Chief Roberts Jumps In and Talks !!

…..It’s official !
 
     Former Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Bruce Roberts is in. As we first heard the rumor and shared it with you months ago, the 35 year Fort Lauderdale Policeman will now fight to serve as a Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner!

                                         
    
     He will be challenging two term incumbent Commissioner Christine Teel and local lawyer Ingrid Garcia. 

      It’s bound to be one for the record books. Roberts resigned as Police Chief just a few months ago under protest. He sent a public, and very sharp letter to City Manager George Gretsas, accusing the Manager of interfering with his duties as Chief, ordering retribution against Union Officials, and even withholding important Police Safety Gear. 

     Now he is asking the citizens to hire him (as a Commissioner) to be Gretsas’ boss! Such irony!

     I asked Roberts to respond to a few short questions this afternoon, and here they are with his responses.

     ……….So Chief, you’ve gone and done it!  What made you decide to go for it?

     Roberts ….. For the past three years, I have been thinking about running. Remember your letter to me then, asking me to run for a position? Well, I never really dismissed that invitation. Planning for my retirement, I started to focus more on that option during the last year or so; a lot of people also asked that I run for office. With my whole life (35 years) dedicated to public service, I just wanted to continue to serve….. it’s what I do best. I have lived here since 1964 and feel I know our community and it’s needs. I have no special interests to create conflicts. As a Commissioner, I believe I can do even more.

     ………. What are your goals and priorities?

     Roberts ….. Our goals and our priorities will be posted on our web site in the next two weeks (just wanted to throw my hat into the ring today and serve notice that I will be running). Suffice it to say, our main goals are
                    …. Public Safety
                         …. Bring back government by the people/ community involvement in political      
                               decisions
                         …. Team building/ Commission consensus
                         …. Economic Development

       ……….. So, are you going to fire Gretsas?

    Roberts ….. You know me as a Professional with integrity, and therefore know that I will not comment on personnel decisions.

     ………..  I figured he’d say that !  … Just thought I’d slip that in!  …It’s definitely going to be one for the record books!