It has taken a while, but Coral Springs Commissioner Roy Gold has finally been granted his wish.
Gold, who was recently re-elected unopposed to the commission, will replace Commissioner Ted Mena as the city's representative in the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). The organization, established in 1977 by the State Legislature, has 19 members and is responsible for transportation planning in the county.
"I've wanted this position for four and a half years now," Gold said. "One of issues I will be fighting for is the extension of University Drive. It's not an easy fight, but it is an important one for the city.I will fight to do the right thing."
"University Drive was always planned to go through," Gold said. "Extending the road will benefit the region a great deal. But recently, we have heard reports of Palm Beach County officials holding talks with Florida Department of Transportation and trying to prevent the road from going through. That is disheartening. All of us had agreed to a process and now, the issue is being discussed without Broward MPO being on the table."
Gold will represent the city well in the MPO, Mena said. "He has been very active in pushing for extension of University Drive. He has the time, ability and the knowledge to do a great job. However, he will have to watch out for the politicking that goes on behind the scenes."