Rexmere Village and Paradise Village thank the Town of Davie for hurricane response.

Recently, Councilwoman Susan Starkey and I had the honor of representing the Town of Davie at two parties held to thank the Town for our response to these mobile home communities in the aftermath of hurricane Wilma.

Park owner, Jim Dale, together with his great staff, organized the parties at Rexmere Village and Paradise Village in Davie. Our emergency response, by police, fire-rescue and the rest of Town Staff was exemplary in these parks and elsewhere. And while it is nice to be thanked, a good deal of credit goes to this park owner and these park residents. In the days immediately following the hurricane last year, it was obvious that they chose to be part of the solution to the huge problems we faced in getting our community functioning and moving toward recovery. Thank you!

Photo: Councilwoman Susan Starkey, Mayor Tom Truex, and Davie mobile home park owner, Jim Dale [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Important Meeting Tonight: Davie Town Council and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA)

A Public Workshop/Charrette For The Future Master Plan Davie Town Hall Area and to update the 1990 Davie Settlement Plan was held a couple of months ago. A presentation on workshop results will be held at the Community Room at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2006.

For more information, call 954-797-2093

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Jack Griffin's 93rd Birthday Party

Recently my family and I attended Jack Griffin's 93rd Birthday Party. Jack Griffin, like other members of his family, is practically a Davie institution. He is a fountain of information and source of countless interesting stories about Davie in it's earlier days. His birthday parties are becoming something of an annual event / community reunion. Last year's birthday party was actually the first entry in this blOg. I wish Mr. Griffin continued good health and many more birthday parties in the future.

Photo: Jack Griffin (far right) with Mayor Tom Truex and family, on the occasion of Mr. Griffin's 93rd birthday party. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Davie Rotary Club honors NSU's George Hanbury

Recently I attended the Davie Rotary Luncheon honoring Dr. George Hanbury.

Dr. Hanbury is a visionary leader who deserves a good share of the credit for the success and growth of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) in recent years. He became the Executive Vice President for Administration of NSU in September of 1998. Prior to his appointment as executive vice president he had a career in municipal administration totaling more than thirty years, and was the chief executive officer (city manager), to the following cities: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Portsmouth, Virginia, and Virginia Beach, Virginia. In addition, he was an Assistant City Manager in the cities of Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Dr. Hanbury holds a Ph.D. degree in Public Administration from Florida Atlantic University, a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Old Dominion University in Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a major in Public Administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). He has been certified through the Senior Executive Institute at the University of Virginia and was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for the field of public affairs and public administration.

Photo: Dr. George Hanbury [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Podcast Number 13.4 is online. Part 5 in a Series on Residential Density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor.

Podcast Number 13.4: This is the final part in this series. Mayor Tom Truex focuses on the problems of affordable housing; fiscal impact; and the lack of direct coordination with the Regional Activity Center (RAC) planning. Also a brief recap on this entire series.

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Davie Merchant and Industrial Association (DMIA) "Debate"

The Davie Merchant and Industrial Association (DMIA) has a long tradition of hosting candidate debates before every Town of Davie election. I attended the DMIA meeting last night hoping to hear Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert debate challenger, Bryan Caletka. I was waiting to find out whether or not Mr. Caletka has an explanation for his apparent ethical lapses first pointed out by the Miami Herald.

As it turned out, the debate never took place. Bryan Caletka did not appear at the debate, and didn't even send a representative to speak on his behalf.

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Wes Griffin Park Dedication

Dedicating a new park at 2300 SW 71 Terr, Davie, was an especially appropriate tribute to Davie Police Officer, Wes Griffin. Davie residents--me included--remember Officer Griffin as a kind hearted and dedicated public servant. He was dedicated to both his family and his Town.

Thousands of former and current Davie school children remember Officer Griffin as their School Resource Officer. He was a positive role model who provided guidance and encouragement to them.

This new park will serve many of the same families who Officer Griffin served for so many years. Wes Griffin Park is a new "neighborhood" size park of about 3.8 acres. There are walking paths, benches, a play area, and a basketball court.

Photo: Wes Griffin's father, Jack Griffin (under sign), and other family members, together with Mayor Tom Truex, Vice-Mayor Lisa Hubert, and Councilmember Susan Starkey, at the dedication of Wes Griffin Park. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Podcast Number 13.3 is online. Part 4 in a Series of Podcasts relating to residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor

Podcast Number 13.2: Mayor Truex discusses residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor. This Podcast discusses how we could implement the "Transfer of Development Rights" (TDR), in order to permenantly preserve open space in Davie.

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"Meet the Mayor" party in Forest Ridge

Recently my family and I attended a "Meet the Mayor" open house at the home of friends in Forest Ridge, in central Davie. I enjoyed meeting residents in the small informal setting.

