Welcome
On November 6, 2012 we will be asked to elect a President, representatives and Senators to the Florida Legislator, Members of Congress, and Members to the Hollywood City Commission.
I have been proud to represent the residents of Hollywood District 4 on the City Commission since 2007. My second tour of duty as a commissioner has been filled with accomplishments and challenges. Our city and our residents have faced many tough issues over the last five years.
Making Government Work Again
The government closest to the people, local government, often has the greatest ability to resolve problems and significantly impact our daily lives. It’s the level of government where things get done! That is why I entered public service and it’s the reason why I am announcing my candidacy for re-election to the Hollywood City Commission representing District 4. Once again, I am asking for your support to continue serving the citizens of our district and our City.
Five years ago, Hollywood was facing difficult, seemingly irresolvable economic and political problems. Couple that with the great recession of 2008 and the result was a significant decline in city revenue. Fiscal management became our top priority. In rapid succession we took the following steps:
- Replaced our Budget Director
- Replaced our City Manager
- Established more accurate budget forecasting procedures
- Implemented milions of dollars in spending cuts.
Through last September’s Referendum, Hollywood residents had a voice in making significant adjustments to personnel costs-- the city’s single largest category of expenditures, accounting for 76% of the overall budget-- by placing limits on pensions, health care premiums, pay raises, and staff levels. These proactive steps are helping to rebuild Hollywood’s fiscal stability. We are not out of the woods yet and must continue spending discipline.
Plans for the Future
Even with all the cuts, we continue to recruit, hire and train police and fire personnel to provide the highest level of public safety possible. Moving forward, we can now work on a plan to put more police officers on the street, a goal I pledge to spearhead this year.
With a new City Manager in place and reorganization of several City departments, we should be able to deliver City services more efficiently. Nevertheless, to be effective, City government must be more that just efficient; it must also be responsive and accountable.
Dick’s Top Priorities for 2012
- Stability and sustainability of the budget for 2012 and beyond. Live within our means and build reserves in order to raise our bond ratings.
- Compensation. Budget permitting, increase starting salary for police and fire in order to attract the best and brightest. Build equity in all plans so everyone is treated proportionatly alike.
- Property standards in residential neighborhoods must be updated and enforced to make Hollywood a more attractive place to live and work.
- Economic development. Much greater emphasis on retention and growth of our commercial and industrial base, especially along major corridors (441, Federal Highway, Dixie Highway and Hollywood Blvd.
- Image and brand. Establish an identity for Hollywood. Diamond of the Gold Coast is worn out. How do we want to be perceived? Focus energy on upgrading entry points to the city.
The Role of a Commissioner: Getting Answers
Often I hear that the process of interacting with someone within the City did not produce a satisfactory outcome. A big part of my job--and commitment to residents—is finding answers to their questions. They may not always get the answer they want, but I always guarantee to get them one! That’s what local government is all about, and it’s why I want to continue serving the citizens of Hollywood.
The 2012 Campaign
As in all campaigns, the road is long and the work hard. We’re in need of lots of help, whether it’s hosting a coffee, walking a neighborhood, helping distribute absentee ballot requests or just spreading the word to make sure people get out to vote. Even if you have just a few hours to volunteer, you can make a difference. Call me at 954-558-0175 to volunteer for any job in the Blattner for Commissioner campaign.
Questions? Comments?
If you would like to talk about any campaign topic, please call anytime at 954-558-0175 or e-mail me at Dick@DickBlattner.com.
Donations
If you would like to support my campaign, please click here to access my Paypal account to make a donation. Hollywood election rules limit contributions to individuals only (no corporate entities or other organizations) up to a maximum of $500.
Thank You
Your support has been exceptional over the years. Whether you’ve made a contribution, joined a committee, put up a yard sign or hosted a coffee, I am eternally grateful and hope to count on you again.