I am sorry I didn't get this posted sooner, but last week I was sick with that darn stomach virus that is going around. I think it had an impact on my mind, too. I just didn't have any "get up and go" in me. But, listen up, this is one important meeting for our district. On November 16th, at 6:00pm. at the Pensacola State College Student Center, there is a public meeting to discuss a road project on 9th Ave., from Underwood to Creighton Rd. If you need more information call Jim Waite at (850) 430-1716. Monday, November 15, 2010
KICK-OFF PUBLIC MEETING
I am sorry I didn't get this posted sooner, but last week I was sick with that darn stomach virus that is going around. I think it had an impact on my mind, too. I just didn't have any "get up and go" in me. But, listen up, this is one important meeting for our district. On November 16th, at 6:00pm. at the Pensacola State College Student Center, there is a public meeting to discuss a road project on 9th Ave., from Underwood to Creighton Rd. If you need more information call Jim Waite at (850) 430-1716. 
Friday, November 5, 2010
THANKS TO THE VOTERS OF DISTRICT 2
Y'all did it! Everyone in the" powers that be" were betting that y'all would not have the wisdom to vote for someone who wasn't bankrolled by powerful interest. I didn't take any campaign contributions, except about $350.00 dollars from some close friends. All the rest of my funds came from my personal savings. I was offered some big bucks, but turned it down because I wanted to be as independent as possible, and beholden only to you, the citizens. I relied on my two 68 year old feet to go door to door and meet y'all with my little homemade flier . I loved every minute of walking in the hot sun, being invited into your homes, sitting on your porches, talking to you in your yards, and just hanging out in your neighborhoods. Y'all taught me a lot. We citizens don't ask for alot; we just want safe streets, lighting, pretty neighborhoods, codes enforced, traffic slowed down - just the basics that make our neighborhoods home. We're tired of politicians who have been bought and paid for. Most of us just want simple and peaceful lives. We want our fair share of the taxes retured to our neighborhoods and districts. I HEARD Y'ALL LOUD AND CLEAR! I'm gonna try to do a good job, staying in touch with everybody and raising cain down at City Hall if we don't get want we need and deserve - and it better be sooner than later.
We got alot of work to do and I got to stay focused. It is easy to get distracted with all the stuff down at City Hall. I got to keep my mind mostly on y'all and getting the work down you hired me to do. If I get off the path - please reel me back in. I hope y'all will start coming down to open forum. I know the dang meetings can go on for infinity, but that is what it takes to get things done. We can't take "No" for an answer!!! No way!!! If we do we'll keep coming up SHORT CHANGED TIME AND TIME AGAIN.
I'm going to sign off now and go into the bedroom with Millie. If y'all are wondering, she is doing great. We take it one day at a time. When I was out knocking on your doors I meet alot of dogs. I would say about 70% of y'all have dogs that live in doors - so you know what I am going through with Millie's cancer and trying to keep in from spreading, and hopefully, who knows, she might beat it.
Thanks again and you know where to find me - 526 Parker Dr, sfmada@aol.com, 484-0902. I 'm going to start going modern on y'all and get a website and a cell phone. So, y'all better keep in touch with me. We got to get together the Uptown Roundtable - so I am coming knocking on doors again. See y'all soon. Sherri
Friday, October 22, 2010
FORECLOSURE CRISIS IN DISTRICT 2
Folks, listen up. I've got some serious stuff to share with you. I have walked from Olive Road to Fairfield and from N. Davis Highway to 12th Ave., knocking on doors. What I am seeing is pretty darn scary. I have seen empty houses, houses in foreclosure, a lot of new residents moving in to certain neighborhoods as a result of foreclosure sales (this is what I suspect).
On E. Burgess Rd., just around the corner from where I live, a house sold for $48,000. Another house on the same block sold for $65,000 (it just sold four years ago for $139,000). Property values in some neighborhoods have plummeted. People tell me they want to sell their homes, but they are know they can't get the price they need. I wouldn't think of selling my house right now.
It is imperative that we have someone on City Council who can work with the Chamber of Commerce, the executive mayor and the City's Community Development Department to start promoting Uptown Pensacola as the most desirable place to live in Escambia County. BECAUSE IT IS!! YOU KNOW WHO THE PERSON IS WHO HAS THE VISION AND KNOW HOW TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!! IT IS ME, OF COURSE! We need to get me on that council come hell or high water.
