Haines City continues to be well-represented on the Florida League of Cities’ (FLC) five Legislative Policy Committees.
The latest appointment is James Keene, the city’s Director of Public Infrastructure. Keene has been appointed to FLC’s Utilities, Natural Resources & Public Works Committee for 2021-22.
Legislative Policy Committee chairs, vice-chairs, and members were appointed by FLC’s incoming president, Lakeland Commissioner Phillip Walker. Keene has served on the committee since 2016.
As a Legislative Policy Committee member, Keene will help develop FLC’s Legislative Action Agenda, which details priority issues that are most likely to affect daily municipal governance and local decision-making during the upcoming legislative session. He’ll also help FLC staff understand the real-world implications of proposed legislation. Committee members are also asked to serve as advocates for local decision-making throughout the legislative process.
“It’s an honor to represent and serve as a voice for Haines City,” Keene said. “I look forward to working with fellow members to address the current and future water and wastewater needs that affect our residents here in Haines City and across the state of Florida.”
A Licensed Water Operator and member of the Florida Rural Water Association, Keene has 13 years of experience in public infrastructure and has served as director in Haines City since 2019. Prior to his arrival, Keene held the same position in Frostproof.
Keene becomes the third Haines City representative to be appointed to a 2021-22 Legislative Policy Committee. Mayor Morris West was previously appointed to the Land Use and Economic Development Committee. Commissioner Anne Huffman was appointed to the Transportation & Intergovernmental Relations Committee.
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, which are formed and governed by their citizens. The League believes in “Local Voices Making Local Choices,” which focuses on the impact citizens and city leaders have in improving Florida’s communities. For more information, visit flcities.com.