Fort Lauderdale’s District 2 Rivals Face Off At Forum Over Development, Homeless, Train Bridge

Fort Lauderdale voters got a preview of the District 2 commission candidates running in the Nov. 5 election during a lively forum hosted by the Fort Lauderdale Council of Civic Associations. The forum, moderated by South Florida Sun Sentinel Deputy Opinions Editor Dan Sweeney, allowed candidates to share their perspectives on controversial topics that included downtown development, the homeless crisis and the debate over whether the county should build a bridge or tunnel to get commuter trains across the New River. District 2 includes 24 neighborhoods from the beach to Las Olas, Victoria Park, Sailboat Bend and downtown’s Flagler Village. Voters who live in the district will have three choices: Chad Van Horn, a bankruptcy attorney making his first run for office; Charlotte Rodstrom, a former Fort Lauderdale commissioner seeking a return to office; and retired teacher Steve Glassman, the incumbent. The winner will initially earn a yearly salary of $88,500.