On E. Burgess Rd., just around the corner from where I live, a house sold for $48,000. Another house on the same block sold for $65,000 (it just sold four years ago for $139,000). Property values in some neighborhoods have plummeted. People tell me they want to sell their homes, but they are know they can't get the price they need. I wouldn't think of selling my house right now.
It is imperative that we have someone on City Council who can work with the Chamber of Commerce, the executive mayor and the City's Community Development Department to start promoting Uptown Pensacola as the most desirable place to live in Escambia County. BECAUSE IT IS!! YOU KNOW WHO THE PERSON IS WHO HAS THE VISION AND KNOW HOW TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN!! IT IS ME, OF COURSE! We need to get me on that council come hell or high water.
Monday, October 11, 2010
DISTRICT 2 RACE IN THE NEWS
Today the Pensacola News Journal ran a lengthy article on the District 2 race. I thought it was a fair and balanced article. It portrayed me as a "civil rights, "tree hugging" Democrat." I plead guilty to all three charges.
If I am elected to the City Council I am committed to assuring the City Council will implement the conservation portion of the city's Comprehensive plan. I love trees as many other residents do. As I walk from one end of the district to the other people express to me their desire to have more trees in their neighborhoods. The residents who are fortunate to have a lot of trees in their neighborhoods express their joy at living in and a round the beauty of trees.
PENSACOLA NEWS JOURNAL ENDORSEMENT
On Sunday, October 9th, the Pensacola News Journal endorsed me for City Council District 2, citing my energy and ideas as one reason for the endorsement. I am appreciative of the endorsement, but most of all delighted that someone is listening to my ideas for improving and promoting Uptown Pensacola.
Friday, October 1, 2010
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
The League of Women Voters has been empowering the voters for many years with knowledge about local, state and national political issues. This week the League sent a list of questions to all of the City Council candidates. Most of the questions were about City wide issues; I wished they had been more specific to each district. However, I answered the questions and want to share my answers with you.
Biographical information: occupation, family, current residence, education/degrees, address, web site, email address and community involvement.
Occupation: Attorney - Member of the Florida and Kentucky Bar - specializing in disability rights law.
Residence: 526 Parker Dr.
Education: BA degree and JD degree
Web site: http://sherrimyersfordistrict2.blogspot.com
e-mail address: sfmada@aol.com
Community involvement:
1. Served on the Escambia – Pensacola Human Relations Commission for 3 years.
2. Served on the ECAT Citizens Advisory Committee for the Escambia County Board of Commissioners.
3. Presently serve on the Escambia County Mass Transit Advisory Committee for the Escambia County Board of Commissioners
4. Presently serve on the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee of the Florida Transportation Planning Organization.
5. I work on a number of environmental issues and have created a blog http://greeningpensacola.blogspot.com. I promote green janitorial supply policies, building LEED certified buildings, reforestation with the City’s tree fund (most of it coming from District 2), speak on children’s environmental health issues, urge the City to attract green industries to Pensacola especially on the old Escambia Wood Treating site.
1) Please identify the most pressing problems you see in Pensacola and what you would do to alleviate them. (300 word limit)
Problem No. 1: Public officials lack of vision and inability to see beyond the interest of downtown. Such lack of vision stifles economic development, effective mass transportation, improvement of forgotten neighborhoods, and generates a sense by citizens that they are disconnected from their government.
I am running to represent the interest of residents and businesses in District 2. District 2 is the economic engine of Pensacola. It comprises a large business district including Cordova Mall, Sacred Heart Hospital, all of the development from Davis Highway going east along Airport Blvd, Bayou Blvd, to 12th Ave. District 2 includes neighborhoods from Fairfield to Olive Rd. District 2 has the largest workforce of any area in Escambia County other than the military. The economic demographics of the neighborhoods is working class to poor with a few pockets of upscale neighborhoods.
District 2 produces the most tax revenue from property and sales tax then any another district, yet we get the least in return. Our communities are dying, deteriorating and property values are plummeting.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan was re-evaluated in 2008 and proposed draft of a revised Comprehensive Plan refers to my district as UPTOWN PENSACOLA. It recommends the creation of an Uptown/Downtown Connection Plan facilitated by an effective mass transit system. It recommends establishing a Local Improvement District (LID) in UPTOWN.
