Tim's Picks !
The City Elections are just one week away.
............................. (in Fort Lauderdale!)
It starts with a Primary next Tuesday, February 10th, and if the candidates don't reach at least 50% plus one, then the top two vote getters in each race move on to a General Election on March 10th.
I've decided to tell you who I'm backing! ..... and why!
It's a most important election for Fort Lauderdale. Term limits kick in for the first time in Fort Lauderdale's 98 year history (can everybody say thanks Tim! ) .... and at least a majority (3) of the City Commissioners will be brand - spanking new!
Citizen leaders are talking new direction, vision, leadership.
So even though it might be smarter and safer for me to sit back and see who wins, I decided it's my responsibility and civic duty is to sound off. So here I go!
......... in the Mayor's race
..... I'm supporting Jack Seiler ......
We have four choices to pick from, and in my humble opinion, Seiler stands out. Here's why;
First, ........ he has a substantial political track record, nearly blemishless. He has built himself a solid State-wide reputation as a respectful man, a team builder, and a capable public servant.
After decades of the divisive, controversial, and combative Mayor, Jim Naugle, Seiler seems to be the perfect counterpoint.
Second, ........ like all the King's horses and all the King's men, the pressure will quickly be on Seiler to pull the City back together again. To accomplish that, he'll need to bring everyone to the table to find a way to settle some long standing flashpoints, not limited to ........ how much development is the right amount for the City?, ...... how do we make our diverse population feel included and respected?, ...... how do we bring the long suffering NorthWest into the success story called Fort Lauderdale?
I think Seiler just might have the "right stuff" to pull it off. If he does, nothing will stop him from reaching even greater heights in the world of politics in the future.
We are lucky to have other Candidates of high caliber running for Mayor also. Let's hope former Commissioner Dean Trantalis finds a way to stay involved and relevant if he doesn't win. He's quite capable, smart and has a devoted following.
And Earl Rynerson has come a long way from near local obscurity to lightening rod in just a few short months. He should also stay involved if he doesn't win. His gutsy demeanor, and passion to stop government from wasting tax dollars could come in quite handy over the next few years.
Steve Rossi found his voice late in the process, but came up with some interesting ideas.
...........
I'll be back to discuss the District Commissioner races next! ............. thanks, .... Tim
............................. (in Fort Lauderdale!)It starts with a Primary next Tuesday, February 10th, and if the candidates don't reach at least 50% plus one, then the top two vote getters in each race move on to a General Election on March 10th.
I've decided to tell you who I'm backing! ..... and why!
It's a most important election for Fort Lauderdale. Term limits kick in for the first time in Fort Lauderdale's 98 year history (can everybody say thanks Tim! ) .... and at least a majority (3) of the City Commissioners will be brand - spanking new!
Citizen leaders are talking new direction, vision, leadership.
So even though it might be smarter and safer for me to sit back and see who wins, I decided it's my responsibility and civic duty is to sound off. So here I go!
......... in the Mayor's race
..... I'm supporting Jack Seiler ......We have four choices to pick from, and in my humble opinion, Seiler stands out. Here's why;
First, ........ he has a substantial political track record, nearly blemishless. He has built himself a solid State-wide reputation as a respectful man, a team builder, and a capable public servant.
After decades of the divisive, controversial, and combative Mayor, Jim Naugle, Seiler seems to be the perfect counterpoint.
Second, ........ like all the King's horses and all the King's men, the pressure will quickly be on Seiler to pull the City back together again. To accomplish that, he'll need to bring everyone to the table to find a way to settle some long standing flashpoints, not limited to ........ how much development is the right amount for the City?, ...... how do we make our diverse population feel included and respected?, ...... how do we bring the long suffering NorthWest into the success story called Fort Lauderdale?
I think Seiler just might have the "right stuff" to pull it off. If he does, nothing will stop him from reaching even greater heights in the world of politics in the future.
We are lucky to have other Candidates of high caliber running for Mayor also. Let's hope former Commissioner Dean Trantalis finds a way to stay involved and relevant if he doesn't win. He's quite capable, smart and has a devoted following.
And Earl Rynerson has come a long way from near local obscurity to lightening rod in just a few short months. He should also stay involved if he doesn't win. His gutsy demeanor, and passion to stop government from wasting tax dollars could come in quite handy over the next few years.
Steve Rossi found his voice late in the process, but came up with some interesting ideas.
...........
I'll be back to discuss the District Commissioner races next! ............. thanks, .... Tim
Interesting post, Tim, and speaks well of your own vision to recognize that ALL of these candidates have valuable ideas and energy to offer Fort Lauderdale regardless of who may ultimately win this election.
