Fort Lauderdale State Of The City

"We had a tremendous year" and with those words last Tuesday, Mayor Jack Seiler began his State of the City address. The event was attended by a large contingent of citizen activists including myself. The Mayor touched on many subjects from the budget to the homeless issue and much more.

The budget has been "a painful process" the Mayor stated. With support from the Budget Advisory Board, the city achieved the goals set out by the Mayor last year. There were no property tax increases with the lowest millage rate (4.1193), no increase in the fire assessment fee, adequate reserves (28%) and no reductions in city services. The highlight for this writer was the fact that there were zero layoffs last year. A goal that I remain a strong advocate for. I remain an advocate for no reductions in public safety, and that goal was also achieved with the hiring of 50 new law enforcement officers, which in turn reduced the cost of overtime.

Speaking of our outstanding police department, the Mayor pointed out that there were 14,000 arrests, a reduction in homicides and violent crimes. The Mayor was most proud of the fact that there will be no more pain clinics (addiction enablers) in the city. We have a major homeless crisis that should be a State and County issue, but remains currently ours with over 10,500 contacts. With minimum staffing our Fire Rescue Department responded to well over 41,000 calls and 88 lives saved by Ocean Rescue. Public safety in Fort Lauderdale has once again shone to be the finest resource in the County.

Another shining star is our Parks and Recreation department. Last summer over 1000 children attended our Summer camps. Holiday Park has never looked better and is the jewel of the many parks in this great city. Tourism is up and Port Everglades is becoming the largest seaport with more cruise ships and passengers passing through our city. Fort Lauderdale remains the "Venice of America", with the finest Boat Show, and with its multi million dollar yachts making us their main port of call.

One of what I feel is the Mayors biggest achievements has been his call to reach a goal of over 100,000 volunteer hours. Currently more than 400 citizens, including myself serve the city on one board or committee. The Civilian Volunteer Corps, or CVC is pro active and has helped the City to achieve over 30,000 hours as of this writing.

This past year has been tremendous Mr. Mayor, and I know this year has the potential to be even better. We have increased challenges this year. Top on my list is the Budget shortfall. We have to be vigilant as to how we handle this crises, and yes Mr. Mayor this is a crises. $45 million dollars has to be found to balance this budget. Of all the goals you set for last year, none is more important to me than Public Safety and job security.

Now for my perspective. Our Fire Rescue is currently at minimum staffing as required by Federal regulations. With over 41,000 calls for assistance, Fort Lauderdale's bravest are being pushed to their limits. This is unnecessary stress that can lead to injuries and greater sick calls. I know there is a budget crunch, but I see the need for a 10% - 15% increase in personnel.

As we approach our Centennial year in 2010, we need to take a proactive role in preserving Fort Lauderdale's history. Currently the city commission is reworking the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Living in the historic district of Sailboat Bend has given me a greater perspective of the need to tighten this ordinance. To allow the demolition of 50+ year old houses, in a city that is 100 years old, is a destruction of half of our history. Continued revitalization of the Riverwalk is a step in the right direction.

The positive energy levels of the citizens of Fort Lauderdale is bringing greater pride. The St. Patrick Day's parade and festival was a tremendous success. Ask anyone that attended, and they will tell you how fantastic it was. I hope to see monthly public events throughout the city utilizing public/private partnerships. One good example is this weekends Where The Boys Are festivities on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Again kudos to Mayor Seiler for his leadership that made this event possible.

I, like so many of our South Floridians, come from New York City. I am proud to say that Fort Lauderdale is the greatest city to live in. The first one hundred years has seen incredible growth. In 2111, our Bicentennial year they will look back and say that 2011 was the start of something even more spectacular.