A revitalized District 2, could greatly enhance economic development opportunities, by promoting our many businesses, restaurants, stores, medical center, Pensacola State, and improving our streets, sidewalks, slowing traffic along certain corridors such as Creighton Rd, Airport Blvd, 9th Ave, and addressing unsafe streets such as East Burgess Rd by adding sidewalks and bike lanes. We need to address serious deterioration of the storm water system in many neighborhoods.
If elected I will create an Uptown Roundtable comprised of our businesses, property owners and residents to collectively develop strategies for addressing the many issues we face in district 2. A revitalized Uptown will benefit all of Pensacola.
2) Many financial resources have been used for projects in the downtown area. Please discuss how the area north of Cervantes can be given equal attention, including your rationale for these decisions. (300 word limit)
1. The only way any area north of Cervantes will be given equal attention is to have council members who are committed to representing their districts as their primary focus, rather than acting as though they are at large members of the council. This is why I regret that the question Number 1 is not specific to my District .
2. The City must follow the Proposed Revised Comprehensive Plan which is a legally binding document required by the state of Florida to receive funding. The citizens must be engaged in the development of the Comprehensive Plan. It recommends providing equal resources for all neighborhoods.
3. The Chamber of Commerce should develop a plan to promote UPTOWN Pensacola in the same manner the Chamber promotes DOWNTOWN. These areas should not be in competition, but should compliment each other.
4. The City must adopt a reforestation program as recommended by the revised Comprehensive Plan. The million-dollar tree fund should be used primarily for tree remediation and reforestation in District 2 as those funds were generated primarily from clear cutting over 17,000 trees in District 2.
5. I will create an UPTOWN ROUNDTABLE that will bring together the many resources in district 2 to meet with the new Mayor and the CRS director, Thaddeus Cohen to strategize on developing a plan to revitalize and promote District 2. While I cannot predict the outcome, I did not create the idea of an Uptown Pensacola: it is an idea that was developed by Mr. Cohen and it resonated with me, therefore, I think he would be open and supportive of my efforts.
3) Please explain the criteria to be used to evaluate the ‘highest and best’ use of waterfront property and how that determination is made. (300 word limit)
In all due respect, I find the term “highest and best use” vague. To a developer the “highest and best use” could be measured in profitability, to the public “highest and best use” could be measured by increased access and recreation. The question also asks for an explanation of the criteria, which implies there is already a criterion. However, I have lived in Memphis, Nashville, Montgomery, and Louisville, Kentucky. All of these cities have revitalized waterfront properties that are very successful; that allows for both commercial development and public development that is oriented toward providing access to the waterfronts by the public. I believe that the best use of waterfront property is mixed use, with development that increases accessibility to the water by the public. I do not want to have waterfront property become the exclusive habitat of the wealthy and well connected.
The Community Redevelopment Agency has developed a Waterfront Redevelopment Plan that purposes a mixed-use development of the waterfront. That plan is accessible by going to the City’s website to the Community Redevelopment Agency plans. The Community Redevelopment Agency also purposes mixed use planning for the Port of Pensacola. That plan can be access by going to the City’s website.
Pensacola will soon have an executive mayor and I will be looking to that person to formulate a strategy for implementing the CRA and Comprehensive Plan to address the issue of developing a mixed use for the waterfront and the Port of Pensacola.
4) If Amendments 5 & 6 are approved by the voters, standards will be in place in the constitution for legislative and congressional redistricting. What standards would you propose be used to draw council lines? Please explain. (300 word limit)
I purpose using the same standards set forth in Amendments 5 & 6 pertaining to legislative and congressional redistricting and which are:
Both Amendments set forth the following standards.
(1) No apportionment plan or district shall be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent; and districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process or to diminish their ability to elect representatives of their choice; and districts shall consist of contiguous territory.
(2) Unless compliance with the standards in this subsection conflicts with the standards in subsection (1) or with federal law, districts shall be as nearly equal in population as is practicable; districts shall be compact; and districts shall, where feasible, utilize existing political and geographical boundaries.
(3) The order in which the standards within sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section are set forth shall not be read to establish any priority of one standard over the other within that subsection.
When one looks at the geographic boundaries of District 2, it is extremely difficult to understand, as the boundaries are rambling and disjointed. The purpose of the above standards is to prevent gerrymandering to favor certain political parties and politicians who often represent powerful special interest. If I am elected the issue of restricting will be an issue that needs to be addressed collectively by the Uptown Roundtable that I will create.
