Rodstrom Racist on Execution Road ?
It's one of those political races that leave "dull and boring" and cross over to "sharp and rancorous"!........ And this weekend, this political battle reached " boiling point" with charges of "racism" , dereliction of duty, and illegal procedures!
It started Friday night on "Execution Road" , a 3 block section of NW 8th Avenue , north of Sunrise Boulevard, in the western part of the neighborhood called South Middle River. The street, formerly known as "Crack Alley", due to it's ever present drug sales, got it's new name last month after a masked man shot three men in the back of their heads in the middle of the street. One of the men died. The culprit has not been found. The murder is suspected of being drug related.
NW 8 th Avenue Roadside Memorial for Slain Man
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The Political maelstrom pits the one-term (3 year), incumbent Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom,
against top Fort Lauderdale Beach activist Steven Glassman, once a key supporter of Rodstrom's, who's been labeling her as ineffective, incapable, and maybe worse!
The feisty race also sports dark horse candidate Howard Elfman, who has been quietly working the fringes.
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Friday night's dust-up occurred during the "Crime Meeting", a monthly meeting sponsored by Rodstrom for her crime plagued NE/NW 13th Street corridor.
While Rodstrom was starting the meeting in the middle of the dark street, several men began circulating the crowd and loudly challenging her.
They wore T-Shirts labeled "Rodstrom = Racism", and chastised her for only showing up on NW 8th due to the ongoing political campaign. They handed out flyers titled "Rodstrom Go Home" , and claimed, among other things, that she refused to attend a black community forum, and refused to respond to Urban League requests. Police had to intervene to calm down the situation.
Neighborhoods Residents Reacting at Meeting
It was not evident that the Glassman campaign had anything to do with the meeting protesters, but some did reemerge later carrying Glassman campaign yard signs.
Later in the weekend, the Glassman campaign sent out a missive suggesting that Rodstrom's Police Union endorsement might be " illegal", since only Rodstrom had the opportunity to interview with the FOP. It asked voters to call Union Chief Jack Lokeinsky and him if he thought he could "get away with it".
The Primary is just over two weeks away, and more fireworks can be expected to rain down. Cover your head, and stay tuned!
It started Friday night on "Execution Road" , a 3 block section of NW 8th Avenue , north of Sunrise Boulevard, in the western part of the neighborhood called South Middle River. The street, formerly known as "Crack Alley", due to it's ever present drug sales, got it's new name last month after a masked man shot three men in the back of their heads in the middle of the street. One of the men died. The culprit has not been found. The murder is suspected of being drug related.
NW 8 th Avenue Roadside Memorial for Slain Man
..............................................................................
The Political maelstrom pits the one-term (3 year), incumbent Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom,
against top Fort Lauderdale Beach activist Steven Glassman, once a key supporter of Rodstrom's, who's been labeling her as ineffective, incapable, and maybe worse!
The feisty race also sports dark horse candidate Howard Elfman, who has been quietly working the fringes.
...........................................................................
Friday night's dust-up occurred during the "Crime Meeting", a monthly meeting sponsored by Rodstrom for her crime plagued NE/NW 13th Street corridor.
While Rodstrom was starting the meeting in the middle of the dark street, several men began circulating the crowd and loudly challenging her.
They wore T-Shirts labeled "Rodstrom = Racism", and chastised her for only showing up on NW 8th due to the ongoing political campaign. They handed out flyers titled "Rodstrom Go Home" , and claimed, among other things, that she refused to attend a black community forum, and refused to respond to Urban League requests. Police had to intervene to calm down the situation.
Neighborhoods Residents Reacting at Meeting
It was not evident that the Glassman campaign had anything to do with the meeting protesters, but some did reemerge later carrying Glassman campaign yard signs.
Later in the weekend, the Glassman campaign sent out a missive suggesting that Rodstrom's Police Union endorsement might be " illegal", since only Rodstrom had the opportunity to interview with the FOP. It asked voters to call Union Chief Jack Lokeinsky and him if he thought he could "get away with it".
