A few words from Carole's son, Jon Philipson: Growing up, my mom didn’t tell us about community involvement, she showed us. Whether it was taking my brothers and me to a bone marrow drive she helped organize, or checking on friends of friends in the hospital, or flipping pancakes at Kiwanis. She didn’t just talk the talk, she walked the walk.
As I have been out listening to residents in neighborhoods and meetings, I am learning about issues you are passionate about, including broadband. I hear from many of you that you want to have more voice, to let the community decide through a referendum about the future of broadband in Lakeland.
Ideas require action. As an active community member for almost 24 years, I have sat next to you in classrooms, boardrooms, and civic organizations, hearing the passionate ideas of our community – from homeowners, to small business owners, recent graduates, and parents of all ages.
Ideas are great. But actions…actions are better. As a community leader, hospital executive, and parent, I have the track-record of bringing together diverse views to make positive changes.
I’ve spent a lot of time understanding the City’s operations and budgeting processes, plus I worked many years on the receiving side of municipal services. With that background, I do not favor the November 5 charter amendment that would make it easier to sell Lakeland Electric to a for-profit power company.
Transportation is a key issue for our City to address as we grow. We have intersections that were not built to handle the growth we are experiencing and will experience in the future. Lakeland must be prepared for these changes.
I have listened to members of these groups and learned their concerns about Lakeland’s future and visions for the city’s continued growth. I have shared my background and perspectives. Their time and engagement in meeting with me were valuable and will contribute to my service if I am elected to Lakeland City Commission on November 5.
As a City Commission candidate, I have spent time listening and learning about municipal broadband. What I’ve learned is municipal broadband projects are a poor way to spend taxpayer money. Failure is almost inevitable, and dollars are typically taken from other public services to subsidize it.
I’ve immersed myself in a listening and learning tour before and during my run for Lakeland City Commission. I’ve spoken not only with numerous City leaders and department heads, attended city commission meetings and workshops, but also spoke with members of neighborhood associations and community members in all parts of our city – to learn about your thoughts and priorities.