Meet the candidates for Palmetto Bay vice mayor and council. Here’s what they have to say
Palmetto Bay residents will elect a vice mayor and a council member on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
We asked the four candidates where they stood on key issues facing the village. Here is how they responded:
PALMETTO BAY VICE MAYOR
Why are you running for office?
Mark Merwitzer: I’m running because Palmetto Bay shaped who I am, and I want to preserve it for future generations. Growing up, I’ve seen our strengths and issues firsthand. I’m concerned with overdevelopment, traffic, and the divisiveness at Village Hall. I’m committed to bringing fresh, collaborative leadership that listens and delivers results, not rhetoric.
Leanne Tellam: I choose to run for re-election because I want to serve my community. I’ve spent 30 years advocating for our community, and am eager to recommit to public service for Palmetto Bay. And I’ve developed a skill set that makes me well suited for bringing our community together through past leadership, litigation and mediation experiences.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Mark Merwitzer: My deep roots and proven leadership make me the best candidate. I led a state campaign to pass distracted driving laws, uniting both parties to pass a bill that saved lives. This and my work at Transit Alliance supporting the first community-led overhaul of Miami’s bus network demonstrate my ability to build consensus and deliver impactful change.
Leanne Tellam: As a teacher, mediator, mom, litigator and volunteer leader, I have developed the skills, connections & reputation needed to lead our community. I have learned a lot in my 56 years and certainly in my first 4 year term. I can apply my legal and procedural knowledge, communication techniques and collaborative capabilities to protect Palmetto Bay’s interests.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Mark Merwitzer: Palmetto Bay’s most pressing issues are worsening traffic congestion and a leadership vacuum at Village Hall. In four years, my opponent’s sole achievement is a chicken ordinance. This ineffective governance has real consequences on our growing traffic and eroded resident trust. We need leadership that solves problems, not creates divisiveness.
Leanne Tellam: As the county continues to develop, our community needs mature, experienced leadership to protect the special charm that makes Palmetto Bay a wonderful place to live. We need to preserve the peaceful enjoyment of our homes, as well as our parks & public spaces through efficient & effective oversight of our local government actions.
PALMETTO BAY COUNCILMEMBER - SEAT 2
Why are you running for office?
Steve Cody: I ran in 2020 because the Village was slowly going broke. My opponent was the incumbent and he diverted $3 million to overpay for a piece of land just to bail out a developer friend of his. The Village is now only 1 of 12 cities in Florida to hold a AAA+ rating from S&P. I want to keep the Village financially healthy. That’s why I’m running now.
David M. Singer: To help residents who are exhausted with the politics and infighting in Palmetto Bay coming before their priorities and quality of life.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Steve Cody: I understand how government works. I majored in Government at FSU and got then my law degree. I was the attorney who sued the County and School Board to get single member districts so that every community is represented. I helped bring financial stability back to VPB and we are investing that money into legacy projects like our parks.
David M. Singer: I’m a Florida CPA with experience in municipal budgeting and management.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Steve Cody: The most pressing issue is limiting growth. Palmetto Bay is a suburb, a place where average home values are at $1 million. There only a few large open areas and the trick will be limiting high density multifamily projects.
David M. Singer: An unacceptable increase in taxes, traffic, development and wasteful spending.