Politics & Government
New Port Richey Mayor, City Clerk Named Home Rule Hero Award Recipients
The city of New Port Richey announces that the Florida League of Cities recognized the mayor and city clerk as Home Rule Heroes.
NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The city of New Port Richey announced that the Florida League of Cities has recognized Mayor Rob Marlowe and City Clerk Judy Meyers with its 2021 Home Rule Hero Award.
Marlowe and Meyers earned this prestigious award for their tireless efforts to advance the league’s legislative agenda and help protect the home rule powers of Florida’s cities during the 2021 Legislative Session. This is the third time Marlowe has received this award and the first for Meyers.
“These local officials went above and beyond during the 2021 Legislative Session,” said FLC Director of Legislative Affairs Casey Cook. “They made an extraordinary effort, were actively engaged and highly effective in their advocacy efforts. Even with all the various challenges present this year due to the pandemic, they stepped up. They engaged with legislators, shared their stories and made their voices heard, and it made a difference. On behalf of the league and its legislative team, it’s my sincere honor to recognize this year’s award recipients and thank them for their service.”
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Home rule is the ability for a city to address local problems with local solutions with minimal state interference. Home Rule Hero award recipients are local government officials, both elected and non-elected, who consistently responded to the league’s request to reach out to members of the Legislature and help give a local perspective on an issue.
“I am honored to be recognized again this year for advocating on behalf of our residents the importance of home rule," Marlowe said. "Our residents need to be reassured that their local elected leaders know the needs of our community better than state legislators. Legislation should not be a one-size-fits-all concept. What works in one community will not necessarily work in another.”
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“Decisions that directly affect the quality of life of our residents are best made by the government closest to the people," Meyers said. "That is what home rule is all about and why it should be protected and defended.”
Marlowe and Meyers received their awards at the Suncoast League of Cities' annual awards dinner on May 22 in St. Pete Beach.