A CRA is a Community Redevelopment Agency which cities create to fight “slum and blight”. The City of Hollywood created its Beach CRA more than twenty (20) years ago to fight “slum and blight” on the beach. For those fortunate enough to own property on the beach, the Beach CRA District has flourished. Beach property values have exploded.

The CRA is run by a Board, the Hollywood City Commission. They are one and the same group.

As we know, every year, the City Commission grapples with City budget shortfalls. Jobs get threatened. Employees’ wages, healthcare and pension benefits get put on the chopping block. Despite the dramatic growth in beach properties, and the related growth in tax funding going to the Beach CRA. For everyone else, those tax dollars flowing from the beach — which is the economic engine of the city and that belongs to all residents — cannot be used to improve any of our neighborhoods outside of the beach. As things stand now, the Beach CRA does not expire until 2027.

To make things clear, when it comes to the Beach CRA, the City Commission can and does spend up to 1 million dollars on each street on the beach. Despite the Beach CRA being able to spend all of that tax money on beach properties, the City Commission’s hands are tied. They can’t use any of those funds outside of the Beach. Consequently, the recent capital budget for streets, beautification, etc. for the rest of the City outside of the CRA, has been around 1 million dollars. Just like City residents, we, the City’s employees have borne the brunt of the pain. A few of our elected Commissioners see the folly of this current setup and are ready for change. We need to help make more Commissioners see the light.
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Brothers and Sisters of AFSCME Local 2432,

AFSCME Local 2432 Vice-President Ian Albertson has resigned his position with the City of Hollywood. Union officer positions must be held by an active employee who has been a member of the Local in good standing for at least one year.  Due to the vacancy, per the Union Constitution, the Vice President position is filled by the current Secretary to fulfill the term. Therefore,  Barbara Armand per our Constitution, now fills the Vice-President position.

We thank Ian for his service to the Union and wish him well.

On Tuesday night, I shared with the Executive Board that I have been left with no choice other than to reduce my involvement in Local 2432 activities, as my family needs my attention on a priority basis. Regrettably, I advised the Board that I had to step down from being Union Vice President, but shared my pride in their efforts on behalf of all of us, my continuing commitment to help our union however possible, and my interest in staying involved, as my time permits.

Thankfully, many years ago when our Local Union Constitution was drafted, it took into account that we each have our own lives and commitments, and that despite our best intent, some of us after being elected, may not be able to complete our elected terms of office.

In this instance, the Constitution provides that when the Union Vice President leaves office before his/her term has expired, the Union Secretary is automatically elevated to Vice President.

Union Secretary Ian Albertson stepped up his game and graciously accepted the appointment, without any reservation, knowing full well all of the responsibilities and time required to serve our membership. Based upon my prior experience working with Ian, I am confident that he will undoubtedly prove to be a worthy successor to me as our Local 2432 Vice President.
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