Biography
Hello, I’m Theresa Booker, a registered nurse with more than 30 years of healthcare experience, and I have proudly called Margate home for over 27 years. Throughout my career, I have worked with physicians, patients, insurance companies, and in case management, giving me firsthand experience solving problems, coordinating care, managing resources, and advocating for people when they need it most. As a mother of two, I understand the importance of safe neighborhoods, strong public services, and r
Education
LPN, RN with BS
Occupation
Nurse Utilization Reviews
Campaign Phone
954-647-7618
If elected, my first priority during the first two months would be listening to residents, city staff, businesses, and public safety personnel to better understand our community’s needs. I would also review the city’s finances and ongoing projects to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly. Over the next two years, I would focus on maintaining our infrastructure, supporting public safety, encouraging responsible economic growth, and improving communication between the city and residents. As a registered nurse, I’ve built my career by listening, solving problems, and advocating for others. I will bring those same values to serving the people of Margate.
2. What should our city be doing now to help solve the solid waste (trash) crisis facing the entire county? Please discuss regarding reduction, recycling, and reuse of waste in our city.
Affordable housing requires cooperation between the city, Broward County, developers, and the private sector. Margate should encourage responsible workforce housing that is compatible with existing neighborhoods while protecting residents’ quality of life. We should review zoning and redevelopment opportunities, support mixed-income housing where appropriate, and pursue available county, state, and federal funding. Any solution should balance affordability, infrastructure capacity, public safety, and responsible growth so teachers, nurses, first responders, and other essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.
If property tax revenue were significantly reduced, my first priority would be protecting essential services such as police, fire rescue, emergency response, and maintaining critical infrastructure. Any budget decisions should be based on data, community input, and a thorough review of city spending to identify efficiencies before reducing services. I would also pursue grants, encourage responsible economic development to broaden the tax base, seek public-private partnerships where appropriate, and evaluate alternative revenue sources. Fiscal responsibility means finding innovative solutions while maintaining the high level of service residents expect.
I believe the best decisions are made when residents are informed and involved. I plan to be accessible by attending community events, neighborhood meetings, and city functions, while encouraging open dialogue with residents of all ages and backgrounds. I will use social media and other communication tools to share updates, explain important issues, and invite public feedback before major decisions are made. My goal is to build trust through transparency, listening, and respectful communication so every resident feels their voice matters and that we are working together for Margate’s future.
Biography
Hi, I'm Nina Culver, and I'm running for Margate City Commission, Seat 5. As a community advocate, nonprofit founder, Guardian ad Litem, and business professional, I've dedicated my life to serving others. I'm committed to protecting taxpayers, supporting public safety, and keeping Margate a safe, transparent, and thriving community for every family.
Education
Certified Florida Guardian ad Litem Continuing education in child advocacy, leadership, and community service Professional training supported a 20+ year career in business management and nonprofit leadership
Occupation
Business Management Professional | Community Advocate | Founder & President, Margate Neighbors Corp.
Civic Experience
Founder & President, Margate Neighbors Corp. Florida Certified Guardian ad Litem, Board Member at Oceans Charter School, Community Advocate, and Children's Ministry Volunteer
Endorsements
IAFF Local 3080 (Our Firefighters and Paramedics)
Campaign Phone
954-740-3272
My priority will be restoring trust through transparency and accountability. Residents deserve open communication and responsible stewardship of their tax dollars. I will support a review of city spending to identify efficiencies while protecting essential services.
Then for the next two years, I will focus on strengthening public safety, improving neighborhood quality of life, maintaining our parks and infrastructure, and promoting responsible redevelopment that protects property values. Strong leadership begins with listening, fiscal responsibility, and making decisions that put residents first. These priorities will help keep Margate safe, financially sound, and a great place to live.
The solid waste challenges facing Broward County require both local action and regional cooperation. Margate should educate residents on reducing waste, expand recycling outreach, and encourage reuse through community donation drives and neighborhood cleanup events. We should also review our city's recycling participation and work with county partners to improve diversion from landfills. Exploring innovative technologies, strengthening public-private partnerships, and promoting responsible purchasing practices can help reduce long-term disposal costs. By focusing on waste reduction, recycling, and reuse, Margate can do its part to protect our environment while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Affordable workforce housing requires cooperation between municipalities, Broward County, and the private sector. Margate should encourage responsible redevelopment, support mixed-income housing in appropriate areas, and pursue partnerships that expand housing options for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential employees. Any housing decisions should protect existing neighborhoods, preserve property values, and be supported by the necessary infrastructure, public safety, and transportation. We must find balanced solutions that meet housing needs without compromising the quality of life that residents expect.
