Message from Commissioner Aaronson

September 9, 2008

I have been criticized for several months about gas tax and recreation discretionary funds.  These funds have been referred to as “slush funds”.  The County Commission established these funds to assist commissioners to meet the needs of the constituents in their district.  I have been able to help the residents in District 5 with many projects.  The gas tax fund has provided traffic signals, sidewalks and beautification.  The recreation assistance fund has helped many recreation programs including Little League and The Youth Activity Center.  I have also funded field lighting, athletic uniforms and equipment, after school programs, artwork, etc.

In 2001, I authorized funding from my gas tax discretionary account to install the illuminated street signs in District 5.  Drivers had a much easier time in locating streets particularly when they were not familiar with the area.  Today, there are illuminated street signs throughout unincorporated Palm Beach County.  I recently authorized funding from my discretionary funds for countdown pedestrian traffic signals to be installed at certain locations in District 5.  These signals will assist pedestrians in crossing busy intersections by letting them know how many seconds they have to cross the street before the traffic signal changes.  The Engineering staff has recommended the following locations:  Jog Rd./Monaco Blvd., Atlantic Ave./Jog Rd., Military Trail/Las Verdes Dr., Jog Rd./Linton Blvd., El Clair Ranch Rd./Woolbright Rd., Kimberly Blvd./Lyons Rd., and Palmetto Park Rd./Lyons Rd.  I am certain that these signals will help people who walk to places in their area.

The recreation assistance discretionary funds have been used to help with many school projects including those listed above.  I also helped to fund Project Graduation each year at Olympic Heights, Spanish River and West Boca Raton High Schools.  I recently authorized funds to help build the road that will connect the northern, central and southern portions of South County Regional Park.  This is a two-lane road with a bike path on each side that will let residents enter the Park from either Yamato Road or Glades Road making it much easier to get to the different areas of the park without having to drive all the way around.  Two other items in the bid package were a boat launch ramp (18-20 foot small vessels) for the lake at Sunset Cove Amphitheatre and parking for 14 boats with trailers near the ramp.

But now, times have changed.  State mandates and economic changes forced the County Commission to make cuts during this year’s budget process.   There will be no new discretionary funds.  There were times when the County Commission was criticized for these discretionary funds but I am very proud of what has been accomplished in District 5.  I used the funds as they were intended – to improve the quality of life for the people.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  You can also email me at baaronso@pbcgov.com.