audrey4pompano.com <\/a><\/p>\nDate and place of birth: February 8, 1978; Pennsylvania<\/p>\n
Overall, is Pompano Beach on the right track or the wrong track, and why?
Pompano Beach has a lot going for it, but I believe we need a course correction.<\/p>\n
We have wonderful neighborhoods, a unique coastal character, strong private investment and dedicated employees. But progress cannot simply be measured by how much we build or how much money we spend. Residents are increasingly concerned about traffic, flooding, overdevelopment, rising costs and major long-term financial commitments that will affect taxpayers for years.<\/p>\n
I believe residents need to be at the center of our decision-making. Growth should not come at the expense of the people who already live here, and major projects should not move forward without clear financing, demonstrated public benefit and meaningful community input.<\/p>\n
We also need stronger oversight of contracts, consultants and redevelopment spending, and greater transparency before decisions are made, not after.<\/p>\n
Pompano Beach can continue to improve without losing the character that makes it special. To me, being on the right track means protecting quality of life, maintaining our neighborhoods and infrastructure, keeping residents safe, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly and making sure City Hall is working for the people who live here.<\/p>\n
If you are elected or re-elected, would you support or oppose the retention of City Manager Greg Harrison, and why?
I oppose his retention. His contract expires in February 2027, and I believe that is the appropriate time for Pompano Beach to transition to new leadership.<\/p>\n
During my time on the Commission, I have developed significant concerns about accountability, responsiveness to commissioners and residents, management of major projects, and whether the Commission is consistently receiving the complete information it needs to exercise proper oversight.<\/p>\n
This is not based on one disagreement or one issue. It reflects my overall experience working with the administration and what I believe the city needs going forward.<\/p>\n
I believe it is time for Mr. Harrison to enjoy his retirement and for Pompano Beach to begin a thoughtful search for a new City Manager who is responsive to residents, responsive to the Commission, transparent in communication, accountable for results, and committed to carrying out the direction of the elected body.<\/p>\n
Does Pompano have a problem with overdevelopment, yes or no, and why?
Yes. I believe Pompano Beach has a problem with overdevelopment when the scale and intensity of new projects begin to change the character of the community and outpace the infrastructure needed to support them.<\/p>\n
Part of what makes Pompano Beach unique is its small-town, fishing-community feel. We should be improving older properties, encouraging investment and supporting thoughtful redevelopment, but we do not need to become the next Miami or Fort Lauderdale in the process.<\/p>\n
Tourism is important to our local economy, but it should not be the driving force behind how we develop or redevelop our city. The people who live here year-round should be the primary consideration when we make decisions about density, traffic, parking, drainage, public safety and neighborhood compatibility.<\/p>\n
Redevelopment can mean revitalizing an underperforming property, improving what is already there and adding value to the surrounding community. It does not always have to mean building bigger, taller or denser.<\/p>\n
My focus is protecting the quality of life of our residents while allowing responsible investment that fits Pompano Beach, rather than changing Pompano Beach to fit a development model that belongs somewhere else.<\/p>\n
List in order of importance the three most important issues in your district and briefly explain what you would do about each.
1. Infrastructure, drainage and neighborhood maintenance.<\/p>\n
District 1 has aging roads, flooding concerns and major infrastructure needs. I will continue prioritizing paving, stormwater improvements, bridge and utility projects, and transparent timelines so residents know what is funded and when work will occur.<\/p>\n
2. Traffic and pedestrian safety.<\/p>\n
A1A, Atlantic Boulevard and neighborhood cut-through traffic are major concerns. I support stronger crosswalk safety measures, better lighting, data-driven traffic enforcement, coordination with FDOT and practical transportation planning that does not worsen congestion for residents.<\/p>\n
3. Responsible development and quality of life.<\/p>\n
New development must be evaluated for cumulative traffic, drainage, parking and neighborhood impacts. I will continue advocating for compatible development, protection of open space and parks, and greater resident participation before major projects reach a final vote.<\/p>\n
Do you support or oppose Amendment 3, and why?
