By Judy Wilson | Associate Editor
Lighthouse Point – Ten citizens ranging from a former commissioner to the business partner of the late mayor Glenn Troast are asking for a chance to serve the city.
Commissioners are set to fill the vacant seat on their board April 25 when they will interview the candidates culled at a meeting scheduled for today [April 20] at 6:30 p.m. The commission vacancy occurred when Commissioner Kyle Van Buskirk was elevated by the commission to the role of mayor after Troast’s death. The person selected to fill his commission seat will serve until the next municipal election in 2024.
In alphabetical order, the applicants who filed by the April 19 deadline are: Maureen Canada, CEO of the Lighthouse Point Marina and former member of the board of Broward Health. “I will advance fiscally sound, responsible and compassionate public policy,” she said.
Tara Deering, office manager for a Boca Raton CPA firm with a background in commercial finance, said, “My background in the commercial and financial industry will be a great asset to the community.”
Troy Ganter, president of Papa’s Raw Bar, commodore of the Lighthouse Point Yacht Club and candidate in the March election, said, “Regarding the selection method: Opening up this process to the community is unfair to the candidates [in the March election], and the voters.”
Susie Gordon, commissioner here for 12 years and president of the Friends of the Lighthouse Point Library for 22 years, said, “I would have a very short learning curve to get up to speed and if chosen will not run in the next election.”
Everett Marshall, a retired trucking company manager who has run twice for the commission and sits on the mayor’s recreation advisory board, said, “Communication and responsiveness are very important to the operation of government and I support all ways to accomplish this for our residents.”
Jeanne Nouss, Troast’s business partner at TN Partners and member of the city’s community appearance board and code enforcement board, said, “Having observed Glenn, I am well aware of the responsibilities this position entails.”
Dominic Romano, an attorney and commercial real estate investor and youth sports coach, said, “We need to balance the needs and wants of long-time residents versus those of new residents.”
Kateryna Spalma, realtor and member of the Lighthouse Point Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our city is small enough to grow in a meaningful way that brings fiscal responsibility, exceptional service and a healthy environment to all.”
Abby Stafford, CFO of Tiresoles of Broward, who ran against Commissioner Jason Joffe in the March election and who is on the Broward County Republican Executive Committee, said, “I have been working with individuals and business owners for years to refine their benefits. I can harness those skills to help my city.”
James Terlizzi, retired owner of a successful New Jersey printing company and former deputy mayor of Weehawken with a background in communications, said, “I seek this office based on my government experience and public relations background. Being retired affords me time to properly serve in office.”
For more complete backgrounds on the applicants, visit the city’s website.
Leave a Reply