It never ceases to surprise me… how life can seem to be standing still yet moving forward. Lots has happened from July to September in this ‘Mayor for the city of Lake Helen, Florida chapter’ of my life.
Here we are at the ninth month of the year, to us in the northern hemisphere it is considered the first month of Autumn.
Autumn reminds me that “we” and everything around us is always developing. It focuses on the impermanence of life, emphasizing how vital it is to embrace the present.
Autumn offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we preserve our safe havens… and so too
as we move forward and onward we take this opportunity to pull back and reconnect with what is most important for Lake Helen as we “preserve our safe haven” the place we call home… while still moving forward.
The city of Lake Helen is near completion with its first ever ‘city’ building for public works and park & rec department- what makes it special is that there was a huge collaboration of local business donating resources and labor, that old fashion helping hand is one of the things that make the city of Lake Helen in Florida… special.
These past few months the city has initiated many public workshops to bring in public input as it works to prepare the upcoming operational budget. Here we’re putting together a Public Service Announcement.
The images below represents (to me) a lack of accountability and lack of communication; a near 3 year long dispute and lawsuit that started prior to me taking office.
Something that during my commission as Mayor – I had to deal with, a chapter that now is closed and the city can move on.
Cities across the state celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Home Rule Amendment. In 1968 the Home Rule Amendment was passed and ‘constitutionalized’ local control to municipalities.
Home Rule gives cities authority to act in local affairs – (it transfers from state law to a local charter, adopted and, as need be amended, by the voters through referendum). Home rule shifts much of the responsibility for local government from the state legislature to the local community.
A home rule charter is, in essence, a local constitution.
The city of Lake Helen had a visit from Honorary Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo
The Kosovo War displaced 90 percent of the population and led to the lasting tension between Serbs and Albanians.
The country is now reaching out and seeking to rebuild its culture and economic base.
As for me and the city of Lake Helen, it was an honor as it was the first time the city has had an Ambassador of any country visit “The Gem” of Florida. Interesting times indeed for our city.
Ambassadors are not the only ones visiting our city… we also had upcoming rising star and music artist Clair Vandiver visit our city to film her music video: “Cassadaga” at the Lake Helen Cassadaga cemetery – a location historically famous because of Cassadaga Spiritual Camp nearby.
…and I am always touched by 9/11 ceremony. We remember those who left us on that fateful day, in prayer we join their loved ones who will never forget and remember our service man and woman who continue fighting for our freedoms.
No truer words were ever stated as the Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said, “The only constant is change.”
The commission had to make some tough decisions for the well being of Lake Helen, its values, its culture and its future. It was tough… having a ‘Home Rule’ rally at our commission meeting and also releasing a city administrator from his appointment. When it comes down to it… Life is about transitions.
As we move into our collective Autumn, I am grateful for everyone’s support and continue to pray for our families and the city I serve: Lake Helen.