I would like to schedule more of these informal gatherings. Getting to know as many Davie residents as possible is an extremely important part of being an elected official. Please write or call me if you would like me to visit with you and your neighbors.

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex with friends--new and old--in Forest Ridge. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Podcast Number 13.2 is online. Part 3 in a Series of Podcasts relating to residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor

Podcast Number 13.2: Mayor Truex discusses residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor. This Podcast discusses some of the consequences of increasing residential density, including "density creep." Mayor Truex also starts the discussion on how we could use the "Transfer of Development Rights" (TDR) in Davie.

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Podcast #13.1 - Part 2 in a Series of Podcasts relating to residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor

Podcast Number 13.1: Mayor Truex discusses residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor. This podcast continues the discussion of the implementation of traditional planning techniques which have brought us to the brink of ruining our quality of life in South Florida.

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The National Autism Registry(NARY) Valentine Fundraiser, Hearts for Therapy of the Arts 2006

Recently I attended the The National Autism Registry(NARY), Valentine Fundraiser, Hearts for Therapy of the Arts 2006, held in Davie. Dr. Michael Alessandri, Director University of Miami Center for Autism & Related Disabilities was honored at this annual event.

"The National Autism Registry was founded in 1999. The purpose of this organization is to help families cope with some of the difficult issues that occur when raising an individual with autism as well as improve the quality of life for the autistic person themselves."

Photo: State Representative, Susan Goldstein, and honoree, Dr. Michael Alessandri

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Podcast Number 13 is online. Part 1 in a Series of Podcasts relating to residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor

Podcast Number 13: Mayor Tom Truex discusses residential density and the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 Corridor. This podcast is the first part of the introduction, and covers some of the assumptions which have lead us to the brink of ruining our quality of life in South Florida. The Mayor suggests a radical new way of thinking to make development benefit the community, rather than the other way around.

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*IMPORTANT* THE FUTURE OF DAVIE AT THE CROSSROADS!

QUESTION: "Do we let development control (and ruin) Davie, OR do we use development, with a new way of thinking, to preserve and improve our quality of life, in Davie, forever???"

I don't think I'm exaggerating to say that the future of Davie--our lifestyle, and what makes us unique--is now up for grabs. The HUGE State Rd. 7/U.S. 441 planning process, now underway, will likely create the plan which either (1) DESTROYS our current way of life ~OR~ (2) PROTECTS our current way of life for generations. If you think this issue does not affect you because you live a long way from U.S. 441, I suggest you think again. The scale of the plans is so wide ranging as to inevitably affect every corner of Davie, for better for worse. I have commented on the State Rd. 7/U.S. 441 plan in this blOg in the past. But now is the time when we decide whether to move forward, and if so, how.

Unfortunately, the plan, as originally presented, had problems in the areas of Density, Traffic, Affordable Housing, Fiscal Impact and Integration with the Regional Activity Center (RAC) planning process. The implementation of planning in all of these areas were deal killers to me. The original plan constituted a giveaway of many millions (probably billions) of dollars in development rights to developers. All at the expense of our quality of life.

But, like it or not, the world will not stand still. The County Commission, and others, are intent on bringing staggering growth to Broward County within the next 15 years. Rather than lose control of the process in a losing battle, I'm advocating changes to the plan which will turn the negatives of growth into positives. Please read my analysis of the problems, the consequences, and my suggestions. I'm also working on a series of Podcasts, in which I'll discuss my ideas in the upcoming week. If we can build these protections into the plan, I intend to vote in favor of moving forward with it.

Photo: Cover page of the State Road 7 / U.S. 441 plan [*click* photo to enlarge]

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The Agenda for the February 15, 2006 Davie Town Council Meeting is online.

The Davie Town Council Meets at Davie Town Hall for our regular meeting on February 15, 2006. The Agenda is online.

Note the following items, in which there may be general public interest*:

1. Update from Airport/Transportation Advisory Board - Jorge Egues (Agenda Item 3.5).
   
2. SUNRISE WATER SYSTEM. Resolution to discontinue the process of trying to buy the Sunrise Utility infrastructure in Davie. (Agenda Item 4.4).
   
