Your next Commissioners

On 25 January, the Lloyd Estates Neighborhood Association held a Meet the Candidates forum at Collins Community Center. Four of the six candidates appeared in person, one appeared via video. The next municipal election has two open seats and is especially important as the City grapples with budget shortfalls and numerous capital improvements.

The candidates present were: Michael Carn, Larry Gierer, Shari McCartney, and 'Buddy' Helland. Each candidate had a few minutes on the stump to share their ideas, experience, and bio. 

Seat #2:

Mr. Carn began by talking about pensions in Harrisburg, Pa., and tying it into OP's pension issues. He said neighbors influenced him to run for election, then announced he was a leader with 18 years of economic development experience, before saying 'we deserve a place to go' when speaking about downtown. 

Ms. McCartney was next and started by calling Oakland Park 'Mayberry in the metropolis'. She espoused 'common sense decision making' regarding budget cuts, vowed to attract businesses with a welcoming philosophy and policy, and said Main Street has 'faltered'. She assured everyone she was not looking for a title, since she's happy with the title 'Mom'.

Mr. Mann was a no-show, apparently due to health reasons.

Seat #3:

Mr. Gierer started by reminding the audience he was a City Commissioner from 2001-2009. He was proud of the $70 million of infrastructure projects that were approved during his tenure, and claimed downtown would not attract any business until the infrastructure had been updated. He acknowledged the Value Place hotel controversy was 'an issue', cited the 7 public meetings addressing the project, and credited residents for uniting in protest. He closed with a promise to 'continue moving forward with positive results'.

Mr. Adornato did not appear in person due to a prior commitment, but had an assistant play a video message on a laptop for everyone. The message shared a promise to prioritize budget issues, public safety, smart growth choices, and attract business. He would not support places like Value Place coming to the city, wants to return Oak Tree Country Club to an active golf course, and 'strive(s) for building consensus'.

Mr. Helland began by saying he was born and raised here, and is raising his family here. He presented a dire picture of the state of Oakland Park by saying 'the City is broke', neighbors are out of work, and foreclosures are growing. He wants to bring jobs to the City, get personal with small business, and shrink the city government by cutting revenues. He proposed giving residents priority when filling government positions. Helland closed by saying being elected 'is not a step up, but a step down to servanthood.'

There was a common theme of 'accessibility' among all the candidates, they each touched on it. These forums are a way to become acquainted with candidates who otherwise aren't seen regularly at City meetings and events. There will be more before the election March 8.