Home Rule Message Spread

Businesses, clubs and residents hear about Building Stronger Cities

by Joy Dickinson, Florida League of Cities

Florida League of Cities President Tony Ortiz, commissioner for the City of Orlando, has traveled across the state this year spreading the word that residents, business leaders, elected officials and other residents play key roles in advocating for Home Rule.

His mission? To energize Floridians about local voices making local choices. For city leaders to be successful in governing their communities, they must have active and engaged citizens, he said.

Ortiz promoted his “Building Stronger Cities” priority, which emphasizes “organizing, empowering and delivering” as roles that city leaders and residents play in local self-government.

“Our mission resonates with every resident in the state of Florida and, for that matter, the whole nation because it’s a mission that needs to get anywhere and everywhere, in terms of people getting involved,” he said.

Ortiz spread the message in visits to regional leagues, mayors, councils/commissions, civic clubs, chambers of commerce and local business leaders. He spoke on radio and television. Ortiz reflected on the nation's founders with each audience. He noted that public participation is a foundation for a representative democracy to work and each Floridian should take that call seriously and engage regularly.

In this era of political divisiveness, Ortiz emphasized Home Rule is a nonpartisan issue. He shared that Home Rule safeguards the wishes of citizens. Ortiz said that if residents want their cities to have control over what happens in the city, then they must speak up and let their voices be heard.

“Home Rule is what allows cities to pass important ordinances that keep our neighborhoods safe, provide essential services that we rely on and to enhance our quality of life,” he commented.

Citizens should engage their state politicians about issues that should be handled at the local level, he said. Examples from recent years include 5G communication towers and regulation of short-term rentals. Another example is the state’s preemption that prevented local governments from enforcing safety measures, such as wearing face coverings. Such decisions should be made by local leaders, responding to the needs of their individual communities, instead of being mandated at the state level, according to Ortiz. These discussions can take place before, during and after the Legislature meets, he advised.

Florida League of Cities President Tony Ortiz meets with members of the media to discuss Building Stronger Cities and the legislative session.

He urged citizens to contact their state lawmakers directly and let them know how issues impact them. “Your contact with them will remind them not to forget the people back home,” Ortiz said. When politicians start hearing from a significant number of residents, then laws and legislation get changed, Ortiz emphasized.

“Home Rule safeguards your wishes with respect to the needs of your local community and allows for local government to attend those needs without interference from state government,” he said.

Residents can go to BuildingStrongerCities.com/residents to get more involved. “By learning more about our initiative, you will become more well-informed, know what to expect from our legislators and, most importantly, hold them accountable and committed to the needs of our communities.”

Joy Dickinson is the editor and creative project manager at the Florida League of Cities.

NEW RESOURCES AT BUILDINGSTRONGERCITIES.COM

These resources are available at the BuildingStrongerCities.com/residents website.

▸ A “TED-style” talk is available from Scott C. Paine, Ph.D., director of leadership development and education for FLC University. Paine draws on his knowledge as a former elected city official to share why local government is important in citizens’ day-to-day lives and the importance of getting engaged on local issues. Florida League of Cities president Tony Ortiz, City of Orlando commissioner, provides an introduction.

▸ A Spanish language version of Ortiz’ Join Our Mission speech is available to engage residents in advocacy. He discusses the Building Stronger Cities priority and invites those listening to join the League’s mission of local voices making local choices without state interference.