By Dessalines Ferdinand
Tamarac is a city in Broward County, Florida, spanning over 12 miles, with a current population of 74,191 residents. It is the 48th largest city in the Sunshine State, and the 531st largest city in the United States. According to the most recent ACS, the racial composition of this city is made up of 36.3% White (Non-Hispanic), 28.98% Black or African American, 20.6% White (Hispanic), 6.60% two or more races, 4.97% other race, and 2.53% Asian.
This largely middle class community adjoins the cities of Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill and Sunrise on its southern borders, North Lauderdale to its north, and Fort Lauderdale to its east.
Assisting sitting Mayor Michelle J. Gomez in the governance of Tamarac is a four- member commission. A representation of the growth of the black community in the city, there are now two black members seated on the once all-white commission. These are: Commissioner Marlon Bolton, a Jamaican-American who made history when he was elected as the first black commissioner in 2016, representing District 1, and Haitian-American Commissioner Mike Gelin, representing District 2 elected in 2018. The other commissioners are Elvin Villalobos, District 3, and Debra Placko, District 4.
Vice-Mayor Mike Gelin, who is the son of Haitian immigrants, is challenging the sitting mayor in the upcoming November 8 elections. Gomez was elected mayor in November 2018 after occupying the Commission District 2 seat from July 2010 to November 2018.
Mayor Gomez in running her re-election campaign on the credo, “Putting Tamarac First. Choose Experience & Integrity.” According to Gomez, Tamarac needs a proven leader they can trust. She said she is not afraid to make the tough calls to ensure the city and its residents always come first.
However, an article published on the website, tamaracpost.com, written by Maria Colson, entitled, “Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez: Most Corrupt Mayor in Broward County?” questioned the integrity of the first citizen of this Broward County city.
The article reflected the point of view of the first city’s black commissioner, Jamaican-American Marlon Bolton. It is stated in the article: The fact is, I have been fighting the good fight to reduce wasteful spending in my city for years and I led an effort to reduce our property taxes to the lowest point in years. Taxes are still high in Tamarac and I vow to decrease it even lower.
The fact is, among the first actions Michelle Gomez took after being elected Mayor, was NOT to decrease Tamarac taxes, but increased her salary to one of the highest in the county and refused to lower it as residents suffered during Covid, bought new office furniture, and then changed her office carpet simply because she didn’t like Harry Dressler (the former Mayor)? I think that’s wasteful spending!
Gelin presents himself as a ‘champion for the people’s causes, not the developers or himself.’ He is running on the credo: “Bring Transparency and Accountability Back to City Hall.”
The Vice Mayor says he understands the importance of serving the community and has volunteered in a variety of capacities. The Haitian-American candidate has a list of five priorities for the city of Tamarac, including protecting seniors who make up 30% of the city’s population, lowering property taxes; reducing crime; establishing an education committee; and generating quality jobs.
“Tamarac should truly be a place that you can live, work, and play and retire,” he said. “The only element missing from this is the “work” part. Tamarac is a great location with easy access to the Turnpike, I-95, 869 etc. We need a Mayor that can tout our strengths to the business community so we can offer local jobs to our residents.”
Gelin has received many endorsements from powerful local organizations, such as the Broward Democratic Party, FLIC Votes, The Collective Political Action Committee, and Florida Rising.
Son of Haitian immigrants, Mike and his family moved more than two decades ago to Florida from Brooklyn, New York in search of a better life.
Gelin earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, studied abroad at the University of Ghana in West Africa and American InterContinental University in London, England. His diverse experience has prepared him to work with the diverse population that reflects the city of Tamarac. He currently enjoys a successful career as an insurance professional.
He is a small business owner and has been in business for five years. As Vice President at CBIZ, one of his major roles has been to cultivate relationships with small and large businesses. As part of his job, he routinely meets and networks with chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), and entrepreneurs.
Mike is a dedicated public servant who is proudly raising his family in the Tamarac community. As mayor, he wants to root out corruption and build a community that works for everyone. If elected on November 8, he will make history as Tamarac’s First Haitian-American mayor and first Haitian-American mayor in a city located in Broward County.
Mike Gelin is married with one son and has lived in Tamarac for 13 years. He enjoys reading, running in local 5K races, serving as a volunteer coach and playing in recreational basketball leagues.
If there has ever been a candidate who represents all the best of our Haitian-American community in South Florida and the United States, Mike Gelin sits right at the top. It is exciting to witness so many wonderful Haitian-American candidates making headway in local and regional politics throughout Florida. Mike’s impressive education, background, dedication to his family, and love of the Tamarac community highlights an immense amount of good the people of this great city would gain by electing him as their new Mayor.
This coming Tuesday, November 8, Election Day, those living in Tamarac would do themselves and their city proud by choosing Mike Gelin. For those not in Tamarac, but who know residents of this wonderful Florida city may want to pass along this endorsement. At Le Floridien, we are selective in our endorsements, and rarely has a candidate so resoundingly and overwhelmingly been one we would shout from every rooftop if we could. Vote Mike Gelin for Tamarac Mayor.
