Electric Utility
Accomplishments
- Accelerate utility improvements to reduce outages
- Negotiating a new utility contract to help lower our electric rates
- Spearheading conservation efforts and renewable energy options for a secure energy future
- Created a commission liaison for the Florida Municipal Power Association Board; this Liaison provides critical monitoring of our utility rate increases, which has been a key issue for all residents of Lake Worth
- Developed partnership with FAU Ocean Energy Center to explore the option of harvesting energy from ocean currents to be used in our electrical grid
- Approved study that will explore renewable energy options for the City owned utility
Vision
- To work for lower utility rates through competitive bidding of city utility contracts, conservation programs and renewable energy options
- To continue upgrade of utility distribution system to decrease outages and improve service delivery
- To move city towards sustainable, renewable, affordable clean energy programs
- To maintain city control of our water and electric systems
Cara Jennings On Lake Worth Utility
Public Safety
Accomplishments
- Increased community police patrols in crime hot spot neighborhoods
- Voted for negotiated pay increases for Police and Firefighters to keep salaries competitive with surrounding agencies
- Ensured that we did not cut the police budget even during time of city-wide budget cuts
Vision/Goals
- Build relationship with Sheriff’s Office will attain higher level of community policing and reduction in crime
- Increase use of Community Redevelopment Agency funds for community policing
- Expand anti-gang youth programs
Code Enforcement
Accomplishments
- Pushed for effective code enforcement with fair and equitable treatment of all involved
- To significantly improve our neighborhoods through increased code compliance from absentee landlords through the Certificate of Use Program
Vision/Goal
- To improve the City’s housing stock to include safe, affordable housing
- To have a city that prioritizes creation of community investment projects such as land trusts, youth programs, community gardens, resource center.
Beach
Accomplishments
- Voted against the twenty year lease of our public beach to a private developer
- Presented alternate plans for design and funding of improvements at LW Beach
- Spearheaded the improvements to the Lake Worth pool, ensuring they were completed before grant funds were revoked
- Led the effort to protect our beach from damaging dredge and fill projects
Vision
- To retain public control of the beach, using reserved City and County “Beach Funds” for improvements
- Continue to protect our beach from harmful dredge and fill projects that would destroy the water clarity, surfing, fishing and sand quality of our beach
- Maintain building and beach amenities including adequate LW Beach decal parking