HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 12 08 Public Input - Documents submitted by Shelia Benton('-ommissioners, Happy Holidays. Now to business...
You were elected to represent all of the citizens of Winter Springs. One of your most important responsibilities is to
provide guidance to the City Manager on how taxpayer dollars should be spent —prioritizing the safety and needs of our
residents above political noise and distraction.
In September, residents reported a drain inlet on Birch Terrace with exposed rebar. More recently, I notified the City
about additional hazards at Murphy and Edgemon, where crushed and open drain inlets pose real risks to anyone
walking or driving by. I would ask each of you to get in your cars, even if it is a Tesla, to drive over and observe for
yourselves if this hazard would be allowed to exist.
I want to be clear: those of us who live on the west side of the city know we are not Tuscawilla. But we want you to know
that our concerns deserve equal attention and timely action. Three cones and being putting "on a to do list" is
not an adequate response from both the city manager and the head of public works, when public safety is at stake. We
will not be the orphans who still pay taxes, and receive NOTHING.
It is especially concerning to see, while these hazards remain unaddressed, repairs were elsewhere moved forward. I ask
each of you —our elected Commissioners, to drive through District One and see these locations for yourselves. These
repairs must be placed at the top of the priority list and remain there until they are completed.
Why am I here tonight?
First, to remind you that the City Manager will require support and the necessary funding to address the needs of our
residents —before funding personal projects, political interests, or special projects.
Secondly and most importantly, our community MUST LEARN TO COMMUNICATE BETTER. We Residents are
tired of personal arguments, stray comments, and unrelated disputes on the dais. We want professionalism, cooperation,
and a shared focus on putting Winter Springs Residents First.
And finally, I remind you that Attorney Jones is not the only attorney prepared to take a case if someone is injured. The
question is whether the next preventable injury will happen on your watch.
Commissioners, the people of Winter Springs —on every side of the city —deserve safety, responsiveness, and leadership
committed to serving them.
I urge you to make these repairs a priority and to demonstrate through action that every resident matters.
Thank you.
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