The Primary is just over two weeks away, and more fireworks can be expected to rain down. Cover your head, and stay tuned!
Glassman wasn't even a candidate when the union did their review - and perhaps wouldn't have selected him anyway but this is just purely political smear tactcs and bad behavior. If he campaigns this way - be assured he will govern the same. Had he wanted to be considered for the union selection - either police or fire - by the way - he should have contacted them or declared to run. All of these were his choices....they don't run on his time! Sour grapes Glassman - you just aren't that special and this really shows that District 2 residents should think long and hard about picking someone who attacks the police union, the incumbent or others...spend your time telling us what you will do - not what you think someone didn't do. Unfortunately - you could have been a very good contender but now I wouldn't want you to be a commissioner for any district.
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If Rodstrom and Glassman continue down the road of disrespect, petty actions, and hateful campaign tactics - vote for Elfman.....while he may be the dark horse described above, he has the ability to do the job - successfully. He just got a boost in my book by the others' bad behavior!
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Once again...the lessons of the recent general elections are lost upon clueless, self-centered politicians.
NO ONE wants or needs to anything from them about the other candidates, especially attacks upon them. WE want to be inspired to VOTE FOR SOMEONE whose integrity, ideals and motivations are to serve the public.
Seeing any candidate who's sole 'strategy' is to attack other candidates, deservedly or not, now raises a new 'first impression' question: WHY ARE THESE CANDIDATES WHO SIMPLY ATTACK OTHER CANDIDATES NOT CONFIDENT ENOUGH IN THEMSELVES TO SIMPLY RISE ABOVE IT ALL AND COMMUNICATE TO VOTERS ALL THE GOOD REASONS TO VOTE FOR THEM?? MAYBE BECAUSE THERE ACTUALLY AREN'T ANY OR ENOUGH GOOD REASONS TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO VOTE FOR THEM??
The candidates who will get my vote will do so because they've inspired me to vote FOR them, FOR their leadership and FOR their hopes for our city's immediate and long-term future!
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Hummm...bully boys circulating in a crowd hurling insults..sounds familiar!! Can anyone spell "Brownshirts"?
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Glassman is a joke. Rodstrom is a tool of her husband and the lobbyist snake in the grass, Judy Stern.
The only thing left to do, Vote Elfman
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Run, do not walk, away from anything or anybody associated with Judy Stern.
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At the Central Beach Alliance Thursday night Jab 24th CBA President Steve Glassman used police force to interefere in the political process, to silence dissent, and remove a candidate standing for board election. Art Seitz repeated calls for a quorum count were eventually met but only after he was goaded into a typical display of bellicosity which gave Glassman his excuse for the FLPD to eject him. No nominations for the board election from the floor were permitted, nor discussion on the slate proposed by Mike Mueller. This action raises serious question about Glassman's character and suitability as City Commisioner.
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I live in Victoria Park and received the email. Glassman didn't call the endorsement illegal but he did question how you could endorse months before the qualifying? The endorsement by the police is not illegal but it's also obviously political. Was Howard even in the race and who knew if someone better was going to join?
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The AFLCIO has been endorsing gay candidates left and right without interviewing the other candidates ...its all POLITICS and it smells
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While I was appalled at some of the language and tactics at the crime meeting, I understand the anger but do not judge me by the action of others; read my website and you WILL see what I offer. And just to set the record straight, the police union endorsement was made when only the incumbent had announced and three months before the qualifying period ended. This is not good, transparent process. In addition, I left several messages for the firefighters’ union and never heard from anyone. That being said, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the rank and file men and women who do this work each and every day to protect us all. Now, let’s get back to the issues of the campaign.
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What you say you said and what you wrote don't exactly match.....endorsements can be done by anyone at any time....not in your control....why bring up something that you knew when you filed. You have spoken about this at other meetings acknowledging that you were not a candidate so why now is it such a big deal to you...and...it was police and fire....not just police...as to getting back to the campaign....you brought this up yourself....bad move in my book - I will vote for someone who doesn't have a personal vendetta and wants to lead not be a crybaby! You have become suspect.
