With an understanding that effective leadership in the public sector requires open communication and accessibility, I treasure establishing relationships with our residents.
Thank you, Atlantic Beach, for making me feel welcome and comfortable, for sharing your perspectives and stories, and for encouraging me in my advocacy for TRANSPARENT and ACCOUNTABLE government. I am hoping to bring back the old AB feeling … being neighborly.
If we haven’t met, let’s get together. Here are just a few of the ways we can do that.
Come see me in the City Commission office. For the foreseeable future, at least through May, I’ll keep regular office hours at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays. You’re welcome to email (cford@coab.us), or call (904-891-2116) me in advance to assure that we have an appointment, or you can pop in. I know you’ll understand if I’m already meeting with someone. If you prefer to meet with your commissioner from your district here, is the contact information:
Bruce Bole, Seat 2, bbole@coab.us
Mike Waters, Seat 3, mwaters@coab.us
Candace Kelly, Seat 4, ckelly@coab.us
Jessica Ring, Seat 5, jring@coab.us
Let’s talk over coffee at Beach Diner. Scoot into the booth where I’m sitting, or pull up a chair, and let’s get to know each other from 6 to 8 a.m. Thursdays – again, at least through May. If we’re lucky, some of our neighbors will join us and we’ll have a group conversation.
Let’s chat face-to-face where you’re most comfortable – in your neighborhood. My wife, Leah, and I walk different areas of Atlantic Beach in the mornings. If you see us on one of our regular walks, please come out and say, “Hi.” Better yet, drop me a line, and we can plan my walk through your neighborhood together; I’d love for you to help me with some introductions.
One way or the other, it is my hope that I cross paths with you, the heartbeat of our community -- in the coming weeks and months. After all, if we already know each other, you’ll be more inclined to share what’s on your mind when difficult issues and situations arise in your neighborhood.
See you soon,
Curtis Ford
#OneAB