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By: Sharon Aron Baron
He may not be well-known in Tamarac, but Dan Daley knows a thing or two about the city. As a city commissioner in Coral Springs, and former president of the Broward League of Cities, stepping up to be the next state representative representing the western part of Tamarac is a challenge Daley is ready to take.
In December, just one month after being reelected city commissioner, Daley announced he would be running for Jared Moskowitz’s seat in District 97 after Governor DeSantis appointed him director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management.
With a treasure trove of endorsements in his pocket including Congressman Ted Deutch, former State Rep. Jared Moskowitz, State Senators Lauren Book and Gary Farmer, Sunrise Mayor Michael Ryan and Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez, Daley has a jump start in big-name supporters before the April 9 primary.
On Wednesday, he held his first kick-off campaign in Coral Springs which included opening remarks by Tamarac Commissioner Julie Fishman.
Daley grew up in Coral Springs, is a graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland who went on to become the first college graduate in his family after attending Florida State University. During his time at FSU, former State Rep Ari Porth, who is both his mentor best friend, gave him an opportunity to work for him as his legislative aide.
After being elected to the Coral Springs city commission in 2012, Daley began attending law school at Nova Southeastern University, graduated and passed the bar. He currently works as corporate counsel for 13th Floor Homes.
“I am super-excited for this race. It is an honor to run to represent this district in the house.”
Daley’s plan was always to run for the seat down the road, however, once Moskowitz was tapped by the governor for the position, leaving the seat open, he had only a week’s worth of time to jump from one campaign to another. In only 21 days he has raised $75,000.
“With folks like Julie Fishman – we’ve already been out knocking on doors in Tamarac – in parts of the district I haven’t had the pleasure to represent.”
He said he wanted to be a fierce advocate for all of this district and that includes Tamarac, Sunrise and Plantation.
“So you’ll have a fighter in me just like Coral Springs has for the past six years.”
His number one priority in the district would be protecting and enhancing the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Public Safety Act.
“And here’s why I say ‘protect it’. There have already been bills filed this session to strip out some of the best provisions of that bill. That’s a problem. That wouldn’t happen on Jared Moskowitz’s watch and I can guarantee you it sure as hell won’t happen on mine.”
Another priority he discussed was the Everglades.
“There is a larger chunk of Everglades in this district than there are residents,” he said. “In the past couple years, it is a major issue in Florida. Not just preserving it, but also from a water quality standpoint. This needs to be brought front and center and I’m going to commit to do that.”
Third, Daley wants to make sure Broward gets their fair share.
“Tallahassee is notorious. We are one of the biggest donor counties in the state and we never seem to get any of that money back. Over the years, I’ve fought for the city of Coral Springs and I’m committing to you tonight that I’m going to be a fighter for northwest Broward County with your support.”
To run for State House District 97, Daley would have to resign from his seat on the city commission. He will be running as a Democrat in the June 18 general election.