In this week’s Commissioner’s Report, I share a brief update about serving on the Bartow Airport Authority and my thoughts on the election results.
Election Results
I am thrilled and honored to have been re-elected to serve a second term on the Bartow City Commission. The last year serving as Mayor has been one I will never forget – mostly for good reasons!
I originally ran because I wanted to help shape Bartow into the kind of community my kids would want to live, work and play in. In my three years, we made great strides. We’ve lowered electrical rates, began a significant paving project, and protected the City’s water rights.
As I begin a new term these are a few of the priorities we need to continue pressing for (in no particular order):
- Hire a communications director
- Expand our fiber network
- Investment in our city amenities and recreational offerings
- Investment in our public safety – hire of a police chief and ensure we have the facilities, equipment, and people necessary in fire and police to keep residents safe
- Continue progress made in creating a race and equity plan for the city
- Provide direction and advocacy for the Ft. Fraser Pedestrian Bridge and trail
Work on all of these items is at least underway. We need to see them through to completion.
I would like to thank Commissioner Clements for his many years of service. He was always kind and patient with me as I learned the ropes of serving on the Commission.
I look forward to getting to know Commissioner-elect Tucker and wish her success as she joins the team.
Bartow Airport Authority
On the second Monday of each month, the Bartow City Commission convenes as the Bartow Airport Authority. When you are elected to serve on the city commission this role is an additional responsibility.
Before joining the commission, I knew very little about the aviation industry beyond the skills necessary to board a plane for a vacation destination. And to be fair, even after serving for 3 years now, I only know a little more! 😂
However, I have two saving graces. The first is that we have an outstanding Airport Director in John Helms. John is a Navy man who has always had a love of flying even though he spent the first part of his career under the sea serving on submarines.
After his military service, John worked for Marion County’s airport before coming to us. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience and has already made great strides in our airport.
My second saving grace is that thankfully, you don’t have to know how to fly a plane to run an airport – though it probably helps. The Bartow Airport is essentially a business with two operating areas. There are the airside operations – planes coming and going and associated services and our flight training school. And, we have an industrial park where businesses of all types lease space.
So, the meeting that we hold tonight will look like many other board meetings that you may be used to participating. We will review the financial reports, John will provide an update on airport/industrial park operations and we will review/approve new lease agreements. From time to time we also have special projects that are taken up that require input and strategic direction.
Having a local airport is a significant benefit to the City. The economic impact represents millions of dollars each year. If you haven’t visited since the new terminal was built you really should. It is beautiful.
