Page 9 - Boca Club News - February '20

Boca Club News, Page 9

Government

Mayor Update: The State of

Our City is Strong and Vibrant

Scott Singer is the 35th Mayor of state is strong and vibrant. Our community remains safe, with Downtown Boca, a major mobility upgrade that residents and
Boca Raton. A South Florida native, crime rates down 14% the last two years, to the lowest levels businesses agree is a game-changer for transportation.
attorney, mediator, and small business in nearly 40 years. We’ve partnered with the school district The prospects for Boca Raton remain even greater. I am
owner, Scott and his wife, Bella, live to add 1,200 student seats and increase school security. Taxes excited about the future and the opportunity to keep serving
in Broken Sound with their two young remain low, and we are using our natural advantages to attract as your Mayor. I’m very pleased to have the endorsements
children. outstanding jobs and ensure a healthy economy. of our police officers, firefighters, local Realtors , classroom
®
I write this update from While other nearby cities have had crises from broken teachers, business groups, all of my colleagues, and more than
Washington, DC, where I am attending sewage lines and water mains, we have prevented major 600 residents to date.
the annual meeting of the United States problems through our continued investment in infrastructure. To keep serving the residents of Boca and propel our city
Conference of Mayors. This nonpartisan group of mayors This year, and each of the next 15 years, we will reinvest forward, I hope to earn your vote. Vote-by-mail ballots will be
exchanges great ideas on making cities better. Consistently, poll nearly $50 million annually into our Innovative Sustainable mailed around the time you receive this newspaper. Early voting
after poll reinforces that the American people most respect, of Infrastructure Program to ensure that we improve our vital will also take place at the Spanish River Library from March
all levels of government, the local level. This is true in Boca services. 7th to March 15th, with Election Day at local polling places on
Raton, where our elections are nonpartisan, including the coming On February 22nd, we will open up our 47th park in Boca March 17th.
election for Mayor on March 17th. At the local level in our city, Raton, with the completion of the long-planned Hillsboro El With many easy ways to cast your ballot, and election open
we get to focus on results to get things done. We are delivering Rio South Park. This park, a former dump site from 50 years to all residents regardless of party registration, please take a
many great results for Boca Raton residents. ago, has been reclaimed and ties into the walk to enhance our moment to make sure your voice is heard. The future of our city
Around the time this issue goes to print, I’ll deliver the first waterfront recreation. Work is progressing on the enhancements depends on it. With your help, I hope to be part of that future.
annual Boca Raton State of the City address, following the model of Lake Wyman and Wildflower Parks. As discussed in the last For more information on obtaining a vote-by-mail ballot or other
of other local cities. I’m very pleased to report that Boca Raton’s issue, we recently approved a new Brightline station coming to questions, please visit my website at SingerForBoca.com.

Council Corner: Honored

and Ready to Continue to Serve

By Andrea Levine O’Rourke, Boca Raton City Council Councilman Andy Thomson is running unopposed as well. completing current initiatives while
Member, CRA Chairperson Mayor Scott Singer has opposition from Bernard Korn, establishing new goals for the future.
I am thrilled to share that the qualification period to run whom he beat handily in the last election. I believe this To offer some highlights …
for Boca Raton City Council in the March 2020 election election speaks clearly to the fact that people are happy with During the past several years,
has closed. I am unopposed and officially re-elected. I their current elected officials and it’s a vote for stability. we have successfully provided
am honored to be able to maintain my seat and serve our As my first term heads toward conclusion, I take excellence in municipal services.
community for another three-year term. My colleague pride in what has been accomplished and look forward to Crime is down 14%. We have worked
with the Palm Beach County School
District to create a new elementary
school while beginning the rebuild of two of our elementary
schools. We have added the “Office of Sustainability.” We
have completed meaningful infrastructure, roadway and
sidewalk upgrades. We have negotiated and contracted with
Virgin/Brightline for a train station adjacent to downtown
Boca. Our economic stability has been proven again by
maintaining the coveted AAA bond rating.
Community building projects are part of my personal
goals and accomplishments. Some of these projects include:
• Initiating an “Art in Public Places” program, a first for
our city, with several mural projects already complete and
more exciting programs being planned.
• Downtown safety and place-making, which can now be
seen through new way-finding signs and lit crosswalks.
• An initiative for sustainability awareness and youth
education by providing supplies at the beach to encourage
the public to participate in ongoing beach cleanup.
• Mentoring students regarding community awareness and
involvement.
• Working to maintain a strong partnership with our local
universities, particularly as a proud FAU alumnus.
• Serving as a watchdog in the development and design
of the Wildflower and Silver Palm Park properties as they
transition into a new urban waterfront public space.
• Advocating for responsible, sustainable growth that
includes plans for enhancing the public realm, as well as
modes of transportation including pedestrian walkability,
cycling and connectivity.
It has been my objective to be a voice of reason regarding
city matters by encouraging open and fair dialogue between
residents, city officials, business leaders and developers. I
pledge to continue on that path.
My motivation to serve comes from my long-time
commitment and love for our city. Boca Raton is an amazing
place to live. I am confident that together we can continue
to plan for Boca’s future while protecting the unique quality
of life that attracted us to live, work, play and raise a family
here.

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