Newly-Svelte Mayor Seiler Has Big Campaign Kick Off
BY BUDDY NEVINS
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, who shed 40 pounds before officially launching his campaign, is off and running.
Seiler did his first campaign event Thursday at Maguire’s Hill 16, a hangout for media, political and judicial folks. (If I had a quarter for every dollar I spent in Maguire’s during my years at the Sun-Sentinel, I’d be rich.)
The mayor raised around $16,000 for his 2012 re-election. It’s an amazing figure considering Fort Lauderdale candidates can only accept money from individuals and the donation limit is $250.
He didn’t ride a bicycle to the reception, but he could have. Seiler has shed 40 pounds since April by cutting down on his carbs and sweets and riding his bike.
“I switched my diet,” Seiler said. “I ate a steak this week and instead of a potato, I had broccoli.”
Biking is helping, too. He rides eight-to-10 miles starting before dawn every weekend. He steps it up on the weekend —10-12 miles.
I’m lucky to ride 10 blocks in this heat. Then I remember Seiler, now 47, is a former Cardinal Gibbons High School athlete and trained under South Florida’s grueling summer sun.
Biking has an advantage beyond weight loss for the mayor. Altering his route daily to thread through every neighborhood, he gets to see things he wouldn’t normally notice from a car.
“I saw a pothole and immediately called it in,” Seiler said.
With dedication like that — he runs a law practice and does a half dozen or so city events every week — it is no wonder his campaign kickoff was a success.
The usual suspects—lobbyists, lawyers and downtown business types — were there. There was also a bi-partisan group of former and current office holders, including the city commissioners.
Former Democratic State Sens. Steve Geller and Skip Campbell, along with former Republican Senate President and County Commissioner Jim Scott attended. They served in the Legislature with Seiler.
Also attending were GOP County Commissioner Chip LaMarca, the newly appointed North Broward Hospital District member David DiPietro and former Mayor Jim Naugle.
With support like that, any challenger to the mayor is starting from way back in the pack.
XXXXX
I know the post above leaves one question unanswered: How much did Seiler weigh when he started his program and how much does he weigh now?
He told me, but he asked me not to post it. “I don’t want it on the Internet,” he said.
If you see him, ask him.
September 16th, 2011 at 1:25 pm
I went for one reason: to see who needed an appointment. and to have a few Shirley Temples. it’s good to be the king(maker)!
September 16th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
I keep telling him he looks great(spread the word to Chaz Stevens). Any how I’m happy he had a good turn out. Me myself to comment I am still reaserching this Clemency bd. all of a sudden I can’t even participate(hell no). So my att. is working on it,still haven’t got confirmation, once I have it then its off to the races(courts).I’m certainly not going to be harrassed or discrimanted against. Yeah some bozo(fat) droped a dime on me, that has no merit what so ever, been voting since Gov.Christ reestablished our voting rights(convicted felons). All i am is an average Joe that cares about the residents,(who can’t spell) no more no less. I don’t like to see the taxpayer(resident) taken for a ride. Congrats to Jack Seiler. I think it would have been quite an expeirence to run against him, considering all the BS-Earl Rynerson & othersd throw at him. Well see, it ain’t over to the fat lady sings. Right?
September 16th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
You are right a fat bozo did whisper about your criminal record at city commisssion meetings but it was not a he it was a she, and she is your pal Judy.
