Initiative would hurt growth

In politics, creative marketing may be the difference between success and failure. That’s why convincing Florida voters to oppose Amendment 4, the so-called “Florida Hometown Democracy” constitutional amendment, is no easy task. After all, how could “Hometown Democracy” be anything but good for our state?

However, Amendment 4 will stifle growth and adversely affect our state unlike any other ballot initiative in recent memory. It requires that the adoption of all local governments’ comprehensive plans and any amendments to such plans be subject to the approval of the electorate at a referendum election.

Read more: Initiative Would Hurt Growth (PDF)

As published in the Miami Herald, July 11, 2010

As an active resident of my City of Coral Springs and a member of the Sustainability Committee of the Broward League of Cities, I continually see first-hand the positive impact volunteering has on our community and its residents. There are countless opportunities for each of us to find the causes we care most about, apply our particular talents and do our part to make Broward County a better place today and in the future. The first steps are simply determining what is most important to us and identifying how we can help.

April, designated as Earth Month, reminds us to preserve our precious natural resources for generations to come. Few initiatives have greater bearing on our community than assuring the health of our waterways. For 15 years, I have volunteered my time as one of 25 site leaders for the Marine Industry Association of South Florida’s Annual Broward Waterway Cleanup. In March, more than 1,800 volunteers arrived by land and sea at locations throughout Broward County to help clean our canals, rivers, Intracoastal and coastline.

I had the pleasure of leading 522 volunteers from all walks of life, from Girls Scouts to local firefighters, who braved the cold weather to support the countywide initiative. Various companies did their part as well, from Whole Foods Market offering granola bars to Lowe’s Home Improvement providing the wooden sticks for trash pick up. Working together, we removed 15 tons of trash from our waterways, ranging in size from gum wrappers to shopping carts.

The positive impact we had on our waterways was outstanding, but the warm sense of community created by working side-by-side for a common cause was equally as great.

Since my first year leading 90 volunteers, I have witnessed growing support every year from increasing numbers of residents. Through word-of-mouth and the hard work of my team of coordinators, we have generated a groundswell of volunteerism in Coral Springs. This shared commitment bodes well for our city’s future.

If all of us take the first step toward volunteering for causes we care about, we’re well on our way toward preserving our environment and the unique lifestyle that makes South Florida a great place to live, work and raise a family. For more information on volunteering opportunities throughout Broward County, please visit www.BrowardLeague.org.

# # #

Roy Gold is a Commissioner for Coral Springs and a member of the Sustainability Committee for the Broward League of Cities.

Originally published to the Broward League of Cities Facebook page

Coral Springs Commissioner Roy Gold Assumes Presidency of Organization

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – On Friday, May 7th, the Broward League of Cities formally installed Coral Springs Commissioner Roy Gold as president of the Broward League of Cities along with the 2010-2011 Broward League of Cities Board of Directors during a installation dinner in Coral Springs. He succeeded Wilton Manors Mayor Gary Resnick as president of the Broward League.

“It is my great honor to represent this collaborative organization at this pivotal time in the County’s history,” said Roy Gold in his address to the Broward League of Cities. “It is my goal for us to work together so that we may continue to make a positive difference for the 31 cities of Broward County.”

Roy Gold brings more than 30 years of experience in the political field, serving as a commissioner and vice mayor for the city of Coral Springs, chair of the Broward County Management and Efficiency Study Committee, chair and vice chair of the Broward County Water Advisory Board and the Florida Advisory Council for Barack Obama.

In addition to his position as president of the Broward League of Cities, Commissioner Gold is a program leader for Adopt-A-Mile, a site leader for the city of Coral Springs for the Broward County Waterway Cleanup and the creator and director of the Teen Political Forum.

Joining Commissioner Gold in leading the Broward League of Cities is the newly elected executive board. Each member will serve on the board of directors for a one year term:

• First Vice President – City of Weston Commissioner Daniel Stermer
• Second Vice President – City of Tamarac Mayor Beth Talabisco
• Treasurer – City of Plantation Mayor Rae Carole Armstrong
• Secretary – Cooper City Mayor Debby Eisinger

“With the installment of Commissioner Gold, the appointment of our board of directors and the launch of our new website, we are poised to continue increasing awareness and providing resolutions to issues facing Broward County residents,” said Rhonda Calhoun, executive director of the Broward League of Cities. “We are excited for the 2010-2011 year and look forward to serving the community’s interests on topics that affect day-to-day operations at the county, state, and federal levels.”

