Campaign website: Jackiescottfll.com
List, in order of importance, the three most important issues in your community and briefly explain what you would do about each.
Infrastructure: It is the most important issue. I will ensure that the projects identified to improve our stormwater and sewage system throughout the city stay on the fast track. We must prevent any further degradation to our waterways through faulty infrastructure.
Waterways: Aeration and dredging must continue, as well as every natural mitigation, such as planting mangroves and oyster beds. We must continue to enforce policy that protects our waterways.
Code enforcement & Public Safety: Code enforcement is a critical component to protecting the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I will ensure the current ordinances are enforced and advocate when new ordinances are necessary to protect our city and neighborhoods. I will ensure first responders have all the resources they need in order to protect us and reduce response times.
Is Fort Lauderdale overdeveloped? Why or why not?
I don’t think we can talk about development without talking about infrastructure, density and green space, which have to be aligned. I am very concerned about affordable housing in our city. It is critical that we continue to build to solve the problem and partner with others who are also working on affordable housing. As a member of the Infrastructure Task Force, we were asked by the commission to evaluate and determine whether the city should have a building moratorium. The task force spent months discussing all aspects of infrastructure and development. I recall it was unanimously decided that we did not need a moratorium. Therefore, smart development is a priority for future growth. We have to plan growth that ties in with infrastructure, public safety, roadways, traffic and neighborhoods. As the District 4 commissioner, I will be evaluating every project that comes to the commission with all of these important components in mind. Density is appropriate in the downtown, where people can walk or cycle to their jobs and entertainment venues. We need appropriate transportation improvements in place for the future of our city and residents.
Do you favor a tunnel or fixed bridge over the New River and why?
I favor a tunnel. I believe a bridge would divide the city and negatively impact the area around it.
If you had been on the City Commission in February, would you have voted yes or no to fire City Auditor John C. Herbst, and why?
The City Commission has the right to hire and fire the city auditor.
They apparently lost confidence in his work product and department.
If you had been on the City Commission in March, would you have voted yes or no on the so-called One Stop Shop project, and why?
Yes, we will have a park and a cultural arts center at no cost to the taxpayers. This will also generate income annually and support small businesses.
If you had been on the City Commission in July, would you have voted yes or no to appoint Greg Chavarria as city manager without a public search, and why?
Yes, I have worked with Greg and he clearly has his finger on the pulse of Fort Lauderdale. He is qualified, knowledgeable and was able to instantly lead. I agree with the City Commission’s choice and decision.
What distinguishes you most from your opponents, and why?
I have been a neighborhood leader preserving and protecting our neighborhoods for the past four decades. I began in Colee Hammock by forming our HOA and was later elected President of the Council of Civic Associations. I have served on more boards than any of my opponents — Community Appearance, Historic Preservation, Board of Adjustment, Planning and Zoning, along with other commission-appointed committees, including:
EMS Ad Hoc Committee, Infrastructure Task Force, Noise Committee and Las Olas Mobility. All of my volunteer experience on all the boards and committees makes me the most knowledgeable and experienced candidate for the position of City Commissioner.
Which single endorsement do you have from an individual or organization that you would most like voters to know?
Vice Mayor Ben Sorensen
List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
Broward Community College 1972-1975 Registered Nursing Program
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Real Estate Broker at ReMax
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
NO
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
NO
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
Everything I have done up to now in service of the city and my neighborhood has prepared me for a seat on the City Commission. I have been deeply invested over the past four decades to make Fort Lauderdale the best place it can be. In the more than 50 years I have lived here, I have watched it transform from a sleepy small town — reliant on tourist dollars and spring break revenue — to a world-class city. I have not just watched from the sidelines, but have rolled up my sleeves and volunteered to help make it happen.
My experience and knowledge of how the City functions gives me a decisive edge in this race because I won’t need to be trained on the job. My service began at the neighborhood level in Colee Hammock, where I formed the HOA to fight rezoning and traffic issues detrimental to our residents. Most recently, I served as Chairperson of the City’s Planning and Zoning Board, Vice Chair of the Noise Committee and member of the Infrastructure Task Force. I recently resigned all three positions in order to run for office.
I served as President of the Council of Civic Associations, was a founding board member of the HAC on 7th Avenue, and a founding member of the Broward County Sexual Assault & Treatment Center along with former Broward County State Attorney Mike Satz.
I have dedicated countless number of hours to my city while also working full-time as an RN, medical sales associate and real estate professional. I am retiring from work so that I can fully dedicate 100% of my time to serving my constituents in District 4 and the entire city.
The City of Fort Lauderdale has so many worthy goals and initiatives already in process. We need someone from District 4 who can come in with a running start and lead from Day 1. My institutional knowledge and experience on city boards will be invaluable to a new Commission.
I am running because I am passionate, dedicated and invested — and I am well prepared for this next big step to lead.