September 17th, 2011 at 8:59 am
He is and has been reinventing himself for reasons other than his political race. I think he is also feeling the pressure of being watched and nervous about certain skeletons falling out of his closet. We will see in the near future whether or not he can fend off the flood of bad press and unholy alliances during the campaign. I’ve seen some of his political “friends” having a hard time recently (you know…health, family, other opportunities, etc…)
September 17th, 2011 at 1:27 pm
To “Silly Robert”-First of all it has been public record since day one. I informed the Comm(previous) from the first time I spoke at the podium. It was never any secret. That being said it was some of you over zealous residents(take a wild guess-)that didn’t want me to run for any-elected office. What are some of you afaird of?Cheap shot at best. Will fight this investigation till i’m blue in th eface. Have all my ducks lined up just waiting for the Att. to give green light. Wanted documenation from Clemency Bd, to no avail and we are meeting w/ AG-soon. As far as Judy Stern I mean some of you really. Your digs and attacks on her are so amatuer, to say th eleast. I like her style and am very impressed w/ her daughter, will eventually will get to the State House or any other Office she (barbra) is interested in. Back to my issues I wil prevail. If I (mother too) can get out of the poverty, her by educating her by hitting it big at the Altar, to me strikeing oil in the Court room(mediation to be precise). So again everything comes out in the wash. Keep in my mind some of you overzealous residents just like it is public record for you to retain all this info on me its also my right (freedom of InformationAct) to get your name etc. One piece of advice get ready…
September 17th, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Hey isn’t Richard DeNapoli being investigated by the RPOF, and isn’t he about to let in the head of CAIR?
September 18th, 2011 at 9:59 am
Seiler came into office as a solid friend of the special interests like develeopers, big business, the downtown interests. He has learned since then that the average home owners want their neighborhoods preserved and don’t want their city sold out to special interests. He has backed away from the Big Boys and done a fair job.
September 22nd, 2011 at 3:10 pm
From: “Sadler L. James”
Date: September 21, 2011 3:50:43 PM EDT
Subject: ISHOF Vision September 2011
Attachments:
1. Vision Letter from Mr. Bruce Wigo, CEO International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF)
2. Picture of recent swim meet with unsafe bleachers covered
Personal comments from Sadler L. James:
First, let’s be clear about the goal of the city regarding the DC Alexander/FTL Aquatic Complex/ISHOF site. There are only two reasons for the development, i.e. public swimming education and lessons, recreational and/or therapeutic swimming access and to generate tourist revenue or dollars!! It is NOT to be the premiere swimming or diving complex!! It is to be a premier revenue generator for the city and the beach community, in addition to public uses. Therefore, I feel the city is not properly focused on the real goal.
GOAL: To provide the public (citizens of Fort Lauderdale) with state of the art swimming education and lessons, recreational and/or therapeutic facilities; and to provide the city a platform to generate tourist revenue.
All decisions for this site should conform to the goal! This does not inherently involve a net operating LOSS. The vision discussed below still makes Fort Lauderdale the premeir swimming and diving venue, but with so much more!!
Discussion:
1) The ISHOF vision of a “Multi-purpose Aquatic Entertainment Center” is perfect for the city and the location. An excerpt from the attached letter states it all, …. “to build an unparalleled world-class aquatic themed tourist destination that will:
a) (a) be significant income generator for both the local tourist / entertainment industry and ISHOF,
b) (b) be a multi-use/multi purpose facility that serves the needs of all of the citizens of Fort Lauderdale – infants to seniors, disabled to able bodied and infirm to healthy; and,
c) (c) serve the needs of local competitive aquatic enthusiasts”……….. end of excerpt
2) The centerpiece of the ISHOF vision is the “Aquatic Theatre”. Another excerpt from the attached letter …..” The Aquatic Theatre would be able to host short course swimming competitions (both 25 yards and 25 meters – distances at which 90% of all swimming meets in America are held, including the YMCA nationals, diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming events. As the finest facility of it’s kind in the world, it could host FINA events in all disciplines and also events like the 2016 US Olympic Diving Trials. It could also host nightly water shows and comedy diving acts during the peak tourist season, such as are seen on RCL’s Oasis and Allure of the Seas, and even non-aquatic concerts on a floating stage.” ………… end of excerpt.
