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 21st

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

On April 21, 2010, the Urban Environment League will be hosting another one of their informative monthly dinner programs. During the environmentally conscious month of April, the organization will be focusing on Energy, and what it means to be ‘sustainable’ in South Florida. ‘Energy Revolution’ will consist of a dynamic panel of energy experts and industry leaders that will look specifically at South Florida to assess the current energy mix, propose ideal and reachable goals for the future, and offer a road map on how Floridians can best reach the goals proposed. Panelists will discuss how the modernization of the nation’s electrical grid will help Americans be more energy efficient and assist in the transition from a reliance on fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The Energy Smart Miami initiative will serve as a local example of a tool that is being used to help lead the nation towards a sustainable energy future.