Voices of the Neighborhoods

There exist many opportunities to bring residents together so that they can participate in the empowerment of their own neighborhoods. We have all heard the saying, "Not in my backyard." I say that community involvement begins in our backyards. If we have the right leadership, as well as provide the tools to communities, there are few excuses for neglect.

Accountability begins with us. Not only should we hold our elected officials accountable to do their job, we also must hold each other accountable to participate. Even by simply staying informed we can help one another help each other.

During the hurricanes which we all suffered through, it became clear that the first responders were our neighbors. Through strong neighborhoods we can promote a strong city.

I will champion an effort for the City to bring back monthly Neighborhood Summits as well as be the host city for a Florida Neighborhood Conference which brings community leaders from all over the state to share ideas and problem solving techniques for all to use. I attended one of these in Fort Lauderdale while I was President of my neighborhood, the Northwood Shores Neighborhood Association. I am certain many new strides have been made in other communities across the state which we can copy or modify to help us address the issues in our own backyard.

Participation at the national level can also empower our communities to strive for high standards within our City. Neighborhoods USA is an organization whose mission statement is to provide opportunities for diverse people and organizations to share their ideas values and experience to build stronger communities.

We may not have all the answers, but there are resources we can tap into, if only our leaders would lead us there. Together we have fought together, celebrated together, cried together, lived together and worked together for a better City. Realizing that remaining together in our desire for good governance and leadership, we can and will always have reasons to celebrate.

As your city commissioner, I will continually look for ways to strengthen and empower ALL the citizens of this wonderful City to reach far and wide, in order to achieve a higher standard of living in our City. Let it begin with you on March 11th, by electing me, to serve you.