5) The recent efforts at consolidation of the City of Pensacola, Century and Escambia County failed. What services or functions of government, if any, would you propose be consolidated. Please identify potential advantages and/or disadvantages of these actions. (300 word limit)
I applaud the noble efforts of the Escambia All for One organization and the Consolidation Commission for their efforts in attempting to improve upon governmental accountability, fair taxation, creation of more effective government, revitalization of economic development and human rights. However, I believe the cause they championed is not on the table for discussion at this time. I have walked from one end of District 2 to the other and not one citizen has asked me what I think about consolidation. For the most part, people in District 2 are concerned about fair taxation, declining property values, property foreclosures, and qualify of place issues.
I do not propose consolidation of any major services at this time. For a while, the City and the County were conducting joint meetings. There have not been any joint meetings in sometime. I propose joint meetings be reconvened with a public forum component. The joint meetings should provide a forum for discussing regional economic development and cooperation.
I would not be in favor of any type of consolidation that would diminish the quality of services in the City such as fire, police, park maintenance, street and sidewalk repairs, and other such services. However, I can envision consolidation of payroll services as a benefit to both the city and the county that would not diminish the City’s essential services.
6) The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) , Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City Community Development Department have missions in common. Please discuss the advantages of consolidation of these 4 groups.
The City of Pensacola has a Community Development Department, whose function includes neighborhood and economic development, code enforcement, permitting, building inspections, planning and zoning. Thaddeus Cohen is the Director of this Department. The Community Development Department includes all of the City of Pensacola.
The Community Redevelopment Agency was established by Florida Statute for the specific purpose of establishing a strategy for improving and revitalizing certain designated urban core areas, including downtown Pensacola. Thaddeus Cohen is also the director of the CRA and in that, sense there is no duplication of services.
The Downtown Improvement Board has the same stated mission as the CRA.
“The Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board exists to continue the removal of commercial blight; enhance property values; encourage economic development; attract commercial and residential development into the urban core; and beautify Downtown Pensacola.
1. Implement the Downtown Retail Strategy
2. Increase visits to downtown by tourist and non-residents
3. Increase residential offerings and occupancy
4. Increase community awareness about the value of Downtown and the DIB “
It appears that there is certainly a duplication of mission with the CRA. The CRA also promotes events, and does much of the same types of planning and promotion the DIB has done. The DIB has a parking enforcement role that could be accomplished by the City Police Department. The DIB also operates the City’s parking garage and parking lots. This function could also be absorbed into the Community Development Department.
Having stated all of the above, I do not want to appear presumptuous. I am open to discussion on this issue.
Biographical information: occupation, family, current residence, education/degrees, address, web site, email address and community involvement.
Occupation: Attorney - Member of the Florida and Kentucky Bar - specializing in disability rights law.
Residence: 526 Parker Dr.
Education: BA degree and JD degree
Web site: http://sherrimyersfordistrict2.blogspot.com
e-mail address: sfmada@aol.com
Community involvement:
1. Served on the Escambia – Pensacola Human Relations Commission for 3 years.
2. Served on the ECAT Citizens Advisory Committee for the Escambia County Board of Commissioners.
3. Presently serve on the Escambia County Mass Transit Advisory Committee for the Escambia County Board of Commissioners
4. Presently serve on the Bicycle Pedestrian Committee of the Florida Transportation Planning Organization.
5. I work on a number of environmental issues and have created a blog http://greeningpensacola.blogspot.com. I promote green janitorial supply policies, building LEED certified buildings, reforestation with the City’s tree fund (most of it coming from District 2), speak on children’s environmental health issues, urge the City to attract green industries to Pensacola especially on the old Escambia Wood Treating site.
1) Please identify the most pressing problems you see in Pensacola and what you would do to alleviate them. (300 word limit)
Problem No. 1: Public officials lack of vision and inability to see beyond the interest of downtown. Such lack of vision stifles economic development, effective mass transportation, improvement of forgotten neighborhoods, and generates a sense by citizens that they are disconnected from their government.
I am running to represent the interest of residents and businesses in District 2. District 2 is the economic engine of Pensacola. It comprises a large business district including Cordova Mall, Sacred Heart Hospital, all of the development from Davis Highway going east along Airport Blvd, Bayou Blvd, to 12th Ave. District 2 includes neighborhoods from Fairfield to Olive Rd. District 2 has the largest workforce of any area in Escambia County other than the military. The economic demographics of the neighborhoods is working class to poor with a few pockets of upscale neighborhoods.
