August 2006 , Volume 17 Number 8
Community Paper
copyright ©2005-2006 by Community Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.


From the Desk of City Commissioner Robert Stuart

Dear Friends,

Just when I thought I would have a few weeks to "get my feet wet" in my new office, I find myself knee-deep in the busy activities surrounding District 3 and our Great City. Let me explain.

We've just finished our 2006-07 Budget Camp. For those who have not heard this term, it's a time when the Mayor asks our major departments to present key strategies and initiatives for next year that will be included within Mayor Dyer's 2006-07 Budget. This budget will be formally presented to the City Council on July 24, 2006 and then the "fun" begins. The next six weeks will be full of important research, study and discussion about how we can fund the needs of the city and its residents. In September, the Mayor and City Council will host two public hearings, asking for citizen input, before a final vote is cast. I hope that you will learn more about Orlando and get involved in this process.
Over the past few days, you have heard about the Mayor's initiative to provide additional resources toward public safety. I applaud his efforts and look forward to more police officers and fire fighters on our streets, serving our neighbors in need. If our projections are accurate, we can expect three years of this aggressive funding to help the city keep pace with our incredible growth.

In addition to public safety, it has been encouraging to learn that many of our key departments within the City are classified as Enterprise Funds. In short, this means that they will effectively be self-sustaining, with expenses keeping pace with their designated revenue stream. This is a sound business practice and will have long-term benefits for cost projection and budgeting for years to come.

But budget time also indicates that our new fiscal year is right around the corner. That means, of course, that the City will need many local volunteers to serve on next year's citizen volunteer boards. Orlando has dozens of boards and each need qualified people to serve. If you're interested, just contact my office (407-246-2003) or check out Orlando's website (www.cityoforlando.net) and surf around the City Clerk's page. There you will find an appointment information package, how to apply on-line, and a complete list of vacancies. Please get involved…it's your City and our future.

Let me close by enlisting your support to help our neighbors. And please be assured that you will have fun in the process. On August 1, the City of Orlando will participate in the National Night Out program, celebrating neighborhood watch groups all over Orlando. In District 3, there will be neighborhood gatherings that evening where we can meet and greet our neighbors, promote public safety awareness and strengthen our community partnerships. Neighborhood camaraderie is the greatest deterrent to crime…and, you just might make a new friend. Please contact your local neighborhood association for more information and stay tuned to the city's website for updates.

Thank you for your support and encouragement. I'm excited to continue serving you on behalf of District 3 and our Great City.

You can contact me at City Hall through my phone (407-246-2003) or e-mail (Robert.Stuart@CityofOrlando.net).

Robert F. Stuart, City Commissioner, City of Orlando, District 3