Remember how David Letterman used to have a nightly Top Ten list? Well, I’m stealing his idea and expanding it to my Top Twelve. Here are some of the top accomplishments I think I made while serving on the North Miami City Council:
- Obtaining and paying off the Scott Galvin Community Center.
- Never missed a single meeting (CRA, Budget, or Council) in all 25 years. That’s 620 consecutive meetings, not even including those of the CRA (which I also never missed).
- Prioritizing constituent services. Responding to every email, phone call, and letter. Pioneering the use of tech, website, and social media to do so. I was the first elected official in South Florida to maintain his own, independent website as a way to communicate. I started it in 1999 and still use it today.
- Initiated the local purchasing ordinance (1999?) dictating that the city do business with local merchants when possible.
- Creating the Arch Creek Preserve and battling FIU for it. I leave office with the Preserve still closed to traffic.
- LGBTQ rights. All while not having a gay base to fall back on: Coming out while in office. First openly-LGBTQ elected official in North Miami. Longest-serving LGBTQ legislator in Florida history. Secured Domestic partner benefits for employees. Commissioned a sculpture in Enchanted Forest that is the first-and-only permanent art piece dedicated to the LGBTQ community. City’s first float in Miami Beach parade.
- The city’s response to the Charles Kinsey situation. At a moment when police shootings led to protests and anger across America, we handled public relations adeptly and avoided any conflicts.
- Presented Keys to the City to Run DMC, Leslie Nielsen, and Barry Gibb (Brothers Gibbs Blvd).
- Pioneer Farewell at the old school. When the old school closed in 2011, we threw an impromptu celebration at the vacant building that brought over 5,000 alumni back to walk the halls one last time.
- COVID response (food distribution, rental/utility assistance)
- Transition to the historic Haitian American success story. I’ve had a front-row seat. South Florida’s Haitian American community has found a home in North Miami and thrived.
- Our government trip to Africa, visiting six countries in twelve days. After our return, the ‘Celebrating West Africa’ series of community celebrations: Taste of AfriKin, AfriKin art displays, Doing Business in West Africa, etc.
I’ve probably overlooked something worthy of being on this list. Sorry…I’m getting old! Is there something you think should have been included? Mention it in the comments!
getting old, huh 🙂
The one where you wear a wire to help the city and the Attorney general to catch the bad actors/, criminals. You’ll be missed..You are the hardest working elected official in NOMI. Thank you for everything you’ve done for the entirety of the city and keeping us informed. Organizing events and holding meetings for the citizens. There will never be another one like you. Your love of NOMI is evident. You’ve slayed dragons when necessary for us. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.. I know our family is grateful for you. Much love!
Thank you for your unselfish service to this community and being a true servant of the people! You always responded with any questions or concerns that was facing the community!
Thank you for your outstanding service for 25 years and never being absent!
Thank you for your unselfish service to this community and being a true servant of the people! You always responded with any questions or concerns that was facing the community!
Your outstanding service for 25 years and never being absent will make future representatives envious!
Scott, I know you’re proud of your LGBTQ work, but I’m even prouder of you for ALL of your work in North Miami… whether it covered LGBTQ issues, minorities, the elderly, our Chamber of Commerce’s business openings, environmental issues, general government or other public matters.
Even though I was not in your voting district, you always accepted an email from me with kindness… and if you could, you’d provided some sort of help or resolution to my inquiry or concern.
It’s no secret that many in goverment are simply out to serve themselves [as this city well-knows] rather than serve the constituents who voted them into office. You made sure to break that old stereotype and served anyone and everyone you could, whether they’d voted for you or not.
Your 25 years in office should be a textbook template on how to be a public servant!
Thnak you again for a quarter century of public service. North Miami will miss you, and I doubt sincerely if we’ll ever see another person of your strength and fortitude willing and able to serve this community…
Scott, I know you’re proud of your LGBTQ work, but I’m even prouder of you for ALL of your work in North Miami… whether it covered LGBTQ issues, minorities, the elderly, our Chamber of Commerce’s business openings, environmental issues, general government or other public matters.
Even though I was not in your voting district, you always accepted an email from me with kindness… and if you could, you’d provided some sort of help or resolution to my inquiry or concern.
It’s no secret that many in goverment are simply out to serve themselves [as this city well-knows] rather than serve the constituents who voted them into office. You made sure to break that old stereotype and served anyone and everyone you could, whether they’d voted for you or not.
Your 25 years in office should be a textbook template on how to be a public servant!
Thank you again for a quarter century of public service. North Miami will miss you, and I doubt sincerely if we’ll ever see another person of your strength and fortitude willing and able to serve this community…
Scott, I first “met” you on a conference call about the expansion of FIU access road by taking over the 135th street corridor. You were a terrific voice for the residents while also listening to others. Next up the budget cut to doggie poop bags- causing fewer bags etc, and I had no other contact at City Hall so I texted you, and lo and behold you got the issue to the right people= more bags. Lastly and importantly the issue of vendors using Arch Creek park for personal gain (aka Kayak tours 2 YRS ago today) : you mobilized all the right people in the city council, which resulted in the city making some laws to protect the properties. All of this is to say you have been an amazing advocate for ALL OF THE PEOPLE. Thank you for modeling what few actually do in local areas and frankly any other government roles. Support the people . Good Luck in the future, You will be missed !!!!!!