December Message from Commissioner Burt Aaronson

I am proud to inform you that the County Commission elected me Chair at its’ November 17, 2009 Board meeting. Commissioner Karen Marcus was elected Vice Chair.

Being Chair of the Commission means more work for me and my staff.  However, it also allows me to set the direction that the County will take over the next year.  As you all know, unemployment is high and jobs are scarce.  Property values have declined but demands for government services have increased.  Most of us remember the words, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…"  This seems to sum up the challenges that the County faces in 2010.

My number one priority as Chair is jobs.  Creating jobs is the key component to moving Palm Beach County’s economy forward.  When a family member is laid off, the family must cut back on expenses.  One way might be to eliminate going out to dinner.  The restaurant they go to has to cut back on its expenses so it lays off employees and buys less food from its’ vendors.  The vendors that supply the restaurant with food have to cut back so they lay off employees and reduce the supplies they buy from farmers.  

This one simple example demonstrates the chain of events that has happened time and time again over the past couple of years.  The bottom line is that we need more jobs.  Jobs generate income.  Income spurs consumer spending.   A family can go out to dinner again.  The economy becomes more robust.  I will be working with the County staff, the Business Development Board and the Economic Council, among others, to find ways to help our existing businesses grow and expand and to bring new businesses to Palm Beach County.

I will also be working closely with the County staff on next year’s budget that will begin next October.  The County Commission has already started to examine each department and its functions.  It is too soon to comment on the outcome but I can assure you that I want to reduce costs but at the same time, maintain the services that we all expect.

I will be the featured guest on the Channel 20 program Politically Speaking in December.  I invite you to tune in to learn more about my chairmanship.  For dates and times, go to the County’s webpage, www.pbcgov.com.  You will find the Program Guide in the Channel 20 column.  You can also call the Public Affairs Office (561-355-2754) for the information.

I am pleased to be able to serve as Chair for the next year and I will continue to work to achieve the highest quality of life for the residents of District 5 and all the residents of Palm Beach County.

As always, I invite your comments on any issue of interest to you.  As your Commissioner, I am here to help you.  You may write me at 301 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, 33401 or call my staff at 276-1310 or toll free at 877-930-2205.  My email address is:  baaronso@pbcgov.org.