My knowledge of local politics greatly expanded as a result of my attendance at two Board of Director’s meetings and the April General Membership meeting. At the General Membership meeting, I had the privilege of “shadowing” Coconut Creek Vice-Mayor Mikkie Belvedere. Vice-Mayor Belvedere introduced me to many of her esteemed colleagues and highlighted the fabulous educational outreach programs taking place in her city of Coconut Creek. In addition, the Vice-Mayor was interested in my political views and we spent a while chatting politics, something I had never done for more than a few seconds with an elected official. During the dining portion of the evening, an anti-bullying singing troupe from Nova High School performed and brought the crowd to its feet. It was a pleasure to see an assembly of students uniting to fight the bullying epidemic that seems to be spreading across the country.

The May Board of Director’s meeting was equally engaging. In addition to enjoying birthday cake for Mayor Gold’s birthday, the issue of an ethics code for commissioners was discussed. Commissioner Lisa Aronson of Coconut Creek, the designated chair of the committee responsible for making recommendations to the County Commission on this issue, made extremely valid points about how the proposed legislation was, in some cases, too stringent; however, Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper made equally valid points about some of the policies incorporated in to the policy being too lax. Regardless of the proposal being too tough or soft, it is clear that the Broward County populous wants a code of ethics, and the Broward League of Cities is working hard to ensure that the residents of Broward County get what they want. Overall, I have learned that crafting any political document is a process involving a series of compromises; the concept of “compromise” is pivotal in maintaining the American value system of democracy we value so strongly.

By: Chad Klitzman