By Selene Raj
Elvin Villalobos, a local realtor and business owner who once ran for mayor, announces his run for the Tamarac city commission — along with his intention to represent the wishes of the residents if he wins.
Villalobos, 35, noted how 2020 has transformed the world, and how it motivated him to step up and lead.
In recent months, he has seen a virus destroy families, economic uncertainty, loved ones experiencing long hours to get needed food, one of the greatest movements of Black Lives Matter, and how the death of George Floyd made it more apparent than ever that real leadership is needed.
Beyond the national issues that affect residents, he also wants to focus on and address the local issues impacting the people of Tamarac.
“Here locally we have projects doubling in cost such as Colony West, and we have housing projects affecting the green areas in communities where residents are fighting against,” said Villalobos, who opposed the 41 percent increase in costs for Colony West.
He also noted the tensions in Tamarac between police forces and communities, the abuse of wealth, surging debt, and the lives that are being affected.
Villalobos knows it takes teamwork to resolve these issues and serve the residents best, and he is eager to work with the commissioners and mayor to do what’s best for not just the individual districts, but for the city as a whole.
“I look forward to bringing unity to the dais, and support our city staff and personnel to fully serve the needs of the entire city,” he said.
A resident since 2015, Villalobos, wife Jacqueline Acevedo, and their two daughters live in Westwood 3.
He recently purchased the business he’s been working at, RE/MAX InterAction Realty, where he helps clients buy and sell homes, as well as lead community initiatives, such as local food and toy drives.
Villalobos believes this election will determine the fate of Tamarac for decades to come. He wants to ensure that residents can decide for themselves what kind of world and city they want their children to grow up in.
As a homeowner and a business owner in Tamarac, he and his family are wholly invested in Tamarac.
“I am running for commissioner because as my passion for community grows, as the love for people continues, and as I see more and more how much we need real leadership in our communities,” he said. “This is a step that God has instilled in my heart to accomplish.”
Before his announcement, it seemed as though Commissioner Julie Fishman might run unopposed, however, she now joins Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton, who is facing his own challenger.
District 3 includes the Kings Point and Westwood communities. Southgate Blvd is on the north, the Sawgrass Expressway on the west, Pine Island Road to the east, and West McNab Road to the south.
The qualifying period for the city commission is through June 12. The position has an annual salary of $57,177, including a $700 monthly car allowance. The election takes place on November 3.
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