Having lived in Fort Lauderdale’s District 4 since 1987, I’ve watched the redevelopment of the beach and downtown, where the replacement of blighted properties has made them more attractive.
But when is it enough? I think we’re there. That’s a big reason to keep Warren Sturman as District 4 commissioner.
City of Fort Lauderdale
A map of Fort Lauderdale’s four city commission districts.
He has held office for two years, filling the post of Ben Sorensen, who left before his term ended to run for Congress, which he lost, and now wants his seat back. I support Warren because he has shown absolutely no reason why we should replace him.
He has not missed a commission meeting or vote, cultivates and listens to residents’ opinions versus developers’ “wants,” and has voted in favor of residents’ interests. His pro-taxpayer perspective is sorely needed as the city explodes with high-rises amid concerns of adequate infrastructure, commercializing public lands, and increased traffic. He’s ready to say “enough” to overdevelopment and the problems it brings.
Warren Sturman has deep community roots, has conquered the commissioner’s learning curve and truly cares about making Fort Lauderdale a great place to live and work. He won’t abandon his post for greener pastures. Let’s keep him in office, representing District 4. There’s no reason not to.
Nancy K. Thomas, Fort Lauderdale
‘He is not doing his job’
I wholeheartedly endorse Ben Sorensen for District 4 commissioner.
I know first-hand that Warren Sturman is not listening to District 4 leaders. We have not had a presidents’ meeting in over a year. In our rushed pre-agenda meetings, we are literally muted, and the chat feature is disabled. Our questions and concerns are not addressed at all.
Warren’s office told the River Oaks Homeowners’ Association president to not contact his office and instead to contact me as his rep on CFLCA (the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations). He is not doing his job. He does not know what his job is. He is aggressive, dismissive and unprofessional.
I’ve worked with Ben Sorensen in the past and know he’s responsive, effective, helpful, knowledgeable and respectful — the complete opposite of our current commissioner.
Vanessa Apotheker, Fort Lauderdale
The writer is president of the Tarpon River Civic Association and is a paid worker on Sorensen’s campaign.
Works ‘incredible hours’
There’s an accusation that Commissioner Warren Sturman and his staff don’t respond to community members who reach out to them.
That’s not my experience at all. I have contacted Warren and his staff countless times on issues important to our neighborhood and to the city at large. They always get back to me in a timely fashion, sometimes even more timely than I might want. Warren doesn’t seem to understand the concept of a 60-hour work week.
I was joking with someone that I don’t usually answer my phone after 10 p.m. But I know if it rings after 10 or 11 p.m., it’s almost always Warren getting back to me on something that I reached out to him on. He makes it a point to call me back, no matter when.
I can’t imagine that I’m getting special treatment. I think he just works incredible hours.
Patricia A. Rathburn, P.A., Fort Lauderdale
The writer is president of the Croissant Park Civic Association.
A follower, not a leader
I genuinely gave Warren Sturman a chance, hoping he could effectively fulfill the role as commissioner. However, I have concerns based on my observations over the past 18 months.
Time management: Despite having two full-time assistants, it seems Warren struggles to dedicate enough time to the job, which is very disappointing.
Neighborhood engagement: Unlike our experience with Ben Sorensen, who actively focused on neighborhood issues and maintained open communication, Warren has been distant from many neighborhood leaders but listens to his friends outside of D-4.
Leadership Style: Warren tends to act more as a follower than a leader. He often hesitates to express his views on the dais until he gauges the opinions of others on the commission.
Lack of Productive Meetings: There are no presidents’ meetings where we can discuss concerns or seek his support, which hinders collaboration and progress. We need Ben Sorensen back.
Jacquelyn Scott, Fort Lauderdale
The writer is president of Colee Hammock Homeowners Association and ran against Sturman for the District 4 seat in 2022.