involvement form, and if you are able, make a contribution. Funding and involvement are THE keys to the PAC's effectiveness.

Thanks to the support of concerned neighbors, the Brickell Neighborhood PAC was successful in seeing its endorsed candidate for Miami City Commission District 2, Johnny Winton, elected to office. While the PAC's position against Amendments 1 and 3 were not supported by the overall electorate, Brickell area neighbors overwhelmingly agreed with our PAC's position (65% on Amendment #1 and 80% Amendment #3).

[Post-script: Amendment #1 was overturned by the courts and the election results thrown out in February 2000 when the courts determined it was in essence an illegal recall of the elected mayor.]
Brickell PAC steering committee volunteers appreciate the neighbors' support and look forward to continued involvement in efforts to preserve the residential ambiance of our neighborhood and have our views represented by elected officials. If you indicate you wish to participate in PAC organizing efforts by emailing us the Involvement Form we will involve you on the next occasion a PAC campaign is needed.

Earlier Victories
Brickell neighbors initially mobilized to help eliminate an unfair $160 "Fire Rescue Tax" in the City of Miami in 1998, which was the "final straw" leading to the formation of the Brickell Neighborhood PAC. Residents won a $100 fee reduction in the proposed tax and a more equitable formula for the fire rescue fee.

The Brickell Neighborhood PAC also proved successful in the fight to eliminate a supplemental waste fee imposed on condominium owners, providing a combined savings amounting to more than what each household pays annually in Brickell Homeowners Association dues. We have learned that the PAC works; and now, with your help, we must put it to work again.

Why? Because proposed changes in City government again threaten the financial stability of the City, creating costs and runaway political powers that will ultimately be born by us City taxpayers.