My recent acceptance into the Broward League of Cities Student Ambassador Program has caused me to take up an interest in my local municipal government and the elected officials who represent my city. During the Student Ambassador orientation two weeks ago, as Cooper City Mayor and Broward League of Cities President Debbie Eisinger spoke to us about municipal government, I realized how wrong my viewpoint of municipal government was before I became involved with the Broward League of Cities. We are showered with press coverage (which fails to highlight the benevolence of municipal government) regarding all of the scandals and wrongdoings within municipal government. We fail to remember its purpose as well as the countless number of elected officials and municipal workers who put forth effort each and every day to make our communities comfortable and safe places to live, work, attend school and raise families. On the night of Florida’s Republican Presidential Primary, the victory speech of Florida GOP winner Mitt Romney drowned out the municipal elections and issues that were being voted on throughout the day. However, toward the end of the newscast a few seconds were donated to a municipal issue in Miami-Dade County, regarding whether to increase the salaries of Miami-Dade’s County Commissioners. Unfortunately, the people of Miami-Dade County decided not to give their elected officials a raise. This renewed my fascination with public’s attitude toward municipal government, and I pondered why a majority people of Miami-Dade County would not reciprocate with their votes to show appreciation toward the elected officials who had helped make their communities a better place.

Although the commission was in the spotlight for voting to cut jobs within the county, didn’t voters who went to the polls on January 31, 2012 know that these jobs were cut to ensure that taxes did not go up, so that the people of Miami-Dade County could have some extra cash in their pocket during this economic recession? We have to remember that nobody is perfect in any position and that elected officials throughout the country are working harder than the average person toward the well-being of those living in their city, county or district. I hope that during my time as a Student Ambassador with the Broward League of Cities I can help pass a positive message about municipal government to my peers, who are the next generation of citizens and leaders, so we can work together to restore public confidence and appreciation toward municipal government and implement the attitude that municipal government is making a difference in our lives and communities. The Broward League of Cities is a perfect example of municipal government at its best and I am very fortunate to be part of the second class of Student Ambassadors. Next time we recognize an elected official in our community, we should take a moment to show our gratitude, so that elected officials can continue their duties, knowing that their constituents appreciate their service to the community.

By: Brian Mazur