If property taxes were significantly reduced, my priority would be protecting core services such as police, fire, emergency response, and essential infrastructure. I would conduct a thorough review of the city's budget to identify inefficiencies, eliminate unnecessary spending, and improve operational efficiency before considering service reductions. I would also pursue grants, public-private partnerships, economic development that broadens the tax base, and explore alternative revenue sources that do not place an unfair burden on residents. Every budget decision should be transparent, data-driven, and focused on maintaining the services that residents rely on most.
For years, I have been actively engaged in our community through my nonprofit, community events, advocacy, and by listening to residents across every neighborhood. If elected, I will continue that approach by being accessible, holding regular community meetings, maintaining an open-door policy, and using multiple communication channels to keep residents informed and gather feedback. I believe the best decisions are made when residents have a voice. Building unity starts with listening, treating everyone with respect, and ensuring every neighborhood is represented in the conversation about Margate's future.
Biography
I have been a Margate resident for over 30 years, since January 1996. I have served on the Margate Commission and multiple boards from 2011-2018. I have worked for the Broward County School Board Security Division for 38 years. My stable career is my livelihood, and I have no personal agenda for wanting to return to serve the City of Margate. I am experienced, knowledgeable and ready with a clear vision of the city's issues and needs.
Education
Florida Redevelopment Association-RP, Florida League of Cities Elected Official classes, Lockport Township High School
Occupation
Broward County School Board DSOC Specialist
Civic Experience
Margate Commissioner 2011-2018, Margate Vice Mayor 2012-2013, Margate Mayor 2013-2014, Florida League of Cities Legislative Board, Florida Redevelopment Association Administrative Board, Resource Recovery Board
Endorsements
Hispanic Vote of Broward County, Broward Democrats, AFL-CIO, Dolphin Democratsd, Marty Kiar, Broward County Property Appraiser, BYD (Broward Young Democrats, Dan Daley, FL State House, Dist. 96 Nora Rupert Broward County School Board, Joanne Simone Commissioner Margate, Lisa Mallozzi Commissioner Cooper City, Thomas Good Jr. Commissioner Pembroke Pines, Angel Gomez, Weston Commissioner (Fmr.), Jerry Graziose, Comm/V-Mayor N. Lauderdale (Fmr.), Dan Booker retired Margate Fire Chief
Campaign Phone
954-732-1716
Development and Redevelopment are essential to the future of Margate. The City of Margate needs to work with older strip mall owners to upgrade physical appearances. This will attract new businesses, maintain home values and add to our tax base. Infrastructure must be maintained and enhanced. Flooding issues need to be addressed.
Margate is a part of the Solid Waste Master Plan. We need to expand education for the residents regarding recycling and reuse of waste in our city.
The public needs to be educated on "affordable housing". People believe that the term refers to cheap, low-class housing, and that is not true. The need for housing that average people can afford, (basically work-force housing), is a major issue and I will support development that follows this path. I also support all State and Federal programs and legislation that addresses the issue of residents finding a home they can afford.
The elimination and/or reduction of property taxes will certainly cause challenges for the city. I will carefully go through the entire budget to find ways to make up shortfalls without sacrificing services and losing employees. As I have in the past, I will work closely with our professional finance staff to review everything.
The residents of Margate elect commissioners to make the best decisions for residents. I encourage all voters to carefully examine information about the candidates to determine which candidates have the experience and/or the background to understand the workings of government and the impact of vital decisions. When I was first elected in 2011, I instituted my "Coffee with the Commish", which was a twice-a-month gathering for residents to ask questions and receive explanations for issues that affected them. This ran until 2018, when I retired. My door is always open for anyone who wants to be heard. I encourage the City of Margate to welcome residents to sign up to speak at Commission meetings in person or remotely on current agenda issues.
