Looking to the Future

Letters

Liz Alpert is a candidate for Sarasota City Commission District 2, and is responding to Eileen Normile's letter in the Feb. 21 edition of SRQ Daily

From the start, my campaign has been about the future of Sarasota. That is why I chose to run.  It is why my sole focus is on solving the big issues that confront our city’s future: homelessness, the Bayfront Cultural District, redevelopment of the North Trail and continuing to create a thriving downtown. 

The issue of homelessness provides one stark example for why a change is needed from the makeup of the current City Commission—the current City Commission has decided that solving the homeless crisis is not a priority.

When I started my campaign I said that I would listen to the residents of District 2 and I promised to be their voice on the City Commission. Over the course of the past eight weeks, in order to meet this goal, volunteers, my campaign staff and I have knocked on over 1,500 doors, made 1,000 calls and spoken with residents at condominium and house parties. One piece of my campaign literature included a detachable postcard survey that asked voters what issues they felt were most important. From my conversations at the doors and from the dozens of postcards returned to my campaign in the mail, it is clear that solving the homeless crisis is a top priority for the voters. 

We must bring the City Commission back to the table with the County Commission to formulate a long-term comprehensive plan to help those members of our community most in need. Better funding those organizations that have a proven track record of helping families and individuals get back on their feet must be a top priority. As your next City Commissioner I pledge to work diligently with the non-profit and business community, the neighborhoods and fellow elected officials to re-focus our efforts on creating solutions because the issue is solvable and is one of safety to both our residents and the homeless themselves.

While a resident of Tampa, I served on the city’s Architectural Review Board where I became passionate about historic preservation and smart growth principles—knowledge that I look forward to leveraging on the city commission. As the economy rebounds we must ensure new development is done responsibly. The architectural and historical significance of our cityscape must be preserved.

As a member of the City of Sarasota’s Human Relations Board from 2003-2011, I worked to create strategies to educate the community about the Board and the non-discrimination ordinance and made presentations to citizen groups regarding the ordinance. Further, I served as president of the Board of Directors for my Sarasota condominium association, the Regency House, where I spearheaded the approval of a special assessment to renovate the ground floor lobby and community room.  Since May of 2012, I have served on the Civil Service/General Personnel Board.

My record of community service to our city is reflective of my love for Sarasota. As your next city commissioner I will bring my experience and passion for problem solving to bear on those issues most important to you.

Liz Alpert is a candidate for Sarasota City Commission District 2, and is responding to Eileen Normile's letter in the Feb. 21 edition of SRQ Daily

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