District 2 produces the most tax revenue from property and sales tax then any another district, yet we get the least in return. Our communities are dying, deteriorating and property values are plummeting.
The City’s Comprehensive Plan was re-evaluated in 2008 and proposed draft of a revised Comprehensive Plan refers to my district as UPTOWN PENSACOLA. It recommends the creation of an Uptown/Downtown Connection Plan facilitated by an effective mass transit system. It recommends establishing a Local Improvement District (LID) in UPTOWN.
A revitalized District 2, could greatly enhance economic development opportunities, by promoting our many businesses, restaurants, stores, medical center, Pensacola State, and improving our streets, sidewalks, slowing traffic along certain corridors such as Creighton Rd, Airport Blvd, 9th Ave, and addressing unsafe streets such as East Burgess Rd by adding sidewalks and bike lanes. We need to address serious deterioration of the storm water system in many neighborhoods.
If elected I will create an Uptown Roundtable comprised of our businesses, property owners and residents to collectively develop strategies for addressing the many issues we face in district 2. A revitalized Uptown will benefit all of Pensacola.
2) Many financial resources have been used for projects in the downtown area. Please discuss how the area north of Cervantes can be given equal attention, including your rationale for these decisions. (300 word limit)
1. The only way any area north of Cervantes will be given equal attention is to have council members who are committed to representing their districts as their primary focus, rather than acting as though they are at large members of the council. This is why I regret that the question Number 1 is not specific to my District .
2. The City must follow the Proposed Revised Comprehensive Plan which is a legally binding document required by the state of Florida to receive funding. The citizens must be engaged in the development of the Comprehensive Plan. It recommends providing equal resources for all neighborhoods.
3. The Chamber of Commerce should develop a plan to promote UPTOWN Pensacola in the same manner the Chamber promotes DOWNTOWN. These areas should not be in competition, but should compliment each other.
4. The City must adopt a reforestation program as recommended by the revised Comprehensive Plan. The million-dollar tree fund should be used primarily for tree remediation and reforestation in District 2 as those funds were generated primarily from clear cutting over 17,000 trees in District 2.
5. I will create an UPTOWN ROUNDTABLE that will bring together the many resources in district 2 to meet with the new Mayor and the CRS director, Thaddeus Cohen to strategize on developing a plan to revitalize and promote District 2. While I cannot predict the outcome, I did not create the idea of an Uptown Pensacola: it is an idea that was developed by Mr. Cohen and it resonated with me, therefore, I think he would be open and supportive of my efforts.
3) Please explain the criteria to be used to evaluate the ‘highest and best’ use of waterfront property and how that determination is made. (300 word limit)
In all due respect, I find the term “highest and best use” vague. To a developer the “highest and best use” could be measured in profitability, to the public “highest and best use” could be measured by increased access and recreation. The question also asks for an explanation of the criteria, which implies there is already a criterion. However, I have lived in Memphis, Nashville, Montgomery, and Louisville, Kentucky. All of these cities have revitalized waterfront properties that are very successful; that allows for both commercial development and public development that is oriented toward providing access to the waterfronts by the public. I believe that the best use of waterfront property is mixed use, with development that increases accessibility to the water by the public. I do not want to have waterfront property become the exclusive habitat of the wealthy and well connected.
The Community Redevelopment Agency has developed a Waterfront Redevelopment Plan that purposes a mixed-use development of the waterfront. That plan is accessible by going to the City’s website to the Community Redevelopment Agency plans. The Community Redevelopment Agency also purposes mixed use planning for the Port of Pensacola. That plan can be access by going to the City’s website.
Pensacola will soon have an executive mayor and I will be looking to that person to formulate a strategy for implementing the CRA and Comprehensive Plan to address the issue of developing a mixed use for the waterfront and the Port of Pensacola.
4) If Amendments 5 & 6 are approved by the voters, standards will be in place in the constitution for legislative and congressional redistricting. What standards would you propose be used to draw council lines? Please explain. (300 word limit)
I purpose using the same standards set forth in Amendments 5 & 6 pertaining to legislative and congressional redistricting and which are:
Both Amendments set forth the following standards.
(1) No apportionment plan or district shall be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent; and districts shall not be drawn with the intent or result of denying or abridging the equal opportunity of racial or language minorities to participate in the political process or to diminish their ability to elect representatives of their choice; and districts shall consist of contiguous territory.
