First of all, I would like to thank you for your overwhelming support in the November election. I will continue to do my best to represent every resident in District 3.
Broward County keeps moving forward and I hope that 2013 will continue on that path. Our unemployment numbers are below the State of Florida and national average, in part because Broward County is putting people to work. We are expanding Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with a new runway and updated terminals. We are building a new County Courthouse, too. I’m proud to say I led the initiative on both of those projects and construction is underway.
Commissioner Ritter being sworn in by Broward Circuit Judge Mel Grossman.
The airport runway project will create more than 11,000 new jobs and add millions of dollars into our local economy. Best of all, it will increase the already booming tourism industry in Broward. For 2012, visitors to the Greater Fort Lauderdale area spent over $9 billion dollars – a record. And all of these projects have not raised local taxes by one cent.
My overall goal on the County Commission is to make the quality of life for all Broward residents ideal for everyone, from young families to retirees. Over my next four years in office, I plan to make a new Convention Center hotel one of my top priorities, further increasing local tourism and putting even more local people back to work. I appreciate any constructive and creative suggestions that you have as we move forward together.