By: Sharon Aron Baron
The Tamarac City Commission held their first day of interviews for the open District Four position, where the first seven candidates had their chance in the hot seat.
On January 17, Mayor Beth Talabisco, who was suspended by Governor Rick Scott, was replaced by District Four Commissioner Harry Dressler. This left an empty commission seat in that district. A notice advertising the open position was published, and eleven candidates applied for the job.
Although the individuals being interviewed may believe this position is only temporary because they will only serve until the Mayor is either returned to the office by the Governor or until November 2014, whichever is sooner, they have the option to run for the District Four seat. Even if they do not win the seat, they can still open a campaign account and run for office in November.
Once the interviews are completed on Wednesday, the commission will vote to bring back finalists for a final interview on Thursday. The one they choose will be sworn in immediately.
Phyllis Bonfoey is a Part-time Payroll Clerk at Nova Southeastern University has experience being on the Spring Lake HOA. She also volunteers on the Tamarac Historical Society.
Debra Placko is retired from working at JByrons for 15 years and lives in Woodmont. She’s currently Co-President of the Woodmont Property Owners Association.
Ken Fink, who formerly worked with the Florida Mortgage Center, lives in Woodmont and has sat on many boards in the past.
Diane Friedman, formerly in the healthcare and teaching industry, lives in Woodmont. She holds a B.S. from FIU.
Frederick Paul Shaffer retired from the Coral Springs PD as a Deputy Chief of Police in 1995 and from Lauderhill as a captain in 2012 and lives in Woodmont. Managed budget, property and evidence management, major projects manager, which included bringing the concept of “City Hall in the Mall” to Coral Square Mall. Shaffer also holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Management from the University of Louisville.
Kathleen Subbolo is a Commercial Realtor for Coldwell Banker. She is also a member of the Tamarac Chamber. She lives in Woodmont.
Harold Lee Viverette worked as a Staff Field Appraiser for RELS Valuation and currently lives in Woodmont. He is the President of the Woodmont Property Owners Association.
Ronald Friedman, a practicing attorney, and accountant lives in Woodmont. He is a board member of Woodmont Greens and a 14-year member of the Woodmont Homeowners Association. Friedman graduated from Lehigh University with a B.S. in Business Administration. He graduated from Brooklyn Law School and received his JD.
James Griffin, Retired department of Justice Court Administrator who lives in Woodmont. He also serves on the City’s Planning Board. Griffin received his B.S. from Suffolk University and his MPA from the Kennedy School of Government.
Guido Ciervo is an Environmental Health Specialist with the Florida Department of Health. A former Marine with combat duties in Vietnam lives in the Woodmont community and holds a Bachelor in Business Administration from FAU.
Noreen Abrams is a Promotions Coordinator at Tri-City Trading, Inc. in Pompano. She is currently Vice-Chair of the Broward Soil and Water Conservation District. She holds a B.A. in Theatre Arts from Long Island University and lives in Woodmont.
