Message From Mayor Allen Green

I have the honor of announcing the newest inductees to the City’s Wall of Honor. The wall is located in the lobby of City Hall, and it was established in 1984 to recognize outstanding residents who have made a positive impact on our community. Selected by the Wall of Honor Committee, the current inductees are Jim Ward, David Ramey, and Harold Cardwell. These individuals were chosen for their leadership, contributions, and their commitment to improving Port Orange.

The first inductee is Jim Ward. Jim has contributed his time and energy to this community in a number of ways. You may know Jim from his service as Mayor of Port Orange and on the Volusia County Council. Before holding political office, Jim ran a successful pharmacy business at the northeast corner of Herbert Street and Ridgewood. Not only has Jim provided services to those in need in the surrounding area but in South America as well.

The next inductee has spent over 32 years of his life teaching and coaching. Best known for coaching some 50 state champions, David Ramey started the great weightlifting legacy at Spruce Creek High School in the early 1980s.

Our final inductee is a man who was born in Port Orange – Harold Cardwell. When it comes to Port Orange history, Harold is the foremost source of information. He has made it his life’s work and the Port Orange Historical Trust and our community’s history lives today because of his efforts. A reception and ceremony to induct the three individuals will be held July 4, and their photos will be added to wall of honor.

Finally, I want to talk about the current budget process. Similar to last year, the Florida Legislature’s mandated reductions to the City’s general revenue will limit our ability to fund needed projects and programs. Making the picture even more confusing is the real impact of the voter approved Amendment #1. Add in the decreasing sales tax revenue sharing from the state and you can see the budgetary demands that have been placed on the Council and City Staff. The combination of mandated reductions and rising fuel, energy, and healthcare costs will dampen Port Orange’s commitment to being shaped by choice, not by chance. Continuing to do more with less and less has all cities and counties throughout the state struggling to meet daily service needs. Port Orange is no different. The bottom line is when we are required to decrease in one department, there is a negative impact in another department and that department’s ability to perform. This trend will continue. It also reaches to the core of our community vision as well. The result has the City rethinking all service levels from mowing standards to program offerings.

All that said, I can assure you the City Council and City Staff have been and will continue to be proactive in researching the impacts and developing plans to prepare the City for the present and the future. You can assist us by getting involved. Attend our monthly budget meetings and especially the final Budget Workshop set for July 26 at the Lakeside Center across the lake from City Hall, 1999 City Center Circle. I encourage you to join us.

Sincerely,

Allen Green
Mayor