Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 9-13-19

Local
Councilman Says He’s Only Trying To Follow Through On Promises Made
BY GWEN HAYES Sentinel Editor
Council members will vote on the budget on Tuesday evening, 9-17
Tampa City Councilman Orlando Gudes has been get- ting accolades the past few weeks for the work he has been doing in the community. But,
when you ask him, he’s not doing any more than what he and other candidates promised on the campaign trail.
“When we were all cam- paigning, all promises were made as to what would be done for East Tampa. All the candi- dates said East Tampa should be the focal point. I’m trying to make sure my colleagues and I take care of the many neglects
that we were able to convince the administration of the items that need to be taken of.”
He added that a lot of what he’d like to have seen in the budget didn’t make the cut, and he has asked for a couple of items to be reconsidered.
Among the items planned for East Tampa are a new Fire Rescue Unit in East Tampa; and a cultural center at the Al Barnes (18th Ave.) Park. “People have been asking for a center at that park for many years,” he said.
According to Mayor Jane Castor, it’s going to cost at least $2 million to construct a
center at the park. After amend- ing, the 2019 budget could only contribute $1 million. Council- man Gudes said he’s going to see what can come from the East Tampa CRA budget, and he’s reaching out to Senator Darryl Rouson for additional help.
Councilman Gudes is en- couraging the community to come out on Tuesday, Sept. 17th, 5 p. m. to be involved in the budget discussion. “If you don’t come out and stay silent, you can’t complain about what hap- pens,” he said. “We want the in- volvement of the community,” he said.
CITY COUNCILMAN ORLANDO GUDES
that have taken place in East Tampa,” Councilman Gudes said. “I’m grateful to the guys
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