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
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
Gremlin says that anyone against the retention of Gretsas is AOK! Apparently Rodstrom is miles smarter than her fellow (sister) commissioners.
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I would support him. I cannot Vote for that District ,but I support him completly. I would Volunteer to Help in anything that I am able to do for his Run for Elected Office. I take Ex Chief Roberts as a Honorable person and I would feel grateful as a citizen to have someone with his background on the commission.. we need it badly and if it helps get City Manager Gretsas out of here, I am completely behind that.
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This is good news. Roberts has lot of respect in this city.
Don't forget, Judge Gonzalez of Tim Smith's blog fame is running for re-election. Do your research - even if the Sun-Sentinel endorsed him.
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Judge Gonzalez should be run out of town with a chainsaw. I will also brandish a yard sign for his opponent.
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I am thrilled that Chief Roberts will be running against Edith Bunker for the District 1 commission seat. He has my vote for sure and he can place a giant yard sign in front of my house, and I am sure that many of my neighbors will allow the signs to be placed on their property as well. I would be honored to volunteer to help Bruce's campaign in any way that I can.
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Tim,
speaking of the ex-chief, I heard a rumor that Assistant Chief Bobby Carter, the Hebert/Gretsas right hand man who was expected to be announced the new chief instead of Adderly, has resigned becaue he wasn't selected. Have you heard anything about this? Just more great lack of retention of anybody with a hint of experience in this city.
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What a joke - Carter has not left the house! He is still there and doing a great job.
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Great news on the blog.....at last we will may have some new blood and from those interested in moving our city forward and preserving our history at the same time. Roberts has years of service to the city and the respect of the public. He is professional, honest, and would represent not only District 1 but the issues of the city at large.
Glassman brings another side to the table with lots of board experience on some of the toughest boards. While we may not always be on the same page, he has been consistent and not mean spirited when denying some of the needed progress....perhaps he now has done the homework with the community to understand their needs and will bring that to the table in a positive fashion.
Either way - there is a change in the air and the rare opportunity to change the dynamic on the Commission and find individuals that can build consensus and put their petty feuds aside.
Change is good thing and we should all work to make it happen. Keep looking for good candidates and encourage them to run!
Good job Tim!
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An honorable, truthful and good man serving Fort Lauderdale? Goodness me whatever next. And one more vote against George - the news couldn't be better.
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I thought you had to be gay to run for elected office in Fort Lauderdale.
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Are you suggesting that Roberts is not gay? Get real!
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At least Roberts is 'slightly' better than Ken Jenne. However, you would have to be out of your mind to vote for Roberts or Jenne. They are birds of a feather.
Fort Lauderdale can do better -- and I hope they do.
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