Boca mayor to focus on gun violence, Zika in new role with Florida League of Cities
Preparing cities for gun violence, natural disasters and the Zika virus is among Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie’s top priorities as she steps into her new role as president of the Florida League of Cities.
More than 400 city leaders from across the state elected Haynie to the one-year gig with the league, which promotes self-government at the local level. She was inducted into the position lastweek.
Haynie says she plans to roll out a “Safe Cities, Safe Florida” initiative aimed at providing city leaders with training, resources and partnerships to ensure they are equipped to handle tragedy before it strikes.
“The single most important function of government is to provide a safe community,” Haynie said.
As part of the effort, the league will hold regional summits, including one about safeguarding cities against shootings. Susan Haynie,
“I think it’s probably themost critical concern,” Haynie said of gun violence. “We will bring in partners from the FBI and create a toolkit on how to deal with crisis and threats.”
Haynie is the first Boca official to become president of the league.
“It certainly brings awareness to our community,” she said. “I think it gives us prestige.”
The league’s board meets quarterly, and part of its function is to advocate for legislation that helps cities. Haynie said her new responsibilities will in Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater installs Boca Raton Mayor Susan Haynie as president of the Florida League of Cities. no way detract from her make her a successful president mayoral duties. of the Florida League of Cities,”
“Boca ismy first priority,” she said Surrency, who is also the said. mayor ofHawthorne.
The league’s immediate past president, Matt Surrency, said Haynie’s passion for local government will make her a great president.
"MayorHaynie has the experience in leadership that will