October 2, 2008

Dear FLC Board Member:

I am very humbled to serve as your President this year. The Florida League of Cities is very near and dear to my heart. The League's motto states, "Local Self Government is the Keystone of American Democracy" and I believe city government is the closest government to the people of Florida and I believe in Home Rule. I want to stand side-by-side with you to protect the Home Rule power of Florida's cities.

It is true that we are facing extremely tough economic times and I believe education ofour citizens, and future citizens (students), is of the utmost importance--now more than ever before. Educating our citizens on the fundamentals of city services and what it takes to effectively run a city is going to be essential as we continue to be forced to "tighten our municipal belts", do more with less, and still maintain the level of service demanded by our citizenry. Yes, we are definitely facing tough times.

Through my presidential priority: "Building Citizenship in the Community: Back to Basics" we will design, launch and manage a campaign to increase civic awareness and participation. We will provide education for our constituents to increase their awareness of municipal issues and help them become smarter municipal service consumers.

As I stated at the Board meeting last week, I encourage each of you to stand with me in support of this initiative. As the leadership of the Florida League of Cities, I charge each of you to adopt the attached resolution in your city; become active in your community through civic education-type activities; and, take the message to your Local/Regional League and encourage your fellow elected officials to also become involved in this project.

There are many ways to participate and I know I'm "preaching to the choir" so to speak, because you are involved in your communities and you are civic minded; but let me take a moment to list a few suggested activities:

President Carmine Priore, Vice Mayor, Wellington

First Vice President John Marks, Mayor, Tallahassee Second Vice President Joy Cooper, Mayor, Hallandale Beach

Executive Director Michael Sittig General Counsel Harry Morrison, Jr.

FLC Board of Directors Page Two

~              hold an open house/tours of facilities and during this time, talk about what it takes to keep city hall or the water treatment facility open, talk dollars and cents;

~              create a "youth council" or promote and enhance an existing council; create a "citizens academy" or promote and enhance an existing academy;

~              reach out to civic clubs (Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.) and community organizations to explain city structure and function, as well as vision, strategic plans and other plans; teach a civics class at a local school;

~          create a "speakers bureau" with city staff or promote and enhance an existing speakers program.

These are but a few of the ways to reach out to your community and "Building Citizenship in the Community"...and bringing it "Back to Basics."

Further, I would appreciate hearing about what you are doing in your city. I'd like to hear about your successes and about things that didn't work as well. I'd like to hear feedback from your constituents. What do they think about city government? How can we strengthen the relationship between elected officials and the average citizen in Florida's cities?

I appreciate your continued dedication to the Florida League of Cities. Together, we can make a difference...we already have...we will continue to do so! Thank you for your service to your city and to all Florida cities through your service on the Florida League of Cities' Board of Directors.

Sincerely,

Carmine Priore President, Florida League of Cities Vice Mayor, Wellington

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