Tamarac Commission Challenger Krystal Patterson and Incumbent Elvin Villalobos. {Sharon Aron Baron}
The Kings Point Democratic Club hosted a Q&A session on Wednesday afternoon featuring incumbent District 3 Commissioner Elvin Villalobos and challenger Krystal Patterson.
The event, moderated by the club’s former president, Mona Malbranch, allowed both candidates to present their platforms and respond to questions submitted by the club and its members.
Elvin Villalobos, who has served as District 3 Commissioner since 2020, opened by sharing his journey into local politics. Villalobos said his work as a commissioner has been beyond part-time work because there are so many active residents here.
“I always feel overprotective over my residents. That’s why it makes me feel — how do I help? What am I going to do to improve the lives of our residents?”
He said he returned to school in 2014 and graduated in 2017 with honors in political science. Prior to that, he was involved in political events. “That’s what got my interest in it. In 2015, I moved to Tamarac, and that’s when I began the transition from Miami to Broward County.”
Krystal Patterson (formerly Cordo) is the executive director of the West Perrine Community Redevelopment Agency. She rose through the ranks at the City of North Miami Beach to become director of code enforcement and is an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University. She introduced herself by discussing her extensive background in public administration.
“I’m excited to share more about myself and my platform,” Patterson said. She highlighted her commitment to public service, noting, “I’m passionate about public service. This isn’t a job; this is not a paycheck. This is what I do. This is what my family does.” She added that she didn’t have a degree in political science. “I have a master’s in public administration. I know how to run an organization.”
One of the more contentious topics was the recent deal involving Shaker Village, where Villalobos defended his opposition to the agreement.
In 2023, Tamarac Talk reported the city’s controversial plan to buy the dilapidated Shaker Village Clubhouse.
”My vote was [a] constant no. Just because it’s a common ground area —— the association’s responsibility,” Villalobos said, expressing concerns about financial sustainability and potential conflicts of interest among commissioners.
When asked if she would be as visible and accessible as the current commissioner, Patterson responded.
“I think that as bureaucrats and as directors and department heads, we’re really the ones that do the work,” she said, adding that elected officials often engage the community because “they’re looking to be re-elected.’
“Folks that work in the administration engage the community because they’re trying to do the work. And I’m coming here from a leadership position. I’m not your average…I’m not here to be a politician. I’m here to bring leadership to this community… I will be engaged and involved.”
Villalobos was asked how he would respond to accusations and allegations in Tamarac Talk.
The moderator confused Tamarac Talk with Marlon Bolton’s website, “Tamarac Post,” where Bolton writes vicious stories about those he dislikes while only writing glowing stories about himself.
“Just to clarify, Tamarac Talk has been a platform used by Sharon Aron Baron for the past 10… 11 years while watching the meetings and [reporting] actual facts. There’s a distinction between Tamarac Talk and Tamarac Post, he said.
“Tamarac Post, we have now confirmed that it is operated by one of our commissioners on the dais (Marlon Bolton). And he is using it to maliciously attack my integrity. “
He explained most recently, Bolton photoshopped a photo of him.
“But he altered the picture to put a bottle of whiskey and the image behind the actual image. It goes on to say that I was drinking with the lobbyist like the investigation was just me, me, me, me. Which we know is not true. If you look at the actual investigation, you will read in between the lines.”
Villalobos added that every single article on TamaracPost.com has been altered and is misleading.
“I just had a gentleman today who believed the picture from today was real. And this is the type of leadership we currently have on our commission. This type of leadership [Marlon Bolton] makes me get a little bit roused up because you folks don’t need to be hearing this.”
“When commissioners [Bolton] are behind a blog, and they send out emails constantly attacking one person, we have a problem.”
The talk concluded with both candidates outlining what sets them apart. Villalobos highlighted his experience and dedication to the community.
“That’s what inspires me to run to fight,” he told the audience.
Patterson pointed to her professional credentials and passion for leadership.
“What sets me apart is not only my institutional knowledge, not only my personal experience with government, and definitely not only my professional experience but my heart and my passion for service.”
Got News? Send it to Tamarac Talk. Don’t Miss Reading NW Broward County’s #1 News Sites: Margate Talk, Coral Springs Talk, Coconut Creek Talk, and Parkland Talk.
Author Profile
Latest entries
EventsDecember 5, 2024Tamarac Holds Hazardous Waste Disposal Event December 7
Crime & SafetyDecember 4, 2024Tamarac Crime Update: Fraud, Battery, and Retail Thefts Lead Week’s Reports
NewsDecember 4, 2024Broward Health North Hosts Christian Life Academy Students for Educational Tour
EventsDecember 3, 2024Tamarac North Lauderdale Chamber Hosts Denim & Diamonds Holiday Party
