Page 12 - Boca Exposure - March '23

Page 12, Boca Exposure
Council Corner: Farewell And Time For Reflection

By Andrea Levine O’Rourke, streets for people.” I supported partnering with the Boca What is on everyone’s mind is the growth we are seeing.
Boca Raton City Council Raton Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Historic Society We can’t deny the growth that has hit us in Boca Raton and
Member, Deputy Mayor on their growth goals, and the Mizner Park Amphitheater the south Florida region in a big way, especially since COVID.
and CRA Chairperson. offering our community wonderful entertainment. I started my years in service promising to be a watchdog for
O’Rourke is stepping down During my two terms there has been a focus on creating responsible growth. I couldn’t stop growth as all landowners
due to the regulations of and maintaining a robust economy. I have supported and developers have rights. However, I did my best to maintain
term limits. our Economic Development team in recruiting business my intention of always pushing for more beautiful buildings.
Time is swiftly moving headquarters, working to encourage co-op workspace and, More innovative ideas for growth and less density. More open
toward March 31, my last most importantly, maintaining Boca’s low tax base. space. More green space and trees. Streets designed for people,
official day serving Boca As a Florida Atlantic University alumnus, supporting where we can ride our bikes and walk safely.
Raton as an elected official. and partnering with our local universities has been a priority. And yet there is more work to be done.
Thank you for the opportunity For that matter, I have dedicated myself to working with our Although at times it has been a hard ride, it has been a great
to share my thoughts with you and report happenings during important city partners: The Boca Raton Airport Authority, the ride. I thank everyone who supported my efforts, gave me great
the past six years. PB County Transportation Authority, the Greater Boca Raton ideas, engaged in meaningful discourse. I thank my family and
I have often been addressed as a politician and I must share, Beach and Parks District, the PB County School Board, our dear friends for their patience. However, it’s time to say farewell.
I never related to that title. Being elected to serve our great outstanding Police and Fire Departments, along with the large At this juncture, there is a turn in the road and time for me to
city in a nonpartisan position, I have truly and proudly seen and hard-working group of nonprofit organizations that help explore other avenues. I wish the current City Council and my
myself as a community servant. And what an honor it has been provide for so many needs in our community. successor the best of luck.
to represent the residents of Boca Raton! I step down with both
happy and sad emotions. I look forward to joining my husband
in (semi) retirement, and yet I will miss the privilege of steering
our city in a direction that I felt was important as it related to
growth, safety, sound economics, recreation, education, not
to mention a pandemic. I believe preserving our history and ARCHIVE GALLERIES
quality of life as we inevitably move into the future has been
of the utmost importance to me.
My mission statement when I ran for office in 2016/17
was “Encourage creative, open-minded and visionary PAYS HIGHER PRICES FOR FINE ART AND ANTIQUES
leadership that bridges the gap between citizens and
government and to protect our unique quality of life.” At
the time I ran for office, our community truly embraced the • Oil Paintings • Sterling Silver • Collectibles
idea of a resident on City Council who represented their point • Oriental Rugs • Objects of Art • Fine Crystal
of view. That’s what encouraged me to follow this path and • Tapestries • Sculptures • Orientalia
hold to my purpose these past six years. I have followed my
mission … from the waterfront, to downtown, to mid-town • Fine Furniture • Bronzes • Tiffany Items
and beyond. It hasn’t always been easy. However, I have kept • Service Plates • Porcelain • Clocks
my eye on the ball. I reminded myself often of why I served
and what attracted us to Boca Raton in the first place. It was
outstanding amenities, services, and top-level quality of life. We Also Purchase Men’s And Ladies’ Items Including:
During my time in office, I have been proud of many
accomplishments. As I prepare to step down, I would like • Old Watches • Cufflinks • Smoking Items • Coins • Antique Jewelry
to highlight a few… • Designer Handbags • Fine Modern Jewelry • Vintage Costume Jewelry
The new Brightline station to West Palm, Miami, Fort
Lauderdale and soon to be added Orlando. This service provides
an enhanced travel experience with the important goal of taking One Piece Or Entire Contents Purchased
cars off the road. I was part of our City Council lobbying the
Palm Beach County School Board for Boca Raton to land a brand CALL NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION, NO OBLIGATION
new and much needed elementary school. Along with that, two
existing school rebuilds, with additional middle school classes. I
am so proud of two new City parks with water access and more
pickleball courts (El Rio and Wildflower). We have recently CASH 561-498-7536 COURTEOUS
completed a redo of the public boat ramp. We are renovating PAYMENTS IN HOME
Rutherford/Lake Wyman parks, with more water access. We UPON REQUEST SERVICE
have opened a new municipal golf course with more amenities
to follow on that campus. One only needs to walk or bike it to see
how busy the El Rio Trail is. I am also supporting the idea of more
trails to come on the Ocean Breeze property, thanks to the Beach
and Parks District. I was in complete support of my colleagues
on City Council initiating Race to Zero (sustainability goals) and
Vision Zero (less road fatalities) as important objectives.
I have led and supported many downtown initiatives, which
include approval for the new Cultural Art and Innovation Center,
lighting, art in public places, murals and sculptures. Have you NoN-Toxic cancer immunotherapy
wayfinding signs, enhanced and safer crosswalks, better street

seen the mural at Mizner Park Amphitheater?
I led a proposal for slower traffic and walkability along
Palmetto Park Road in downtown with a focus on “building Available NoW

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