Fort Lauderdale is a fairly conservative city with many of its residents simply trying to rear their young families, like countless places across America and other parts of the world.
Since 1991, Jim Naugle has reigned over the City of Fort Lauderdale, serving six consecutive terms -- the longest serving Mayor in the city’s history. His wife, Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips is a lovely person. Much of the city’s development occurred on Naugle’s watch; the Museum of Discovery and Science, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Riverwalk, and Las Olas Boulevard. It is also said that Naugle worked to clean up the ‘Spring Break Party Era’, making Fort Lauderdale a more family oriented vacation spot.
But in more recent times, Naugle’s behaviour has been deemed in part contentious, to say the least. He’s been at odds with the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Gay and Lesbian Community.
Although Naugle’s tenure hasn’t been ‘all’ bad, at the same time, Jim Naugle hasn’t been able to please everyone. That’s life. And with life, comes change. And change is most certainly coming!
Mayoral candidate, Dean Trantalis is a “very politically correct” individual. He’s extremely judicious on how he approaches issues, and is emphatically diligent in his course for change. Change that improves circumstances for all people. His partner, Rick Smith is every bit as lovely a person as The Honorable Carol-Lisa Phillips.
Some might ask, “How can Trantalis know what it is to raise a family?” In all fairness, my answer would be that there are many heterosexual couples who remain childless throughout the course of their lives, some by choice, others due to infertility problems. But as human beings ‘they’ understand the commitment and responsibility that comes with assuming the position of ‘role model’. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that Dean Trantalis is an adored and respected uncle.
POLITICAL SCRAPBOOK: l to r (1) Friends: Richard Smith, Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, Dean Trantalis (2) Political Smoke: Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, Governor Charlie Crist, Elyahou Lallouz (3) Victory: Mrs. Lallouz, Mr. Commissioner (4) Confrères: Governor Charlie Crist, Dean Trantalis (5) Raising Dollars: Trantalis & the Countess (6) Gala Dinner: Rick Smith, Rhonda & Elyahou Lallouz (7) Fundraising Pals: Contessa Rhonda & Commissioner Trantalis (8) The Night She Was Appointed Judge: Mayor Jim Naugle, Judge Carol-Lisa Phillips, Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg, Artist-Philanthropist Elyahou Lallouz
Born and raised in Norwich, Connecticut, Dean Trantalis attended Norwich Free Academy and Boston University. He majored in Political Science, graduating in 1975 ‘with distinction’ cum laude. After a break, Trantalis went on to attend the Stetson University School of Law, graduating in 1979. International law courses in Eastern Europe, Russia, and London followed. In 1980, Trantalis was admitted to the Connecticut and Florida Bars, and has practiced law in Broward County since 1982. The years that followed have been filled with countless causes; Board of Directors positions, Board of Governors, to mention a few. As former City Commissioner District II for the City of Ft. Lauderdale, Trantalis assumed the rotating position of Vice Mayor. Dean Trantalis is the 2003 recipient of The GL Award ‘for Contributorship to Politics’. Visit www.DeanForMayor.com
I am saddened by the number of persons who erroneously believe that electing a gay Mayor would increase the rights of the gay community.
That’s commensurate to saying that electing an African American president will offer more lenience toward black delinquency in America! Could it also mean that African Americans across the nation who commit crimes will be exonerated, no questions asked?! Does it mean that anyone who shares a common epidermal coloration as President Obama will be granted preferential treatment?!
Solidly daft, wouldn’t you agree?! The very rationale that equates to the hallucination that ‘electing a Jewish President would mean that the nation would be mandated to convert to Judaism, eat ‘gefilte fish’ (popular Jewish dish made from mixture of ground deboned fish) on the Sabbath, and profess a fondness for their ‘machatunem’ (in-laws)!’ A daunting inference!
It is absolutely preposterous that any politician would willfully serve in accordance with such a ‘biased path of leadership’. Voting in light of a candidate’s religion, sexual preference, race, etc. has little, if nothing to do with leadership capacity.
Ergo, it gives me great delight to stand up for a man ‘who has integrity’. A man ‘who believes in human rights for all people’. A man ‘who weighs his words responsibly’. A man ‘who I am proud to call my friend’, Dean Trantalis... “the right man for the job” of ‘Mayor for the City of Fort Lauderdale’.
Igniting a bright future!
MEET MAYORAL CANDIDATE DEAN TRANTALIS
IN THIS EXCLUSIVE LIM MEDIA QUICK VIEW.
(00:01:04)
Some would wager that I’m a devout Democrat, while others swing for the Republican côte. I say ‘nay’ to those presumptions. It’s no secret that I have close alliances with both sides. On a personal note, it’s got nothing to do with “the political party” and more to do with “the candidate”. I’m confident that many of you can relate to this way of thinking.
by Contessa Rhonda von Sternberg
"It's time that our leadership stands with its people and not hide in the shadow of conflict. As mayor, I will be the champion for all people. The successes we enjoy today have been built by people who have come from all parts of the globe and from all walks of life. New ideas and the sweat of everyone’s brow bring forth the changes that enhance our quality of life.” -Dean Trantalis
“People look to their leaders to guide them through the challenges we face every day. We need a leader who not only has a vision but the strength and courage to make it happen. Building consensus means working together — this begins with our new Partnership For Change!” -Dean Trantalis
PAINTING OF “THE CANDIDATE” BY ELYAHOU LALLOUZ
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