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Charlotte has done a great job. Those who do vote in District ll need to educate themselves on her many accomplishments. Her involvement with Civic Association areas that were previously ignored and neglected for many years has brought some hope back to our resident's.
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To Char or should I say Charlotte:
What have you learned from Judy Stern? That if you tell a lie big enough and often enough people will believe it?
You, Charlotte have done a terrible job and neglected our neighborhoods and that is why the presidents Like me , and board members from South Middle River, Middle River Terrace, LakeRidge and Poinsettia Heights have either endorsed or are supporting outright Steve Glassman. Stop Lying.
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Perhaps you don't under what it means to get these endorsements. Endorsement are also used for working on campaigns....who would want to wait until qualifying....too late in the game. Police and Fire both endorse and offer their services to put up signs or pass out flyers on behalf of the candidates they believe to be the right one for the office. Candidates know this and they as well decide when they choose to declare their intent. They could have notified both Police and Fire but apparently didn't feel the need. Too little too late in my book. Should have been paying attention..this doesn't bode well for an informed candidate either.
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As a white person I take exception with RODSTROM = RACISM. My Black neighbors make good points but when it comes to Charlotte's neglect it applies to all of us and it has nothing to do with race. She discriminates based on geography not ethnicity. She only cares about her social circle on las olas.
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Looks like Glassman will do anything to BEAT a woman
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To Sad:
This is a gender issue? Charlotte is an unqualified Commissioner regardless of gender. She is called the Sarah Palin of Fort Lauderdale precisely for attempts like this to blame everybody but herself!
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Disgusted obviously doesn't believe in fairness. What if the FTL Chamber had a debate six months ago and didn't tell anyone else but Elfman? And when Rodstrom or Glassman complained they told them that they should have called constantly. What?? That it's their fault that they didn't know their was an ongoing secret process ??
Come on you Rodstrom Hack!! Jack has been caught red handed. The FOP endorsed BEFORE labor day!! How on God's green earth can even you explain that?!? JACK LOKEINSKY made a political move withought a fair due process and now that he has been exposed you, Disgusting, try to spin away his hypocracy. The endorsement has NO credibilty and neither do you!
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So the fire endorsement is less meaningful than police?? Come on - both Police AND Fire were done early in the process (just remember some candidates had been declared to run for more than 6 months when the reviews came up.
Whether you agree or not - none of these groups are required to wait and see who finally decided to make a run - believe me it should never be a last minute decision for something so important and if as a future candidate, they had been actively involved they would have known that this has been the process for years....one district had a candidate file just days before the closing....while we may not all agree - blaming one individual when it comes from an entire committee is really ignorant.....guess you didn't know that either....I thought Steve was more informed....he said he was and knew about it....it was his choice to wait to declare...a calculated risk that lost a very good opportunity for him because he probably would have been the preferred candidate. I wouldn't expect that he will gain much respect from the Police or Fire after this.
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Tim,
I am disturbed by your insinuation that the Glassman campaign would be behind the RODSTROM = RACISM effort for two reasons.
Firstly, it has always been our contention that Rodstrom has been neglectful of these communities as a matter of alienation and policy not because of ethnicity or race. She is disconnected from our neighbors and it is no surprise that these communities suffer the consequences. But do not be distracted; neglect from her administration knows no color. So when African-American residents organized under the banner of RODSTROM = RACISM, they were being true to their anger but WRONGLY parochial in their criticism.
Secondly, as Steve's Campaign Coordinator, I would be remiss, as would Elfman's, if he was there, not to engage an organized group of anti-Rodstrom folks and put a palm card and a sign in every single one of their hands! So in your future reporting please be careful especially when it concerns issues outside our core campaign focus.
Thank You
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I was at the crime meeting with my children, one in a stroller and let me tell you it was pure political theatre and not really a meeting at all. Rodstrom disrepected the other candidates in attendance by not allowing them to speak or participate. She said it wasn't a political event, but does anyone really believe that this whole circus two weeks before the election wasn't a political event on her part? If not, I have some swamp land to sell. she even had her own videoman there. I spoke with him.
