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2021 was a year of unprecedented West Park strength, incredible determination, compassion, and courage. With each passing day, our strength grew despite the loss of loved ones, discouraging COVID numbers, relentless closures and
lockdowns, and strict safety protocols. Despite this, our community stepped up courageously.
City staff made significant progress. They continued to provide high quality customer service while processing a record number of requests from residents in the community. This team is hard at work throughout the year, often working after hours and coming in early to prepare for community events. They spend countless hours talking to residents, listening to concerns, and finding ways to meet the
needs of our community. It’s truly the quality of their work, not just in the quantity,
that impresses me most. This team is passionate about what they do and enjoys
helping those they serve in this city.
Our first responders, our police, our fire department, all of our medical personnel,
our essential workers, volunteers, parents, children, business owners,
organizations, our schools, our houses of worship, and our residents heard the call
and came together in “West Park Spirit” to face the continued effects of this
pandemic head on with strength, courage, and determination. And now finally, as
we close out this unprecedented year, there is light at the end of the tunnel. There
is true hope awaiting us this upcoming year. And with this genuine faith we will get
through this fresh start West Park Strong! Isn’t that beautiful? Isn’t it exciting to
think about what can happen when you’re standing at the beginning of something
brand new? We don’t always get to choose our new beginnings. And because of
that, we can understand how beautiful and also scary a new beginning can be.
A new day, a new year, a new life, a new start—they all come to us without permission,
in the best and worst way. They barge in our front doors with the beautiful promise of
second chances and new potential and unexpected opportunity. And they also come
with heartbreak, because new beginnings nearly always follow endings.
As we turn the page on 2021, it is clear that the New Year brings opportunities for
our great city to move forward in many ways…. with a FRESH START. So let’s keep
these things in mind… LIVE IN THE TRUTH
Whatever we are faced with, we will stay grounded in truth. We ask residents to get information first hand from city hall through our various means of information sharing, i.e., text blasts, social media, website, newspaper, and city staff.
ENLIST OTHERS FOR SUPPORT
West Park needs your support, encouragement, and help to move this city
forward. To accomplish these changes, we will need new ideas. I believe 2022 will
be the year in which we will continue to put new ideas to the people, and the public
will become engaged in a more meaningful way in the major decisions affecting our
city.
APPROACH BOLDLY
We have an amazing opportunity to move this city to the next level with
boldness and confidence. We’re going to have to grow differently, put ourselves
on a new economic path as a community, and change how we deliver services as a
municipality. But again, we need your participation. Please support city
events!
NEVER GIVE UP
Remember — no matter what past or present circumstances may look like,
no matter how difficult it may get, together we win in the end. We lose by
being disjointed. We will be taking new steps to revitalize our city, and a
renewed focus on economic development and growing our partnerships. By
staying focused and putting one foot in front of the other until we cross the
finish line to make West Park the best it can be.
OVERCOME OBSTACLES
Obstacles are things on our path that can keep us from walking through the
door of a better tomorrow for West Park. Lingering negative feelings and
thoughts can become obstacles that keep us stuck. If we support each
other, we can continue forward, getting rid of whatever holds us back.
NEUTRALIZE THE NEGATIVITY
Defuse any negativity by clarifying positivity whether we agree or not. All of this will take time, and it will require political will and commitment, but it is essential if we are to become a more prosperous and more sustainable community.
GO FORWARD
Together we must not give up. We will continue to foster a customer- friendly
atmosphere at City Hall, with a clear focus on professionalism and courtesy in
public service. And when this doesn’t happen, lets work together to address the
issue.
OPEN YOUR EYES
Take a look at the beauty surrounding our city and what it can become. As
you embrace this, you will discover the wondrous all the West Park is and
can be with your help. We now have an opportunity to govern with purpose and
vision. TOGETHER….our future is bright!
Thank you for allowing me this honor of serving you as mayor of our great
city. Thank you for keeping it together and for staying strong. I am committed to
continuing to work with the rest of the Commission on our efforts in the new year.
Together, we are excited to keep the momentum going when it comes projects and
events in the works. I am also very committed to working with residents. I believe
residents provide a wealth of ideas and perspective, and working in collaboration
with the community is a major priority for me and the Commission as this year
moves forward.
I am very proud to represent this city we all call home. As life continues to have its
ups and downs, there is nothing better than sharing the journey with the amazing
people of this city. Together, our burdens are eased, and our joys and
accomplishments are multiplied. We look forward together to bluer skies
ahead….and a 2022 FRESH START with all good health, success, love, and peace. As
I always say, we are and will continue to be #OneWestPark.
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 at (954) 989-2688, Ext. 214; or by
email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org, or by mobile phone at: (954) 329-8990
