Now that I’ve decided to formally step forward, I want to be crystal clear:
I was never hiding.
I started this editorial site because I was frustrated — angry at the direction of our city and the blatant disregard for our residents that emanates from some of our City Commissioners. This wasn’t about secrecy. It was a needed pressure valve. It was about creating a platform to speak truthfully without the constant threat of retaliation hanging over my head. It was about making sure the message was louder than the messenger.
I left breadcrumbs everywhere: the strong opinions I’ve held for years, the insider knowledge, references to my alma mater’s city, heck even the website hosting tied to my other businesses. Anyone seriously investigating could have figured it out. In fact, I hoped a few people would. But I wasn’t going to broadcast my name with a neon sign before I had the chance to learn what this passion project could be or before I knew for sure that I was all in with it.
The truth is, I’ve felt more emboldened with every post, not because of what I’ve written, but because of how many of you have responded. The support, the shared stories, the “keep going” messages, they’ve made it clear that this project tapped into something real.
When I posted the first editorial, I had no idea what kind of reaction to expect — whether five people would read it or five hundred (our unique user count almost exceeds that daily). I also didn’t know if I would even want to keep it going after a few posts. But the overwhelming support, the engagement, and the sense of community has strengthened my resolve beyond anything I imagined. It was incredibly telling after just the first post, and the momentum has only grown. As someone who has written professionally for years, it’s been amazing to finally find my voice as a Fort Lauderdale resident, not just as a lawyer or someone supporting a candidate as I have in the past.
Public service runs in my blood. My grandfather, Robert Serge, ran for the Fort Lauderdale City Commission in 1959. My father, John Rodstrom Jr., served on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission in the 80s, was appointed Mayor of Sunrise by the Governor to clean up after a corruption scandal, and later served as a Broward County Commissioner for the first 20 years of my life. My mother, Charlotte Rodstrom, served two terms as a Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner and twice as Vice Mayor.
Bottom: Alex Serge, Charlotte Rodstrom (my mother), Sara Turse
That background taught me that holding public office isn’t about titles or vanity projects. It’s about stewardship. It’s about acting as a fiduciary for the voters who trust you with their city — something too many of our current leaders have forgotten.
That’s why I started this website.
While I’ve written most of the content, this has never been a solo act. There are others directly involved who wish to stay anonymous. Importantly, FTL POLITICS is a collective voice of residents who care — people who provide story ideas, sources, outlines, and encouragement every step of the way. Together, we’re trying to shine a light where others have conveniently looked away. Contributors include close friends who have been part of my journey for a long time. They’re neighborhood activists, water conservationists, homeless advocates, friends, and everyday residents who are simply too stubborn to pack up and leave when the going gets tough, like myself.
And just to be clear, we are not a news outlet. This is a blog. It’s editorial, it’s opinionated, and yes, it can get personal. While we may “break news” from time to time, every post is written as a piece of commentary. This is my outlet to express my perspective on what’s happening in our city.
But I don’t expect you to take my word for it blindly. I believe strongly in backing up my opinions with facts, records, and real sourcing as I always have when I post anything online. My budget editorial, for example, links to over 17 separate sources. I’m trying to inform, to explain, and maybe, if I’m doing it well enough, to help you understand why I feel the way I do. Maybe you’ll even come to feel the same way. Fort Lauderdale has real problems, and we need to stop pretending otherwise. Being critical of the people responsible isn’t negativity. It’s accountability. And frankly, we need a lot more of it.
Now that my name is out there, the only thing that changes is the signature at the bottom (or top). The mission remains the same: tell the stories others won’t, expose the spin, challenge the bs, and fight for Fort Lauderdale.
Thanks for reading, sharing, and caring. I hope you’ll continue to follow along.
It’s going to be quite the ride.
John Ethan Rodstrom III
Founder & Chief Editor of FTL POLTICS
There is no way that there isnt corruption on a large scale going on at city hall and the greed involved cant be measured. Our governor and AG need to investigate how 3 people can just give away our city to developers and destroy our home. Zero lot lines and removing green spaces now guarantees flooding. Property taxes are insane and show no signs of slowing. Not with the city spending our money on non essential projects that no one has ever wanted. 2.2 million to paint 2 bridges?? Really?? No bid contracts?? Pickleball everywhere??? They know pickleball wont stand the test of time much like most of these projects. But the land will be gone and never return to the citizens it was given to. I could go on and on with how badly the city is being run. The rectal thermometer of consequences doesnt need to be lubricated. Someone at the Governors needs to start taking temperatures.
John,
You are the voice for so many of us residents. I applaud being these issues to light as many of us knew but did not have the proof.
Hopefully this will engage many others and collectively we can get some changes made. I was myself thinking last night city charter needs some changes maybe that is a start….
Thank you for sticking your neck out as this will not be an easy road for you. You and your family have always been what the city of Fort Lauderdale was about, integrity something that has now been forgotten
Thank you for your total commitment to the betterment of the Fort Lauderdale area.
God Bless You.
John,
I am a fan of transparency & participation in government. I like to say, “if you don’t have the time to get involved, make the time to stay informed.” Different people have different perspectives and different circumstances. I think your postings appeal to a broad spectrum as everyone cares about how their tax money is being spent and what our elected officials are doing.
We’ve only exchanged a few casual words in passing during the campaign, but based on your postings you definitely have a passion for community and civic activities and a knack for poking the political bear.
The workings of local committees, boards and even the commission is foreign to many. Agendas contain attachments which may require a law degree to understand and meetings are sometimes held at inconvenient times. I think residents need a vehicle, almost a clearinghouse to digest information that is relevant to them. And people need to understand what’s important to ALL of us.
I support citizen participation in local government. I think you do also and for that I commend your passion.
I wish you luck and much success in your endeavor… and I will keep reading.
As a long time resident and activist as a volunteer and a voice within this city, I applaud your efforts, and I appreciate you informing us about whatever it is you have become aware ! I am sickened with the loss of our public lands for back door deals. There is so much going on within this city that it takes us all to voice what we think we see and research to make sure it’s credible thought.
Thank you John, and Yes, keep on posting! I was part of the Save Snyder Park movement. Now that the Pickleball stadium has taken over a large part of the landscaped area of Snyder Park, the children, the wild animals, the Disc golf players as well as the disc playing greens are gone. The city gave up on providing civilized bathrooms years ago in Snyder Park, and with advent of the stadium, they have also removed all the historic references to the gifting of the land by the Snyder family.
When I heard that now, the “city” wants to remove the beach basketball courts to appease the developer across the street, I was floored. Does a developer again get to rob the citizens of their natural and historic playground? Will the “city” again say tourists are more important than the residents, the people who pay their salaries and vote?
I not only say NO, I say HELL NO!
Thank you, John Rodstrom, lead the way!
Terrific!