Meet Rebecca Wakefield

Our Commissioner Ken Russell has a new chief of staff, I copped this picture from his Facebook page of Rebecca Wakefield. I'm not taking her "watch your step" warning to heart (see the sign) because she seems very charming and friendly.

 Rebecca started working for Ken on March 15, just two days ago.

I thought I had recognized her name from publications around town and she told me, "I have written for a wide variety of publications, but the one most people remember is the New Times, where I spent several years, covering everything from politics at the school district, city and county; the culture of black Miami; poverty in the City of Miami; various con men and women; South Beach and a captivating assortment of only-in-Miami characters (including the Mango Strut crew)."

Rebecca also wrote a political column for the Miami Sun Post, a community newspaper on Miami Beach.

She went on, "Ken Russell represents an incredibly diverse, active and engaged district. It's a district that must balance the needs of a growing downtown, evolving business community and residents who rightly expect a city that protects and enhances their quality of life.

"That's a lot of stuff. What I hope to do is simply to help our office and the city get better at providing the services folks are paying for. I think community engagement is critical at every level. Talking, listening and then doing."

Some of of the things Rebecca and the Commissioner's office have been working on lately in the Grove include affordable housing, protecting the tree canopy, development issues, youth initiatives. 

Welcome Rebecca!