Peerman won’t seek re-election
One of the two Margate commissioners up for re-election next year has decided not to run.
Commissioner Lesa Peerman announced at a recent meeting that she will not run for re-election in 2018. She has been a commissioner since 2011. Commissioner Joanne Simone, whose term will also end in 2018, is yet to announce if she plans to run again.
Peerman said that she had initially planned to announce her decision only in January next year but was making it public earlier as “candidates need time to raise money and meet residents.” She said she planned to remain active in the city’s political arena even after stepping down.
“I have spent seven years in the audience being able to help make changes,” said Peerman. “I believe that now, I will better serve the residents by once again being in the audience. Iwill continue to fight for what is right for the residents and the city for the next16 months andthen, I will do it fromthe audience.”
In2015, Peerman, whomarried her partner Jan Hadden the year before, was found in violation of two ethics charges by Broward’s Office of the Inspector General.
She was found guilty of soliciting for charitable donations, without filing the required paperwork, and accepting a wedding gift valued over $50 in her official capacity. She kept her job even though fellow city officials could have asked her to step down.
Peerman has had her share of other controversies aswell, including being reprimanded by fellowofficials for a social media post that included an expletive. Her rant followed a decision by the city commission to retain Tommy Ruzzano as mayor for another year, rather than let other officials take turns holding the job.