(2) Unless compliance with the standards in this subsection conflicts with the standards in subsection (1) or with federal law, districts shall be as nearly equal in population as is practicable; districts shall be compact; and districts shall, where feasible, utilize existing political and geographical boundaries.
(3) The order in which the standards within sub-sections (1) and (2) of this section are set forth shall not be read to establish any priority of one standard over the other within that subsection.
When one looks at the geographic boundaries of District 2, it is extremely difficult to understand, as the boundaries are rambling and disjointed. The purpose of the above standards is to prevent gerrymandering to favor certain political parties and politicians who often represent powerful special interest. If I am elected the issue of restricting will be an issue that needs to be addressed collectively by the Uptown Roundtable that I will create.
5) The recent efforts at consolidation of the City of Pensacola, Century and Escambia County failed. What services or functions of government, if any, would you propose be consolidated. Please identify potential advantages and/or disadvantages of these actions. (300 word limit)
I applaud the noble efforts of the Escambia All for One organization and the Consolidation Commission for their efforts in attempting to improve upon governmental accountability, fair taxation, creation of more effective government, revitalization of economic development and human rights. However, I believe the cause they championed is not on the table for discussion at this time. I have walked from one end of District 2 to the other and not one citizen has asked me what I think about consolidation. For the most part, people in District 2 are concerned about fair taxation, declining property values, property foreclosures, and qualify of place issues.
I do not propose consolidation of any major services at this time. For a while, the City and the County were conducting joint meetings. There have not been any joint meetings in sometime. I propose joint meetings be reconvened with a public forum component. The joint meetings should provide a forum for discussing regional economic development and cooperation.
I would not be in favor of any type of consolidation that would diminish the quality of services in the City such as fire, police, park maintenance, street and sidewalk repairs, and other such services. However, I can envision consolidation of payroll services as a benefit to both the city and the county that would not diminish the City’s essential services.
6) The Downtown Improvement Board (DIB) , Small Business Enterprise (SBE), Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) and the City Community Development Department have missions in common. Please discuss the advantages of consolidation of these 4 groups.
The City of Pensacola has a Community Development Department, whose function includes neighborhood and economic development, code enforcement, permitting, building inspections, planning and zoning. Thaddeus Cohen is the Director of this Department. The Community Development Department includes all of the City of Pensacola.
The Community Redevelopment Agency was established by Florida Statute for the specific purpose of establishing a strategy for improving and revitalizing certain designated urban core areas, including downtown Pensacola. Thaddeus Cohen is also the director of the CRA and in that, sense there is no duplication of services.
The Downtown Improvement Board has the same stated mission as the CRA.
“The Pensacola Downtown Improvement Board exists to continue the removal of commercial blight; enhance property values; encourage economic development; attract commercial and residential development into the urban core; and beautify Downtown Pensacola.
1. Implement the Downtown Retail Strategy
2. Increase visits to downtown by tourist and non-residents
3. Increase residential offerings and occupancy
4. Increase community awareness about the value of Downtown and the DIB “
It appears that there is certainly a duplication of mission with the CRA. The CRA also promotes events, and does much of the same types of planning and promotion the DIB has done. The DIB has a parking enforcement role that could be accomplished by the City Police Department. The DIB also operates the City’s parking garage and parking lots. This function could also be absorbed into the Community Development Department.
Having stated all of the above, I do not want to appear presumptuous. I am open to discussion on this issue.
Friday, August 27, 2010
WHERE I STAND !
The reason I got involved in politics was to get the grass cut in my neighborhood park. Seems if you live north of the Cervantes Street line the City services just aren't what they are south of the Cervantes line; unless, of course you live in East Hill, North Hill or along Scenic Highway. I lived in East Hill once upon a time, before I migrated north to Uptown.
After moving north to Uptown, I quickly observed that the north end of the City is like "out of sight, out of mind" from the perspective of the City Council folks. Even the city council man who was supposed to be representing District 2 seemed to lose his compass - getting north and south confused.
The Downtowners and City Hallers don't want to admit the fact that District 2 isthe economic engine of Pensacola and the only district where much economic develop is happening, or is going to happen in the immediate future.
Our District 2 provides more tax revenue to the City than any other district and gets the least in return. For example, developers clear cut thousands of trees in District 2 for develoments at on Airport, Brent Ln and the corner of Davis Hwy and Airport. For all those trees the developers cut down they paid money into the tree fund. Right now there is about $1 million in the tree fund The City Hallers and Downtowners are seeing green,( like in $$$$,) and will continue to use our tree fund to beautify affluent areas and west Pensacola where the City Hallers have big plans to create a western gateway to the City. Why can't we have a northern gateway? After all, isn't the airport in north Pensacola.
