We Must Unite In Support Of Democracy And Against Oppression

The seats of the Mayor and the Commission in Hallandale Beach are Non Partisan. In most cities this is the case for good reason. We do not decide social issues. We make decisions on Public Safety and Infrastructure. When was the last time anyone saw a blue or red pothole? Obviously when there is an issue that is of extreme importance such as the wars in Ukraine and Israel, we unite in support of democracy and against oppression.

I have been extremely fortunate to work alongside Mayors around the county during many administrations. We worked with both Republican and Democratic Presidents. Each President faced different challenges. Terrorist Attacks, economic meltdowns, social unrest, pandemics and wars. Some worked with cities and others did not.

I can share that since I have been Mayor of Hallandale Beach President Biden whether you like his policies or not there is one thing that is undeniable, he is the first in decades to fund America's crumbling Infrastructure. Many have talked about it, but Biden has done it. After facing down COVID-19 he along with the support of Congress and the Senate passed the largest Bi Partisan Infrastructure Bill since Roosevelt championed the building of the Panama Canal in 1914.

With the help of over 19 Republican Senators and 13 Republican Representatives, the House has approved a One Trillion Dollar Bill for bridges, roadways and transit. Even GOP Leaders Graham and McConnell supported the legislation. Hallandale Beach has directly benefited from the American Recovery Act with investments in Transit and Roads. The other amazing legislation passed was Build Back Better. While there are multiple programs within the legislation we have benefitted from the investments in energy and climate.

An issue that I have championed alongside our mayors is the COPS Bill and Gun Safety. President Biden since his time as a Senator then Vice President has always worked to support funding for our Police Departments. He also has always fought to keep weapons of war off of our streets and advocated for Common Sense Laws. Biden passed one of the largest Gun Safety Bills in 30 years.

With the continued senseless deaths daily in our communities we all need to respect the right for individuals to own guns but it is time for common sense. As Mayor and a commission, we continue to support background checks and regulations to control high-capacity guns. Even President Trump passed an Executive Order to ban High-Capacity Weapons, Bump Stocks, only to have it struck down by the Supreme Court.

I know we all have various views. We are all angry in many ways over laws that have changed our country. Our economy, while strong, inflation is real and the cost of living, especially here in Florida, is astronomical. These conditions are a result of not just one party or one person. They are a result of forces from inside our borders and throughout the world. Congress has not been a bastion of compromise. To have the ability to work on Capitol Hill and make change takes work, compassion and compromise.

While we cannot all agree on everything, we all owe a great debt of gratitude to President Biden and his years of Public Service. After 50 years of public service, he has made a lasting impact on many lives and left a historic legacy.

As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions and concerns at email: jcooper@cohb.org. Or at: joycooper@aol.com. I always can be reached by phone or text at: (954) 632-5700. Working for you! Always Have! Always will!