Name: Courtlandt McQuire
Campaign website: electmcquire.com
Date, place of birth: Greenwich, Connecticut, November 22, 1969
City Manager Dan Dugger was involved in a verbal confrontation in December involving shouted obscenities just before a commission meeting. Do you retain confidence in the manager’s ability to continue in his position, and why or why not?
Over the course of my campaign, I have actively engaged with HOA Presidents, community members, Veterans, city staff, Advisory Board members, and I’ve met hundreds of residents while knocking on doors and at my “Coffee with Court” meet-ups. One topic that consistently emerges in my conversations with residents as a key concern is the leadership, temperament and performance of the City Manager.
The City Manager’s outburst at a resident is just one example. Others include the City Manager’s fiscal management of our City resources. Over the last three years there have been significant increases in spending, from administrative spending to increases in the utility rate and fire assessment, among others. Another resident concern is transparency in City Hall. I regularly attend City Commission meetings and I was troubled by a proposal of an ordinance that would usurp the Mayor’s financial signing authority and allow the City Manager to sign instead. I will fight strongly to preserve the Mayor’s signing authority and defend the City Charter from attempts to remove this important check and balance on our government.
As a resident and taxpayer, I share all of these concerns, and if elected Mayor of Boynton Beach, I would approach the question of hiring a new City Manager with careful consideration and with all of these facts in mind. Today, the people’s confidence in the City Manager has been shaken and it has sadly spread throughout the City.
As Mayor, my decisions will be based on what is right and what is in the best interest of our citizens. As Mayor, I will work to unite our commission and our community because there is so much more we can accomplish by working together.
An internal affairs police report involving a possible drunk driving incident by a girlfriend of City Commissioner Thomas Turkin was closed in his favor without anyone interviewing the officers at the scene. Would you support reopening this inquiry to include officers’ statements to provide a more complete report, or was this case investigated properly?
The integrity of our city’s leadership and its processes is paramount to maintaining public trust. Regarding the internal affairs report involving a possible drunk driving incident linked to City Commissioner Thomas Turkin, the lack of interviews with the officers at the scene raises valid concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation. I would consider supporting reopening the inquiry to include officer statements to ensure a complete and transparent report is produced. Accountability and transparency are crucial for upholding the public’s faith in our governance and law enforcement.
As mayor, part of my responsibility will be to work with challenging individuals to prioritize the best interests of Boynton Beach. With nearly 30 years of experience in business, I have successfully collaborated with people from all walks of life, often navigating complex personalities and dynamics to achieve results. My approach as a leader has always been to direct efforts on the dais toward serving the community. As Mayor, my focus will always remain on achieving results for the people of Boynton Beach, ensuring accountability, and fostering a government that works for everyone.
What are the plans for the future of the city’s oldest home, the Andrews House, and do you agree or disagree that such buildings are worth saving?
Preserving Boynton Beach’s history has always been a top priority for me. As Vice Chair of the CRA Advisory Board, I was part of the recommendation to relocate the Andrew’s property to the Oscar Magnuson site—a plan also supported by the Historical Preservation Board. This move would preserve the home and create a Pioneer Village, combining historical preservation with economic opportunity.
The Pioneer Village would honor Boynton Beach’s past while fostering growth, housing local businesses like an eatery or boutique. It would serve as a community destination, boosting tourism and providing educational opportunities while strengthening our city’s identity and economy.
When the Andrew’s property was at risk of being destroyed by a developer, I stood with community members to protect it, voicing our commitment to preservation. I was one of the first on the scene and shared our concerns with the media to ensure this home’s importance was heard.
Preserving our history is about more than saving buildings — it’s about honoring our roots and creating a legacy for future generations. By working together, we can ensure Boynton Beach’s past is celebrated and its future is enriched.
Do you support or oppose a proposed annexation of 38 mostly residential areas west of the city that could add at least 35,000 people to the city’s population? Why or why not?
I believe in putting the needs of Boynton Beach residents first, both in the city and its neighboring communities. The proposed annexation of 38 residential areas west of Boynton Beach, which could add at least 35,000 people to our population, raises important questions about readiness and capacity. After meeting with community members, including those in Boynton Beach and COBWRA, it is clear that our current Fire Department and Emergency Services do not match the county’s standards in service and technology.
Currently, the county handles nearly 200 emergency calls annually that our city cannot support. This highlights a critical gap that must be addressed before considering annexation. My top priority is to ensure that Boynton Beach’s Fire Department and Emergency Services are brought to a level equal to or exceeding the county’s capabilities. This includes updating technology, improving response times, and enhancing overall service quality.
Only after these issues are addressed and we can ensure safety and reliability for all current residents would I consider supporting annexation. Growth must be managed responsibly, prioritizing the well-being of our existing and future residents. Visit electmcquire.com to learn more about my vision for Boynton Beach.
Is the city too pro-development, or too anti-development, or does it strike the right balance between growth and preservation?
The question of whether Boynton Beach is too pro-development, too anti-development, or strikes the right balance requires a closer examination of our current policies and outcomes. With over 20 years of experience running multiple marketing companies, I’ve gained unique insights into land use and development. Boynton Beach residents deserve a vibrant downtown and access to affordable housing, but unfortunately, we are getting neither under the current approach.
It’s important to note that most of our downtown is already entitled, meaning its development potential is largely determined. Our real opportunity for growth lies in the emerging Uptown District centered around the mall property. This area represents a chance to redefine what development can bring to Boynton Beach—a dynamic, family-friendly space that fosters community and economic vitality.
Developers understand that successful partnerships are built on mutual benefit — they expect to give some to get some. However, our CRA needs to negotiate more effectively to secure the deliverables our families and seniors need. Instead, we’re seeing an overemphasis on
high-density, transient housing that does little to address the city’s long-term needs or enhance quality of life.
As mayor, I will ensure we strike the right balance between growth and preservation by prioritizing projects that align with our community’s goals. We need vibrant, people-centered developments downtown and transformative initiatives in the Uptown District, including affordable housing and amenities for families. It’s time to hold developers accountable and demand investments that serve Boynton Beach’s future, not just their bottom line.
What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s)?
Several factors: Nearly a decade of public and community service in Boynton Beach, deep knowledge of City issues and challenges, a keen business sense and a proven track record of making good deals and good decisions for Boynton Beach residents.
List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
University of Kansas, BA, Advertising Communications
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
- Past President of the largest Advertising Agency in Palm Beach County
- Owner of a Miami retail business (Redbar Brickell) for over 20 years
- Successful small business owner of 2 Advertising agencies. Red Bar Integrated Marketing in Boynton Beach for 7+ years and Stalder Red Bar in Orlando, FL for 3 years.
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No