…… Yes, it’s hard to fathom, but the Fort Lauderdale City Commission 2018 election season is off and running …..
…….. This past Sunday, the Central City Alliance (formerly known as the 13th Street Alliance), hosted a pleasant outdoor picnic at the lovely historic Annie Beck House, and invited the 5 filed candidates (so far) for the CC election that is about 22 months away , to come and talk with about 100 citizens about the issues of the City …… Most of the attendees were from the area, but a good handful were from all areas of the City…
….. We started out by feeding the crowd with a tremendous Spanish buffet, and once we had everyone filled up, we got their juices flowing for the “thoughtful discussion” ahead ..
….nothing like a few glasses of Sangria to get the juices flowing !
….Mayor Jack stared the event off, then sent it back to me to start what turned out to be a substantial discussion about many of the issues facing the City …
….. Mayoral candidate ( and current District I City Commissioner ) Bruce Roberts was first to speak, and said he looked forward to a robust and meaningful campaign …
… Then it was former Commissioner and current mayoral candidate Charlotte Rodstroms’ turn at the microphone –
…. She surprised the attendees by saying she would not be participating in the discussion, as she didn’t intend on “sharing her vision (campaign strategy) with her competitors”… She added that she was “blond, but not stupid”!
…. Then, mayoral candidate Jim Lewis spoke, seemed very relaxed and appeared to be having a good time …
….. The City was thoroughly represented, by Manager Feldman, the Police, and Feldman’s new assistant (pictured above with historic activist Steve Glassman) ….
…… Next were the District 4 candidates …. here are the two that have filed so far –
….. 56 year old Walter Duke, and 28 year old Hunter Altschul …
……. I asked probing questions of some in the crowd, including this exchange with the developer of the empty lot across from Home Depot … So, have you decided on what you are going to build?
…… his answer ? …… uh, well, hmm, uh ( well, you get the picture ) …
….anyhow, the afternoon ended with everyone feeling good about spending their Sunday afternoon with their fellow citizens ….who was especially happy ?
…… my Board members !
