Protecting our water supply

Clean, fresh water. We turn on the tap, and we know it will be there. When I was first elected to the City Commission, that wasn’t the case. In fact, at that time our city faced one of our toughest water challenges as we dealt with drought and water quality issues. I worked with our Mayor and city leaders to make sure that didn’t happen again. And we got a lot done for West Palm Beach.

When our city is facing an issue, I show up when help is needed.  From protecting our water supply at Grassy Waters Preserve to standing up to special interests that wanted to privatize it, I’m on the job working for you.  Today, our city is ready with plans in place to protect our water supply from the next big drought or crisis.

As Mayor, I will make sure our West Palm Beach water is safe, secure and affordable. It’s not just our water, but it’s our future.

Keith James Has Protected West Palm Beach’s Water

  • Opposed State Road 7 and Roebuck Road extensions that would run through our water supply.
  • Opposed any plan to privatize our city’s water supply.
  • Passed a short-term emergency water plan providing enough supply for a 1 in 100-year drought.
  • Passed a drought plan to protect our water supply in times of need.
  • Passed a stormwater master plan to protect against flooding and sea level rise.
  • Pushed for our state-of-the-art water treatment plant.

Read Keith’s Plans

K.E.I.T.H. Plan

Action Plan On Homelessness

Neighborhoods First Initiative

Plan To Cut Taxes

Plans For Our Neighborhoods

The Friday Five

I’m all in for Keith James

This weekend in front of over 650 community leaders, I talked about the need to address our county’s growing homeless population. As Mayor of Palm Beach County, I have made this a top priority.  It’s going to take collaboration between our county and cities to tackle this issue.

That’s why I am endorsing Keith James for Mayor. Keith is a proven collaborator, he brought people together as President of the League of Cities and as Mayor, will be someone I will work with to not only address homelessness, but focus on traffic solutions, workforce housing and other issues.

Keith’s got the experience, plans and vision to move West Palm Beach forward.  Please vote Keith James for Mayor on Tuesday, March 12.

Thanks,
Mayor Mack Bernard
Palm Beach County

 

Read Keith’s Plans

K.E.I.T.H. Plan

Action Plan On Homelessness

Neighborhoods First Initiative

Plan To Cut Taxes

Plans For Our Neighborhoods

 

Keith’s Plan to Cut Taxes


As City Commissioner for the last 8 years, I have worked to keep taxes low, balance the city budget and protect our city’s bottom line. As a candidate for Mayor, I have outlined a plan to cut taxes and save taxpayer money without sacrificing services.

“I am committed to NOT raising our tax rates, but actually rolling back our city’s property taxes once critical needs in our city are met. Read my plan below.” 

My experience has prepared me for the job of Mayor. I have helped create West Palm Beach’s first ever long-term strategic plan and our 10-year budget and finance plan. On the Commission, I oversaw pension reform and made sure we returned millions of dollars to our city’s reserves to protect taxpayers from future economic downturns.

I’m proud to share that I have received the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches and our local Realtors Association. These two organizations recognize my experience in managing our city’s budget and that I am the ONLY candidate that has help lead our city through the economic recession.

I have the experience, plan and vision to lead our city forward.  I am asking for your vote for Mayor on Tuesday, March 12th so I can keep working for you.

KEITH JAMES’ PLAN TO CUT TAXES


REDUCING TAXES BY USING INCREASED REVENUES

Over the next year, $1 billion in new taxable property values will be coming into the City.  Keith will review these new projects coming onto the city’s tax rolls and is committed to using the new tax revenues to reduce property taxes, without cutting services.

PROPER OVERSIGHT OF THE CITY BUDGET

For eight years as city commissioner, Keith worked to balance the city budget and get us through the great recession without raising taxes or cutting services. As our next Mayor, Keith understands our city budget and will ensure that city programs are run efficiently.  Keith has a record of protecting taxpayer money.

PROPER OVERSIGHT OF THE 1-PENNY SALES TAX

There are 14 projects and nearly $60 million in improvements scheduled to be completed with the funds from the 1-Penny Sales Tax. Keith has the experience to make sure the projects are completed on time, on budget and with transparency.

 

LATEST: Keith’s Plan for our Northend Neighborhoods

Since I filed to run for Mayor, over 18 months ago, I have made it my mission to make sure government was working better for our neighborhoods and our residents. I have hosted neighborhood meetings in nearly every part of our city and learned the issues that our residents care about. That’s why I launched my Neighborhoods First Initiative.  I am excited to report that since this launch, over 500 residents have joined my Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group.

Last week, I released my plan for our southend neighborhoods.

Today, I am excited to release my plan for our northend neighborhoods.

I am the only candidate who has released detailed plans for our city – from our neighborhoods, to homelessness to reducing taxes – I am the most prepared to serve as Mayor.

I am asking for your vote for Mayor on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 so I can keep working for you.

