I read the Sun Sentinel’s candidate endorsements in Delray Beach with great interest, having worked for more than four years as assistant to the mayor of a northeastern city of some 200,000 residents.
My responsibilities back in the early 1980s included downtown development. Municipalities could then issue tax exempt industrial development bonds (IDBs), and we did, enabling a major office park to bring hundreds of jobs, allowing two legacy manufacturing plants to expand and adding a supermarket chain in an underserved area.
Having said that, I think the Sun Sentinel editors got it right by endorsing Tom Carney for mayor, citing his business and legal experience. A job description for mayor would highlight what Carney has to offer his hometown: knowledge of bond underwriting, municipal finance and an experienced perspective as an attorney for many years. He has experience as a commissioner and stint as mayor of the town, and at age 70, he’s not looking to make this a career!
Delray has many needed capital projects, with a water treatment plant topping the list at $200 million by some estimates. Hence, knowledge of bond finance is essential. In its most essential form, governing is like running a business, with all the complexity that modern governance demands.
Carney’s opponent, Ryan Boylston, has eye-catching signs around town proclaiming, “One City, One Delray,” but what does all that count for when it comes to day-to-day governing? I support Tom Carney, and I believe the Sun Sentinel stayed on a proper course in endorsing Juli Casale and Tom Markert for two commission seats. Let’s get back to running Delray like a business.
Phil Pepe, Jr., Delray Beach
Libraries change lives
As a regular patron at the Broward County Library Division’s Century Plaza branch (located near Century Village in Deerfield Beach), I recently noticed a homeless person enter the library.
I watched as the kind librarians working there guided her through the aisles and introduced her to a plethora of resources, from shelter listings to job training programs, and from hot meals to educational opportunities. In short, this library has become her sanctuary, providing her not only warmth and shelter but a pathway to a better future.
In this haven of understanding and support, the library has transformed her life and has offered her a glimmer of hope amid adversity.
Also, for me, seeing her newfound smile illustrates the life-changing value that libraries can have on their communities, even in the daily lives of our neediest.
That’s why we must continue to support our libraries.
Patrick Byrnes, Boca Raton
A pathetic impeachment
As the House Republicans’ attempt to impeach President Biden falls apart, I have to wonder if anyone appreciates the irony that the star Republican witness, Alexander Smirnov, could not substantiate a single claim that he made against the Bidens.
That will be the legacy of this pathetic impeachment — that the Republicans found a Smirnov with zero proof.
Harrison Grandwilliams, Fort Lauderdale
Broward can do better
I truly feel sorry for Ariel Sackett, the woman who attempted a good deed by offering to foster a pit bull-type animal.
Back in 2021, the Broward County Animal Care division failed to give her adequate warning that this was an aggressive and unpredictable dog, which resulted in Sackett suffering various injuries, both physical and mental.
The Sun Sentinel also has run news articles about the division being mismanaged by a director who might eventually have been fired (Investigation: Broward shelter director turns away dogs, outraging critics, 2022). Perhaps better employees would have spared this woman’s injuries and suffering as well as better procedures and training.
For Sackett, a court judgment of $132,000 does not quite cover all of her suffering.
Marty Menter, Pompano Beach
