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Special elections rarely draw high turnout, but the stakes in Fort Lauderdale’s District 1 could not be higher. Facing critical decisions on coastal resilience, infrastructure funding, and neighborhood protection, voters in North Fort Lauderdale need a commissioner who will show up, do the unglamorous policy work, and stay in the seat to finish the job. Among the candidates on the ballot, John Rodstrom stands out as the clear, qualified choice to represent District 1. He is the son of former commissioners Charlotte and John Rodstrom.
An attorney, businessman, and community member with years of experience volunteering in community organizations, Rodstrom brings practical preparation without organizational arrogance. By working as a member of Fort Lauderdale's Budget Advisory Board, Rodstrom has shown his precision and thorough understanding of municipal budgeting. He has always demanded fiscal responsibility from the city administration to stop excessive spending and concentrate more on basic amenities than on luxurious projects. When public lands have been threatened by development, like the intrusion of commercial activity at Snyder Park, Rodstrom stepped up to save them. And he did so pro bono.
On infrastructure, Rodstrom advocates for accelerated drainage and stormwater upgrades rather than reactive, piecemeal repairs. On fiscal responsibility, he vows to provide strict oversight on public-private partnerships, ensuring rate hikes on residents remain a last resort rather than a default strategy. When it comes to the character of our neighborhoods, he strikes a balance between prudent infill development and adherence to zoning laws for neighborhoods. Rodstrom sees his role in municipal government as a service-oriented practice rather than a stepping stone.
The alternative choice before District 1 voters illustrate why clear-eyed leadership is urgently needed. Former Commissioner Heather Moraitis is asking voters to return her to the City Commission, the very body she abruptly resigned from in the middle of her term. Public office is an implicit compact with the electorate: when voters select a representative for a four-year term, they expect that representative to see it through. Leaving a constituency without its elected voice mid-stride for political convenience undermines public trust. District 1 does not need a commissioner whose commitment depends on the political weather; it needs someone who will serve a complete term with undivided focus.
Meanwhile, candidate Garry Smyth has officially withdrawn from the race following troubling revelations regarding his personal conduct and financial history. Despite his withdrawal, Smyth’s name remains printed on mail-in and in-person ballots. Voters must take care not to cast a ballot for Garry Smyth, as any votes cast for him will be wasted and will fail to deliver representation to the district.
We still have many questions as to who placed Smyth in this race in what we believe was an underhanded attempt to split the vote to benefit Moraitis. We also wonder where the rest of the Democrats are, being that Rodstrom would flip this seat. At a Rodstrom campaign fundraiser last week, only two Democratic elected officials showed up: Broward County School Board member Allen Zeman, and Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton. Democrats need to get their act together.
Fort Lauderdale is facing a crisis of public trust. Drama on the dais. A city manager ran out of the city by a vindictive mayor. Hundreds of millions wasted on a brand new city hall, despite cheaper options and infrastructure falling apart. Change is needed desperately.
District 1 cannot afford a retread of past political departures or an empty seat at City Hall. It requires an energetic, detail-oriented commissioner who respects the taxpayer dollar and prioritizes neighborhood stability over political convenience. John Rodstrom has earned the trust of his community and has demonstrated the technical competence to lead on day one.
For the special election for Fort Lauderdale City Commission, District 1, The County endorses JOHN RODSTROM.
