For 2022 Everyone Should Be Resolved To Make Changes

This weekend marks 2022! Like many of you I was hoping not to be dealing with Covid. It seems it will still be around. I am calling out those that have still refused to get a vaccine. Sadly, recently an Emergency Operations Center call with all the mayors was held due to the current situation that shows infection rates up to 20% plus. Over 80 percent of those presenting to the hospital are due to individuals that still have not gotten a vaccine. I keep thinking to myself how could people be so challenged, so afraid, as to not simply go and get a simple vaccine shot?

For over two centuries we have had vaccines. Children cannot attend school without having received vaccines that prevent life threatening diseases and more importantly the spread of diseases like Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Influenza Type B, Hepatitis A and B and even now a shot to prevent certain cancers.

Hospital workers for years have been required to have flu vaccines to go to work. But now even with a proven safe vaccine many are not getting the vaccine. Could you imagine having an elder parent in a nursing home knowing someone could give them Covid. It is unconceivable. My biggest complaint is this freedom argument. My father like many young men went to fight for freedom overseas in planes, on land and at sea. They made sacrifices not seeing their loved ones for years living day to day not knowing if it would be their last. Sadly, many died as heroes for the true freedom we have. Now that’s courage. That’s strength. That’s the real machismo we need now in this country.

We have individuals that aren’t even patriotic enough to take a shot for our country. The vaccine is safe. While you may be young and healthy it still does not mean you cannot die from the complications of Covid. More importantly you are hurting those at high risk. I challenge these individuals. You are not patriots at all.

For 2022 everyone should be resolved to go and get a vaccine. You should stand up and talk about this issue. I have resolved that I will not be silent. I will call those out that are hurting others by not helping to stop the spread of Covid, stifling our economy and hiding under the guise of freedom. Have we all really become a country of selfish cowards?

Also is 2022 I want to congratulate our Team Hallandale Beach. Dr. Jeremy Earle under the leadership of a civil collegial commission has put together a game plan that will not only take us thru 2022 but has laid the groundwork for another 4 years. He has made significant hires across all departments who have proven to be hardworking, innovative, and committed to excellence.

We certainly have many challenges to address in the coming year, but I am confident with us all remaining focused on the goal of financial stability and improvement of service within all areas of the city, we will continue to see results.

As of January 2, all parking regulations will be fully enforced. The new parking program has been in effect but not fully enforced yet. With the increase in our traditional enforcement, we have seen revenues that will be able to pay for the parking program and create additional funds to pay for much needed vehicle replacements that were put off for years.

Our new Director of Code Enforcement has geared up and is finally addressing cases that have been left idle for years. This will result in hopefully a much cleaner safer city. Property owners that have not been taking care of their liens have been put on notice. They need to address property deficiencies. Once addressed they can ask for fine mitigation. I must note there is not a free ride for absentee landlords or owners that have down work without permits. Owners will have to pay at least a portion by law for their neglect. Code enforcement takes staff time and city resources.

Another great change has been taking place in our Police Department. Under the leadership of Acting Chief Michel many of our safety programs are being implemented and expanded. They have activated the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. ShotSpotter is a gunshot detection service which alerts officers to gunshots within an expanded coverage area. The system alerts officers on their laptops and/or cellphones as well as over police radio through the BSO dispatch.

ShotSpotter detects and accurately locates within 25 meters of the actual gunshot location 90% of unsuppressed, outdoor gunshots and alerts police in less than 60 seconds. The coverage area is approximately 2.18 miles and includes the I-95 to Federal Highway and from Pembroke Road to County line. This technology will increase our response time during life threatening incidents. I will cover our Police Department changes as well as discuss the critical support of our department in my first article of the new year.

Please have a safe and blessed 2022!

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City a better place, on my Phone/Text at: (954) 632-5700. Or you can E-mail me at: jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit my Facebook Page: MayorJoyCooper. Like It! Friend It! Share It!