Author: Karina DiGregorio

To further assist our readers in making educated decisions when voting in November, we have sent a list of questions to each candidate running for the District 1 Commissioner of Parkland, FL. 

Simeon Brier

1. What is your full name and what position are you running for?

Simeon Brier, Parkland City Commissioner, District 1

 

2. Where are you originally from?

I am a native South Floridian, born in Miami and my family moved to Parkland when I was 9 years old in 1984.  

 

-Why did you choose to move to this city/county/school district/state district? 

Obviously, we love Parkland for the small-town charm, the sense of community, the great public schools, the beautiful neighborhoods, the parks, and green spaces, the safety, and all the wonderful recreation and sports programs. All these things, along with our friends and family are why we live and raise our family here in Parkland.

 

-How long have you been here?

I moved to Parkland when I was 9 and my wife, Theresa, has been in Coral Springs almost all her life.  We met at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High, where we both graduated. We have two amazing daughters (Angelina who just graduated from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High- now attending the University of Florida, and Gianna, who is a junior at MSD).  Theresa and I have been in the Parkland and Coral Springs area since we were kids and have raised our family here.  We have been married for over 21 years and have lived in our current home in Heron Bay since 2012.

 

3. Why are you running for this position?

I am running for the Parkland City Commission, District 1 position because I am passionate about Parkland and have committed myself to serve our City.  While I have always been involved in serving my community since I was young, the events that impacted my family’s lives (like so many others) over the last two years and the way in which our community has responded, have inspired me to get even more involved in our local government.  I believe that we need a city commissioner who is not only passionate and committed to preserving all of the wonderful characteristics of Parkland, but also knows its history, has a track record of community involvement and service, has the knowledge and background necessary to help navigate Parkland through the challenges ahead and can build relationships with others in the City and surrounding communities to achieve those goals. Aside from family, we have friends in virtually every community in Parkland and I understand the unique issues and concerns that they have and the need for their voices to be heard. That includes young couples, families, and retirees. I believe that with the relationships that I have built over 36+ years in this community, my long track record of community service, my unwavering passion and commitment to Parkland, and my background as an attorney, I am best suited for this position.

 

-Have you run in the past?

No, I have never run for elected public office, but I have been actively engaged with our elected officials and I have served my community for the majority of my life. I have volunteered as a coach for Parkland sports since I was a teenager, including Parkland Soccer, Parkland Flag Football, Parkland Basketball, and Parkland Red Hawks Lacrosse.  I was appointed to and currently serve on the City of Parkland’s Community Advisory Board. I volunteer as a member of the Board of Directors for the Parkland Chamber of Commerce and as the Chair, and member of the Board of Directors for SOS Children’s Villages- a foster children’s village just down the road in Coconut Creek.  I have volunteered at my daughters’ schools -Heron Heights, Westglades Middle, and continue to serve as a volunteer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.  I have also served as a volunteer on a number of other charity boards over the years and through those organizations, I have worked closely with local community leaders, elected officials, and city management.

 

4. If elected, what is your first point of action?

I want to meet with our City Staff, the other elected officials, and the members of the City’s advisory boards, so that I can share with them the thoughts and concerns of our residents that have been shared with me during this campaign- especially those related to helping our community through the COVID-19 crisis, addressing growth, development and infrastructure issues in our city, continuing the improvement of our parks and recreation facilities, attending to the pending litigation with the residents of Pine Tree Estates, the expansion of Lox Road, the Heron Bay golf course, the future plans for our schools and public safety and focusing on improving property values in Parkland.  I want to energize them to work with me to address the challenges ahead so that we can do so while enhancing all the positive attributes of Parkland.  I also want to discuss how we can provide innovative ways for the community to connect in the midst of this Global Pandemic while being mindful of and adhering to health and safety protocols.

 

-Why?

I think having a strong team and empowering and energizing them to work hard, be forward-thinking, and work in a collaborative fashion is critical. And the people in City Hall need to know what our residents truly need and want.  We all love Parkland and want what is best for our city and its residents, but we need true leadership and teamwork to make sure that we can achieve that goal.