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I live in the area and I believe the Glassman campaign set this up. neighbors NEVER ACTED LIKE THIS BEFORE and it was pre-planned. Do you think people would go to the expense of printing shirts and going through all this unless they had an agenda? Also, isnt this the same glassman who a few years ago had an election and then AFTER the winners were announced, disqualified them? Not sure if I will vote for Rodstrom or Elfman but we are smarter than to fall for these tricks
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Mr. Unimformed,
Nice Judy stern talking point but nobody is falling for it. Read my lips, the FOP endorsed "BEFORE LABOR DAY!" That doesn't sound insane to you? AH...you must be a Rodstrom apologist.
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wow! and i thought we had it bad with resnick in wilton manors. funny how judy stern's name keeps coming up! hmmm...isn't she helping seiler?
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wow! and i thought we had it bad with resnick in wilton manors. funny how judy stern's name keeps coming up! hmmm...isn't she helping seiler?
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Yes, it is interesting how Judy Stern's name keeps popping up at ever underhanded and illegal twist. She is Seiler's girl, and that should tell you all you need to know about Smilin' Jack Seiler.
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I believe that this was not good for the community, crime was the issue, not Rodstrom. We need to support our commissioner since she came to the streets, Naugle has never done what Charlotte has done to open the lines of communication. Alfalfa STRONLY supports Re-electing Ms. Rodstrom
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seems odd with all the talk in national media on down about the mayors race that a website devoted to ftl politics is silent?
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If you do not show up to public requested meetings, you will not be in the job.
If you throw sand in the eyes of your fellow commissioner, after praising her...you will not be in the job.
eeeehhhhhlllllllkkkkk....puke, gag-me, gross me out,
Good grief people grow up.
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Disgusted seems to be a POLITICAL HACK, in bed with Ms. Rodstrom. The move by the FOP is evidently a politically based choice on the side of the FOP.
I called and asked the FOP office about it, and the secretary didn't seem happy with me asking and questioning the premature endorsement. I asked why they didn't wait for the deadline, at that point "She didn't want to argue with me" quote and offered to have Jack Lokeinsky call me back.
I would say "ANY" endorsements made by ANYONE prior to the Supervisor of Elections filing deadline, (when all the candidates are known officially) should be held in suspect. If the deadline is not "To Late" for the SOE, then it shouldn't be for the FOP or any other Organization, unless the endorsement is being used to gain a political access.
And before you even think of going after me "Disgusted", make yourself know to all, by hiding behind the mask of a sign in name, makes you a political Terrorist as far as I am concerned. If you believe in what you say, then own up to it and say who you are.
As for the Mayoral race, let’s see Naugle & Sandy Stern are both supporting Jack Seiler, well I know how I am NOT going to mark my ballot.
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I would like to endorse Lester Zalewski for commissioner of district 2. I have known Lester for many many years going back to when he ran a very successful business in Chicago. Lester is one of the very rare individuals that has a keen sence of vision along with a strong sense of integrety. It has also been said that he "suffers no fools" which might be a good thing in our local government. Lester has more recently been in charge of running the residential high rise building where he currently resides. He has been very effective with handling everything from major construction to the smallest details with very careful attention to
value for the residents. He has always disliked bull.... and waste and is willing to do what is necessary to serve his customers and his fellow citizens.
If you want to confirm the fact that Broward County is wasting huge amounts of taxpayer's money, take the 1-1/2 hour drive to Collier county and drive thru the greater Naples area. You will see that Naples has grown into a beautiful, well planned, well landscaped, well maintained area that makes our city look pretty terrible. Unlike Broward, Collier County has been building roads, schools, shopping areas, etc, etc. Would you be suprized that Collier's real estate taxes are virtually 1/2 of Broward taxes? (Use the tax estimators on the internet to confirm)
Is Charlotte Rodstrom married to the mayor of Broward County? Wow, that's something.
Respectfully submitted,
Damon Van Tuyl
300 N Gordon Rd
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