One thing is for sure. There will be a new Mayor in Fort Lauderdale in 2009 for the first time since 1991. Term limits kick in next year!
In 2000, voters overwhelming adopted term limits (proposed by Tim Smith) for the first time in the City's history. The Mayor and Commissioners can serve three - three year terms. The term limits were not retroactive, but started with the adoption of the new law. The current Mayor, old what's his name, has served as Mayor since 1991 (and served as a Commissioner before that since 1985), and will retire having been the longest serving Mayor in the City's history.
So the fight is on. Fort Lauderdale is the largest City in Broward County, with 170,000 + residents, and a daytime population that has been estimated to be nearly 500,000 people. The Fort Lauderdale Mayoral position is arguably the highest profile job in a County of over one and a half million people.
Cindi Hutchinson, a Fort Lauderdale Commissioner since 2000, is the only announced candidate so far. The primary election is scheduled for February of 2009, with a run-off election in March.
Jack Seiler, is currently a State Representative in a District that serves much of Fort Lauderdale and served as Mayor of Wilton Manors before that. He has said publicly that he intends to get in the race, though as of yet has not declared.
There is speculation about other candidates. Many believe that Romney Rogers, grandson of U.S. Representative Dwight Rogers Sr., is eyeing the Mayor's race. He is a neighbor of Jim Naugle, and is rumored to have been encouraged by Naugle to enter the race. Naugle's endorsement could help a relatively unknown candidate such as Rogers in a crowded field. Other names being talked about include current Commissioners Teel and Rodstrom, though both have said publicly that they intend to run for additional terms as Commissioners. Two former Commissioners, Aurelius and Trantalis, are consistent rumors, though neither have motioned any intentions of jumping in. Lastly, many believe former Commissioner Tim Smith is positioning himself for a run, but has said publicly that him "chewing glass" sounded more plausible.
We will continue to monitor developments. Let me know what you think.
2/10/2008 11:59 AM
The Watch Dog wrote:
While Jack Sieler is considering a run -residents of the community point out that first you need to be a resident of the city! Guess he needs to move here and participate at the city level. Secondly - having held state elected office, the community would demand a commitment to the job - not just a one-term placeholder as he eyes other positions.
Which ever candidate successfully wins the Mayoral race- he/she needs to come with a fresh vision, new ideas and the ability to build consensus - citywide that is. Reply to this
2/17/2008 5:28 PM
Trixie wrote:
Tim Smith would make a wonderful Mayor for sure, but however he does not want to run the last time we spoke about it! That is why I have my eye another candidate once he announces it. Should Tim decide to run in the near future than we will have a tuff election. The greatest news ~ we will no longer have Naugle. This we should be all proud of Tim for setting the term limits! Reply to this
2/16/2008 3:50 PM
Here we go again wrote:
Teel and Rodstrom don't seem to be brave enough to take the run for Mayor -guess Teel will complete her last term and Rodstrom will continue to be unable to build any consensus. We are where we are because of the current administration and much of it isn't good......loss of experienced police, many lawsuits over rejected projects that were eligible, staff leaving at alarming rates.....yep - no vision here! Reply to this
2/16/2008 4:41 PM
Not going to let it pass wrote:
Romney Rogers should continue with the very "public"? role he has now! (Most of us have never heard of him, seen him or have any sense that he knows what is important to us. Rumor says he thought about Mayor and now is considering District IV.....beware Romney - that group will never embrace you since they think you made them second choice.....oh, by the way, you haven't paid your dues, know their needs or concerns.....are you a Mayor's boy? He does so love to put candidates into races to watch the chaos! Perhaps you should spend some time getting to know the community - other than your high powered friends - before you ask for their vote for anything. Reply to this
2/17/2008 3:55 PM
Trixie wrote:
Not sure about who will be the next Mayor, hopefully Jack Seiler will announce soon that he is running.
