Message From Mayor Allen Green

It is my pleasure to announce the newest inductees to the City’s Wall of Honor. Located in the lobby of City Hall, the wall was established in 1984 to recognize outstanding individuals who have made a positive impact on our community. Chosen for their leadership and their commitment to improving Port Orange, the current inductees are Judy Andersen, Doug Clark, John King, and George McMasters. The first inductee is Judy Andersen. Judy has contributed her time and energy to this community for many years. First, she served on the City’s Planning Commission in the 1980s. Judy then was elected to City Council and eventually served as Mayor of Port Orange from 1988 to 1992. Following her term as Mayor, Judy served on the Volusia County School Board. A man of business, Doug Clark will be posthumously honored by the Wall of Honor Selection Committee. Mr. Clark has been part of the Port Orange family for over 50 years. A silent champion of the City and the business community, Mr. Clark will be missed.

The next inductee has spent the last 20 years of his life being actively involved in the community and City government. John King, Jr. volunteered his time to neighborhoods and civic groups. He was one of the original citizens who formed the Port Orange Coalition of Homeowner Associations in the late 1980s. John currently serves on the City’s Charter Review Committee at the age of 92. Our final inductee is another dedicated citizen - George McMasters. A long time resident of Port Orange, George is completing his 25th year on the Planning Commission. George was also one of the original Volunteers In Police Services (VIPS) in the 1980s and served for 11 years. A reception and ceremony to induct the individuals will be held July 4, and their photos will be added to the wall of honor.

Finally, I want to talk about the current FY 2009-2010 budget process. As the economy slowed over the last year, everyone has had to look harder at expenses, and the City is no different from you, the business owner or homeowner. With the two preceeding years of mandated general revenue reductions by the Florida Legislature and the real impact of the voter approved Amendment #1, the balancing of funding needed for projects and programs is the toughest I have ever faced over the twenty-five years I have had the pleasure of serving this community as an elected official. Included in that discussion is decreasing state sales tax revenue sharing and rising fuel costs. Doing more with less and less every year reaches a point where the community that we know today will no longer be the Port Orange shaped by choice.

Now we need your help to plan and prioritize the future. Since January, the City Council and City Staff have been working on the budget and hosting open workshops. You can assists us by attending our monthly budget meetings and the final Budget Workshop set for July 25 at the Lakeside Center, 1999 City Center Circle. It begins at 8:30 a.m. I encourage you to join us.

Sincerely,

Allen Green
Mayor