3) The city is seriously misguided to endorse two (2) fifty meter pools.
a) It appears to be based on YMCA and USA Swimming recommendations.
i) The YMCA event ( http://www.ymcaswimminganddiving.org/2012SC/ ) was moved to the Greensboro North Carolina Aquatic Center( http://www.greensboroaquaticcenter.com/ ). This state of the art center does NOT HAVE two (2) fifty meter pools. Given the fact that the YMCA could have chosen any venue in the US, it’s clear there are other more important considerations than two (2) 50 m pools.
ii) The ISHOF provided the city two serious outside studies from subject matter experts, showing the two (2) fifty meter are not financially feasible or necessary.
iii) Given that we lose $1,000,000+ a year, why would we enlarge a failed 1960’s plan with even greater costs? Any plan that includes additional revenue from other sources on site, would be unduly burdened with an additional substantial operations cost. It also, reduces the square footage on a limited foot print and therefore, reduces potential revenue producing opportunities.
CONCLUSION:
The picture attached shows a recent swim meet and the bleachers/stands are covered due to unsafe seating!! Obviously, something needs to be done.
Please read Mr. Wigo’s ISHOF vision for the site (attached and in the body). This letter was provided to the city staff organizing the business plan. I have Mr. Wigo’s permission to use it because it is already in the public domain. It’s a powerful idea and appears to me to be the correct path for the city. It still provides a state of art venue for aquatic sports, has the needed pools, hotel and revenue generators and provides family oriented entertainment on the beach. It’s an exciting new cutting edge idea. Fort Lauderdale introduced “sports tourism” during the 1960’s and others followed. Introduce the “Aquatic Theatre” concept and Fort Lauderdale will lead again for others to follow!!
Thank you,
Sadler L. James, Concerned Citizen
Mr. Wigo’s Letter
September 2011
The International Swimming Hall Of Fame (ISHOF) is pleased to present a very brief but different vision for the development of the DC Alexander Park, Fort Lauderdale aquatic complex, the International Swimming Hall of Fame peninsula and the ISHOF organization.
The International Swimming Hall of Fame’s objective is simple: “to build an unparalleled world-class aquatic themed tourist destination that will: (a) be significant income generator for both the local tourist / entertainment industry and ISHOF, (b) be a multi-use/multi purpose facility that serves the needs of all of the citizens of Fort Lauderdale – infants to seniors, disabled to able bodied and infirm to healthy; and, (c) serve the needs of local competitive aquatic enthusiasts.
When our Aquatic complex opened in 1965, it was a leader at the cutting edge of the emerging youth sports tourism industry. But within a few years, the idea caught on with other communities. Today the competitive environment is fierce and the loss of the YMCA meet points to the weakness of a business plan that places a disproportionate dependence on swimming events.
We believe that any new business plan must be able to bring in significant revenues to offset the public cost of building a new complex and then help pay the yearly maintenance and upkeep expenses without being subject to the whims of event promoters in an increasingly competitive environment.
We believe that by leveraging our town’s world-class location and the World-wide prestige and reputation of the International Swimming Hall of Fame, we can once again be the industry leader and world’s number one aquatic sports destination.
The centerpiece of this vision is the Aquatic Theatre.
It consists of a 30 meter by 25-yard pool, diving boards and platforms, surrounded on three sides by 2,000+ permanent seats. It will have two state of the art Scoring/timekeeper boards, day and night lighting, state of the art sound systems and provisions for television and press coverage. Think of it as center court at the Wimbledon or Flushing Meadows.
The Aquatic Theatre would be able to host short course swimming competitions (both 25 yards and 25 meters – distances at which 90% of all swimming meets in America are held, including the YMCA nationals), diving, water polo, and synchronized swimming events. As the finest facility of it’s kind in the world, it could host FINA events in all disciplines and also events like the 2016 US Olympic Diving Trials. It could also host nightly water shows and comedy diving acts during the peak tourist season, such as are seen on RCL’s Oasis and Allure of the Seas, and even non-aquatic concerts on a floating stage.
