Commentary | Questionnaire: John Graziano, candidate for Lauderdale-by-the-Sea City Commission District 1, Seat 3

Name: John A. Graziano

Age: 79

Website: N/A

Do you support or oppose the new state law that requires municipal officeholders and candidates to file the Form 6 statement of financial interests, and why?
As a firm supporter of FULL TRANSPARENCY, financial disclosure should be required for candidates and elected public officials for the protection of the filer and to avoid and identify potential conflict of interests. The current Form 6 is onerous to complete, but as time goes by, it will be streamlined and become more filer friendly.

What’s the best long-term solution to the problems at historic Anglin’s Pier?
Anglin Pier, a private structure, should be rebuilt as it has been recognized as a significant contributor to the historic charm and coastal beauty of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. The first step to this complex process needs the owners, tenants and their finance institutions to win approval with public regulators of federal, state, local and others to commit to a design and impact for the tear down and rebuild. This would include an agreed-upon plan to resolve past issues. The design and impact of the rebuild could then be presented to the public for disclosure.

Cite two (2) specific ways in which the town should help small, family-owned businesses become more successful.
Successful businesses are the economic life blood of the character of a coastal community like Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Growth and sustainability needs cooperation among the businesses, government and residents. One method to create this atmosphere is for the Commission as it has done in the past, is to recognize the needs of the business community to have pathways for its patrons and employees to have access to parking, walkability, in a safe environment.

Another way is by transitioning the Visitor Center and its staff to a marketing and community and public relations effort similar to a Business Improvement District (BID). Lauderdale-by-the-Sea already funds staff and the offices and could agree to share the leadership with members of a Board including business members and government officials. The BID could be quasi-independent to interact with codes, marketing, BSO and others important areas for business, residents, government and tourism.