I support Amendment 3. Florida homeowners have seen the cost of living and property values rise significantly, and I believe permanent residents deserve meaningful property-tax relief.<\/p>\n
At the same time, voters should understand both sides of the equation: the relief homeowners may receive and the impact on local-government revenues. My concern is cities should not simply respond to reduced revenue by raising other taxes, fees or assessments.<\/p>\n
If Amendment 3 passes, Pompano Beach should first take a hard look at spending, contracts, staffing, reserves and major capital commitments. We should identify efficiencies, eliminate waste and make sure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly before asking residents to pay more somewhere else.<\/p>\n
I also believe core public services must remain protected. Public safety, infrastructure, drainage, roads and other essential services should continue to be prioritized.<\/p>\n
For me, Amendment 3 is not only about tax relief. It is also about requiring the local government to be more disciplined, transparent and accountable with the money it receives. Residents are being asked to absorb higher costs in nearly every part of their lives, and I support giving homeowners additional relief while expecting the government to live within its means.<\/p>\n
Do you generally support or oppose the planned \u201cnew downtown,\u201d and why?
I oppose the New Downtown as it is currently planned.<\/p>\n
I already have serious financial concerns about the project. Before committing taxpayers to anything further, we need to understand exactly where the city stands under the Master Development Agreement, what we are legally obligated to provide, what can still be changed, and whether a prior Commission should be able to bind future commissions and taxpayers through an agreement this restrictive.<\/p>\n
We are already facing major infrastructure, public safety, drainage, parks and other citywide needs. If Amendment 3 passes and local-government revenues are further reduced, that only makes the financial picture more difficult. I do not believe we can, in good conscience, take on substantial new debt to build this version of a New Downtown without first reassessing our obligations and priorities.<\/p>\n
I would support going back to the local community and asking what the residents who actually live there want and need. Redevelopment should improve their quality of life and strengthen existing neighborhoods, not simply create another destination.<\/p>\n
I also believe Pompano Beach should end its relationship with Redevelopment Management Associates, LLC. They have become far too involved in shaping this project while working under both City and CRA relationships. Their role is redevelopment management. The City\u2019s role is broader: managing the entire city and working for residents. Those priorities are not always the same, and I believe Pompano Beach needs to take back control of its own future.<\/p>\n
Can you cite a program or service in your city that in your opinion is wasteful or unnecessary?
One area I believe deserves much greater scrutiny is our reliance on outside consultants and professional-service contracts.<\/p>\n
Consultants can be valuable when specialized expertise is needed, but I question arrangements where employees or former employees retire or leave city service and then return under consulting contracts. If the work is still necessary, residents deserve a clear explanation of why it is no longer being handled through a regular staff position and whether the consulting arrangement actually saves money.<\/p>\n
We also need a clear policy for consultants who operate inside city government as if they were employees. Their authority, responsibilities and limits should be clearly defined. Consultants should not be put in a position where they can influence decisions that financially benefit themselves, their firms or related interests.<\/p>\n
Every consulting contract should have a defined purpose, measurable deliverables, transparent compensation, appropriate conflict-of-interest protections and regular review to determine whether the service remains necessary and cost-effective.<\/p>\n
Before asking residents for more money or cutting essential services, we should first examine unnecessary outsourcing, duplication and contracts that may no longer provide sufficient value.<\/p>\n
Taxpayer dollars should be directed first toward public safety, roads, drainage, infrastructure, parks and responsive city services.<\/p>\n
Do you support or oppose the use of surveillance cameras known as LPRs or license plate readers in your city, and what changes would you support?
LPRs can be useful for identifying stolen vehicles, locating wanted suspects and supporting legitimate criminal investigations. But the ability to collect large amounts of location data also creates significant privacy concerns if access, retention and sharing are not tightly controlled.<\/p>\n
Florida law already treats LPR images and identifying data as confidential and limits retention to the maximum period established under the state retention schedule. I would support going further locally with clear written policies governing who can access the system, for what purpose, how searches are audited, how long data is retained, and when information may be shared with outside agencies.<\/p>\n
There should also be regular public reporting so residents know how the technology is being used and whether it is producing meaningful public-safety results.<\/p>\n
Technology should serve residents, not quietly expand government surveillance. If we cannot demonstrate a clear public-safety benefit and strong protections against misuse, then we should not be expanding the system.<\/p>\n
Like all cities and counties, Pompano Beach must comply with a new state law, SB 1134, that prohibits funding or promoting diversity, equity and inclusion policies. Do you support or oppose this law and what impact will it have?
