A Businesswoman’s Perspective
by Elaine Fitzgerald
There’s a lot to love about the renaissance Pompano Beach has undergone over the last several years. This is when a new era of responsible and forward-thinking city leaders turned around our city’s appearance and quality of life after decades of neglect. The City has now received a rating of “Aa2” (“double-A plus”) from Moody’s Investors Service for its G.O. Bonds, citing the city’s “sizable, growing tax base that benefits from regional tourism, healthy reserve position despite draws for capital projects over the past several years, formalized fiscal policies, [and] low debt burden….”
Few cities attain a credit rating this high, and it’s thanks to the excellent management of City funds and new infrastructure projects.
My name is Elaine Fitzgerald; I’m a longtime city resident and small business owner. Some of my favorite city additions are the new cultural centers that opened in the Northwest and Old Pompano areas, along with outdoor public art installations. Pompano’s new focus on the arts has garnered nationwide recognition.
I also love the many new restaurants and craft breweries that have opened. These came about after city projects like our very cool beach parking garage, the restoration of Old Pompano and the improvements along major roadways through town and along the beach. Choosing to invest here is a strong testament by these new businesses that they believe in the City’s plan and positive future.
Golf is not my game anymore, but our city golf facility is valuable green space worth protecting. The 2014 Pines Course re-opening set us apart by having the only Greg Norman-designed municipal course in the nation.
Let’s Keep it Going
The beautiful new public beachfront is an amenity enjoyed by city residents and visitors alike. Shipwreck Park, started with city and private initial funding, will be a forever resource to attract divers, offer habitat for marine life, and protect our natural reefs nearby.
I’m proud that all of these projects and many more have been thoughtful, well-executed and are now enjoyed by so many. As a member of Citizens for a Better Pompano Beach, I want to “Keep It Going” with the help of the General Obligation bonds that city residents passed overwhelmingly. I do NOT support the re-election of the city’s newest two city commissioners, Beverly Perkins or Michael Sobel, who now wants to be mayor. Perkins and Sobel fought since DAY ONE to block the progress of many of these projects, and new ones planned, including those for public safety. We all deserve much better!
