Welcome Friends and Neighbors:

The November 2008 elections were quite exciting and I’m optimistic that great changes are in store for this Country, our State and Broward County. I am very privileged this year. Not only was I elected to serve a second term as your District 3 Commissioner, I was also chosen by my colleagues to serve as the Mayor of Broward County.

The Mayor is the official representative and ceremonial dignitary of the County, responsible for providing leadership on issues facing the County. The Mayor presides over Commission meetings, sets the agenda and has the authority to call the Commission into special sessions as is necessary.

I was first elected to the County Commission in 2006. Serving on this Board has been an amazing experience. Coming from eight years in Tallahassee as a State Representative, I had a certain perspective on local government. I really did not realize that every week, this Board deals with issues that affect the quality of life of every resident of Broward County. I bring unique experience to the Broward County Commission. As a former State Representative, I share good relationships with policy makers in Tallahassee. In addition, I was an early supporter and campaign person for the President-elect and developed close relationships with the new White House administration. These relationships can benefit Broward County and bring us better recognition as we work with the State and Federal governments to face the challenges ahead.

The financial crisis that we are facing calls for Broward County to re-invent itself. During my short term as Mayor, I want to focus on economic development and the environment.

Here are a few areas I want to focus on:

• I believe it more important than ever to work with Miami Dade and Palm Beach County, the State and the new administration in Washington to gain access to the FEC rail corridor to link the county’s cities with the airport, seaport, courthouse and transportation center to create exciting redevelopment opportunities.
• Support for an inland port in western Palm Beach County to maximize the rail and truck shipping opportunities for Port Everglades without finding more land for container storage.
• Greening Broward County government by asking each County department to create a plan to substantially reduce the County’s carbon footprint. Possibilities include converting facilities to solar power, double-paning windows to reduce cooling costs—money and energy saving initiatives.
  

I believe it is a privilege to be one of the nine people who are chosen by voters to govern this large urban county. The decisions we make greatly contributes to the economic success of this county.

It’s time to focus on what’s most important with a commitment to govern wisely.
I appreciate any innovative and creative suggestions that you have as we move forward together. Please contact me with your questions, concerns, and requests by calling my office at (954) 357-7003 or e-mail me at sritter@broward.org.
Thank you again for your overwhelming support!

Sincerely,
Stacy Ritter
Mayor, Broward County
Commissioner-District 3