About District 111, I truthfully would love to see Asst Chief Frank Adderley for this seat. Who else would be more qualified than Frank? Come on Frank ~ don't just think about it Do It! Reply to this
2/18/2008 9:31 AM
Taking Back The City wrote:
As the speculation starts to heat up, names are popping out from all over. The Mayoral race seems to be attracting mostly fat cats again – ones that can afford the paltry salary for the full time job needs. While it is not a crime to be self-sustaining, it is a crime to assume that the job is part time. From the previous lack of vision and ability to build consensus, Fort Lauderdale has lost its cutting-edge reputation. It is now known as a city of dysfunctional Commissioners and a zealot Mayor who does not speak for his own Commission – as they plainly told him. This is a city that was once a vibrant and active hub that has systematically stopped hosting or participating in events that draw large crowds and economic benefit to our community. The round-the world Sail Boat Race no longer stops here as it once did, the local festivals are gone, the Air/Sea show is gone, there is a substantial rumor that we could even lose the International Boat Show – the largest in the world and an industry that is one of the biggest employers in the city and county. We have lost jobs, affordable housing is a joke, and development has been achieved through the “old boy” process rather than through good planning and fair and equitable application of rules and regulations. The current Commission has relinquished its leadership role to the City Manager who is defining the city as he sees it – not perhaps as the public sees it. He is making policy – not matter what he says – that rightfully should be made in the sunshine by the Commission. Public Safety is at an all-time low with morale of the officers, the public and the top heavy management of the department continuing to spend budget dollars that could be used for patrol officers.
A change is in the wind and any citizen that does not take an active role in learning everything they can about each candidate for every office is remiss in their responsibilities and rights to vote. Reply to this
2/19/2008 7:53 PM
It's a fact wrote:
All the belly aching about being a "full time" Mayor. The Mayor and Commissioners are part time. If they make it full time, it's their fault. The truth of the matter is we are a City Manager form of government. The Manager runs the City and the Mayor and Commission set policy. We pay a large salary for this form of government. The Commissioners and Mayor should only spend limited time in their office. They should depend on their PAID staffs. They CAN respond to constituents problems being "part time" it's been done since the City was founded in 1911. Reply to this
2/20/2008 8:55 AM
Sybil wrote:
You must be out of touch because the City Manager is making policy and the Commission - or at least most of them -aren't even paying attention. We are the largest city in the county - If you want limited attention by your elected officials - move to a small town somewhere. For this city to prosper, everyday attention to economic development, affordable housing, public safety and the well-being of the community is what we elect our officials to oversee. They are to be the policy makers. the City Manager is is the operational side of the business - he is to take the direction provided by the Commission and execute it.
it is precisely that part time approach and lack of knowlegable depth that has gotten us into trouble....have you forgotten the previous budget crisis, the loss of police/fire representatives. PS - the only staff the Commission hires is their personal assistants, the City Manager, City Clerk, City Auditor and City Attorney - the balance of that paid staff you are referring to is hired by one of the above and the Commission is not allowed or able to direct those individuals. They must request support through the City Manager's office to get those very same staff people to a meeting.....now exactly who is running the show....
It doesn't suit me that the elected officials aren't trquired to give the job 100% and that their hired manager decides on critical issues that should firmly be in the decision making realm of the commission...he should not be filtering.
