City Officials Honored with 2017 Home Rule Hero Award

Commissioners Ziffer and Maddox recognized for Outstanding Advocacy during 2017 Legislative Session

July 07, 2017

City of Tallahassee Commissioners Gil Ziffer and Scott Maddox were recently honored by the Florida League of Cities as recipients of 2017 Home Rule Hero Awards. These local government officials earned this prestigious recognition for their tireless efforts to advance the League's legislative agenda and help protect the home rule authority of Florida's cities during the 2017 regular legislative session.

Home Rule is the ability for a city to establish its own form of government and enact ordinances, codes, plans and resolutions without prior state approval ensuring that the needs of a community are respected. The Home Rule Hero Award recipients are local government officials – both elected and nonelected – who consistently responded to the League's request to reach out to members of the legislature and help give a local perspective to an issue.

"Our Home Rule Heroes are shining examples of local advocacy in action," said Boca Raton Mayor and Florida League of Cities President Susan Haynie. "These dedicated municipal officials take time out of their busy schedules to cultivate relationships with their legislators and help them understand the issues that are most important to their constituents back home. Thank you for all you do to help protect Home Rule and preserve the quality of life in your city."

Founded in 1922, the Florida League of Cities is the united voice for Florida's municipal governments. Its goals are to promote local self-government and serve the needs of Florida's cities. Florida's cities are formed by their citizens and governed by their citizens. The League is founded on the belief that local self-government is the keystone of American democracy. For more information, visit floridaleagueofcities.com or Talgov.com.