WHY
I WANT TO BE MAYOR
By
Tim Smith, District 2 City Commissioner
Just six years ago my family, friends,
and neighbors convinced me that I could make a difference for
our community as a District 2 Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner.
It has been an honor and a privilege to have served you during
these years. I had the opportunity to listen and learn, and together,
we have made some significant accomplishments. We have seen crime
reduced substantially, neighborhoods that were in trouble, have
began to come back strong. We have reduced the pollution in our
waterways, and have paid tremendous detail to the needs of the
beach.
However, Ft. Lauderdale is in the midst of a transformation.
We are at a crossroads, a critical juncture, a defining moment.
Our city is still thought of nationally as a spring break mecca
and the center of an election-challenged county. We are more
than that, but I believe we all agree that we can be much, much
more. It is a time to forge a new image, a more fitting reputation.
I have a clear vision for our city. It is a city with the strongest
neighborhoods, an exciting downtown, and a perfect beach. At
the center of the city is the accessible, attractive, exciting,
walk-able and livable downtown which rivals the greatest cities
of the world. But the backbone of the city has to be it,s neighborhoods.
I want to help them become safer, quieter, and greener. We should
outfit the neighborhoods with more and better amenities. We can
no longer have bad neighborhoods and we should institute true
community policing, citywide. The beach is our golden goose,
and we need to revere it and develop it sensibly as a fun and
pleasant, world wide attraction. The city employment problems
need to be defused and taxes need to be lowered. Everyone will
want to live in Ft. Lauderdale, but many will have to take a
number and wait for an opening.
I know so many of you share my vision and I know I can provide
the leadership to get us there. I possess the skills to facilitate,
communicate, and forge the commitments necessary to meet tomorrow,s
challenges. Our city, so full of natural benefits, has been devoid
of leadership with clear vision. With your help, I can bring
it all together.
As mayor, I will be there for all our citizens, our neighborhoods
and our business communities. We can take our rightful position
as a city among the best. With hard work, the right vision, and
determined effort we can get there. I humbly ask for an opportunity
to lead this city forward. I won't let you down.
With warmest regards,
Tim Smith
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