Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich swearing-in Julie Fishman in 2016. {photo by Sharon Aron Baron}
By: Saraana Jamraj
As residents set into a new reality due to the COVID-19, one Tamarac city commissioner is readjusting as well.
Commissioner Julie Fishman has suspended her campaign until at least April 1, due to being in self-quarantine after a work-related trip.
Elected in 2016, Fishman’s four-year term will be up in November for her current seat representing District 3.
Up until early March, she had been actively campaigning with the Kings Point Democratic Club, the Broward County Democratic Black Caucus, and the Hispanic Vote. But, with the emergence of COVID-19, Fishman felt it would be irresponsible to continue. She said her decision to suspend was based on reactions she felt towards other campaigns, and their reluctance to stop campaigning during this difficult time.
“I was turned off by the request for money at a time when many people are going to be severely financially impacted by the current crisis,” Fishman said.
Beyond asking for money during a time of great financial strain, she also wanted to stay away from the social aspect of campaigning.
The U.S. government offered new guidelines, and President Trump recently warned against groups of ten or more people socializing at a time in order to promote the distance necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“I couldn’t see holding parties or gatherings when we were being asked to not gather together,” Fishman said.
She made the decision while in Orlando while training with Florida League of Cities, however, after traveling to Washington D.C. for the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference, suspending the campaign became inevitable.
After arriving home, Fishman decided to self-quarantine because several other attendees had tested positive for the virus.
“Once I got back from D.C. and realized I needed to self-quarantine, it was even more important to suspend my campaign,” she said.
The commission has also canceled their upcoming workshop that was supposed to take place on March 23, and meeting that would have taken place on March 25—voting unanimously to do so.