3. Plat at 5250 South University Drive. (Agenda Item 4.23).
   
4. Plat at 3800 Davie Road Extension. (Agenda Item 4.24).
   
5. Site Plan, Dunkin Donuts at 3884 SW 64 Avenue. (Agenda Item 4.27).
   
6. Site Plan, Panda Express, next to the new Target store on University Drive. (Agenda Item 4.28).
   
7. Site Plan, Hollywood Video/Wendy's at 11200 State Road 84. (Agenda Item 4.29).
   
8. Site Plan for Scarborough Professional Building, at 10560 State Road 8 (Agenda Item 4.30).
   
9. Transmittal of "Transit Oriented Corridor" for 441/State Road 7 corridor. (Agenda Item 6.3).
   
10. Amendments to site plan (Pirtle Office Building) at 5700 Griffin Road. (Agenda Item 6.4).
    
11. Discussion of proposal for new Interchange at Florida's Turnpike Mainline with Stirling Road (Agenda Item 8.1).
    
12. Request for Qualifications - Forensic Auditor. (Agenda Item 8.2).

*Items on the agenda may be tabled. Links to agenda items are PDF files and require a PDF Reader. This blOg does not constitute an official notice of any sort from the Town of Davie. If you want information about any particular agenda item, you should consult the official documents provided by the Town Clerk's office.

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Mayor Tom Truex strongly endorses Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert in her campaign for re-election

Photo: Janet Truex (left), Mayor Tom Truex and Vice Mayor Lisa Hubert. [*click* photo to enlarge]

This past weekend I caught up with Vice-Mayor Lisa Hubert at a meeting with Davie residents and campaign supporters. I support the Vice-Mayor's reelection for a number of reasons--but most importantly because of her honesty, integrity, and selfless dedication to the people living in the district she represents. It goes without saying that we sometimes disagree on issues before the Town Council. However, I know that Vice Mayor Hubert always considers all sides of an issue, and then votes according to what she believes is correct.

Lisa Hubert's opponent was featured in a recent Miami Herald column by BETH REINHARD, titled "Candidate's fib on Web seems so unnecessary* (Sat, Jan. 28, 2006)." The candidate who Ms. Reinhard says was fibbing is Ms. Hubert's opponent, Bryan Caletka. According to the column:

Bryan Caletka, a candidate for the Davie Town Council, says on his campaign website that he "previously served as a City Commissioner in his hometown.''

Well, sort of.

Caletka was appointed in 1995 to serve a two-year term on the Keep Plano Beautiful Commission in Plano, Texas....Caletka did run for the Plano City Council, but he came in fourth in a four-way race.

You don't need a master's degree in population genetics -- as Caletka has -- to know that his website is misleading voters.

Personally, I do not like to vote for people who make up things to pad their resumes. I think you should feel the same way when you vote. If Mr. Caletka has a plausible excuse for what happened, I would like to hear it.

I encourage all voters in District 1 to vote to re-elect Lisa Hubert on March 14, 2006.

*Note: The link to the Miami Herald was good on the date of this blOg posting. It is possible the link may be removed by the Herald at some point in the future.
More...

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"Lunch with the Mayor" at Davie's Silver Ridge Elementary School

I had the honor of meeting with students, staff and faculty at Davie's Silver Ridge Elementary School for their annual "Lunch with the Mayor Program." Providing a quality educational experience is one of the most important things we can do for our children and subsequent generations. The quality of the educational experience provided at Silver Ridge Elementary School compares favorably with any other school in the county.

Photo: Silver Ridge Elementary School [*click* photo to link to the school web site]

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Mystery photo -- revealed, from February 5, 2006 blOg question.

Davie has a lot of beautiful scenery. This photograph was taken by the photographer (Mayor Tom Truex), looking west from the top of Vista View Park in western Davie.

[*click* photo to enlarge]

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Town of Davie and Pine Island Ridge meet to discuss annexation

The Town of Davie met with residents of Pine Island Ridge to answer questions about their proposed annexation into Davie. It was a pleasant, productive meeting. Pine Island Ridge will vote in March whether they want to annex into Davie.

Photo: Annexation meeting at Pine Island Ridge Country Club [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Important Meeting to discuss the future of a huge part of Davie was held earlier this week at NSU

Town of Davie officials, members of the Davie Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), representatives of Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and private property owners met this week to discuss the opening of a planning process for the future of the Regional Activity Center (RAC). Together with the 441/St. Rd. 7 planning, also in the early planning stages, a huge part of Davie will potentially undergo a transformation more profound and wide ranging than anything else in Davie's history. The effects of these changes--for better or worse--will be so great as to reverberate in every corner of Davie within the next 10 years.

There was a lot of talk about "thinking outside the box"--a term sometimes used to describe a process where decision makers suspend common sense and reality as a means to accept someone else's point of view.

Actually, I'm in favor of "thinking outside the box" in this case, if it means that everyone will keep an open mind about new ideas. I'm developing some new ideas for the area which are radically different than the orthodox planning strategies which have failed in the past (i.e. build more, and build it fast)!