If hogging the tree fund isn't enough ,here is some more stuff for you ; after hurricane Ivan , the City got thousands of dollars from FEMA to replant trees. Do you think District 2 got any of that money - NO! Most of it went for downtown improvements. Don't hold me to this, but I believe the FEMA fund was around $600,000.00 for tree remediation.
I don't know about ya'll, but I am getting tired of the City mining district 2 for resources and revenue and not giving us our fair shake. All the politicians talk about "change", but what they really mean when it comes to our district is "shortchanged".
HERE'S MY PLAN FOR TURNING ALL THIS STUFF AROUND
1. We give ourselves a name - UPTOWN
2. We define the geographical area of Uptown; a basically large business and commercial area with a hospital, a college, an airport, motels, and neighborhoods that extend north to Olive Rd. District 2 includes all of the commercial developments long Airport going east to Davis Hwy. It includes Sacred Heart Hospital and Cordova Mall.
3. We determine our assets and contributions to the City, including being the largest tax producing revenue district in the City, and the largest workforce.
4. We create an "Uptown Roundtable" made up of small and large businesses, hospitals and medical facilities, facility and students from Pensacola State, all of our neighborhoods and other stakeholders. We decide what we want to accomplish with our tax revenue and our tree fund to improve and promote our businesses, communities and quality of life.
5. We need to improve our declining property values. This can be done by promoting our district as a sustainable, walkable, bike riding and mass transit friendly community. District 2 is the only area that has the potential to be truly a sustainable community.
6. We need to know what the Chamber of Commerce is doing to promote economic development in district 2. In other words - accountability.
7. We need to develop a beautification streetscape plan for our district using our tree fund. We need to use our tax revenue and other sources of funding to create bike lanes, handicap accessible curb cuts on sidewalks, safer streets and crosswalks.
8. We need to develop smart, efficient, and usable mass transit for shoppers to the core businesses district of District 2 such as Cordova Mall . We need a transit system that supports our workforce.
There are many things that need to be done to improve our district. We need to approach our issue collectively and with unity.
I have already witnessed the changes that can be brought about in a small community when folks get together and form small neighborhood associations. We can make large changes if we come together collectively to address our issues and develop strategies to accomplish our goals.
Please consider voting for me as your representative from Uptown Pensacola, District 2 on the City Council.
MY PERSONAL STUFF:
- BA degree from Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development in Nashville Tennessee.
- I can read and write.
- I guess ya'll can tell from my picture I am a pretty good looking older chick.
- I am a law school graduate from the University of the District of Columbia David Clark School of Law in Washington, D.C. It use to be Antioch School of law. (My writing style should not be a reflection on my professors)
- I am a member of the Kentucky Bar, the Florida Bar and inactive with the Tennessee Bar. I have been admitted to practice in 3 federal district courts.
- I specialize in the civil rights of persons with disabilities.
- I have a long history of advocating for people who do not have a lot of power.
- I served on the Escambia Pensacola Human Relations Commission
- I serve on the Escambia County Mass Transit Citizens Advisory Committee. I was appointed by Commissioner Jean Valentino to serve in that position.
- I serve on the Bicycle - Pedistrian Committee of the Florida Transportation Planning Organization.
- I have nine cats and a dog.
- I love trees and often hug them and smell their bark.
- I love just sitting around and talking, preferrably outdoors.
- I don't have a TV.
- I had an incredible mama, Pearl Weaver
- I have an incredible daughter, son-in-law and grand daughter.
If you do want to make a contribution there are certain things you have to do by law. You got to give your name and address. If you write a check it has to be written to Campaign of Sherri Myers, City Council District 2. Don't send anything over $200.00.
The most important thing is to get out to voters face to face. If you are up for the leather sole express and can knock on doors then - let's do it.
The most important thing is to get out to voters face to face. If you are up for the leather sole express and can knock on doors then - let's do it.
You got any great ideas or concerns feel free to call (850) 484-0902. You can e-mail me at
sfmada@aol.com.
sfmada@aol.com.
