A Bruising Year...but a sense of optimism prevails

On whatever level you operate, observe or just plain live at...2009 has been a hell of bruising year...economically, politically and financially. No matter how you cut it, everyone took a hit. And not everyone is still standing...some major players have disappeared.

In business, just look at a few of the iconic brands that disappeared this past year: Pontiac, Kodachrome film, Circuit City, Max Factor, The Rocky Mountain News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Ann Arbor News...and the newspaper business 'model' is in turmoil.

But some of us, whether because of good planning, good fortune or just plain determination to never give up, just shake ourselves off and get back up again. For more punishment? Maybe for some...but for others, it's just another big curveball that made us hit the dirt...but when we do get up, it's with a smile and even greater determination to knock the next pitch out of the park!

So as 2009 draws to a close...take a look at where you've been, and what you've been through...what we've all been through, for that matter...and understand that there's only one way to make 2010 a better year: dust ourselves off, dig in and focus like a laser on the next pitch. And when it comes, get that bat off your shoulder and swing it for all you're worth.

In other words, no matter who you are or what you do...make your own future...waiting for it to be handed to you seldom even gets you to first base.

Merry Christmas and my very Best Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year in 2010!

City 'Visioning Committee' takes shape

We're very pleased to present another 'Guest Post'...this time from our friend and colleague Rob Dressler. Rob is the driving force behind the 'Fort Lauderdale Forum' civic issues group and a former Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. He's also been at the forefront of the call for a new 'Visioning' process to be instituted by the City and he updates us today on the latest developments on that front.
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VISIONING UPDATE: 12/17/09
"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare"

At its meeting on December 15, 2009, the Commission created a "Visioning Committee" and made appointments as listed below:

Mayor Seiler: Tim Smith & Stan Eichelbaum
Roberts: Gloria Katz & Alan Gabriel
Rodstrom: Charlie Ladd & one to be named
DuBose: Randall Vitale & one to be named
Rogers: Wiley Thompson & Peg Buchan
Consensus: one to be named

Congratulations to the appointees, many of whom have been receiving these updates. Three appointments remain to be made, including the consensus appointment, so don't give up if you're interested.

Also, the Ordinance was passed on first reading, but apparently there was no discussion about how the Chairperson will be determined. Since there are enough members for a quorum, the Committee has been authorized to begin meeting without waiting for the remaining appointments, and the City Clerk is apparently calling members about setting up a meeting. I will provide more information as it becomes available.

From my personal perspective, it looks to be an outstanding group of knowledgeable people who should be able to work well together and expand the visioning process into the community. Congratulations! to the Mayor and Commissioners.

- Rob
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Thanks again, Rob! And, as always, we welcome your comments and input! Just click on the 'Comments' link below!

Guest Post - re: High-Level Bridge Over New River Proposal

We're pleased to pass along this Guest Post by our friend and colleague, Mark Snead. Mark's a local resident who also happens to be an avid boater and sailor and has some interesting thoughts on the proposed high-level bridge over the New River being considered for new FEC passenger train service. If you're not familiar with the proposal, read the Sun Sentinel article here.

Here's what Mark had to say to Mayor Jack Seiler and District IV Commissioner Romney Rogers about the issue:
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I’m writing in regards to the article in the Sun-Sentinel this week about the proposal to build a 55-foot fixed bridge at the FEC crossing in downtown. In my opinion, this would be a huge mistake! The standard bridge height on the entire ICW is 65 feet. Thousands of modestly sized sail boats (including my own) are built to that height with masts of 60-65 feet. This is the same faulty logic that set the 17th Street bridge at 55 feet so that ‘it wouldn’t have to open so often’. I invite you to examine the records and see just how often it does open. I’d also invite you to take a boat ride up the river from the current railroad bridge to I-95 and count just how many sailboats there are in that stretch, where would they all go if they had to stop at downtown? I’d also invite you to look at Lauderdale Marine Center and the other yards east of I-95 and see how much of their business comes from vessels like mine that could no longer reach them. Citing the height of the RR bridge at I-95 as the standard ignores the fact that the proposed bridge would be moving the 55 foot barrier significantly to the east.

As I know you both appreciate, the marine industry is vital to this city and I encourage you to actively support nothing less than a 65-foot fixed bridge at this location.

Sincerely,

Mark Snead
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Thanks, Mark!!

As always, we welcome your comments and opinions on this issue, so 'weigh in' now! :)