Built within the architectural design of the Aquatic Theater on Alexander Park will be the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) museum, restaurant and shops. Other components of the aquatic complex, situated on the man-made peninsula would be:
a) One (1) 53 m x 25 yard long course training and competition pool with moveable bulkheads, variable depth moveable floor and 1000+ permanent seats.
b) A privately operated hydrotherapy, Sports Performance and Medicine leased facility with Indoor dry land training facilities and weight room.
c) A 25 yard warm-water swim instruction / therapy pool integrated with a water park
d) Hotel and conference center with approximately 200+ room suites
e) A 400 – 600 space parking garage
Consider the definition of “SYNERGY”. Synergy is the cooperation of two or more groups and/or organizations to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects. Given the above mix of services and pools, the City of Fort Lauderdale would be able to achieve maximum synergy or utilization of the facilities.
Pertinent points to consider:
— There is NO other Multipurpose Aquatic Entertainment Center in the United States. Fort Lauderdale would again become the leader in new aquatic venues.
— The facility will be FINANCIALLY SUSTAINABLE!
– – – Family entertainment at the beach would be a positive addition to tourist activity. The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Theater would offer diving shows, synchronized swimming and small revenue shows to the general public.
—– You do not have to be a swimmer or follow swimming to watch the Aqua Theatre Shows.
– – – The multipurpose aquatic center does not restrict or curtail any of the current uses including swimming and diving training
– – – A relationship with the cruise industry or Royal Caribbean would be beneficial for Port Everglades and the city
–—- This could become the home of the USA’s national diving and synchronized swimming Olympic teams.
Conclusion:
The international swimming Hall of Fame’s believes that the Multipurpose Aquatic Entertainment Facility offers the ultimate in flexibility and provides the maximum return on investment possible. The Aquatic Theater entertainment element is in-line with the tourist industry and aquatic related activity. The ISHOF has spent considerable time with national and international subject matter experts, as well as, swimming manufacturers and swimming entertainment related companies to develop the multipurpose mix. The city of Fort Lauderdale can become a venue designed to provide tourist, event spectators, athletes and the media with a unique world-class experience. It plays to the strength of the cities’ history in swimming and to the prestige and history of the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Fort Lauderdale would once again be on the cutting edge of aquatic/swimming!
Bruce Wigo
Chief Executive Officer
International Swimming Hall of Fame
One Hall of Fame Dr.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
http://www.ishof.org
bwigo@ishof.org
October 27th, 2011 at 8:43 pm
Seiler Cares about Seiler.
Nothing more, nothing less.
I have never seen a more arrogant, self-centered, hypocritical suck up than Jack. Alot of skeletons will be forthcoming and the bridges he burned will haunt him.
October 28th, 2011 at 12:29 am
Hey loser still haunting the blogs from Stuart huh?
December 25th, 2012 at 1:18 pm
Congratulations,Mary Pat u are pulling Lake Ridge tohteger and making it an involved community AGAIN! Our old neighborhood signs used that slogan!!! U are involving the people as it should be and it used to be. Thanks for that! As a past president and police liaison it is upsetting to all of us to see how apathetic the current board has turned out to be Shame on all of them!!!Lake ridge needs leaders that will get out in the streets. It needs people to be visable so the bad guys will get the message that they are not wanted in Lake Ridge.It needs people to get out of their houses and meet their neighbors. It needs people to work with the police a good partnership is great!Why the current board does not want them at a monthly meeting is so unreal, they must live under a rock. Again shame on all of them. My words to them is get out to the streets close your books the real world needs action not rhetoric!! Thanks Mary Pat for realizing what the neighborhood really needs proactive people!!Thanks for stepping up to the plate with your group!Thanks for taking over and continuing on with the work that I worked so hard at.Kudos to all the folks who realize that their. Best interests are in working tohteger and coming out!!Keep up the good work!!Ellen ShermanRetired police liaison(For 18 yrs)