Candidate Statement
Lake Worth finds itself at a crossroads. The November 3rd election will send a message by answering this question: Will residents act to take back control of their local government from extreme elements that have taken over the political process in Lake Worth? We need to return to a partnership between the residents and their elected representatives and perform basic city services well. We can no longer tolerate hastily called meetings that take place in the middle of the day – when most people are unable to attend or listen to what is going on in the Commission Chambers. We can no longer allow staff to present items the day of the Commission meeting and expect an informed vote by our elected representatives with no possible way for input from our residents. Decisions made with little or no study may have disastrous long-term consequences.
That's why my campaign platform revolves so much around the importance of open government. You, as residents, need to know when your elected officials know and what they know. And you need this as part of a regular information stream coming from City Hall. Likewise, the City Commission needs information from you on the problems you are facing that relate to crime, City services, utilities and facilities. I purpose to make both processes much easier than they have been for a very long time. When elected, I will make sure the Commission schedules regular monthly “listening meetings” in different areas of the city. These meetings won't be to listen to elected officials beat their drums. We've had too much of that already. They will be opportunities for you to tell the City what is bothering you, what you like and what you don't like about how the City is performing. This will raise your expectations about the City responding to your concerns – and the City will have to respond like never before. I'll make sure of it.
Being an urban planner, I am familiar with how local government works and how it doesn't work. I've learned from both good and bad examples. There is much that can be done to improve the interaction across the counter between you, the resident, and the city employee at the building department and utilities customer service. For whatever reason, my opponent has not made that a priority during her two year and eight month term of office. Beyond simple kindness, Lake Worth needs to become a place where you can expect the respect you deserve as a resident, a business and a taxpayer. I'm looking forward to working with staff and our other elected officials to make these revolutionary changes happen. Please vote for me on November 3rd!
Political Advertisement Paid for and Approved by Wes Blackman for City Commissioner District #3
![Dr. W. H. Cotton’s ode: “Oh, My Lake Worth, Florida!” [circa 1920].](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhHyCn84ZIQ/WezjlEL-0tI/AAAAAAAAPZ4/CzkhriK6zpEJJ3d9Je1495d49gIhnMlxACK4BGAYYCw/s1600/LakeWorthPioneers.JPG)
