Steve Glassman wrote: Dear Neighbors, It is my honor to announce that I am running for the open Fort Lauderdale City Commission seat in District 2 where I have lived for 20 years. We have seen many changes during that time, some positive, some negative. I am running to make sure that policies and plans are put in place which only lead to positive change and create a sustainable and improved quality of life. Over the past two decades, I have served on City and County Boards and volunteered extensively for many local organizations and initiatives. Eighteen months ago, I joined other residents to create a grassroots initiative to proactively address infrastructure, traffic, and diminishing public lands. One thing stood out – the voices of local residents are ignored in City Hall. I am determined to change that. Let me share just a few things that alarm me about the direction of the City: 20 million gallons of raw sewage spilled into our yards and waterways in 2016. The problem is so severe that the State of Florida forced the City to sign a consent order to fix some of the worst problems. The cost - $117 million! Water pipe breaks are increasing at a rapid rate. Meanwhile, the City has taken tens of millions of dollars out of the water fund and spent it on other things. Many of our roads such as 17th Street, A1A and Sunrise Blvd. are failing at certain times of day. Traffic congestion is the new norm. One of the City’s ideas for changing it is known as lane reduction (or, in their terminology, rightsizing of the roads.) Public transportation is failing. Transit such as the Sun Trolley has suffered deep declines in ridership in District 2. The Wave, a light rail system proposed for a section of District 2, is five years behind schedule and has doubled in price. Efforts to convince the City Commission to consider more modern technology have met with strong resistance. We need to re-evaluate public transportation and implement strategies that will work. We live in a beautiful area with great neighbors and tremendous opportunity. Working together we can plan for the future and make Fort Lauderdale an even better place to live. It is imperative that our City hears the many voices of our dynamic community and uses the citizens’ talent to effect positive change. I pledge to you that when elected, I will be your representative in City Hall, that I will always have time to listen, and that I will serve as your voice on the Commission. In the next 60 days, there is much to do! I would be honored to have you share your ideas for our City with me as well as have you volunteer with our campaign. My email address is electsteveglassmandist2@gmail.com. Please contact me if you want to be involved with our campaign efforts between now and the primary election on January 16, 2018. Thank you for caring! Steve Political advertisement paid approved by Steven Glassman, Non-Partisan for Fort Lauderdale City Commission, District 2