The Latest Political Gossip !

     Well, the Dog Days are upon us, the heat is oppressive, the chance of the big hurricane increases by the day, …. but have no fear ….  Politics Live On !

    
Here’s the latest political scoops, as I’ve heard them!

    One of the biggest rumors of the year seems to be about to come true.


                            
     According to numerous credible sources, former Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts is about ready to throw his proverbial hat in the political ring. He’s told numerous insiders that he feels his 35 years of dedicated work for Fort Lauderdale did not end with his resignation as Police Chief, and he feels he can be most effective as a City Commissioner.

     Roberts lives in District I, now represented by Commissioner Christine Teel. 

     You might remember that the former Chief left office with a rather fiery resignation letter to City Manager George Gretsas, charging him with interfering with the Police Chief’s duties, ordering retribution against union leaders, and withholding important Police safety gear. 

     If Roberts gets elected, he would be in the elite group of five that has the power to retain or fire Gretsas. Currently, only City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom has publicly called for Gretsas’s removal. It’s probable that Robert’s would make that two, and Gretsas would be hanging by his proverbial thread ! 

     I first discussed this rumor with you in May, check out what we said then!  

 http://blog.timsmith.com/2008/05/12/police-chief-cancels-speech.aspx .


     And then there’s Rodstrom’s seat. She is the first term Commissioner for District II, widely believed to be the most difficult District in the City to represent (it’s true!) The District includes most of the Fort Lauderdale beach, which is the center of the largest industry in town (tourism), but also includes trendy Victoria Park, some of the Downtown, some of the Northwest.

     We first reported in April that beach leader Steve Glassman was thinking of challenging Rodstrom. He issued a non-denial denial then, but has been very busy since then meeting with neighborhood leaders and feeling out the mood. 

     I’ve heard from many of them that say that Glassman isn’t happy with Rodstrom and is almost certain to run.

     OK, that’s all for now!…Stay tuned

    

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *