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Marty and Kelly Kiar with their daughters

By: Sharon Aron Baron

Over the years, residents in the Woodlands Country Club have had neighbor Ilene Lieberman serving as Broward County Commissioner who they could turn to for help in getting things done quickly and efficiently. This changed after term limits were established, and after 16 years, she had to step down.

Fortunately, our community couldn’t have had a better replacement than Martin “Marty” Kiar.

“I am very pleased to have Marty Kiar be my successor on the Board of County Commissioners,” said Ilene Lieberman.

Before becoming a State Representative, Kiar was Lieberman’s appointment to the Broward County Housing Authority, where she said he worked diligently on housing issues. “Marty reads his stuff. He asks questions and is extremely hardworking.”

Do you remember voting for Kiar last November? Probably not.

Victory party with Sunrise Commissioner Joseph Scuotto, Property Appraiser Lori Parrish and Broward County Commissioner Marty Kiar

That’s because he won his seat uncontested. His competitors dropped like flies, probably because they couldn’t keep up with him. Marty not only covers the Woodlands, his district also encompasses parts of Davie, Weston, Sunrise, Plantation and Lauderhill. Kiar spent months on the campaign trail knocking on every door he could, even in the rain. He may even have knocked on yours.

He won uncontested the summer of 2012, along with Property Appraiser Lori Parrish, and I was thrilled to be at their celebration party.

“It has truly been an honor to represent the Woodlands on the Broward County Commission,” said Kiar. “The homes in the Woodlands are beautiful and it is a wonderful place to live, raise a family, play and to retire.”

I remember Kiar back in 2004, when I was a homeowner in Davie and he would stop by our HOA meetings during his first run for the state house. It was in 2006 that he successfully won the seat. He looked like he was 12 years old. Looking back now, I now realize he was only 27 back then.

Kiar still exudes that youthful energy, and is genuinely interested in others. Not only his community, but the county as a whole. At a recent Democratic Club Meeting, he told the residents in attendance that he represents every city in Broward County, not just those in his district, because all of his decisions as a commissioner have an impact on everyone.

Kiar was born in Pembroke Pines in 1977, and is a lifelong resident of Broward County. He comes from a family of dedicated community activists. His father, Monroe Kiar, is a former council member and Mayor of the Town of Davie. His mother Mariann Kiar is a retired school principal and his brother Marc Kiar is a school teacher and athletic director here in Broward County. His sister Casey Kiar Lee is a business woman and dedicated community activist in Broward County.

Kiar graduated from Western High School in Davie and then went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University. He then attended Law school at Nova Southeastern University.

After graduating from law school, Kiar was appointed to and served on the Town of Davie School Advisory Board, the Town of Davie Airport Advisory Board and the Broward County Housing and Finance Authority. He also worked as the Assistant Town Attorney and Assistant Municipal Prosecutor for the Town of Davie.

Martin Kiar being sworn in by his father Monroe

In 2006, Kiar was elected to serve in the Florida House of Representatives. He was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2008 and in 2010.

Kiar is happily married to his wife Kelly and they have two daughters, Brianne and Camryn. Camryn was born right around the time Kiar was running for office so him and Kelly had a lot on their plate in 2012. If you ever invite Marty out to an event, keep in mind that he really loves to be home in time to read to his little girls. The girls run the show in his family and as a young father, he wants to savor every minute with them.

Here’s why Kiar had so much energy while campaigning and still does today: He runs 10 miles everyday, and is currently training for the ING Miami Marathon in February. His wife Kelly joins him too, and they run half marathons together. He also uses the P90X workout program at home and lifts weights five days a week. “I also try to eat healthy, except I can’t give up coffee, diet coke and ketchup. I love working out and staying in shape.”

If residents have a question for the Commissioner, they can reach him at 954-357-7001 or email him at mkiar@broward.org. You will be pleased to see how quickly his office will respond to you or direct you to the department that you need to be in touch with. Make sure you tell him that you are a Woodlands resident.