See ya on the trail
Sherri
Sunday, August 1, 2010
DISTRICT 2'S ECONOMIC ENGINE
District 2's economic Engine is green - like in money!!! We're what's happening folks and city hall needs to look us in the eye and say, "We're sorry, for all the years we've taken and taken and given nothing back." While I understand the need for economic development in downtownPensacola, let's get real. The only place economic development is happening in a significant way is in District 2. We've got Sacred Heart Health System that is a major employer. They just built a large new cancer center on Airport Blvd. We have developments going up all along Airport Blvd with the Cobblestone Development and Rooms to Go. We have a new Hampton Inn, next to Lowes, a Rave Theater, and the list goes on and on. So what is the deal folks? Our Uptown district is the largest tax revenue source in the City. What is the City doing with your money? Why aren't we seeing streetscaping, trees planted along our major streets, promotion of our area by the Chamber of Commerce, advertising our district as the place of live because of the great convenience to shopping malls such as Cordova Mall that is in our District, Publix, many great restaurants, schools and Churches. Let's face it - downtown will never be what Uptown is. I'm not saying scrap downtown, but what I am saying is lets recognize that there is more to life than downtown Pensacola. I love living in Uptown. I love the convenience. Uptown is area where sustainable development is a real possibility with the proper redesigning of our transit system and implementation of bike paths. The possibilities for us are endless. Write me your thoughts on how we can improve and promote Uptown Pensacola.
PARKS/NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND
One of my goals is to make sure that all parks in District 2 are accessible for persons with disabilities, especially children. No child should be left behind when it comes to utilizing our parks. The Americans with Disabilities Act and other related civil rights laws require that governmental services be readily available and usable by persons with disabilities.
During the past 4 years I have had the great please of working with Tom Mulroy, the city's ADA coordinator and with David Flarehty the Director of Parks and Recreation to bring our city parks into compliance with the ADA.
When Mr. Flarehty first came to Pensacola, we had a meeting and I expressed to him my desire that the City create accessible playground equipment that will allow children who use wheelchair to access all of the elements of the equipment. This dream has been realized at two parks - Bayview and Sanders Beach. Those two parks are worth checking out to understand what is meant' by the term "Boundless Playgrounds" or "universally designed" playgrounds. The two playgrounds that have rubberized matting are truly awesome to see and experience. I invite you to visit them. Now this brings me to the issue of District 2 parks.
I have not surveyed all of the parks in District 2, but the the ones I have surveyed do not meet the requirements of accessibility as set forth under Title II of the ADA. For instance, a beautiful new sidewalk was installed at a lovely park on Northbrook - but, there is no curb cut at the entrance which means a person using a wheelchair would not be able to access the park. Furthermore, none of the elements of the park were accessible because of the lack of sidewalks, or accessible path of travel going to all the elements. I have extensive knowledge in the requirements of the American's with Disabilities Act Accessible Guidelines. I intend to use this knowledge to assure that every park in District 2 is handicap accessible.
You can help! If you see a park that you think is not accessible either call me, e-mail me, or take a picture and post it to this blog. Let's don't leave anyone behind. Let's be inclusive with the reputation of having the most livable communities in the City of Pensacola.
During the past 4 years I have had the great please of working with Tom Mulroy, the city's ADA coordinator and with David Flarehty the Director of Parks and Recreation to bring our city parks into compliance with the ADA.
When Mr. Flarehty first came to Pensacola, we had a meeting and I expressed to him my desire that the City create accessible playground equipment that will allow children who use wheelchair to access all of the elements of the equipment. This dream has been realized at two parks - Bayview and Sanders Beach. Those two parks are worth checking out to understand what is meant' by the term "Boundless Playgrounds" or "universally designed" playgrounds. The two playgrounds that have rubberized matting are truly awesome to see and experience. I invite you to visit them. Now this brings me to the issue of District 2 parks.
I have not surveyed all of the parks in District 2, but the the ones I have surveyed do not meet the requirements of accessibility as set forth under Title II of the ADA. For instance, a beautiful new sidewalk was installed at a lovely park on Northbrook - but, there is no curb cut at the entrance which means a person using a wheelchair would not be able to access the park. Furthermore, none of the elements of the park were accessible because of the lack of sidewalks, or accessible path of travel going to all the elements. I have extensive knowledge in the requirements of the American's with Disabilities Act Accessible Guidelines. I intend to use this knowledge to assure that every park in District 2 is handicap accessible.
You can help! If you see a park that you think is not accessible either call me, e-mail me, or take a picture and post it to this blog. Let's don't leave anyone behind. Let's be inclusive with the reputation of having the most livable communities in the City of Pensacola.
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