A Plan for the Northend of West Palm Beach

Keith James has a plan to make the Northend of West Palm Beach a priority so that we can solve crime, homeless issues, traffic concerns and make it the gateway of the north into West Palm Beach.

Keith’s Northend Priorities

  • The Anchor Site
  • Currie Park
  • Mayor’s Village Initiative
  • Broadway Corridor Investment
  • Market the Northend
  • Oversee Northend Capital Improvement Projects
  • Address Absentee Landlord Issues
  • Move Purpose Built Communities Forward
  • Protect our Parks & Open Spaces
  • Proper Code Enforcement
  • Prioritize Community Policing
  • Connect our Neighborhoods Utilizing our City Trolleys
  • Work with our Local Schools
  • Quarterly Meetings Hosted in the Northend
  • Engage with the Community

The Anchor Site

This site is a game changer for the northend and will provide an economic boost to the community and the density needed to keep people on the streets and in our shops, restaurants and retailers along Northwood.  The project should better connect Northwood Road and the surrounding neighborhoods.  Keith will push to get the project off the ground quickly.
Complete Neighborhood and Capital Improvement Projects

There are over 35 projects valued at over $52 million in the works in the northend as part of the 1 Penny Sales Tax, bonds and other funding sources. These projects are going towards northend parks and recreation, transportation, traffic and pedestrian safety, and infrastructure such as utilities and other critical needs. Keith will make sure these projects get completed and residents are communicated to about the status of the projects.

Prioritize the Mayor’s Village Initiative

The Mayor’s Village Initiative will continue to be a priority. Based on 5 Pillars, the program is focused on preventing and reducing youth violence and improving the lives of young African American males in the historic Northwest, Coleman Park and Pleasant City neighborhoods. On the Commission, Keith supported this program and will continue to build on its success as Mayor.

Invest Into the Broadway Corridor

Revitalize the Broadway Corridor through economic development incentives and rezoning that attracts businesses, retailers and mixed-use opportunities to locate along the corridor.  Keith understands the economic engine the Port of Palm Beach, Rybovich Marina and the marine and tourism industry can have along this corridor. Keith wants to capitalize on the growing need of the business and leisure market and the impact it can have in the northend of our city.  Keith is committed to reviewing how we can expedite permits for businesses looking to move into the northend CRA and how incentives can be used to support local businesses in helping clean up their façade or building to attract tenants and customers.

Protect Our Neighborhoods

Keith is focused on proper code compliance, identify ways to ensure code violations are paid and that routine violators are motivated to clean up their violations or pay the fines. Keith wants to fix the current system so that those who violate code do pay their fines and residents and neighbors don’t suffer due to violations going unpaid or properties not maintained. Keith supports a program that encourages landlords who don’t live locally to properly maintain their property through annual inspections or reviews. Keith supports the idea of hosting the Mayor’s Northend Meeting in the northend neighborhoods quarterly instead of at City Hall.  With a rich and full history, Keith is committed to protecting the character and charm of each of the northends historical neighborhoods.

Neighborhoods First Initiative

Keith has launched a Neighborhoods First Initiative and a Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Group to provide information, share ideas and collaborate together on local issues.  Residents will have a direct link to the Mayor’s office to get regular communications and have input on neighborhood priorities. This is another opportunity for residents and neighborhoods to have their issues heard and listened to.

Safety in our Neighborhoods, Parks and Streets

Keith has spoken to our police chief and supports her work in the community. Keith is focused on more community policing and looking at how technology can make our neighborhoods safer. Keith has a Homeless Action Plan that will put in place community ambassadors to check on the homeless and get them the resources they need while enforcing existing laws that protect our quality of life.  Keith will review our city parks to make sure there is proper lighting, that bathrooms are safe and secure and parks are clean.

Purpose Built Communities

Keith supports the idea behind this public-private partnership for the city. Keith will work with community partners, other agencies and the private sector to help ensure the pilot program is successful. Keith will review the amount of city investment needed and where those funds can come from to ensure the community benefits.

The CRA

Keith is focused on how the CRA can work to remove blight in the community. More direct city control of the CRA is needed, but Keith wants to make sure existing projects the CRA is working on are not slowed down, stalled or halted.  The city can also do a better job of marketing what the CRA does for the community so residents understand what they are getting and how they can be strong partners in the process.

Latest Video “WPB Mayors Endorse Keith James”

Have you seen Keith’s latest video “WPB Mayors Endorse Keith James”?  Take a look – it’s up on TV and going viral across the web.

Watch on Facebook here. Once you watch it, please “LIKE” and “SHARE” the video to help spread the word.

Watch on YouTube here. Then forward this email around to 10 friends today to make sure they see what Congresswoman Frankel and Mayor Muoio have to say about Keith.

Thanks for your support.

“WPB Mayors Endorse Keith James”