I am writing this article from The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, D.C.  It has been an inspirational conference and I look forward to working with the City Commission to help increase financial literacy, make sure we have a vibrant downtown and to helping each of you achieve your goals in our community. 

We have several very important months ahead of us as we decide how to value our priorities in the next budget. As I listen to you, it appears that education, safety and housing are your priorities.  Whether or not they are, now is the time to reach out to the entire Commission and let us know what your priorities are.  I am confident that City management will be responsive to your communication through us and through me.

 While here in the Nation's Capital, I listened closely to other leaders in our nation.  Senator Biden implored us to make demands of him, to hold him and our entire government accountable.  I encourage you to do the same with your elected officials.  To find out who represents you beyond the city level, you can visit www.soe.org.  If you want to reach me you can email me at SBrook@coralsprings.org or view our website, www.coralsprings.org.  I am looking for citizens to assist us with input about what you want our community to look like in the years to come.  Please contact me or join me at our monthly citizen's government committee meeting on the 21st of this month at 6 o'clock at the West Wing of City Hall at 9551 W. Sample Road.

 One of my favorite aspects of the conference has been the speakers's focus on bi-partisan solutions to various issues.  We have heard from Senators and Congressmen from both parties discuss joint efforts to fight the President's plan on the Iraq war, to support full-funding of the Leave No Child Behind Act and for Community Development Block Grants.  WIth the change in leadership has been a change in focus.  It has been very refreshing.

 I have thoroughly enjoyed conversing with Mayors from Miami, Detroit, Trenton, Dubuque, Sunnyvale and even the small town of Frenchtown, New Jersey.  Many of us face the same issues regardless of our size.  We want to increase graduation rates, reduce crime and have a thriving economy.  We are very fortunate to live in Coral Springs!  Not too many cities rate in the top 10 in the country for safety, have so many strong performing schools or have AAA credit ratings.  My colleagues and I still seek to take our city to greater heights and that is why we attend national conferences like this.  We can always learn from others without having to invest much time or money.

 It was quite an honor to receive the award for TOP 100 Communities for Young People presented by Alma Powell, the Chair of America's Promise and wife of General Powell.  Congratulations to all the active volunteers and staff for their focus on our community's children.

 Happy Valentine's Day to you and your families!  It is such a privilege to serve you.  I am also so grateful to my wife, Brenda, for her support.  Happy Valentine's Day, sweetheart!

 I hope to see you at Starbuck's or Whole Foods Market for a cup of coffee soon.