Valentino gains another opponent
Karen Sindel has filed to run against Escambia County Commissioner Gene Valentino in 2010. Valentino now faces five opponents in the Republican primary, including former…
Even more pension stats
The City of Pensacola has 2008 estimated population of 53,820. The two Florida cities that are closest in populations are Bradenton (53,513) and Margate (54,086)….
More on pensions
The comparisons are even worse. The Escambia County Public School District: 2006 5,668 employees, pension costs $14.9 m, cost per employee $2,632 2007 5,765 employees,…
Pension plan train wreck
One of the biggest examples of the financial risks in having an administrative branch of city government that isn’t directly answerable to the public is…
Anti-charter tones down Fear & Smear campaign
The No Boss Mayor group has reduced its message down from six to four points and toned down the language. They have combined these two…
Update on NMTC numbers
The New Market Tax Credit numbers are better than Ed Gray reported in August, based on the latest info that I’ve received: Sources: Gross Proceeds…
Two ironies
1. The anti-charter people tell us we should leave government to the city staff. The anti-park people tell us we can’t trust the financing plan…
New Market Tax Credits – quick look
The use of New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) for the Community Maritime Park and particularly the maritime museum has yet to be decided. Here is…
What is the CMP bond plan?
The bond financing plan recommended by staff and approved by the council uses New Market Tax Credits which will allow UWF to get $12,256,785 for…
Buzz: Benson to announce Thursday
The buzz is Holly Benson will announce her candidacy for Florida Attorney General on Thursday, Oct. 29 from the Escambia County Courthouse steps.
Marty makes smart political move
The new PAC and petition drive against the bond financing is a smart political move by former City Councilman Marty Donovan. There is no downside…
Marty is back
The PNJ reports that former City Councilman Marty Donovan has formed a political action committee to try and get enough signatures for another referendum on…
Another regional alliance
Gov. Bob Riley of Alabama and Gov. Haley Barber of Mississippi will announce today the formation of “The Aerospace Alliance†—a four-state region from NASA’s…
Last day to register to vote on charter
To register to vote in the City referendum on the proposed Pensacola charter: Visit escambiavotes.com and complete the online application. Be sure to include a…
Anatomy of Southwest/Bay Co. deal
The Panama City News Herald published this weekend an article on how Bay County landed Southwest Airlines for their new airport. As I reported earlier…
BTW: Al Coby does his job out of the Sunshine
Yesterday, Pensacola City Manager Al Coby did his job as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the city without a reporter sitting in his office….
What email problem?
Having dodged prosecution by the State Attorney’s Office, the Santa Rosa County Commission has passed unanimously a new email policy. According to the Daily News,…
Possible end run on Charter vote
Email sent to Pensacola City Council: From: Rusty Wells Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2009 2:05 PM To: Mike Wiggins; M Wiggins; P.C. Wu; Sam Hall;…
Patrick Gonzalez booked for battery (updated)
The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office website shows that Patrick Gonzalez has been charged with aggravated battery. We’ve requested the arrest report. From arrest report: Kevin…
Thoughts on Mexican Mafia
Today the daily newspaper published the interview with Silvano Gonzalez, that we posted on this blog on Monday. Based on that interview, the paper reports…
