Endorsements
Sun-Sentinel Article:
Hollywood
South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board
Posted February 2 2007
Mach the pick in District 4.
If ever a city commission needed some new blood and more trust among its citizens, it is the group in Hollywood. Voters will get a chance to add a new commission voice on Feb. 13, when a special election in the District 4 seat will be held to fill out the remaining 13 months of suspended Commissioner Keith Wasserstrom's term.
Of the five candidates, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel Editorial Board recommends voters choose political newcomer David Mach.
Mach, 30, is familiar to Hollywood residents after winning a highly-publicized eminent domain case against the city last year. He said he wants the city to be creative to attract developers, but to reduce incentives. He does want to increase grants and incentives to local businesses to maintain or improve properties.
Mach wants to improve the city's nuisance laws to fight crime, and wants to tighten the lobbying laws in the city. Part of the challenge for Mach would be to establish a positive working relationship with a commission that he battled against. If elected, his focus must be sound governance, not grinding axes.
Among Mach's rivals, Richard Blattner, 67, stands out. Blattner was elected to the Hollywood commission in 1994 and 1998. Blattner is a solid candidate. He said he is embarrassed by some of the things that have happened in Hollywood recently, and thinks he can bring a voice of reason and civility to the commission.
The other three candidates are: Karen Zemel, 45, a fundraising consultant; businessman Stephen Greenberger, 44; and Tommy Johnson, 34, a temporary instructor at North Miami Beach High.
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Endorsements
Miami Herald Article:
Opinion
Posted on Sat, Feb. 03, 2007
The Miami Herald recommends
OUR OPINION: FOR HOLLYWOOD COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 4
Hollywood's special election, set for Feb. 13, is to replace Keith Wasserstrom, who was suspended by former Gov. Jeb Bush last October after his indictment on corruption charges. If Mr. Wasserstrom is cleared, he could return to the commission. If not, this election's winner will serve a term that ends in March 2008.
Five candidates are vying: Richard ''Dick'' Blattner, a retiree and former city commissioner; Stephen Greenberger, owner of an advertising firm; Tommy A. Johnson, a substitute teacher and community activist; David Mach, a property manager; Karen Zemel, a professional fundraiser. There is some back story for two candidates. Ms. Zemel's husband represented a synagogue's successful federal lawsuit against the city for discrimination. Mr. Mach also was successful in his lawsuit to stop the city from taking his property by eminent domain for use by a private developer.
Mr. Blattner, 72; Mr. Mach, 30; and Ms. Zemel, 45, are the standout candidates. Our choice is for Mr. Mach. Although he is a political novice, Mr. Mach would bring a healthy dose of independence to the commission, which needs it. His staunch resistance to the city's eminent domain effort for his downtown building is evidence of his pluck and drive. The City Commission is notorious for its ties to lobbyists. Mr. Mach is one of several candidates in this race who aren't accepting lobbyists' contributions.
District 4, which is in northwest Hollywood, has upscale as well as modest neighborhoods. The district includes State Road 441 -- and a tiny section meanders all way up to Interstate 595.
Mr. Mach is not a one-issue candidate. He sees the big picture. For example, he likes the job that the city's two redevelopment agencies have done in revitalizing downtown and the beach. But he thinks the city tends to go overboard with free land and other incentives for developers. He wants to see the high-rise development downtown slow down long enough to learn how well current projects do on the market and what their impact is on traffic and services.
Meantime, Mr. Mach would like to shift some redevelopment attention to State Road 441.
Mr. Mach understands neighborhood issues. He wants to help Driftwood resolve its traffic problems and bring better street lighting to Hollywood Hills. He promises to push for more parks and recreation areas in the district.
For Hollywood Commission District 4, The Miami Herald recommends .
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