Perspective and some observations...

I am spending time in a place that is referred to in the local media as "Kentuckiana" - the major media outlets here seem to be based primarily out of Louisville, Kentucky, but my physical location is roughly between there and Cincinnati, Ohio.  It happens to be the "run-up" season to the mayoral election in Louisville.  Last night, I was able to catch the better part of the first debate between the two candidates headed for the general election - one Democrat and one Republican - a partisan race, unlike ours in Lake Worth.  There is also an Independent candidate that was not allowed to participate, but attended as a private citizen.  Apparently, there had been what some refer to as "Mayor for Life" who chose not to run this time who was a Democrat, leaving an open seat.  Most of his voting block was following the party line and behind the Democratic candidate.  You can read the coverage of the debate and some more of the specifics by clicking here.

Don't interpret the above as some sort of endorsement for partisan Commissioner and Mayor races in Lake Worth.  Hardly, Republicans and Democrats both need reliable trash pick-up, friendly customer service and an expectation that things will get better - stability at least.  Party distinctions shouldn't matter at the municipal level.

One of the major issues of the recent past was the merger of city and county governments and the kinks are obviously still being worked on with that arrangement.  Besides that issue, all that was talked about was the need to create jobs, be competitive in the "new" economy, how Louisville stacks up between its competition - seen as Indianapolis and Nashville.  There was wide agreement that Louisville was losing that race and much of the blame could be laid at the cumbersome planning and zoning process, a "we know it all: attitude" in city government and an absence of customer awareness in the delivery of city services.  Sound familiar?

This debate was in front of an audience that contained many Chamber of Commerce types and home builders, so it was a "go-go" pro growth attitude.  But at times, I felt like I had landed on an alien planet as there was no apology for that point-of-view.  They identified the need to work together as a region, which is especially important now that they have more of a metro form of government.

Some other things stood out in both their responses to the debate questions.  One was the universal recognition of the role of the Mayor's office in setting the tone and using the "bully pulpit" to promote the city.  Again, this was a strong mayor form of government as opposed to Lake Worth's, but regardless, I still believe that role should lay squarely with the Mayor - even in our current system.  The other universal recognition was that the Mayor's role was one that "inspires faith and confidence" in the city.  I immediately thought of the recent meeting where our mayor vacated his chair during an important discussion, only to return for the vote.  Then I thought about our last two or three Mayors and how they excelled, at times, running meetings, but at little else.  Why dirty their fingers with Lake Worth stuff if they didn't have to especially if they have their eyes on a higher office?  Just coast through, go through the motions and come out whole at the other end of the tunnel.

Is this leadership?

Today, I received an e-mail from a campaign of a previous Mayor, soliciting funds for his run for a higher office which said "Hey, kid, gimme your lunch money?"  My right hand to God!  Nice way to represent yourself and the city that spawned you.  I'll be voting for someone with a more respectful fundraising appeal, thank you very much.

We need stronger leadership in Lake Worth.  Whether it comes through in a stronger personality and the present form of government, or whether it comes through an overhaul of the overall structure of government.  Something I think we need to think about is seven (7) elected positions, three "at large", including the Mayor and then four (4) positions that are elected from the districts where they live and represent.  I think the time has come for this discussion.  Whether we consider a strong Mayor or someone who just runs the meeting should be part of it too.