The UEL program on the Energy Revolution was surprisingly delightful last night! I say that because the subject matter for me is often dry and — dare I say — boring, but that was certainly not the case this time.

The speakers were all quite informed and interesting (especially our own John Van Leer and Albert Harem-Alvarez) and the rep from FPL, David Bates, was pretty good natured about the polite grilling he got. John Scott of Cushman and Wakefield was up to the task of moderation, and Jane Gilbert and George Cavros rounded out the program. The room was filled with all sorts of interesting young people who were new to UEL and who take the subject of the energy revolution quite seriously. Quite honestly, it gave me hope for the direction of our future. And a bonus — I got to meet Paul Farren, the owner of the Energy Store in Hollywood, and I got some really good composting tips from Prof. Jack Parker, our local energy guru. The program also attracted a candidate running for the State House, Lisa Lesperance, who happens to be running in my district — another good sign If you missed it, we did tape it for future posting on our website.

For the success of this program UEL has to credit two of our newest Board Members, Sarah Ridley and Sonia Succar. I am looking forward to more of this kind of programming and participation.

P.S. When the sun set Sarah suggested we open the curtains lining a second wall, and the guests were treated to a 180 degree sunset view of Biscayne Bay and downtown. It was breathtaking. We had thought the view on just one side was spectacular, little did we know.

Dear UEL Friends,

I have something of great importance to impart. I have learned that there are several very controversial applications coming up for developments outside the UDB. These will be heard on April 28 at the County Commission Chambers at 9:30 a.m. We need to do our best to fill the Chamber and the time certain makes it easier. Since Commissioner Sosa is running for Mayor, she is likely to be influenced by the will of the crowd. We need your help to exercise that influence to protect the UDB. Will you help?

Let’s do our part. Can you join me?

RSVP for our dinner Today! uelinfo@bellsouth.net

Yesterday, we reflected on the absence of public participation in SB 6. We also said that public participation in government was important to the UEL. Today Daniel Shoer Roth said in the Miami Herald:

It’s one of those lessons that does not involve mathematical formulas or grammar rules. It’s about standing up for what you believe is right.

The moral of the teachers’ crusade lies in the importance of defending our rights against all odds and, above all, raising our voices in order to be heard should we feel oppressed by a political decision with which we disagree.

You do not have to be a teacher to organize and protest in front of a park or anywhere else against what you believe is an injustice. It’s a habit that unfortunately we have been losing to the indifference and individualism that corrode South Florida.

Any group that rebels for a just and honest cause is worthy of admiration because it teaches us to not bow our heads before the most powerful nor to accept their dictates. And if it bears fruit, the lesson is twofold, because it’s evidence that the effort — no matter how painful it may be — is worth it.

And:

Supporters of these laws in the Florida Legislature have already disclosed that they will again propose the reform. Such is life, no victory is permanent. What remains forever, however, is the memory of that triumph, which is an inspiration to raise one’s voice again. It is among life’s most important lessons.

Thank you Mr. Shoer-Roth. You said what some of us were thinking…

Senate Bill 6, ‘The Teachers Bill’, was rammed through the legislature with little input from the public even though it would create massive changes in our State.

The Urban Environment League supports the public’s participation in their government. Had the public been a part of the process, the bill could have been amended to work for all. Instead it has become a divisive issue.

The sunset of the Department of Community Affairs is an issue in the legislature that the UEL is watching. We believe the DCA performs an important function to protect and revitalize neighborhoods, prevent sprawl and foster sound planning practices. Our members have long supported the State Agency in charge of smart growth and Comprehensive Master Plan Development and we would not be in favor the ‘sunset’ of the DCA. We have been impressed with the current Secretary, Tom Pelham, who says:

The Department ensures that new growth complies with the state’s vital growth management laws, while also helping established communities revitalize their older or traditional neighborhoods.

Hear an NPR radio broadcast/interview with Tom Pelham as guest, from 2008.

The County Commission, having rejected the majority of changes proposed by the Charter Committee a couple of years ago is proposing THEIR OWN charter changes including a salary increase. This will be the 12 time they have asked the voters to increase their salary according to Miami Today.

The Commission also wants to wrestle some power from the Mayor, now that they believe he is unpopular with the public for the Marlins Stadium vote and giving raises to his staff. Miami Today said:

Commissioners Barbara Jordan and Carlos Gimenez each proposed ballot items that would return executive authority to the commission, Mr. Gimenez’s immediately and Ms. Jordan’s in 2012 when Mayor Alvarez’s final term ends.

The question is: Does the public want the County Commission to have more power? The issue would have to be voted on by the electorate as this is a charter change.

The full commission will decide whether these issues make the ballot as there was not a vote in committee.

 The UEL’S panel will look specifically at South Florida — to assess our current energy mix, propose ideal and reachable goals for the future, and offer a road map on how we can best reach the goals proposed.

UEL Dinner Series  -  Wednesday April 21^st

The Energy Revolution!
Solutions for a Clean & Efficient Energy Future

The UEL’S panel will look specifically at South Florida — to assess our current energy mix, propose ideal and reachable goals for the future, and offer a road map on how we can best reach the goals proposed.

Panel:

George Cavros – Energy Law Attorney & Clean Energy Policy Consultant
Jane Gilbert – Sustainability, Energy Efficiency and Nonprofit Management Consultant
David Bates – Energy Conservation & Renewable Energy Program Manager at FPL
Dr. John Van Leer -Associate Professor of Meteorology and Physical Oceanography at the Rosenstiel School

Albert Harum Alvarez – UEL Board Member and Builder of the “green house”

Moderator: John K. Scott

6 p.m. Cocktails at the Rusty Pelican on Virginia Key. Dinner at 6:30 pm – $25 for 3 course dinner (tax & tip included), and $20 for students. Show up at 7:30 p.m. for just the free discussion. Cash bar.

Use Paypal and read our blog at: www.urbanenvironmentleague.blogspot.com or bring a check (made out to UEL) or cash. RSVP a must: uelinfo@bellsouth.net – Phone: 786-472-0011. Join UEL or pay for dinner on our website www.uel.org