The Florida League of Cities has recognized Destin Mayor Scott Fischer and City Manager Carisse LeJeune with its 2017 Home Rule Hero Award. Both Fischer and LeJeune 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 2017 regular legislative session.
The awards were presented to Fischer and LeJeune at the Northwest Florida League of Cities quarterly dinner in Fort Walton Beach on Thursday, July 20.
“Because local government is closest and most relatable to the people, it only makes sense for our cities to have the legislative flexibility to help our citizens,” said Fischer. “I applaud the Florida League of Cities for working to keep Home Rule in our state, and I am honored to be able to take part in this effort.”
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. 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.
“It is our responsibility as local government officials to make sure our legislators are educated and knowledgeable of the impacts that proposed legislation has on cities,” said LeJeune. “It is my honor to work with the dedicated staff at the Florida League of Cities, and I am humbled by this award.”