My focus is on compliance. SB 1134 is now state law and takes effect January 1, 2027.<\/p>\n
Pompano Beach should conduct a careful legal and operational review of its policies, programs, contracts, grants and training to determine what must change and what remains permissible. I would want that process to be clear, transparent and guided by the City Attorney so that staff, contractors and residents understand the law without the city either ignoring it or interpreting it more broadly than necessary.<\/p>\n
Our procurement and grant procedures may also need to be updated to ensure the city and its contractors are operating within the new requirements.<\/p>\n
My responsibility as a commissioner is to make sure the city follows the law while continuing to provide services fairly, consistently and professionally to every resident.<\/p>\n
What factor most distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why?
The biggest distinction is that residents know exactly where I stand because I have been willing to speak up, ask questions and challenge decisions publicly, both before I was elected and throughout my time on the Commission.<\/p>\n
I research the issues, attend the meetings, and put my positions on the record, even when doing so is uncomfortable or unpopular.<\/p>\n
I also exercise independent judgment. I do not believe a commissioner\u2019s role is to simply follow staff recommendations, developers, consultants or other elected officials. The job is to study the facts, weigh the impact on residents, ask difficult questions and make an independent decision.<\/p>\n
My opponent is an active real estate broker, and a significant portion of her campaign support has come from people connected to real estate and development interests. She has participated in some public meetings and city boards, but voters have had far fewer opportunities to see how she would respond to the difficult votes and financial decisions that come before the Commission.<\/p>\n
With me, there is no guessing. My votes, questions, positions and constituent work are already public. Residents know that I will do the research, exercise independent judgment, and speak up when I believe their interests are not being represented.<\/p>\n
Why should voters elect you instead of your opponent(s)?
I have spent the last two years doing the work, not just talking about what I would do.<\/p>\n
I am accessible to residents, I answer my phone, I show up, I ask questions, and I do my homework. I have been willing to challenge major spending decisions, question contracts and consultants, push for better infrastructure and public safety, and speak up when I believe something is not in the best interest of the people who live here.<\/p>\n
I have also demonstrated I am willing to stand independently. I do not believe the role of a commissioner is to simply go along with staff, developers, consultants or other elected officials. Oversight is part of the job, and residents deserve someone who is willing to ask difficult questions and insist on answers.<\/p>\n
My record is public. Residents can look at my votes, my constituent work, the issues I have raised and the positions I have taken. I have worked hard to be accessible, transparent and responsive, and I have tried to make sure residents have a stronger voice in decisions that affect their neighborhoods and their tax dollars.<\/p>\n
I am asking for another term because there is still important work to do, and I believe I have shown I am willing to do it.<\/p>\n
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
More than 25 years of experience in marketing and business development. Florida real estate license maintained for personal investments\/referrals; not actively practicing real estate.<\/p>\n
[Editor\u2019s Note: Questionnaire then stated all further answers were the same as answers in Fesik\u2019s 2024 questionnaire. We have included those answers below.]<\/p>\n
Adaptable Strategy, LLC<\/p>\n
Wesley Financial Group, LLC<\/p>\n
Wyndham<\/p>\n
American Hotel Liquidators<\/p>\n
Gannett, Inc.<\/p>\n
List in reverse chronological order colleges or universities attended with years of attendance and degrees.
Florida State University 1996-1998<\/p>\n
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details of the case and disposition.
Yes, I was the Plaintiff in a compensation dispute with an employer, Wesley Financial Group. The matter was a 2022 case and was resolved in my favor.<\/p>\n
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Name: Audrey Anne Fesik Campaign website: audrey4pompano.com Date and place of birth: February 8, 1978; Pennsylvania Overall, is…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":424232,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[483,249,251,250,482],"class_list":["post-424231","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-fort-lauderdale","tag-commentary","tag-fort-lauderdale","tag-fort-lauderdale-headlines","tag-fort-lauderdale-news","tag-opinion"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424231","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=424231"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/424231\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/424232"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=424231"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=424231"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=424231"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}