 

5. What mission do you feel most passionate about?

There are so many. As Commissioner, I would prioritize helping our community overcome COVID-19, including helping our local businesses through these trying times.  We need to continue to work with the families and victims of the MSD shooting to make sure that we not only honor the lives lost, but continue to bring our community together for healing and problem solving to make sure this never happens again here, or anywhere else. As Commissioner, I would also focus on preserving all of the wonderful characteristics of Parkland, smartly navigating the continued growth, development, and infrastructure issues, making sure our community and children are safe, that we have fantastic schools (and that our kids are truly safe at them), making sure that we continue to have the best parks, recreational and sports programs and services for our residents, and taking proactive measures to continue to preserve our property values.  We also need to make sure we as a city are addressing the needs of all of our citizens.  Parkland has a growing senior adult and retiree population, and I want to make sure that this is as great a place to live for them as it is for all of our residents with children.

 

-Why?

I am passionate about preserving all of the amazing attributes of our City and am committed to ensuring that this will be a great place to live, play and work for residents of all ages, for generations to come.

 

6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement?

I think we need to focus on the continued and remaining growth of our city, devoting attention and resources to planning for that growth in a smart way and addressing the impact it will have on the city’s infrastructure. We need to invest more in our parks and recreational facilities, for residents of all ages to enjoy.  We need more community activities, especially given the constraints and social isolation of COVID-19, where our residents can come together in a safe way, in order to preserve that small-town feel and charm and preserve our sense of community.  We need to improve the safety of our roads and address the traffic and congestion on them.  We need to work more closely with the Broward County School Board and other businesses and organizations on making sure our children have the best education available to them and are safe in their schools. We need to be more proactive and forward-thinking in solving the challenges ahead, including preserving our greenspaces through the remaining development of the City. And last, but certainly not least, we also need to do a better job supporting our local businesses. There were not any businesses in Parkland when my family first moved here, and over the years I have seen too many wonderful businesses fail here.  We need to make sure that our City and residents support those local businesses, that we attract new businesses here for the benefit of our residents, and work with those businesses to help them thrive in Parkland. All these things will help to preserve and increase property values for our residents.

 

-Why?

These issues are paramount to preserving all that Parkland has to offer and will continue to make Parkland the best place to live for years to come.

 

7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest?

There are so many great reasons why people are attracted to Parkland.  We have beautiful neighborhoods, green spaces, and parks. Our public schools are among the best in the state and we have great recreation and sports programs for children of all ages and adults.  We have low crime, great property values, and wonderful local businesses.  But most of all, Parkland has a sense of community and small-town that is unmatched. Parkland is different from other cities in South Florida in that regard.

 

-Why?

Parkland and all that it has to offer did not happen by accident.  Our prior city management and elected officials took painstaking efforts to plan and ensure that Parkland had a look and feel that was different from other surrounding cities.  We need to continue those efforts to preserve the unique charm of Parkland as we move forward with the further growth of the City.

 

8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?

I want to get as many residents engaged as possible. I think it is vital for our citizens to be involved in local issues, to be educated about them, to be able to communicate directly with their elected officials and city management, to feel that their voice is heard (and that it be actually heard) and to know that their representatives are doing just that, representing them and the community. I want to get residents involved in the City’s advisory boards, I want them to continue to communicate with me and other city officials about issues important to them and their families and I want to continue to find new and creative ways to involve our residents in every aspect of their hometown and the decisions that will impact them.

 

9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?

The City has an amazing staff and a deeply committed planning and zoning advisory board, in addition to great people serving on other advisory boards.  I have seen them in action, have spoken and worked with them, and I would sit down with them to assess the proposal while making sure everyone is on the same page that preserving the character and charm of Parkland is paramount.  I would also continue to meet with the residents, community leaders, and involve them in the process.  I think the more our residents are engaged, the better.  We certainly need more investment in the city’s infrastructure, as we have grown a great deal over the years and need to address the impact of that growth (and the future growth of the City) in a smart and forward-looking fashion. That includes our roads, green spaces, school capacity, infrastructure, and potential traffic issues, amongst other areas.

 

10. What neighborhood do you live in?

We live in Somerset in Heron Bay.

 

-Why?