Apparently you must have the city confused with the County....no discussion about a full time mayor was offered - it was that the Mayor and all of the commissioner are expected to do a full time job and compensated for a part time one. Perhaps that is where the inequity lies. Reply to this
2/21/2008 11:34 AM
It's a Fact wrote:
Maybe you should spend some time reading the City Charter. It says what form of government we have. If you want something else, bring it up to the Charter Review Board. You need to amend the Charter to make the Commissioners more than policy setters. They should not and don't need to be full time. It's their choice. We don't need more payroll in the City. Or pensions for past Mayor's and Commissioners. It's supposed to be a "part time" job with the Manager running the day to day operations. Too many citizens' want something else, but the Charter DOESN'T call for it. This is NOT my OPINION it's the FACTS. READ THE CITY CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE. Reply to this
2/25/2008 7:54 AM
Subil wrote:
Then we now have the opportunity to have a Charter Change as that committee will be meeting shortly to recommend items to be considered. Either way - what we have isn't working and something must be done....the passive acceptance that you foster isn't good enough. Get involved and do something to make a difference! Reply to this
2/28/2008 2:53 PM
Trixie wrote:
Jack Seiler opened up his campaign account to run for the Mayor of our city! So far that I know of it is Jack & Cindi running for this seat. My vote will go to Jack! Reply to this
3/1/2008 5:37 PM
Richard wrote:
I hope the voters remember when the City of Fort Lauderdale almost ran out of money, when they Vote for a new Mayor. That Incident (CRISIS), happened four or five years ago and was under Commissioner Hutchinson's Term. The Commission, I believe, should watch were the money goes. For that to happen I lost confidence in her ability. and will not Vote for her for Mayor Reply to this
3/3/2008 1:48 PM
Arnold wrote:
Long Time Resident ...I will not Vote for Cindi Hutchinson.... she voted for the Condo (Icon Las Olas) within ten feet of the Stranahan House .....in my view, very short sighted. Reply to this
While Jack Sieler is considering a run -residents of the community point out that first you need to be a resident of the city! Guess he needs to move here and participate at the city level. Secondly - having held state elected office, the community would demand a commitment to the job - not just a one-term placeholder as he eyes other positions.
Which ever candidate successfully wins the Mayoral race- he/she needs to come with a fresh vision, new ideas and the ability to build consensus - citywide that is.
Reply to this
Smith for Mayor!
Reply to this
Tim Smith would make a wonderful Mayor for sure, but however he does not want to run the last time we spoke about it!
That is why I have my eye another candidate once he announces it.
Should Tim decide to run in the near future than we will have a tuff election.
The greatest news ~ we will no longer have Naugle. This we should be all proud of Tim for setting the term limits!
Reply to this
Yes! Tim Smith for Mayor!
Reply to this
Teel and Rodstrom don't seem to be brave enough to take the run for Mayor -guess Teel will complete her last term and Rodstrom will continue to be unable to build any consensus. We are where we are because of the current administration and much of it isn't good......loss of experienced police, many lawsuits over rejected projects that were eligible, staff leaving at alarming rates.....yep - no vision here!
Reply to this
Romney Rogers should continue with the very "public"? role he has now! (Most of us have never heard of him, seen him or have any sense that he knows what is important to us. Rumor says he thought about Mayor and now is considering District IV.....beware Romney - that group will never embrace you since they think you made them second choice.....oh, by the way, you haven't paid your dues, know their needs or concerns.....are you a Mayor's boy? He does so love to put candidates into races to watch the chaos! Perhaps you should spend some time getting to know the community - other than your high powered friends - before you ask for their vote for anything.
Reply to this
Not sure about who will be the next Mayor, hopefully Jack Seiler will announce soon that he is running.
About District 111, I truthfully would love to see Asst Chief Frank Adderley for this seat. Who else would be more qualified than Frank?
Come on Frank ~ don't just think about it Do It!
Reply to this
As the speculation starts to heat up, names are popping out from all over. The Mayoral race seems to be attracting mostly fat cats again – ones that can afford the paltry salary for the full time job needs. While it is not a crime to be self-sustaining, it is a crime to assume that the job is part time. From the previous lack of vision and ability to build consensus, Fort Lauderdale has lost its cutting-edge reputation. It is now known as a city of dysfunctional Commissioners and a zealot Mayor who does not speak for his own Commission – as they plainly told him. This is a city that was once a vibrant and active hub that has systematically stopped hosting or participating in events that draw large crowds and economic benefit to our community. The round-the world Sail Boat Race no longer stops here as it once did, the local festivals are gone, the Air/Sea show is gone, there is a substantial rumor that we could even lose the International Boat Show – the largest in the world and an industry that is one of the biggest employers in the city and county. We have lost jobs, affordable housing is a joke, and development has been achieved through the “old boy” process rather than through good planning and fair and equitable application of rules and regulations. The current Commission has relinquished its leadership role to the City Manager who is defining the city as he sees it – not perhaps as the public sees it. He is making policy – not matter what he says – that rightfully should be made in the sunshine by the Commission. Public Safety is at an all-time low with morale of the officers, the public and the top heavy management of the department continuing to spend budget dollars that could be used for patrol officers.
