Questionnaire: Patricia Duaybes, candidate for Coconut Creek City Commission, District C

Name: Patricia Louise Duaybes

Seat you are running for: Coconut Creek Commissioner District C

Education and highest degree obtained: Lowndes County (Ga.) High School; Angeles University Foundation, Philippines, biology major; 3 years Miami-Dade College, paralegal major.

Occupation: FAA certified drone pilot and app developer

Outline your work history for past 15 years: 11/2005 - 07/2009 MDPL, adminstrator, client services; 2009-2012, House of M, president; 2011-2013, Meadows Deli Corp., president; 2017-present, Team Dibs, pilot-In-command, App Developer; 2020-present, Adam’s Consulting, client account services.

Have you ever been arrested, charged or convicted of a crime? Have you ever received a “withheld adjudication” or had a matter sealed or expunged? Please explain. No

Have you ever been a plaintiff or defendant in a civil action including bankruptcy or foreclosure or had a restraining order issued against you? No.

Are you a member of civic groups? Due to COVID-19 my participation in civic activities has been very limited. Here is a list of past groups I have been active in: Future Business Leaders of America; American Red Cross, Clark Air Base, Philippines; Sierra Club, Broward chapter; PTA, Winston Park Elementary, Tradewinds Elementary; Lyons Creek Middle Student Advisory Council (SAC); Coconut Creek Women’s Club; Kiwanis Club, Deerfield Beach West Chapter; Broward County Diversity Board member; Broward County Consumer Protection Board member.

Have you run for office before? If so, where and when? Yes, same seat for the past four cycles.

Why are you running for this office? To serve others. I feel very fortunate for the life I have lived. Although my life has had difficult moments personally and professionally, I am thankful for all my life experiences. I attribute a large part of my blessed life to the country I was born into and the community I chose live and raise my family in. I was brought up in a home that not only said grace (thanks), but took action in service to others for the blessings we received.

If you have chosen to run against an incumbent, why? I don’t view my run for commissioner as running against an incumbent. I am running for an opportunity to bring my life experiences, skill set, and mindset to the dais to improve Coconut Creek for residents and business owners.

Describe your city and/or district to someone who has never visited. Coconut Creek is a cordial and friendly city located close to some of Florida’s greatest natural assets, the beaches and the Everglades. A green, beautifully landscaped and well maintained city with a hometown feel for individuals and families to call home.

How would you assess the performance of the city commission and what grade would you give for how it works? Why?

My assessment of the commission depends on what subject is being discussed. A+ for recognizing early last year of COVID-19 1/4 u2032s lethal threat and taking swift action by locking down our city down to protect residents’ and business owners’ safety and well being. F for how and when the dais and city leadership communicated with residents on the upcoming severance of fire rescue services with Margate. F for how the commission meetings are conducted during COVID-19. Residents are excluded from participating through teleconferencing. Residents are required to submit written or voice mail input on matters being brought before the commission 24 hours prior to meetings or to physically show up at meetings. Zoom participation is only for commissioners. F for violating the spirit of our state’s resign to run law and abdication of duty by failing to set policies in the temporary appointment to fill the remainder of a commissioner’s term. A+++ for how the dais “works together.” There are never (only two I can recall) any disagreements among commissioners on items voted on or discussed at commission meetings, hearings or workshops. (written with heavy sarcasm).

Is there anything you want us to know about your opponents? No

Is there anything we didn’t ask that you would like to bring up?

Please ask why our dais is so reluctant to advertise or conduct a job search for the city manager’s position. Although I support hiring from within our city’s leadership ranks, our community deserves a local government that avoids the appearance of cronyism. The city manager’s position should have been advertised and interviews conducted. Also, why was the current city manager’s salary started at $250,000 plus benefits? The last manager started at $199,000 nearly eight years ago. Our city has under 80,000 residents and is 10 miles long. The dais also made the decision to give the city manager a 5% pay raise after a couple of months on the job. In June, I attended a budget meeting where a large budget shortfall was predicted due to the pandemic. How can our city afford building a new fire-rescue services department, building a new city emergency 911 system while handing out these eye-popping salaries without raising taxes?

Is there anything about you that we didn’t ask that would embarrass you if an opponent found out?

The best gift you can give yourself is getting over the fear of embarrassment, because then you’re completely free to try anything — Jesse Itzler (entrepreneur). “Pat, there is a world out there that will be against you. Do yourself a favor and don’t be against yourself.” — Ret. Master Sgt. George Evans, USAF (my Dad). I follow my own path on dealing with adversity. Only way you can survive and thrive in this world.

Why should voters vote for you? As your commissioner, I will: (1) Make public safety and fire-rescue services for our residents and business owners my top priority. (2) Be a budget hawk to keep our tax rates and our city’s utility service fees steady. (3) Work diligently to support our local businesses and to bring in new businesses into our city. (4) Conduct full reviews on city contracts, spending, and infrastructure projects to maintain an economical and sustainable pathway for our city’s future. (5) Focus on technological infrastructure and incorporate these services for residents and businesses.

How much money have you raised so far? $4,500

Have you received any endorsements? No