We love Heron Bay for all that it has to offer, including the beautiful amenities, the lush landscaping, the greenspaces, and all our amazing friends and neighbors.

 

11. Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?

We love spending time in Parkland. Whether it’s at the Farmer’s Market, being at the parks, on the ball fields for our daughters’ (and now our niece and nephews’) sports games, volunteering at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, taking bike rides, or walking around our community, taking our dog to Doggy Stylz, going to dinner, grabbing a cup of coffee, or dessert at some of our favorites places (AllStar Pizza, Deja Blue, Malbec Grill, Carmela’s, Blue Fin, PizzaTime, Los Bocado’s, Parkland Bagels and Glyk’s, just to name a few), patronizing businesses in the surrounding area (Guido’s Pizza, Club Men Barbershop, Little Havana, Family Bagels, Juicery Rx, Falafel Bistro, Angelo Elia’s, Aficionado’s, Basser’s Fine Wine, and others), attending Parkland Chamber of Commerce and local charity events or just seeing friends while shopping at Publix, the more time we spend in Parkland and the surrounding area the better.  This is our home, our community, and we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Simeon Brier

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Denise DellaPolla

 

1. What is your full name and what position are you running for?

My name is Denise DellaPolla and I am running for Parkland Commissioner District 1.

 

2. Where are you originally from? 

New Jersey

-Why did you choose to move to this city/county/school district/state district?

We chose Parkland for the small-town feel and the green space. 

-How long have you been here?

We have lived in Parkland for 13 years. 

 

3. Why are you running for this position? 

This is not a stepping stone for a higher office, and I have no political background, however, I am a people person, a great listener, and a leader in getting people to work towards a common goal. All the attributes needed to lead as a commissioner successfully.      

-Have you run in the past?

No, I have not run for office in the past.

 

4. If elected, what is your first point of action?

Reach out to the residents and HOA’s in my district.  Be sure they know to contact me with any issues, big or small. I feel it is important for residents to know they can count on me to get it done and will always put their interest first! 

-Why?

It’s very important for the residents to be heard and know they have someone advocating for them.

 

5. What mission do you feel most passionate about?

I am passionate about keeping the small-town feel that we have grown to love living here in Parkland. With a city that has seen such tremendous growth, as commissioner, I will be sure Parkland will continue to be one of the safest cities in Florida, a community that offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and city events that bring our community together.

-Why?

After speaking to residents all over Parkland, the number one request is keeping the small-town feel in our city. As an elected official, my priority will always be the health, safety, and welfare of our residents. 

 

6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement?

I feel there are three areas that our city could improve upon. Additional amenities to our parks, citywide events with small-town themes, and the roads in Pine Tree Estates need to be addressed. These roads are in deplorable condition and as a city, we must come together and figure this out, for many reasons but mainly safety reasons. 

-Why?

Our city has seen a shift in demographics and our parks and events need to reflect that change.   Emergencies are a race against time and the residents of Pine Tree Estates deserve a fast response.  A fast response does not just fall on emergency management but the quality infrastructure that ensures fast travel times. 

 

7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest?

We are a diverse and tight-knit community that all want Parkland to be the best it can be. We are proud of our special city and have seen firsthand how we all come together in the toughest of times. 

8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?

Communication is the key and as commissioner, that is exactly what I plan to do. Building relationships, along with being an active listener and gathering many perspectives on the issues at hand, will aid in the decision-making process in our town.   

9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?

First and foremost, as commissioner, I would question if this proposal is needed in our community. Is this project one that has been requested by the residents? The answers to these questions would be the deciding factor in my evaluation of whether this project would be something worth implementing. 

10. What neighborhood do you live in?

The Greens in Heron Bay.

-Why?

Honestly, every neighborhood in Parkland is unique and has that special Parkland charm. We choose Heron Bay for the mature landscape, the amenities, and The Greens for the golf view! 

 

11. Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?

Most definitely the parks!  Prior to COVID, we would be at the parks at least 3 times a week, now we are literally walking, biking riding, or cruising in the golf cart in Heron Bay daily. 

