Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who is participating in the group “Better Casselberry Now”?
A. We are comprised of citizens from all corners of Casselberry. Our members are secretaries, construction workers, teachers, law enforcement officers, business owners and managers, real estate agents, printers, counselors, and retirees. Together we make up a group of caring residents that are concerned about the conflict between members of the city commission on decisions that will affect the future of Casselberry. As one of the first developed cities in Seminole County, we see Casselberry struggling with renewal. This is especially evident in its business district. We are involved to help insure that the chosen direction for the city does not result in stagnation and further decline.
Q. What does “Better Casselberry Now” stand for?
A. “Better Casselberry Now” is the slogan for the Casselberry Residents for Revitalization. We urge actions that will clean up Casselberry by removing blighted buildings in the 17/92—436 corridor; limiting further sexually oriented business; and stabilizing our government by hiring a permanent City Manager for positive economic growth. We are for improving neighborhoods and the economic conditions of our citizens.
Q. Do we want Casselberry to become a "gated community" environment?
A. Absolutely not! We are about improving our communities. We strongly believe in property rights and the right for every homeowner to control their own destiny.It is ridiculous to say that a group of caring residents is trying to make a diverse community such as Casselberry into a single gated community.
Q. Where does the Better Casselberry Now stand on changing the city codes to limit parking and control driveway surfaces?
A. Many falsehoods are being told about the changes. The Planning/Zoning Board is working to update the code. It's a work-in-progress by citizens and staff. Everyone has a say! Not one candidate controls the process. Better Casselberry Now has no involvement on this issue. We don't favor a parking code that would force residents to retrofit their homes. However, having a set of standards gives positive guidance to new building in the community.
Q. What is the status of the proposed City Center adjacent to City Hall on the vacant 12 acres on highway 17/92?
A. This is an active and viable city project. The complete geotechnical engineering evaluation report is available for review on the City’s web site at www.casselberry.org beginning on page 36. The link is on the right hand side of the home page; click on City Center RFP under the heading Economic Development. We believe that a true city center for Casselberry is a fundamental anchor project needed to strengthen and unite our community.
Q. What is our position on the proposed civic center?
A. We believe that a Community Center is a desirable facility for a city the size of Casselberry . It would house our current art center and become the center for city cultural events, concerts, wedding receptions, banquets and the like. Currently, the city has very little meeting space for use by residents and resident associations. The financial projections will prove out the reasonable basis for the project and that generated income will cover the operating costs. We believe that a complete financial analysis should be prepared prior to the project. It should not become a tax burden for the residents.
Q. What is the group’s position on supporting business growth within the City?
A. Casselberry has many small businesses, and we are proud of our entrepreneurs. The fact is, we should encourage business enterprises to expand and also encourage more new businesses to move here. We need business friendly policies and we need to create attractive locations. Remember, more businesses mean the potential for fewer taxes for the residents. We support environmentally friendly, ethical and stable enterprises that offer the potential for local employment.
Q. The traffic on highway 436 and 17/92 is already very heavy. Wouldn’t more businesses and other economic development just make the traffic situation worse?
A. Our present traffic volume comes from people who pass through Casselberry on two main arteries. As surrounding communities change and attract more people, our traffic will increase even more. We already have to put up with this inconvenience; we should try to make Casselberry more of a destination rather than a thoroughfare. Attractive retail establishments and restaurants would help to make more of the through travelers and their money stop here. This economic vitality would benefit all residents.
Q. Why has Casselberry had 5 City Managers within the past two years?
A. We’re as perplexed as you are about this. The mayor interferes with government processes and does not allow the manager to run the city as the charter suggests. Once we have a stable commission we should get back on track and be in a position to attract professionals to work in our city.
Q. Why do we support change?
A. Change is inevitable and must occur to improve our community. Effectively managing that change is the real challenge. By getting involved with city politics, we can influence what this change to our community will be.
Q. What is “economic development?”
A. Economic development is about making improvements to our physical surroundings, expense structure of the city government, and to the vitality of existing and new businesses. This directly affects us by raising the overall pulse of the City and ultimately lowering and stabilizing our tax rate. In addition, through this improved “climate” there will naturally be motivation for homeowners to improve and better maintain their own properties. In the end, everyone wins!
Q. Why don’t we want more topless establishments on the main streets of Casselberry?
A. These businesses attract more such enterprises, and they also cause the entire community to receive a label or perception by others that is degrading. This perception can lower property values, restrict economic development and generally cause a downturn for businesses and residents alike. There are also other negative secondary effects not the least of which relates to illegal drugs and prostitution.
Q. What is your stance on televising City meetings?
A. We agree that effective communications between residents and the City Commission and other Boards is important. If televising these meeting will accomplish the needed communication then we are all for it. However, we need to realize that this comes at a cost especially in light of the fact that the Commission Chambers are currently not adequately equipped for TV.
Q. This election has attracted considerable attention. Opposing candidates seem to have a lot to say. Is all of this information necessary and truthful?
A. Most of the information sent out by opposing candidates is full of half truths and out of context statements. Take the time to determine the whole truth and nothing but the truth before reacting.
Q. Do we support increased property values?
A. For most of us the single biggest investment we will make in our lives is our home. We all want to receive the maximum amount for our home. In order for a homeowners to realize their maximum return on their investment, they must maintain the property so that it is attractive to a new buyer. In determining value of property, location is an important factor. We don't want the name of Casselberry to have a negative effect on our property values.
Q. Why are the three opposing candidates reacting against our group?
A. The opposing candidates are against change and prefer the status quo. They are all controlled by the current Mayor and the views expressed in campaign literature are mostly his. We welcome change and want the city of Casselberry to flourish positively now and in the future.
Q. Why are so many residents against Bob Goff?
A. Since Mayor Bob Goff was elected two years ago, Casselberry has gone from “developing into one of Seminole County’s big success stories” (Orlando Sentinel editorial 10/15/2000 describing why Mayor Bruce Pronovost should be re-elected) to “Casselberry mayor is out of bounds” (Orlando Sentinel editorial 2/12/06 describing Bob Goff’s attempts to control the city commission’s agenda).
Twelve year city commissioner, Dave Henson stated that “accomplishments that were made over the last decade have been set back over the last two years due to Bob Goff’s combativeness.” While we pay our property taxes, Bob Goff makes the papers for not paying his. (WFTV.com 2006) While honest politicians file the required financial forms, Bob Goff was fined $350 while serving on the Seminole County School Board for failure to file his on time. (Commission of Ethics Press Release 1/29/02)
At this critical time in Casselberry ’s history, it seems that we deserve a mayor that is committed to keeping Casselberry on a positive track toward redevelopment. Our city commission is not reinventing the wheel. Every city in Seminole County has developed a viable downtown area. Every city in Seminole County has codes and zoning ordinances. Yet under the leadership provided by Bob Goff, these normal city functions become a train wreck. Instead we read headlines like “Nasty political wars jeopardize Casselberry ’s makeover” and “No way to run a city.” We ask why?
What does Bob Goff gain by keeping Casselberry land values depressed compared to other Central Florida communities? On the other hand, we found one letter to the editor supporting Bob Goff entitled “Strong mayor is what Casselberry needs.” It was written by Jim Veigle, owner of Rachel’s Adult Club. It is clear to the members of our committee that Bob Goff’s goals are in direct opposition to our goals. We absolutely do not want a city that collects embarrassing headlines, is known for its nude bars, and is not growing to meet the future needs of all residents.