Mayor Cooper's State of the City 2015 Part III

Over the next six years we will be implementing an aggressive plan to build a world class park system. This past election our voters supported a bond to secure our future of our parks for generations to come. This Sunday we will be opening South Beach Park. We are currently working on OB Johnson Park design and will begin design on Blustein Park and then Golden Isles Tennis Center. The next phase will include Sunrise Park, Ingalls Park, Historical Village and Chaves Lake Park.

As our city moves forward, growing a promising future, my colleagues and I have not lost sight of the importance of having a great educational system. Our children are our future! We have been working very closely with our principals, parents and school board to ensure our children are afforded the same amenities and resources as other schools in our district.

We fought for middle school and that became a reality. For over 5 years I have envisioned creating a K-8 campus. Through the hard work of likeminded citizens and parents combined with the support from our school board this vision is closer to a reality. Just last night the school board meet with all stakeholders to present a facility swap between Gulfstream Middle and Hallandale Alternative.

Our schools are not only about buildings but educating our children to be competitive in this new technically advanced society. All our schools continue to be rated high. Even with constant changes in testing and rating systems Hallandale Elementary is a B, Gulfstream is and A and Hallandale High School is and A once again! Our Hallandale High School Principal was just named one of the finalist for principal of the year!

Our principal and teachers are the true unsung heroes of our city. If you can support our schools. They can always use volunteers and mentors. If you cannot not donate your time donate financial resources. Our children all deserve a safe fun city to live in but most importantly a great education.

I have the humbling honor of being Hallandale beach’s Mayor. I often get asked, how do you do it? Why do you do it? How do you deal with the politics? I often answer; I really do not like politics. I love helping people. I love working to make our city even better than it is today.

For me it is not about politics it is about people. It is about progress! It is about results. I would like to leave you with this thought form Ralph Waldo Emerson “Whatever course you decide upon there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires courage.” I our case it takes the courage of our progressive and innovative commission and staff to remain focused on the mission and goals. As the saying goes “Life is not a sprint, it is a marathon.” Just wait unit 2016!

Thank you Hallandale Chamber for allowing me this opportunity!