The Lowdown in Blacktown
Zip Code 33311. ...... The Sistrunk Boulevard Area
In the City of Fort Lauderdale, it's more accurately known as District III. With a few exceptions, it borders Sistrunk Blvd. - south and north. It's the historically black section of town. Until the 1960's, blacks had to stay there all the time, at least after dark.
It once was a thriving community. But after desegregation, the area began to get worse. Many of the educated and professional blacks moved away. Commerce dried up. It's been a struggle since then. Lots of crime, slums, blight. It's currently over 80% black, mostly poor. In contrast, much of the east side of town is over 80% white.
For the last twenty years, it's elected official, and most important leader, was Carlton Moore. Over the years, he became powerful, but controversial. He fought ferociously for his area. He bickered with Mayor Jim Naugle. He made things happen, but also did silly things like driving on a suspended driver's license, and being in arrears on taxes. There are now 4 candidates to fill his seat, but more may get in.
His last day was last Tuesday, and in typical Carlton Moore fashion, he went out with a bang. One colleague, Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom, tried to cut his last day short by declaring his last day Monday. She had legal opinions she said, but he ignored her and stayed and voted and fought - right through his last day.
Now he's a private citizen and there's a temporary replacement in his seat until the election in March. Change is coming to Sistrunk.
I talked at length today with LaRhonda Ware, the President of Dorsey Riverbend, one of the major neighborhoods off Sistrunk. She's considering jumping into the race for Commissioner also, says she is 98% certain, but is nagged by the "numbers". She only wants to get in if she thinks she could win!
Ware is quite outspoken, and has an interesting take on which of the candidates might win the seat. She thinks Nadine Hankerson, and Cameron Mizell have the best shot at the seat (if she doesn't run). She says they are more traditional candidates, are grassroots, and "know the older people better", the ones that vote.
She says Bobby Dubose and Pam Adams chances are slim. She thinks one of them will get Moore's endorsement. She says they will collect more money from the lawyers and such on the whiter side of town, but "it won't matter".
She thinks our city has become a "joke", and says her peeps are tired, and fed up. They want a grocery store, and banks. She says they want the "bad guys gone". She says the City isn't totally responsible for District III's troubles. She think's the fault lies about 50/50, split between the City and the residents of the area. But she also said her community is changing, that new people are slowly moving in, lots of interracial couples.
She knows she will have to decide if she will run by about Thanksgiving, and after that isn't worried. She says the "people will speak".
In the City of Fort Lauderdale, it's more accurately known as District III. With a few exceptions, it borders Sistrunk Blvd. - south and north. It's the historically black section of town. Until the 1960's, blacks had to stay there all the time, at least after dark.
It once was a thriving community. But after desegregation, the area began to get worse. Many of the educated and professional blacks moved away. Commerce dried up. It's been a struggle since then. Lots of crime, slums, blight. It's currently over 80% black, mostly poor. In contrast, much of the east side of town is over 80% white.
For the last twenty years, it's elected official, and most important leader, was Carlton Moore. Over the years, he became powerful, but controversial. He fought ferociously for his area. He bickered with Mayor Jim Naugle. He made things happen, but also did silly things like driving on a suspended driver's license, and being in arrears on taxes. There are now 4 candidates to fill his seat, but more may get in.
His last day was last Tuesday, and in typical Carlton Moore fashion, he went out with a bang. One colleague, Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom, tried to cut his last day short by declaring his last day Monday. She had legal opinions she said, but he ignored her and stayed and voted and fought - right through his last day.
Now he's a private citizen and there's a temporary replacement in his seat until the election in March. Change is coming to Sistrunk.
I talked at length today with LaRhonda Ware, the President of Dorsey Riverbend, one of the major neighborhoods off Sistrunk. She's considering jumping into the race for Commissioner also, says she is 98% certain, but is nagged by the "numbers". She only wants to get in if she thinks she could win!
Ware is quite outspoken, and has an interesting take on which of the candidates might win the seat. She thinks Nadine Hankerson, and Cameron Mizell have the best shot at the seat (if she doesn't run). She says they are more traditional candidates, are grassroots, and "know the older people better", the ones that vote.
She says Bobby Dubose and Pam Adams chances are slim. She thinks one of them will get Moore's endorsement. She says they will collect more money from the lawyers and such on the whiter side of town, but "it won't matter".
She thinks our city has become a "joke", and says her peeps are tired, and fed up. They want a grocery store, and banks. She says they want the "bad guys gone". She says the City isn't totally responsible for District III's troubles. She think's the fault lies about 50/50, split between the City and the residents of the area. But she also said her community is changing, that new people are slowly moving in, lots of interracial couples.
She knows she will have to decide if she will run by about Thanksgiving, and after that isn't worried. She says the "people will speak".
While a very nice woman and hard-working, Ms. Ware doesn't have the grasp of the entire job....once again, she is only talking about "her" district and "her" people.....a commissioner votes on things for the entire city and needs a vision as to what that needs to be - not just one section. In these economically challenged times, the city focus needs to be on budgets, delivery of service and remaining solvent....not on streetscapes, and new programs. We need to work on just keeping the ones we have!
There is no doubt that District 3 has been underserved - and she is right when she acknowlegdes that the fault lies with 50% city and 50% residents. Something as simple as maintaining your own property goes a long way in relieving blight....this just doesn't happen in most areas.
As to the 2 candidates she thinks has no chance. One has been campaigning and working to earn the respect of the district for over a year...his commitment is there and he is certainly smart enough and able to represent the area well. The other candidate she spoke of is also well rounded, connected citywide and knowledgeable about the city systems, needs and committed to her community by building a home there, putting businesses in the district. I would never rule out competent candidates.
Waiting this long to come to a conclusion about running shows a strong lack of self confidence by Ms. Ware...perhaps she should consider not getting in the race and supporting one of the candidates to get the job done as well. If her power is with the elderly she says votes - she needs to lead them to the right conclusion as to who is most capable of delivering service to District 3 and the rest of the city.
Ms. Ware - you are well liked city wide but not what I would consider commissioner-ready....you have much to learn still - it isn't a popularity contest.
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Whoever wins the election to be our next District III Commissioner, I hope he/she thinks of the whole district & not just the Sistrunk area.
I put my money (if I had any) that Carlton will endorse Pam Adams. (I maybe wrong but this is my opinion)
LaRhonda is a wonderful/beautiful woman but I do not think she is ready to run for this position anymore than I would be.
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The "headline" did throw me, but not for long. It has a nice ring to it. Speaking of rings, there sure are a lot of hats being thrown in. Keep on bloggin', Tim.
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I can relate to LaRhonda there are some of us that are humble and do not run only to get on the stage to get in the spot light and do nothing I would reter have a person in office like her that I feel will do the right thing so I hope she finds the way to run for office.
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