Update on our Elected Officials

Martin Kiar being sworn in as Vice Mayor of Broward County by his father Monroe Kiar. Photo by
Mark O’Loughlin.

By: Sharon Aron Baron

There weren’t many changes after the 2014 elections affecting our community, although one commissioner was finally elected after serving on and off for several years in an appointed position.

City Commissioner Michelle Gomez who won with 69 percent of the vote was appointed to replace suspended commissioner Patte Atkins-Grad the first time back in 2010 and replaced her a second time in 2013 after Atkins-Grad resigned rather than face a recall election. Gomez spent a year as Vice Mayor but passed over becoming Mayor after Beth Talabisco was resuspended by Governor Rick Scott, saying she wanted to concentrate on her own district instead.

Tamarac commissioners celebrate after the swearing in. ceremony. Photo by the City of Tamarac.

Woodmont resident Harry Dressler won the mayoral race after being a city commissioner since 2006, and most recently being appointed to the position of mayor after Gomez declined.  He won his election with 63 percent of the vote. 

Both Mayor Dressler and Commissioners Gomez and Debra Placko who ran unopposed, were sworn-in on November 17, at City Hall.

On November 18, Broward County Commissioner Martin Kiar, District 1 which represents the Woodlands as well as parts of Davie, Weston, Sunrise, Plantation and Lauderhill was sworn in as the new Vice Mayor of Broward County.  Kiar ran unopposed back in 2012 and replaced Woodlands resident Ilene Lieberman who was term limited.

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.”

Commissioner Tim Ryan will now serve as Mayor, replacing Barbara Sharief.  

Kiar was born in Pembroke Pines and is a lifelong resident of the County. In 2006, he was elected to serve in the Florida House of Representatives, and was re-elected in 2008 and 2010. If residents have a question for him, they can reach him at 954-357-7001, or email him at mkiar@broward.org. His staff is extremely responsive and will answer your questions 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.