(more)

(The Broward League Appoints New President, continued)

The Broward League recently launched a newly redesigned website at www.browardleague.org.  Through the website, residents can read about current issues facing Broward County, review resolutions the League has passed and the positive impact of the organization’s decisions. The website also offers resource links, a calendar of upcoming events, information about members and valuable articles designed to provide residents with a comprehensive guide to legislation and issues in Broward County and the State of Florida.

The Broward League of Cities is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and resolving issues facing Broward County’s 31 cities and municipalities at the local, county and state level.

# # #

About Broward League of Cities

Chartered in 1957, the Broward League of Cities is a non-partisan, non-profit organization representing the 31 municipal governments and more than 80 associate government, non-profit and business organizations within Broward County. The organization is dedicated to increasing awareness and providing resolutions to issues that affect day-to-day operations at the county, state, and federal levels. Read more at www.browardleague.org.

Locals Clean Up Broward Waterways

By Racine Higgins
Staff Intern

Teens all across Coral Springs and Parkland recently gathered together at Riverside Park for the annual Broward Waterway Cleanup arranged by Coral Springs City Commissioner Roy Gold.

When the gates opened early that morning, parents and students alike piled through all heading to registration tables, getting equipment such as pikes, grabbing a granola bar by the concession stand and moving on their way.

More than 500 residents helped to clean up the Broward waterways. Some found shoes, trash, and keys among other items.

Local teens Ashley Schentov and Megan Lindsteron, who attend Coral Springs Charter School, both showed up on crutches to support the cause. One might think typical teenagers would be fast asleep until midday, but not these two. When asked what really brought them out of bed for the cleanup, they responded, “support.”

One small group of children giving up their Saturday morning cartoons for volunteer work were the American Heritage Girls or AHG. They are a Christian base group that has a growing rate of many troops in 33 states.

Coral Springs City Commissioner Roy Gold was very pleased with the outcome this year.

“The cleanup started 15 years ago, and this is probably the most participants we’ve had since last year. At least 90 volunteers took part to help this organization grow,” said Commissioner Gold, “I am personally grateful of the support from the schools in the area. Some of the other sponsors included Kilwins and Whole Foods Market, among other community businesses and residents.”

Susan Spencer, who has been working with Gold to help with the cleanup for six years, was in charge of registering the hundreds of participants.

“In my opinion, this is more people than ever. I’m glad that the community has come together to work like a well oiled machine. The group of volunteers make everything easier,” said Spencer.

Read the Our Town News story (page 2 of the PDF)

“Note that the same information contained herein has also been timely filed with the Coral Springs City Clerk, as required by Section 106.07, F.S., and may also be viewed there, as a public record.”

• April to June 2009
• July to September 2009
• October to December 2009

When American City & County magazine published a cover story feature on the economic benefits of environmental sustainability, it began and ended the story with Coral Springs Commissioner Roy Gold.

From http://americancityandcounty.com/topics/green/green-economic-benefits-200911/index.html

Sustainonomics

Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Robert Barkin

Interest in green projects grows when they show a positive bottom line
Decades ago, when Roy Gold became aware of the importance of environmentalism at the first Earth Day celebration, people considered him a “tree hugger” and dismissed his passion for preserving natural resources as the quixotic campaign of a young college graduate. Today, as a businessman and city councilmember in Coral Springs, Fla., Gold’s motivation in his quest for sustainability has changed from the fire of youthful passion to a hard-eyed pragmatism driven as much by dollars and cents as the need for preserving the planet’s ecology.

“This is not based on ‘Let’s help the planet,’” Gold says about his city’s initiatives. “It’s based on economics. We can reduce the use of energy and costs. We can reduce the waste of water and reduce costs. People are looking at the bottom line.”

Read the rest on the magazine web site or in this PDF of the November 2009 cover story

Click to read story (PDF)

The Coral Springs Forum Dec. 24 edition recognized Commissioner and Resource Recovery Board Member Roy Gold for his work to secure “a $12 million signing bonus for member cities in a contract that is to be signed next year between the county, the board and Wheelabrator, a company that operates the waste-to- energy facilities where solid waste is disposed for 26 cities in the county.”

