Elections to elect mayors and city commissioners are scheduled for the cities of Miramar, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Deerfield Beach and Pembroke Park on March 12. However, as seen in past city elections, residents in these cities, with some exception in Miramar, either seem disinterested, or unaware elections are being held in a few days’ time This could mean another situation of low voter turnout.
The elections scheduled are for city commissioners for District A – City of Coconut Creek; District 1- City of Deerfield Beach; District 4 – City of Pembroke Park: District 4 – City of Miramar; and mayors for the cities of Coconut Creek and Miramar.
Interest more intense in Miramar
Interest in Miramar elections appear more keen among the city’s large Caribbean American community. This is not surprising as that city’s commission is comprised entirely of Caribbean Americans or individuals of Caribbean American Heritage.
Caribbean American candidates
Three candidates of Caribbean American Heritage, former Miramar commissioner Alexandra Davis, Leo Gillings, and Barbara Delores Ingram are challenging incumbent commissioner Darline Riggs for the District 4 seat
Dennis Hinds
Initially there were four challengers, but Dennis Hinds subsequently suspended his candidacy to attend to “urgent family matters.” However, he told CNW he’s supporting Alexandra Davis to win the seat as “she is the strongest of the remaining candidates. She has the experience, understands the needs of the city and I fully support her” He also predicted “I will be back to contest a future city election.”
CNW found that residents of East Miramar, located east of University Drive are more interested in upcoming elections then residents living in the western sections of the sprawling city
East Miramar needs special attention
Lascelles Bodden, a East Miramar for the past 27 years, says political interest in the eastern region is usually high as “there’s a lot of work is needed in this area. We need commissioners who’ll focus on residential needs, and business development in East Miramar also referred to Historic Miramar. The City has expanded far west bordering I-75 over the years, but while the west is thriving with beautiful homes, apartments, landscape and businesses, the east has been pretty much left behind”
Darline Rriggs (incumbent)
Riggs was elected to the Miramar Commission in 2015. A resident of Miramar for the past 29 years she grew up in East Miramar, and although she is committed to the development of the entire city, during her time on the commission she has advocated for the restoration on the east side and was instrumental in organizing the Historic Miramar Advisory Board.
Alexandra Davis
Although she left the Miramar Commission in 2014 to challenge another Broward Commissioner Barbara Sheriff for her seat on the Broward County Commission, Alexandria Davis, appear to have the most name recognition among city voters, This is her second attempt to regain her seat on the commission, and judging from the opinions of voters she seems to have the best chance to unseat Riggs. “Miss Davis understand the situation between east and west” said Eulalee Masters who lives just west of University Drive, “but judging from past tenure on the commission I think she want a balanced city where everyone benefits.”
Davis has indicated she wants equal distribution of businesses between east and west, and develop parks and recreational areas in the east that are on par with those in the west. Davis believes, “Every resident of Miramar must benefit from, and be proud of living in the city, wherever they live.”
Leo Gillings
Leo Gillings, an accountant, and educational advocate is a relative new comer to Miramar having been residing there for the less than three years. He is, however, fully committed to serving the city if elected. He has served on the city’s Parks and Recreation Board and Miramar’s Sister City Exploratory Committee
As a resident he’s concerned about rising property taxes, and if elected would like the city to focus on creating new and alternative revenue sources, and attract more businesses.
Barbara Ingram
Barbara Delores Ingram is a long time Miramar resident, who is new to the city’s political scene. In a recent candidate forum she expressed her love and commitment for the entire city and all its residents, She wants to be elected and be involved in providing the residents with more, better paying, jobs; reduce property taxes, and ensure safe neighborhoods with efficient recreational facilities.
Mayor Wayne Messam
Even before the election, based on the opinion of the majority of voters, Wayne Messam’s reelection as Miramar’s Mayor seem a done thing. The general opinion is that “he is doing a good job” Hardly anyone seem to know what issues his opponent Josue Larose stands for, or even who he is.
