HOLLYWOOD — School closures. A homeless crisis. A political divide over high-rise development at the beach.
Hollywood voters will choose a mayor and two commissioners in the city’s upcoming elections on Nov. 5. The winners will play a key role in the city’s growth and how the commission tackles controversial issues — everything from setting the property tax rate to deciding whether to approve high-rise towers downtown and beyond.
The mayor of Hollywood earns $53,276 a year. Commissioners earn $50,430.
Voters got a preview of the candidates at a recent forum hosted by the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. The forum, held at the DoubleTree Resort, was moderated by South Florida Sun Sentinel Deputy Opinions Editor Dan Sweeney. This news article focuses on the District 6 candidates.
Idelma Quintana, the incumbent, joined the commission in 2022 after Linda Sherwood resigned two years before her term was up. Quintana, a former public school teacher who serves as chief of staff for Broward Commissioner Beam Furr, was elected unopposed.
She has drawn two challengers: Jamil Devante Richards, the owner and principal of a private school in Pompano Beach, and Claudia Villatoro, a businesswoman.
District 6 encompasses Hollywood’s southwestern neighborhoods, from Interstate 95 west to the Florida Turnpike. The district’s western portion extends from Pembroke Road north to Johnson Street; the eastern portion extends north to Hollywood Boulevard.
Opening remarks
Idelma Quintana: “I came from Cuba when I was 6. I grew up in Chicago and now I’ve been a proud Hollywood resident for 22 years. From the moment I arrived here, I got to work trying to build a community. I came here as a first-time homeowner and found out I was having a baby. And being a parent in a new place gave me a whole new perspective on getting involved and engaged in the best place to have for my child and my family and the people around me. So I continue to work for them.”
Jamil Devante Richards: “I’m running because I’m passionate about serving my community and making a positive impact on the lives of all of our residents. I believe that to be effective, we need leadership, transparency and accountability when it comes to government. I’m committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our residents and building upon our historic foundation. That’s why I’m running for commission.”
Claudia Villatoro: “I am from Guatemala. I came here 32 years ago looking for the American dream. And here I am. Listen, I am running because I am an experienced and proven business leader like many of you in this room. We can all agree we need more proven business leaders in local government. I know what it’s like to balance a budget, to create jobs, to secure new clients and fire employees who don’t perform.”
It’s been 10 years since the city spent millions to buy out the homeless shelter on Federal Highway. The state’s new ban on sleeping on public property soon will go into effect. If you are mayor, what is your plan to comply with the state law?
Quintana: “If it was an easy problem to solve, we would have already done it. It’s a complex situation. I don’t think any one city can solve it. It has to be a collaborative effort within all levels of government and our business community and our landlords and our mental health services and agencies. If landlords could take advantage of some of the programs that are being made available to pay their rent to house people that were formerly homeless, that would go a long way. Landlords have been reluctant to do that in the past. They’re afraid of property damage. But the county has set aside money to reimburse any landlord. Rent is guaranteed. And if there’s any problem with the property, they will repair it. Then there’s also all of us, being willing to integrate into our communities people who have been homeless. It could be any one of us.”
Richards: “To help the homeless, we need to find the funding allocated to increase our homeless shelters. And then educate them on how to get back on their feet and go back into the residential area. Some may not have the resources to comply with what is offered. Finding the funding to assist with that would be a top priority.”
Villatoro: “We need affordable housing. We all know that. Especially in the areas of Hollywood that are being abandoned. Definitely we need to help these people. Do I agree with that? Yes. And we definitely need to build (housing) for the homeless. I met this lady at Aldi’s. She was 76 years old. And guess what. She was not an alcoholic. She was not a drug addict. She was homeless because she could not pay the high cost of living. This is unacceptable. As a city commissioner, I will tell you that we have to take care of these people. We need to help our people, right now.”
Two years ago, the Hollywood commission voted 5-2 to allow a private condo on public land on the beach. The $352 million project called for a 347-foot-high tower with 190 condos that would rise on taxpayer-owned land at 1301 S. Ocean Drive. Had you been on the commission, how would you have voted and why?
