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Affronti given JFK leadership award

Photo from United Voices for America

Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti, left, is congratulated by Ahmed Bedler, president of United Voices of America.

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By JOYCE McKENZIE

jmckenzie@tampatrib.com

Published: November 18, 2009

TEMPLE TERRACE - Mayor Joe Affronti believes in an open-line policy of communication with his constituents.

"Without that, various issues within our community can never be resolved," he said.

It is for that reason United Voices for America honored Affronti with its first John F. Kennedy Leadership Award during the organization's Nov. 8 luncheon.

Ahmed Bedier, founder and president of the organization - a young nonprofit, nonpartisan group dedicated to increasing minority participation in the political process - said Affronti personifies the leadership qualities of the nation's 35th president.

"Similar to John F. Kennedy, he makes himself accessible to people of all backgrounds and beliefs. That's a rarity for elected officials," said Bedier, who has known Affronti for several years. "I've always found Joe Affronti to be a man of his word."

In its effort to promote civic engagement among young people, the organization started a summer Capitol Leadership Academy. Close to 50 minority students from throughout Florida were given a behind-the-scenes look at state and local government operations and introduced to policymakers.

In his role as chairman of the county's Metropolitan Planning Organization, Affronti invited students from the academy to attend one of the MPO's summer sessions.

"He appreciates diversity and values giving back to the community in a selfless way," Bedier said.

Affronti was surprised and humbled to receive the award.

"I felt very honored," he said. "But, the more we communicate with each other, the better we'll be as a community."

Reporter Joyce McKenzie can be reached at (813) 731-8026.

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