County Commissioner Lynda Bell delivered her first State of the District Address joined by over 400 residents, elected officials, business leaders, and community activists at the magnificent South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

“I was honored to have had the opportunity to address the residents of my district in outlining where we have been as a county, where we are today, and where we are going as we strive toward a better, more prosperous tomorrow for all our residents,” said Commissioner Bell.

In her remarks, Commissioner Bell outlined her first-year accomplishments to streamline local government - making it more efficient, transparent, accountable and more responsive to the needs of the residents it represents. Furthermore, Commissioner Bell announced new, groundbreaking ethics legislation directed at County lobbyists, County employees, and former County elected officials after they leave office. Commissioner Bell is also taking aim at the continued high unemployment rate by introducing new initiatives and strategies intended to reduce the unnecessary bureaucratic “red tape,” and the time it takes for small and large businesses to open their doors in Miami-Dade. These measures would provide the necessary jobs our residents need to support their families and grow us out of the worst economic climate in decades.

The event was moderated by CBS4 News Anchor Eliott Rodriguez and entertainment was provided by the talented young students at the Greater Miami Youth Symphony Chamber Ensemble and the Devon Aire K-8 Center Chorus.