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Parkland Commission Candidates Share Visions for City’s Future in Virtual Forum Amid Hurricane Milton

Parkland’s District 3 candidates Howard Berger with supporters and Cynthia Murphy-Salomone (third from left) with supporters. {courtesy}

The Parkland Chamber of Commerce adapted to Hurricane Milton’s challenges by moving its Candidates Forum to Zoom on Wednesday.

Moderated by Frank Farro, Vice President for Technology at Virgin Voyages and owner of Acton Academy North Broward, the forum allowed District 3 City Commission candidates Howard Berger and Cynthia Murphy-Salomone to discuss their platforms. District 4 candidate Neil Kanterman, who is running unopposed, was present; however, he was not part of the question-and-answer session.

Acknowledging Service and Introducing Candidates

Doug Eaton, President of the Parkland Chamber of Commerce, opened the forum by praising all candidates for their willingness to serve the community despite their already busy lives.

“It’s inspirational to see candidates who are willing to sacrifice time out of their already robust lives to serve others,” said Eaton. He also acknowledged outgoing commissioners Ken Cutler and Bob Mayersohn for their years of service to Parkland.

Mayor Rich Walker took a moment to address the candidates and residents.

”With two open seats, it’s crucial for residents to listen carefully to the candidates and get out and vote on November 5,” Walker stated.

Candidates Share Their Experience and Vision for Parkland

Howard Berger, a former city commissioner of Lauderhill with 22 years of experience, highlighted his public service and city management background. Berger shared his awards, emphasized his qualifications, and noted that his experience with larger city budgets and capital improvement projects would allow him to effectively serve Parkland.

“I’m very well prepared to be a commissioner in Parkland. I’ve worked in a city with double the population and a significantly larger budget than Parkland,” said Berger.

He also spoke about his legislative accomplishments in Lauderhill, including overseeing the development of public facilities like a performing arts center and City Hall.

“My experience in managing big city projects will help me make the best decisions for Parkland’s growth,” Berger added.

Cynthia Murphy-Salomone, an attorney and 25-year resident of Parkland, focused on her deep community roots and her passion for maintaining Parkland’s unique small-town feel.

“I’m proud and passionate about Parkland and our people,” Murphy-Salomone said. She discussed her extensive volunteer experience in local schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, highlighting her commitment to preserving Parkland as a family-oriented city.

“My daughters grew up here, and I’ve been involved in everything from PTSO to supporting survivors of the MSD tragedy. I’m running to give back to the city that has given so much to my family,” she explained.

Murphy-Salomone also shared her vision for smart growth, emphasizing the need to preserve green spaces, improve public safety, and responsibly manage the city’s budget without raising taxes.

Addressing the Needs of Parkland’s Growing 55+ Population

One of the key questions posed during the forum was how to serve Parkland’s growing population of 55+ residents who don’t utilize the city’s sports fields.

Murphy-Salomone, who shared that she was part of that 55+ community, stressed the importance of creating spaces that cater to all residents. She expressed support for the development of the “Village in the Park” in Heron Bay, which would include walking paths, restaurants, and social spaces for residents of all ages.

“We need to ensure this development aligns with our city’s character while providing opportunities for all residents to enjoy, especially our older population,” she said.

Berger echoed the sentiment but focused on the need for a new community center that could serve as a hub for senior activities.

“We need a dedicated community center where people can rent space for social events, and it should be available to all residents, including our seniors,” Berger said, stressing the importance of building a facility that meets the needs of Parkland’s diverse population.

Crime and Traffic Concerns: A Focus on Safety

Addressing concerns about crime and speeding in school zones, Berger proposed installing speed-monitoring cameras to curb reckless driving. He suggested issuing warnings for first-time offenders and only tickets for those driving significantly over the speed limit.

“We need to ensure our school zones are safe for our children, but we also need to be fair in how we enforce the rules,” Berger said.

Murphy-Salomone emphasized the need to provide more resources to Parkland’s first responders, including both police and fire departments, to ensure they can adequately serve the city’s growing population.

“We have an amazing police and fire department, but they are stretched thin. We need to make sure they have the resources they need to keep us safe,” she explained.

Candidates Forum with the Parkland Chamber on Wednesday.

Heron Bay and Future Development

When asked about their views on the development of the recently purchased Heron Bay golf course, both candidates agreed that the site should be developed thoughtfully, keeping in mind the character of Parkland.

Murphy-Salomone expressed her excitement about the city’s plans for the site, which include retail, dining, and green space.

“This development has the potential to bring great opportunities to our city, but it’s crucial that it aligns with what our residents want—low-density, community-oriented spaces,” she said.

Berger supported the idea but reiterated his desire to include a community center.

“High-end restaurants and businesses would be a great addition, but we also need a central place where residents can gather and hold events,” he said.

Maintaining Fiscal Responsibility

One final question from the audience asked about the cost of proposed programs, like Berger’s idea for a quarterly city magazine and community center. Berger assured residents that the city could afford such initiatives without raising taxes, citing Parkland’s strong financial position.

“The city has one of the lowest tax rates in Broward County, and there’s room in the budget for improvements like a magazine that keeps residents informed,” he explained.

Murphy-Salomone, however, suggested that many of her proposed programs, such as mentorship and volunteer initiatives, would require minimal funding.

“Programs that bring our community together don’t always have to come with a big price tag. We can do a lot with the resources we already have,” she said.

As the forum concluded, Farro thanked the candidates for participating and urged residents to vote on November 5.

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Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is a Parkland resident and editor of Talk Media. She has been covering Parkland news since 2012. Parkland Talk was created to provide News, Views, and Entertainment for the residents of Parkland.