The legislative session in Florida has not even begun and city leaders are already having to defend our right to local self government. If you have spent any time around one of Bartow’s City Commissioners, you have undoubtably heard us talk about the importance of protecting Home Rule.

Home rule is the right of local municipal governments to enact ordinances and resolutions that best serve the needs of their residents. You’ve heard the old adage, “All politics are local.” Well, it’s true.

One size government doesn’t fit all. Our Mayor (and current President of the Florida League of Cities) Leo E. Longworth likes to say, “What works in Tampa may not work in Bartow.” And he is right.

That is why it is important for all of us to keep an eye on what the State Legislature is up to. We need to make sure our state representatives don’t forget about us while they are in Tallahassee.

Preemptions & Mandates

There are several bills being proposed that would either preempt a city’s right to make local laws regulating activity or would mandate that cities do certain things in certain ways. And, remember. Just because they mandate we take a particular action doesn’t mean they provide us with any money to do it. That has to come from the residents.

Check out this list of Legislative Bill Summaries for 2019. You can see which bills are identified as either Preemptions or Mandates (or both!) and the FLC’s position on each.

Home Rule Heroes

So how do we protect local self government? We need to raise up a team of Home Rule Heroes. Leo is challenging cities across the state to engage residents in the fight to protect our municipalities ability to govern our residents.

If you are interested in staying up to date with what is taking place in Tallahassee that affects us here in Bartow, you can sign up to take the “We Live Local” pledge.

This is a great way to stay informed and issues that affect us here in town. Bartow is the best city in the state (sure I’m biased but ?‍♂️). We want to keep it that way by protecting our ability to govern locally.

The men and women that the residents of Bartow elect are accountable to you. We see you at the ball fields. We see you in church or out having dinner.

Leo, Billy, James, Trish and I are very aware that the decisions we make impact your lives and we take that responsibility seriously. And trust me, when we do something you don’t like we hear about it ?! But that’s the way it should be!

Help us protect home rule by signing up the We Live Local pledge and let’s take the next step for Bartow’s future.