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This past year has been like no other in our lifetime. In spite of an incredibly difficult year, we all have a lot to be thankful for. Take a deep breath and think about what 2020 truly meant to you. We have experienced many impacts upon our lives that we have not witnessed before, some known and some unknown. Hearing the phase, “I never thought this would happen to us,” became commonplace. But to our credit as a people, we are resilient and committed to our way of life and our beliefs.
We met the challenge of COVID-19 and its ongoing impact upon each and every part of our lives. We washed our hands, we distanced, we wore masks and we questioned whether to agree with what we were told or act upon our own instincts. Our day-to-day rituals were altered. Many enjoyments of life were denied to us. But all in all, we coped with it as best as we could. With the denial of being able to enjoy socializing, recreational events and sports at all levels, with the elections, civil unrest, racial tensions, financial concerns for the future, unemployment, the loss of many loved ones, the impact of our weather, the many changes to our school district and to education, programs and activities and work-from-home, it just seemed to keep coming and coming.
Hopefully, the worst is behind us for the “roaring” 2020s decade. We look to 2021 with great hope but with the knowledge we will be guarded, as time will be needed to transition back to our normal way of life, whatever that will be.
Yet 2020 can also be looked at in positive ways. Families spent more time together and enjoyed meals together at home, and we found simple and creative ways to enjoy ourselves along with getting reacquainted with our neighbors.
In the true spirit of West Park, our community united and together we continued to fight this disease through the implementation of safety measures, grants for our small businesses and nonprofits; weekly food for seniors and the community at large, and assistance with childcare, mortgage, rent and utilities.
The past year has been challenging for many of our Businesses. Covid-19 restrictions has limited businesses and affected retail. As businesses reopened, they were faced with abiding with limited capacity and adhering to safety precautions. I would encourage residents to frequent local businesses.
I thank our police and fire employees who continue to serve West Park. This past year our first responders provided care and outstanding service through the pandemic. Our many volunteers continue to be the core of our community and offered support when needed especially during our numerous Food Distributions by serving our community in the raging heat as well as torrential rain.
I would like to recognize the many talents of our staff as well as their dedication, commitment, and contributions to our city throughout the year to ensure the day to day operations continued – your efforts are appreciated.
In 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic affected us all differently. But we were all in this together, we supported one another and we managed.
My thought for 2021 is that we experience consistent mutual respect for each other, our opinions and beliefs and redevelop the belief that we can join together to enhance relationships dedicated toward goodwill among all. With all that we experienced in 2020, let us rejoice and commit ourselves to making 2021 a year of recovery, healing, rejuvenation, good health and a genuine love of our city. As 2021 unfolds, I look forward to new beginnings for West Park.
So where do we start?
We are neighbors. We walk the same sidewalks, grew up here together, and dream of a vibrant city even if we prefer different paths to get there.
We must listen to each other.
As we enter this great civic conversation, each of us brings with us our own experiences and life stories that shape our relationship with government and our vision for West Park.
Sometimes these narratives complement each other. Often they do not. One thing I know, is that we make better decisions when we show respect for all of these perspectives. Some you may agree with and others you may not. And when we disagree, I hope that we will remember that our diversity of opinion reflects the diversity of our residents. Let us govern with respect for each other and with recognition of our shared goal to help the people of West Park thrive. Of course my job is to listen to constituents, but my job is also to lead.
Leading takes many forms, beginning with the basics. Leading means making sure people are safe and secure. Leading means being wise and a prudent steward of public dollars and public spaces. Leading means managing our infrastructure so that families and businesses can function and flourish. Leading often means finding the common ground when there is conflict. Our resolutions must be fair and transparent.
However, being a leader is more than being a referee. Leadership is about vision. It’s about setting a compass toward a better future and forging a path wide enough for all to walk it with you. As your Mayor I will continue to listen, and seek to better understand the experiences of all who we serve. My door has always been open! Come on in! Please reach out with your ideas, suggestions, and/or concerns. Get information first hand!
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at my city office (954) 989-2688, Ext. 214; or by email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org or by mobile (954) 329-8990.
Let’s get to work! We are #ONEWESTPARK !