Denise DellaPolla

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William “Bill” Reicherter

1. What is your full name?

William “Bill” Reicherter

2. Where are you originally from?

I was born in Long Island, New York, and moved to Florida as a child.  Over the past 42 years, I have lived in the Coral Springs and Parkland area. When I moved to Parkland from Coral Springs sixteen years ago, I was captivated by the open landscape. At the time, the city was not as overdeveloped as it is today, and the green space was a great escape from the day today. Parkland also offered a great environment and school system for a family to raise children, something I still admire about the city. 

3. Why are you running for this position?

I am running for the Commissioner seat because I feel it is important to have a leader in the community who brings a “get it done” attitude to the table. As a successful business leader, I know the importance of creating an environment fueled by engagement and listening to the community’s needs. The current commission is more focused on pushing their own agenda and leaving their names on plaques than they are on listening to the needs of the residents. My number one priority is listening to the community’s needs and making a positive impact. To me, a legacy is more than a plaque, it is the impact you have on the community. 

4. If elected, what is your first point of action?

My first point of action is to resolve the Pine Tree Estates lawsuit and preserve Pine Tree Estates “as is,” allowing residents to maintain their property and roads without city interference. There would be agreed upon standards between the city and residents, without complete governmental control. 

5. What mission do you feel most passionate about?

The most passionate mission I have is to serve the residents and our great community. My passion is to serve and provide leadership to my community. 

6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement?

I feel our city needs improvement in protecting and growing our current business sector. We currently have few commercial areas of Parkland that need help in bringing in more business allowing them to be seen through the use of better architectural signage as well as future planning of business growth. At some point, the building of homes will be done, and Parkland will need a thriving locally owned and operated business sector to support a portion of our taxes and provide first jobs for our youth. 

7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest?

Our city stands above the rest is still being small enough to be a great family-oriented community. You still have great opportunities to really know your neighbors and we still have a charm of the country (which needs to be preserved), our parks, sports programs, schools, and residents really stand out with a passion for Parkland. 

8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town?

I plan on involving our residents in multiple ways:

1. 1. First, they can email or call me anytime or meet with me.

   2. Show up at commission meetings and voice the opinions of our community. My voice will serve as a voice of reason and challenge my constituents to really listen and look for opportunities to help. 

   3. Encourage the residents to form committees to come together and help us solve important issues. There is strength in numbers and voices. 

   4. Hold zoom calls with our residents to hear ground level thoughts and seek ways to engage conversations to make people apart of the process.

 

9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing?

This is a great question.

First, I would look at how it benefits our residents. The resident and community needs/benefits must be first. One way to truly understand the community’s needs is to speak directly with the community. Therefore, I will poll the community for thoughts on the project and open a discussion. One of the greatest parts of our community is the diversity. We have so many different residents with great opinions and views. I want to be a source of encouragement to make sure these voices are heard. I want to encourage residents to attend commission meets and share their thoughts. Then, I want to encourage our commission to truly take our residents’ thoughts into consideration when making decisions, because these decisions are made for them. Furthermore, our residents’ voices must be apart of the approval process. Unlike the typical government, I am focused on preserving Parkland, and I firmly believe in unity. The city can only be as good as our residents; therefore, future planning has to involve and benefit the future of Parkland on all levels. Additionally, I would hope to meet with Broward County on the current road situation and traffic to ensure this new infrastructure can be supported. Talk with planning and zoning and get a better handle on their thoughts and city impact. We need smart planning and development that benefits the future of our community, not only financially but also long-term value. 

10. What neighborhood do you live in? Why? Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?

I live in Osprey Lakes in Heron Bay. I absolutely love the community of Heron Bay, because of the amazing residents, family-oriented feeling, and great walking trails. The community is extremely well maintained and safe for our families. The clubhouse, pool, and tennis courts are always kept to the best standards. I am all extremely blessed to live here and in Parkland, in general. My favorite places are found on the sidewalks during my daily exercise when I can take in the beautiful nature around me. My second favorite must be the Heron Bay Clubhouse gym because fitness and health are particularly important to me. Lastly, as a businessman, purchasing from our local businesses is extremely important to me as well. I love supporting our local businesses!

William “Bill” Reicherter

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Alexander Zand

1. What is your full name and what position are you running for?

My name is Alex Zand and I am running for Parkland City Commissioner, District 1

 

2. Where are you originally from? Why did you choose to move to this city/county/school district/state district? How long have you been here?

