Golden E. Johansson Suspends Campaign for Parkland Commission Seat 4

by Kevin Deutsch May 24, 2024

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{Golden E. Johansson}

Longtime community leader Golden E. Johansson has suspended her campaign for election to Parkland City Commission Seat 4, leaving pediatric ophthalmologist Neil Kanterman the sole candidate campaigning for the office.

“Unfortunately, I’ve recently encountered some tough health challenges that have forced me to take a step back and reevaluate my priorities,” Johansson wrote on her campaign Facebook page Thursday. “It’s been a real struggle to come to terms with the fact that my body just can’t keep up with the drive and determination of my mind and spirit. So, with a heavy heart, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to suspend my campaign for the Parkland City Commission.”

Johansson, the Chief Operating Officer at the Berman Law Group, said she knew that news of her exiting the race might come as a disappointment to many of her followers, and a surprise to some.

“Please understand that this decision wasn’t made lightly,” she wrote. “Health and family will always come first for me. While my path may be taking a different direction for now, please know that I remain dedicated to serving our community in other capacities.”

Johansson’s exit from the race leaves Kanterman – a medical doctor who co-owns Parkland’s CrossFit facility with his wife, Andrea – the only candidate politicking for Seat 4.

Kanterman told Parkland Talk for a previous article that he’s devoted his career to serving the community’s children for almost two decades.

A Miller School of Medicine graduate at the University of Miami, Kanterman joined a pediatric ophthalmology practice in Broward County that aims to help grant children the gift of sight.

Kanterman also volunteers as a weightlifting coach for varying age groups and serves on the Florida Weightlifting State Organization. He is an international technical official in the sport.

Commission Seat 4 is currently held by Bob Mayersohn, who is term-limited heading into the Nov. 5 election.

Robert Brannen had previously announced his candidacy for the seat but has since withdrawn.

Two candidates have also announced runs for Commission Seat Three: Howard Berger and Cynthia Murphy-Salomone. Commissioner Ken Cutler currently holds the seat, which is term-limited.

There is still time for candidates to file to run for either of the open commission seats.

Candidate qualifying will take place from noon on Monday, June 10, to noon on Friday, June 14.

Residents interested in running should contact City Clerk Alyson Morales at 954-757-4132 or AMorales@cityofparkland.org.

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Author Profile

Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.