A change is in the wind and any citizen that does not take an active role in learning everything they can about each candidate for every office is remiss in their responsibilities and rights to vote.
Reply to this
You are so Right. Thank You
Reply to this
All the belly aching about being a "full time" Mayor. The Mayor and Commissioners are part time. If they make it full time, it's their fault. The truth of the matter is we are a City Manager form of government. The Manager runs the City and the Mayor and Commission set policy. We pay a large salary for this form of government. The Commissioners and Mayor should only spend limited time in their office. They should depend on their PAID staffs. They CAN respond to constituents problems being "part time" it's been done since the City was founded in 1911.
Reply to this
You must be out of touch because the City Manager is making policy and the Commission - or at least most of them -aren't even paying attention. We are the largest city in the county - If you want limited attention by your elected officials - move to a small town somewhere. For this city to prosper, everyday attention to economic development, affordable housing, public safety and the well-being of the community is what we elect our officials to oversee. They are to be the policy makers. the City Manager is is the operational side of the business - he is to take the direction provided by the Commission and execute it.
it is precisely that part time approach and lack of knowlegable depth that has gotten us into trouble....have you forgotten the previous budget crisis, the loss of police/fire representatives. PS - the only staff the Commission hires is their personal assistants, the City Manager, City Clerk, City Auditor and City Attorney - the balance of that paid staff you are referring to is hired by one of the above and the Commission is not allowed or able to direct those individuals. They must request support through the City Manager's office to get those very same staff people to a meeting.....now exactly who is running the show....
It doesn't suit me that the elected officials aren't trquired to give the job 100% and that their hired manager decides on critical issues that should firmly be in the decision making realm of the commission...he should not be filtering.
Apparently you must have the city confused with the County....no discussion about a full time mayor was offered - it was that the Mayor and all of the commissioner are expected to do a full time job and compensated for a part time one. Perhaps that is where the inequity lies.
Reply to this
Thank You, Sybil
Reply to this
Maybe you should spend some time reading the City Charter. It says what form of government we have. If you want something else, bring it up to the Charter Review Board. You need to amend the Charter to make the Commissioners more than policy setters. They should not and don't need to be full time. It's their choice. We don't need more payroll in the City. Or pensions for past Mayor's and Commissioners. It's supposed to be a "part time" job with the Manager running the day to day operations. Too many citizens' want something else, but the Charter DOESN'T call for it. This is NOT my OPINION it's the FACTS. READ THE CITY CHARTER FOR THE CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE.
Reply to this
Then we now have the opportunity to have a Charter Change as that committee will be meeting shortly to recommend items to be considered. Either way - what we have isn't working and something must be done....the passive acceptance that you foster isn't good enough. Get involved and do something to make a difference!
Reply to this
Your Right Sybil, Passive acceptance is getting real old.
Reply to this
Jack Seiler opened up his campaign account to run for the Mayor of our city!
So far that I know of it is Jack & Cindi running for this seat. My vote will go to Jack!
Reply to this
I hope the voters remember when the City of Fort Lauderdale almost ran out of money, when they Vote for a new Mayor. That Incident (CRISIS), happened four or five years ago and was under Commissioner Hutchinson's Term. The Commission, I believe, should watch were the money goes. For that to happen I lost confidence in her ability. and will not Vote for her for Mayor
Reply to this
Long Time Resident ...I will not Vote for Cindi Hutchinson.... she voted for the Condo (Icon Las Olas) within ten feet of the Stranahan House .....in my view, very short sighted.
Reply to this