Quintana: “It was a decision that caused some really traumatic divisions in our community. And I think there’s still some suffering from the pain that was felt between the people and their government. Given what I’ve learned working the last 10 years with Broward County Commissioner Beam Furr and Jennifer Jurado (the county’s chief resilience officer) on climate change, if I had been on the commission at the time, I don’t think I would have voted for the project. But now we have an opportunity to really be proactive about what comes next. So if we participated in that 2050 comprehensive plan and we (look at) what we want our city to be like and where should the development go, then the developers will have an idea of what we’re looking for. As opposed to us being reactive to whatever they propose, we tell them what we want so they don’t waste their time bringing us something that’s not in our vision.”
Richards: “I do not have all the information on this project. But when you do all the research, one of the number one words that comes up is controversial, which means it’s not something that our residents want. And any commissioner, any government official is elected to represent the people. And if the people don’t want it, the answer is no. So my answer would have been no.”
Villatoro: “If I would have been a city commissioner when that was done, I definitely would have voted no to that. Why? Because that land belongs to the citizens. Not to the city. And they cut off a piece of beach (that was meant) for us. I’m against that because I love the beach, I love the sea. And this was really totally done wrong. Why? Because we helped the developers. Not the citizens. I am not a politician, by the way. I’m a businesswoman. And I have to say, I would vote no to that.”
The Broward School Board is considering closing some public schools. Do you support those plans and what do you see coming down the pike as far as school closures?
Quintana: “Whether you send your child to a private school or a charter school or a public school, the key to a good quality education is the teacher in front of them. The quality of that teacher makes all the difference in the world. And you can have a bad teacher at a private expensive school just like you can at a public school. Our schools are stigmatized unnecessarily. And I think they’re all suffering for that. When I first came to Hollywood, I lived in a neighborhood that had no sidewalks. There was no playground. The streets were dark. I could have chosen to move away from Hollywood because it didn’t offer what I wanted. Instead I chose to stay and work on making Hollywood better. And that’s what I’ve been doing since I got here.”
Richards: “I strongly support investing in education. I am a private school owner and principal. And I’m also the newly elected chair of our city’s education advisory committee. And so I feel strongly about not closing any of our schools and providing a quality education. It’s not about the school your child went to. It’s about the educator in front of them. I am a strong proponent of not closing our schools and providing a quality education for all students, whether it’s public, private or charter.”
Villatoro: “I’m for all the schools, whether it’s public or private. The teacher makes a great difference in the class. It builds character and builds professionals like our panelists here. They’re all professionals. Definitely we need to invest more in public education. As a kid growing up in Guatemala, I still remember my teachers. And this is the reason I’m here right now. I’d like to see the kids from Hollywood have an education even better than they have right now.”
Closing remarks
Quintana: “I think I’m the best candidate for this position. Those of you who know me, know that I’ve been working to benefit our community for 20 years. It wasn’t about an elected seat for me. In fact, I’m a reluctant politician. What I really am is a public servant and I work hard for you every single day. I go to bed every night with a clear conscience knowing that I gave it my all. And I will continue to do that. I’ve learned so much in the last two years about the aspects of District 6 that need attention and haven’t had it. Over the next four years, should you choose me to continue, I’ll be able to have a much more impactful influence on District 6 and our entire city.”
Richards: “I solicit your vote as I come to a seat on the dais with fresh ideas, fruitful partnerships and innovative ideas to advocate for economic development and public safety and enhance our education opportunities. I look to see your vote Nov. 5. Thank you.”
Villatoro: “A vote for me is a vote to slash unnecessary spending. It’s also a vote for tourism and increasing the number of police officers because it’s most needed in this city. On Nov. 5, just ask yourself: Are you better today than you were four years ago? Are the streets safer than four years ago? If the answer is yes, then keep voting for the same people. But if the answer is no, I think we need a new administration. I am asking for your vote. God bless you, God bless America and God bless the city of Hollywood.”
Susannah Bryan can be reached at sbryan@sunsentinel.com. Follow me on X @Susannah_Bryan