I was born and raised in Parkland, Florida, and have lived here since 1999. 

 

3. Why are you running for this position? Have you run in the past? 

I am running for Parkland City Commissioner because I want to give back to this amazing city that has given me everything through the years. Parkland is a world-class city and I want to continue to improve the community that we all know and love. I bring a fresh perspective with new and innovative ideas. I have the knowledge and vision, as well as the drive, passion, and enthusiasm that is needed to be City Commissioner. Previously, I ran and was elected as the Student Body Governor at Florida Atlantic University, where I successfully represented over 20,000 people and appropriately allocated an $8.9 million budget.

 

4. If elected, what is your first point of action? Why?

I have many ideas on how to improve the future of Parkland. The renovation and installment of a median, bike lanes, and a sidewalk that runs throughout all of Loxahatchee are paramount. As your next City Commissioner, I will ensure that development does not overcrowd our city, causing Parkland to increase traffic, as well as overcrowd our schools and our parks.

 

5. What mission do you feel most passionate about? Why? 

I feel most passionate about the safety of our Parkland residents. Parkland is a city that has gone through tough times in the past, but we have preserved it because our community is a resilient one. Today, we need to ensure that we are maintaining and enhancing the safety of our community and our schools. Whether that be increasing School Resource Officers (SRO’s) throughout our Parkland schools, fixing Loxahatchee Road to finally make it a safe road to drive on, or repairing the roads in Pine Tree Estates in order for ambulances and fire trucks to be able to drive down those roads, safety throughout the entire city is of the utmost importance to myself. 

 

6. Where do you feel our city needs improvement? Why? 

We need to improve the way that we support our local businesses. Every candidate should feel strongly about supporting our local business owners; however, I like to take the word support one step further. As your next City Commissioner, I will work to create a database of local businesses for all Parkland residents to view. This database will have local business owners who have brick and mortar stores within Parkland, as well as local business owners who have their businesses elsewhere. Parkland owned businesses need our support now more than ever before, and it is imperative that we do everything we can do to help out our fellow neighbors and community members. 

 

7. Where do you feel our city stands above the rest? Why? 

Parkland is an incredible city to live in; in fact, we have ranked the top 10 safest cities throughout the state of Florida in 2018 and we remain one of the safest cities today. We have amazing schools, some of the best in the county. Parkland is known for a small-town atmosphere, and the best part about Parkland is that everyone enjoys living here. We give off such a tight-knit family feeling, and it is apparent whenever residents are out within the city.

 

8. How do you plan to involve residents in the decision-making process in our town? 

It is very important to hear what the residents want to see improved upon throughout Parkland. Parkland residents vote for the City Commission to represent their ideas on the dais at the City Commission meetings, but unfortunately, that isn’t always the case. I have made it a point to listen to every resident who voices their concerns, and I will bring every concern up to the rest of the commission because every voice should be heard. By listening to the residents, hosting forums for residents to speak, and encouraging them to speak at Commission meetings, will make for a more involved city and a more effective City Commission.

 

9. If someone came to you with a proposal to build a new piece of public infrastructure in our city (road, bridge, etc.) how would you evaluate whether that project was worth implementing? 

Every project is worth discussion. Depending on where the public infrastructure was planning to be built, I would speak to the surrounding area as well as ask residents what their thoughts are as everyday residents. I would also have extensive conversations with the city staff, including the city manager. As long as the infrastructure will not disrupt the everyday feeling of the city and it is in the best interest of the future of Parkland, then I will be in favor of the proposal. 

 

10. What neighborhood do you live in? Why?

Throughout my life in Parkland, I have lived on both the east and west side of Parkland. I grew up in Sable Pass in East Parkland and currently reside in Heron Bay. 

 

11. Where are your favorite places to spend time in our town?

My favorite part about Parkland is our parks and nature trails. We have over ten nature trails and parks, yet most residents can only name about half. Out of all of the beautiful views, the city has to offer, my favorite park has to be Covered Bridge Park. Aside from Covered Bridge Park, I love biking throughout the entire city, because I always run into a friend no matter where I bike. 

Alex Zand