I, too, hope that each of them will continue to involve themselves after the election for the betterment of the city's future...and do so in the same constructive fashion they've campaigned in over the past few months. My compliment to each and every one of them. We're very fortunate to be able to have such a high-caliber set of mayoral candidates.
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Thoughtful and fair post Tim - good choice and we will see if the others are as interested in public service as they say...they have had a lot of time to be active before running for office and most of them were pretty light on city commitments....Good Job!
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An interesting position, Tim. However, I believe that Rynerson will defeat Seiler, and that he will turn out to be the best Mayor we have ever had. His business approach, his fresh ideas and his vitality are in sharp contrast to Seiler's arrogance and believe that this position is his entitlement. The two men are very different in terms of originality, personality, and perspective.
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"Seiler's arrogance and beleive(I think you mean belief) that this positio is his entitlement". I am sorry I where and when have you ever spoken to Jack and gotten anything that sounds like that in his reply. Jack Seiler is one of the most genuine, and selfless people I have ever met. Please get a life....
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shit tim ....bring us up and then drop us down...you said tims pcks,I thought you were going to give us great wisdom with all the kings men but you leave us with alot of suspense... lol
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Let's see if we match Tim, I am picking the best too: Seiler, Teel, Elfman, Adams and Prewitt. Although there are some other great candidates when I looked at them all I think this would be a FANTASTIC team together. And by the way you are right Christine does look at Howard with a interesting smile....LOL
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I for one am glad you're announcing endorsements. After all, my friends are not shy about sending me emails about who they support.
P.S. THANKS for being the one to introduce term limits. Who wants more years of Jim Naugle?
How about having a contest? Everyone who reads your blog should predict what Mr. Naugle's next job will be. I heard Blagojevich's next job will be.........a mop.
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Thank you Tim and you make a lot of Good points but this City needs Earl Rynerson someone I believe has the Talent to Bring this City to the ALL INCLUSIVE Image that we must be if we want to leave all the disseverance past behind us I have big concerns with Seiler that he doesn't understand the Extreme harm that Naugle has done and that the future must Change and also I do not think will be able to Cut wasteful spending . Earl Rynerson being a Business owner I believe has the talent to make sure every dollar is spend wisely. Seiler has been part of the Government of the past. WE NEED SOMEONE NEW !!!!
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Tim:
Thanks for your kind words and support. You have always been a community leader and a true public servant, and your trust and confidence means a lot to me. You also correctly point out that the other candidates are of "high caliber" and it has been an honor and privilege to campaign with them over the last few months. Best wishes.
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Tim - I have but one question. Do you want to be a pundit or a reporter?
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Tim,
I also appreciate you have done for the city, especially the term limits. I also, hope that Earl stays involved. It was a good crop of candidates to choose and I labored over my choice for Mayor. Either Dean or Jack will make a good Mayor. I like Jack Seiler candidacy, but I believe Dean would perform better at healing our city's wounds.
Thanks Tim for all the great blogging and insight. Keep it up!
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Commissioner Smith -I was leaning that way but now I am sure. thanks
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Let's put some skin in the game. When you lose Tim, turn over the password to your blog for a week to Mayor Rynerson.
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and your skin?
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A good martini.
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Obviously, you haven't been involved in the city outside of your own area,if you had been,you'd know that hardly anyone knew who Rynerson was,or even know him now !
I personally have nothing against the guy, he even has a few good ideas.
What bothers me most is the fact that he wasn't even involved civically until he decides he wants the highest seat available on the dias.
Perhaps a commission seat run would have been more appropriate.
God help us if others are as enamored by him as you are,for this city is in desperate need of someone that is experienced with politics and the city.
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He has executive experience and is not a lawyer. That is more than can be said for all of the other candidates, or for the newly elected President.
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"or for the newly elected President"... Ok and we see what thats done for us... He can't get a stimulus package passed, that will actually help the peopel who need it, its full of pork.... And he can't even choose a cabinet that will bring about the change he spoke about. Please......
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Hasn't FTL had enough of Mayors being lampooned in the national media for their sexual likes or dislikes. If Earl was elected anything good he would do would be overshadowed by his porn issues. He would always be known of the porno mayor or most likely far worse. Yes he has good ideas but the price to the citys image would be to great.
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Mayors? Have we had any others in the last twenty years, other than the idiot Naugle?
Porn? Judy Stern's attempts to smear Rynerson are not the equivalent of Naugle's ability to open his mouth and say something stupid.
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I have a point to make about your endorsement.
All of your past blogs, when polled you got 100% liked. This time it's 50/50, thats very odd. When wondering further why you picked Jack. I realized one of the best things this country offers, is Freedom of Choice, you earned it.
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