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Over the past several months, we faced challenges that tested our resolve and our unity as a city. But in the face of adversity, we have also seen extraordinary resilience, compassion, and determination. Now, it is time to focus on what comes next. In short, it is time for us to get back to work and continue the great work of West Park…. together!
Building together
This is not just about restoring what was lost; it is about being creative in doing something even greater. It’s a reset. It is the process of constructing, restoring or improving something. It is about a renewing or a re-engaging of our commitment to one another, strengthening our bonds, and continued building of a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
This process will take all of us. It will require bold ideas, steady hands, and open hearts. Every effort matters. Every voice counts.
Our city has always been defined by the strength, resilience, and vision of its people. Together, through the years, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and built a community that we are proud to call home. Now, it’s time to refocus and move forward—it’s time to get back to the work of our beloved city.
This is a moment to embrace our shared mission, to renew our commitment to progress, and to uplift one another in the process. The work of our city is about more than just tasks and projects; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering connections, and building a brighter future for every resident.
How We Will Continue to Build Together
- Building a Stronger Future: Continued revitalizing our neighborhoods, improving infrastructure, and investing in the projects that matter most to our community.
- Supporting One Another: Strengthening the bonds between neighbors, businesses, and organizations as we work together to overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
- Embracing Hope and Possibility: Dreaming big, setting bold goals, and creating a city where everyone has the chance to thrive.
We have seen hardship. We have felt the pain, the uncertainty of change, and the weight of rebuilding. But through it all, one thing remains clear: we are stronger when we stand united. Too much is at stake for division or hesitation. The work ahead requires all of us—side by side, hand in hand, heart to heart.
As your Mayor, I am committed to leading this effort with clarity, collaboration, and action. But true building comes when we work side by side—when neighbors help neighbors, when we listen to one another, and when we turn shared dreams into shared achievements.
Together, We Rise
Together, we can continue to build a community that is not only resilient but also filled with hope, pride, and opportunity. I invite you to join me in this journey, to share your ideas, and to contribute in any way you can. Together, we will rise stronger than ever.
Ultimately, rebuilding a community together is about transforming adversity into an opportunity to create a better, stronger, and more inclusive environment for all. It is a shared commitment to rise above challenges and work collectively for a brighter future.
Strengthening relationships in a community means fostering deeper connections, mutual understanding, and trust among its members. It involves creating an environment where people feel supported, valued, and connected to one another, which can lead to a more unified, resilient, and thriving community. Most importantly it involves resolving conflicts constructively by addressing disputes respectfully and fairly to maintain harmony.
Strengthened relationships within a community build a foundation of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose, which in turn makes the community more resilient in the face of challenges and more vibrant in daily life.
Congeniality
Now, that may not be a word you hear often in politics. It doesn’t grab headlines. It’s not loud. But I believe, especially right now, congeniality is one of the most vital values we can bring to leadership — and to community life.
Congeniality is not about being nice for appearance’s sake. It’s not about avoiding hard truths. In fact, it’s the opposite. It’s about how we face those truths. Because let me tell you: anyone can speak the loudest. Real leadership brings people together — not with force, but with trust.
That’s the kind of leadership West Park deserves. And that’s the kind of community we are.
A community that doesn’t’t shy away from difficult conversations — but chooses to have them with dignity. A community where every voice is valued, where every resident feels seen, and where our differences are not threats — they’re part of our strength.
Congeniality reminds us that how we govern matters just as much as what we govern. That tone is policy. That kindness is strategy. That when we lead with decency and mutual respect, we build a culture where solutions can actually take root.
So, I ask all of us — as neighbors, as citizens, as partners in the future of this city — to lead with congeniality.
It’s time to get back to work
This moment is about action—about coming together to rebuild, restore, and reimagine what our community can be. Whether you’re a student, a business owner, a homeowner, or part of our essential staff, each of you has an important role to play in this chapter of progress.
We’re rolling up our sleeves and tackling the work ahead, from revitalizing our local economy to improving infrastructure, fostering innovation, and ensuring opportunities for everyone. But rebuilding is not just about physical progress; it’s about renewing our shared commitment to one another and to the place we all call home.
I encourage each of you to step forward, contribute your talents, and find ways to get involved. Volunteer for a cause you care about, support local businesses, or lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. Together, our collective efforts will bring about the true spirit of West Park.
As we turn the page to a new chapter in our city’s story, it’s time to refocus our efforts, channel our energy, and recommit to the work that will shape our future. Let’s get back to work.
