Two new faces at City Hall

I have a saying: You govern like you campaign. And, based on how hard and how Jennifer Andreu and Tim Fadgen campaigned this fall… well, I’d just like to say our city is in good shape.

The two new council members, elected Nov. 3, were sworn in at City Hall Nov. 18, before their first city council meeting. I also took the oath of office again, having won re-election.

There were nine candidates vying for our three seats, and I’m happy to say it was one of the deepest rosters I’ve seen in our city’s history. That’s something I like to see: A robust menu of choices for residents as they cast their vote.

The time we candidates really get to know each other is the early voting period. This year it ran from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for 14 days straight, with most Plantation voters, and candidates, frequenting the West Regional Library. Andreu and Fadgen were among those putting in the longest hours, introducing themselves to voters at every opportunity possible.

Andreu, assistant superintendent for diversity and or the Miami-Dade School Board, makes history in our city. She is the first person of color elected. During her speech Nov. 18, she repeated the line made famous by Kamala Harris.

“I may be the first,” Andreu said. “But I will certainly not be the last.”

Fadgen, an accountant, is the son of the longtime councilmember Jerry Fadgen, who died in a home accident May 28, 2018 Tim Fadgen was emotional at his swearing in, and at the end of the meeting commented, “I know my father is looking down on me tonight and smiling.”

The three of us will serve four-year terms. Erik Anderson and Denise Horland, elected in 2018, will see their terms expire in 2022, the same as Mayor Lynn Stoner.

But I also want to say a word or two about Ron Jacobs, who is leaving the council. Ron was first elected in spring 1994 and, except for a short hiatus for more family time, has been a kind, fair and human voice on this council ever since. Thank you, Ron. You done good.

So now we are on to a new era in Plantation leadership. And my goals remain the same as they were when I was first elected in 2018: Listen to the residents, make good decisions and do what I can to make this city I love even better.

I know it’s a cliché, but it’s an honor to be up here.

Let’s get to work!

Holiday plans

The city canceled its traditional holiday parade, held the Saturday before Thanksgiving. But two other events, with necessary Covid-19 adjustments, are still in the plans.

Light up City Hall (which debuted last year) will debut with a virtual ceremony Dec. 5. Residents can drive by after it opens and view the display through December.

Santa’s Visit, a long-standing Plantation tradition, is still set for Dec. 24. The event consists of 17 volunteers dressed as Santa Claus, being driven through their assigned portion of Plantation, escorted by police and delivering Christmas greetings to residents standing outside their homes. The biggest adjustment is that this year, no candy will be thrown. As a regular Santa volunteer, I’d like to say that my arthritic shoulder is grateful.

 Nick Sortal is a member of the Plantation City Council. Contact him at NSortal@Plantation.org.