Photo: A small meeting in a conference room of an administration building at Nova Southeastern University to discuss the future of the Regional Activity Center. Overlooked by the press and most everyone else, this meeting is the start of an extremely important process. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Podcast Number 12 is online. Review of Town Council Meeting on 2-1-2006

Podcast Number 12: Mayor Tom Truex discusses items discussed at the Town Council Meetin on February 1, 2006.

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Silver Ridge Elementary School Carnival

Recently I attended the annual Silver Ridge Elementary School Carnival. I think it is no secret that parent involvement and community support are two elements of almost every successful school--and every successful student. Davie's Silver Ridge Elementary School has both!

Photo: Mayor Tom Truex, pictured with Silver Ridge Elementary School parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bhooshi, at the annual Silver Ridge Carnival. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Annual Ice Cream Social at Bright Beginnings Preschool, Davie United Methodist Church.

My family and I have provided the home made ice cream for the annual ice cream social at Bright Beginnings Preschool for about the last 14 years. This year the children had a great program, with songs the children have been practicing for weeks.

Photo: Dispensing home made ice cream at the annual Ice Cream Social at Davie United Methodist Church, Bright Beginnings Preschool. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Podcast #11.1 is online. Miami Herald Editorial wildly off base--Davie Procedures for selecting vendors and contractors were NOT sound.

Podcast #11.1: The Miami Herald Editorial Board is right a lot of the time. Their recent editorial "Kovanes Debacle Shows Need for Change" (1-21-2006)* is, however, not such a case. Their claim that "Davie's procedures for selecting vendors and contractors is sound," is just plain crazy talk. What happened in Davie--allegedly the theft of about half a million dollars of Town funds in a goofy plan--couldn't have happened absent some serious flaws in the system.

The first step in fixing the problem is in recognizing that one exists. Fixing the problem is a top priority for me.

*Note: The link to the Miami Herald editorial is active as of the date this blOg entry was posted. There's a good chance the link will go bad, at some point in the future, and the Herald will want you pay a few dollars to see the editorial.

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Mystery photo -- Do you know where this photo was taken???

Davie has a lot of beautiful scenery. Much of the pretty country scenery in Davie is unlike anything else in the county. It would be hard to call the pictured view "country," but from the vantage point of this photographer (Mayor Tom Truex), it is nonetheless a unique sight.

Photo: Do you know where this photo was taken??> [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Town of Davie Soccer Program wraps up.

The Town of Davie youth soccer program just finished their season. My children, together with thousands of others, have participated in our Town's sports programs. Last year we listened to a suggestion to change the way the youth sports are run. But the overwhelming response from parents and kids: "Don't fix it if it isn't broken!" In fact, our youth sports program serves our children remarkably well. Our paid professional Town Staff and paid referees serve the program, while volunteer (mostly parent) coaches direct the kids.

Photo: Town of Davie soccer players. Children learn the fundamentals of the game--and that winning is not the most important part of the game. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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Police Administration Building renamed for Officer Curtis Mancini

I was honored to represent the Town of Davie recently on the occasion of the ceremony naming our Police Administration Building in memory of a Davie hero, Curtis Mancini.

Officer Mancini was a Sergeant First Class in the US Army.

Officer Mancini was born December 12, 1960 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Lincoln, Rhode Island. Officer Mancini held an undergraduate degree in Public Administration from Barry University in Miami, Florida; he was working on a Masters Degree in Education when he was called to active duty.

Officer Mancini joined the Davie Police Department in 1987 as a Police Officer Trainee; he graduated from the Broward County Police Academy as the Academic Honor Graduate. In 1989 Officer Mancini was promoted to the rank of Detective and was assigned to the Narcotics Division. Detective Mancini served local community until his appointment as a Task Force Officer with the United State Drug Enforcement Administration, Fort Lauderdale District Office.

In 1997, Detective Mancini was assigned as the Assistant Group Supervisor, to the DEA Task Force, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In 2000, Detective Mancini returned to the Davie Police Department assigned to the Department of Professional Standards as Training Officer.

Detective Mancini was a State certified instructor and was proficient in firearms instruction. Detective Mancini was an adjunct faculty member at Miami-Dade Community College, Broward Community College, and St Petersburg Community College. He has also been a guest lecturer for Nova Southeastern University's ADAPT Program, a training program for substance abuse counselors.

Detective Mancini received four commendations, nine letters of recognition, and nine honors during his career with the Davie Police Department.

Officer Curtis Mancini was killed while serving in the United States Army assigned to the 2nd Battalion Infantry, 10th Mountain Division, Bagram, Afghanistan.

Photo: Memorial Plaque greeting all visitors to Davie's police Administration Building, renamed for hero, and fallen soldier, Curtis Mancini. [*click* photo to enlarge]

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