Fort Lauderdale deserves better than “gotcha” politics.
Too often, meetings are less about solving problems and more about searching for mistakes, assigning blame and creating controversy.
No organization is perfect. Issues should be addressed openly and professionally. But there is a difference between accountability and constantly looking for opportunities to embarrass, criticize or undermine people trying to do their jobs.
Residents want safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, responsive services and thoughtful planning. They are far less interested in political theater than they are in results.
The City Commission’s role is to establish policy and set priorities. The city manager’s role is to implement those priorities and manage the day-to-day operations of the city. Success requires collaboration, trust and mutual respect, not a continual search for the next “gotcha” moment.
Constructive oversight is essential. Public officials should ask tough questions and demand transparency. When every discussion is an opportunity to score political points, everyone loses. Morale suffers, productivity declines and attention is diverted from the work that residents expect.
Fort Lauderdale needs leaders focused on solutions, not sound bites; on progress, not personal agendas. Stop the “gotcha” politics and get back to governing.
— Jacquelyn Scott, Fort Lauderdale
The writer is a member of the city planning and zoning board and was treasurer of Mayor Dean Trantalis’s 2024 re-election campaign.
Fort Lauderdale City Manager Rickelle Williams attends a city commission meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel)
Standing behind city manager
On behalf of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations and the many neighborhoods we represent, we write with one clear and unified message: We strongly support City Manager Rickelle Williams and her continued leadership.
Williams was selected unanimously by the City Commission following a comprehensive national search designed to identify the most qualified candidate to lead our city. Today, she is responsible for managing an organization with an annual budget of approximately $1.2 billion and a workforce of more than 3,000 employees.
She has brought visible organization and accountability to city operations — expediting parks bond and infrastructure projects, negotiating agreements in the city’s best interests, and making meaningful investments in public safety. This is a significant responsibility.
Our neighborhoods have confidence in her ability to fulfill it with professionalism, integrity and sound judgment. Fort Lauderdale deserves stable, professional, accountable leadership. We believe Rickelle Williams is providing exactly that.
Bill Brown is president of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations.
We respectfully urge this Commission to support the city manager, respect the governance structure established by our charter, and allow her the independence necessary to effectively implement your vision and manage city business.
— William Brown, Fort Lauderdale
The writer is president of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations.
Too many BSO helicopters
Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony constantly insists he needs more money. Perhaps he could sell some helicopters. Why does he need five of them? They are expensive to buy, operate and maintain.
Perhaps the helicopter that seems to be assigned to circle low for hours at a time, once or twice a week over the Victoria Park neighborhood in the middle of the night, making sure everyone is kept awake, could be sold?
Logic says two helicopters should suffice. Then use the proceeds from the sale of the other three to give BSO deputies better salaries.
— Frederick Mitchel, Fort Lauderdale
Editor’s Note: Broward County, which funds the sheriff’s office, confirms BSO has five helicopters — two for fire-rescue and three for law enforcement. A sixth is on the way.
Hyde leaves a massive void
I write to say how much I will miss Dave Hyde’s sports columns, professionalism and all-around good guy personality. I was fortunate to meet him a few years ago at a Dolphins game, and he was someone who made you feel like you had been friends for years.
For decades, Dave did not just cover sports. He brought games, athletes and the community to life. His insightful analysis, sharp wit and deep understanding of the games was something I looked forward to every day. Great writers who are also truly good people are rare, and his absence leaves a massive void in your coverage.
— Gino SantaLucia, Plantation
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