Re: Delray Beach commission seat will remain empty after a repeat deadlock, Jan. 28

I recently nominated an outstanding community leader, Yvonne Odom, for the interim city commissioner position in Delray Beach. It was the second time I did so, and the second time the motion was voted down by my colleagues.

Tom Carney is mayor of Delray Beach.

I was optimistic about Mrs. Odom’s appointment, though we were fortunate to have other strong candidates. She stands in a class by herself, embodying the past, present, and future of our city.

The second vote last week came just one day after we gathered to honor the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Sadly, two of my fellow commissioners paid tribute to Dr. King one day, only to reject an icon of the Black community the next.

This was an appalling rebuke to that community.

Why did Commissioner Tom Markert suddenly deem it inappropriate to appoint a highly qualified “unelected” nominee to this temporary position, when just weeks earlier he had enthusiastically nominated his “unelected” nominee to the same position?

And why is it “mischievous” to nominate a revered city icon to the city commission?

Why did Commissioner Juli Casale invent a nonsensical accusation that I, the very person who nominated Mrs. Odom twice, encouraged her to vote against the appointment?

It defies all reason: why would I sabotage the very person I had proposed so wholeheartedly?

And why did Casale dismiss those who attended the meeting to speak in favor of Mrs. Odom as a “charade”? This was deeply insulting, not just to Mrs. Odom, but to all who supported her. A poor reflection on Commissioner Casale. What a lost opportunity for our city.

On a more positive note, we are starting the year with a strong track record of advancing long-delayed projects, including the water treatment plant and municipal golf course renovation.

Let’s focus on delivering results for our residents, rather than slinging mud at colleagues and staff.

Tom Carney, Delray Beach

The writer is mayor of Delray Beach.

Las Olas and its trees

Olive trees line the median along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (Amy Beth Bennett/South Florida Sun Sentinel)

It would be nice if the complete truth were printed and discussed.

The 16 dying black olive trees that shade the cars driving along Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale are being replaced by 90 (plus or minus) shade trees that will be planted in the widened sidewalks to shade pedestrians. That’s the truth.

Michael C. Weymouth, Fort Lauderdale

The writer is president of the Las Olas Company, which leases more than 50 retail spaces on the Boulevard.

(Editor’s Note: The latest Sun Sentinel story on the topic, on Jan. 20, quoted Las Olas property owner Charlie Ladd as saying “90 to 94” canopy trees will replace the black olives).

Don’t cut property taxes

I emphatically do not want my reasonable property tax rate cut.

I am grateful for city services such as garbage pickup, fire and police service and road maintenance to name a few. Instead, they need to cut insurance rates (mine is three times more than my property tax, and I live in a modest home and neighborhood.)

Quit allowing FPL to keep raising rates. My electric bill is more than my property taxes. Cities that do not draw many tourists have little means of providing funds for desperately needed services. Our legislature and governor seem to be pandering to the richest sector of society, not the sector that will not benefit from this proposed cut.

Citizens, I beg you to reject these proposals for the good of all, not the benefit of the few.

Barbra Nightingale, Hollywood

Reviewing a review

I enjoyed your review of the wonderful Café Bastille in Weston; my husband and I consider it an inside secret and bring guests there frequently.

I must, however, take exception to the featured “Israeli” breakfast. The dish is in fact a Palestinian breakfast, with foods including the Jerusalem bagel, which is foundational to Palestinian cuisine and regional culture more generally.

Michael McPherrin, Fort Lauderdale

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