Getting back to work is a moment of opportunity. Now is the time for action. Together, we must create a stronger, more vibrant community.
Getting back to work means Building with Purpose, Working Together and Looking Ahead!
The path to recovery and renewal is not an easy one. But it is one worth walking together. Our city is not just the streets, buildings, or monuments—it’s the people. It’s you. It’s us.
I am confident in our shared resilience and determination. When we work together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome.
A Call to Action
Much is at stake in our city. Let’s get back to work!
Let’s choose résilience. Let’s transform opportunity and vision into reality. Let’s roll up our sleeves, and listen to each other. Let’s move forward with purpose. To those who ask, “How can I help?” the answer is simple: bring your skills, your ideas, your energy, and your heart. Together, we’ll continue to build a West Park that reflects the strength, spirit, and hope of its people.
Over the next couple of months your Commission and City Staff will work out our budget for the upcoming year. Although we are proud of what we have done in the past 20 years.
I am confident that West Park will take full advantage of the opportunities before us. I can’t predict what direction the Commission will likely take, or how we will decide to get there. But I do know we’re going to have to work together collectively as a Commission more aggressively than we ever have before to truly build West Park into the City of Positive Progression.
All projects and expenses have been weighed and considered for the future and will maintain and improve our quality of life while working to live within the reality of the resources and opportunity available. We must devote ourselves to lay the foundation for a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.
Yes, much progress has been made. But we must continue to find ways to offer viable alternatives as we have so much more to do. We must continue to provide services and support to our residents. But we must also be prepared to do more. We must remain committed to recognizing that we’re only as strong as our weakest link, and that a community embraces its entire family, even those that need a helping hand. We’ve made good progress — and a good part of this field has been plowed — but we still have so much to go before all of West Park can reap the benefits of the goodwill it has sown.
We must be financially competent and sustainable as a city, because unless we are financial sustainable we will not be able to provide our constituents with the things they want and need.
The key to all of it is planning, preparation and forward thinking. Those are the steps that lead down the road to successful, sustainable progress.
If we make progress on all these things – enduring prosperity and a financially sustainable city government– then we will go a long way toward achieving our most important goal, which is to maintain and improve the quality of life of the people who live in West Park, both today and in the future.
I am committed to sustaining the important financial reforms that have instilled the stability and credibility of our City. Whatever circumstances we face, be assured that we will run this City in a fiscally responsible way and keep the pact with the public to put their interests before all others.
With that being said, please join the West Park Commission and staff for the 2025 Budget meetings. The budget continues to reflect the responsible and sound fiscal leadership that is the trademark of this government and that has positioned West Park to take full advantage of the strengths of the resources, people, and businesses that contribute to the success, happiness, and opportunity of this community. We will continue to evaluate and re-evaluate all aspects of city government, and we will continue to use the budget as a guidepost as we establish West Park as a smart, world-class city where everyone matters. I hope you find the description of the City’s budget clear and accessible, that you share its priorities and that you believe, as I do, that it puts our City on the right course.
The budget debates continue to be difficult as our needs grow but our dollars do not keep up. Your feedback and input is crucial, and these meetings, as well as your participation, provide a great opportunity to not only learn how the decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent, but also to have your concerns and comments considered for the next fiscal year’s budget deliberations. The upcoming budget hearing dates are:
- Setting proposed millage rate:
Monday, July 28, 2025 at 6:00pm
- Establishing proposed non-ad valorem assessments:
Monday, July 28, 2025 at 6:00pm
- First Budget Public Hearing:
Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 6:00pm
- Non-Ad Valorem Assessments Hearing:
Monday, September 15, 2025 at 6:00pm
- Second Budget Public Hearing:
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 6:00pm
As we go through the budget process please note that the soul of our community depends on our ability to rise, to come together, and to carry forward the work of continued building—not just brick by brick, but heart by heart, dream by dream.
I have no doubt that, together, we can achieve great things. With your passion, creativity, and dedication, there is no limit to what we can accomplish.
So let’s get back to the work of our city—with energy, optimism, and a shared belief in what we can build together. Our best days are ahead, and I’m honored to take this journey with all of you.
Thank you in advance for your commitment, your hard work, and your belief in what we can achieve together.
Let’s rise to the occasion. It’s time to get back to work. Together, let’s continue to build a future worthy of all who call West Park home.
Thank you. May God bless you, and may God bless the City of West Park.
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 (954) 329-8990 or via email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