The new contract will result in savings of $44 million for the Broward waste disposal district, said Ron Greenstein, RRB executive director. “There is going to be a 36 percent reduction in waste-disposal costs,” Greenstejn said. “Coral Springs will be able to save over $4 million a year.”

Greenstein lauded Gold for his efforts that resulted in the bonus. “It was his idea; it was a tough negotiation, but it paid off in the end. It was out of the box thinking [and] I applaud him for that.”

“Cities have always given incentives for businesses, [but] it is the other way in this case,” Greenstein said. “I’ve been an elected official for 20 years [and] I’ve not seen this happen before.”

Read: Cities to get signing bonus for energy contract (PDF)

The race for the new Coral Springs Mayor for 2010 has begun.

A year before Election Day, three candidates have put in their bids to become the new Mayor. The first being current City Commissioner and environmental activist Roy Gold, who held the first campaign party this past week at the Walk.

Two newcomers have also declared their intent to run, including the youngest candidate, 20-year-old Max Lashin, and James Gleason.

Gold says he wants to be the next Mayor so he can make a difference in the areas of public safety, economy, education, environment, and aesthetics of the city.

“I want to work with others to help achieve benefits for our residents in these tough economic times. I will actively work with the Commission in supporting the Coral Springs business model that has served our community. Working to enhance the quality of life our community represents; supporting issues citizens tell me they are most concerned about; public safety, education and the natural beauty and aesthetic of our city,” said Gold.

“I have established great relationships with city and county leaders. I am thankful for the support I have with members of the Coral Springs Chamber, our business community, board members of our various committees and our residents. I will continue to be responsive to our residents by being a good listener and continue working with all levels of city government to enhance our efficiency and effectiveness,” added Gold.

Lashin says he can bring a fresh approach to the city. He’s planning a campaign event for January.

“I was running for Commission and people kept telling me to run for Mayor. I will focus on three areas: public safety, education and the pristine look of the city. All three have a place in my heart since I was raised in the city, and I want to make sure they are continued in the future so the next generation gets the same that I got,” said Lashin.

James Gleason, who has lived in Coral Springs for nine years, says he wants to run to ensure public safety, education, business acquirement and the look of the city.

“I’ve seen a lot of changes happen over the last few years, regarding public safety, education, the look of the city and business acquirement. I am increasingly more concerned with the direction the city is taking,” said Gleason.

Gleason says he has the needed background to become Mayor. He is involved with the Customer Involved Government Committee, the Government Academy, and has over 20 years experience in government contracting at the federal and state level.

As for new faces, Gold responded, “Everyone has the right to be involved in government. I do not know the experience they bring to the city and what they have done for the community, but I will say that running for Mayor is not a position that I feel someone should run for without any direct experience. I have been active in our city government for over twenty years, first as a citizen activist working on many different committees supporting education and the environment, and in the past five years as a City Commissioner and Vice Mayor. We are in challenging economic times and we need an experienced, effective and committed leader that can unite our city leadership.”

Gold’s Campaign Party

Gold held the first campaign party with support from city leaders, family and students.

Many local leaders praised Gold for dedication to the city and work with environmental issues and strong fiscal responsibility. Gold has been known for being the “note taking Commissioner” and work on environmental issues and the teen political forum.

“I think Roy will make a great Mayor. It will be a continuation of the good work and devotion that he has done for the city,” said Former Coral Springs Mayor Ron Ernest-Jones.

Connie Carberg, an active member of the Coral Springs Chamber of Commerce, added, “We need someone who believes in the city and he does.”

Vice Mayor Vince Boccard calls Gold a “true activist and historian” of the city.

“He understands what the city needs, and I think he would do a good job,” said Boccard.

Campaign manager Bruce Weinberg praised Gold for the teen political forum, the Waterway Cleanup, and many other city initiatives.

“He has always been there for the city,” said Weinberg.

His biggest supporter, his wife Janet, spoke about his many years of volunteering and service to the city.

“He walks the walk and talks the talk,” said Janet.

Gold thanked the community, his volunteers wearing Roy Gold for Mayor shirts, and local leaders for their support. He has been a 30-year Coral Springs resident and served six years on the City Commission.

“I have been a life long volunteer and want to continue to be involved in public service,” said Gold.