February 7, 2025 • 19 mins
Merker is running for the open Mayoral seat in Boynton Beach.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey, Joel Malcolm Ford WJNO dot com. And my election
spotlight is on the city of Boynton Beach where you
have actually two active elections on the ballot there, including
one for mayor. Taypin Serga is termed out after a
couple of terms, so you have four candidates going at
it for mayor, including David Murker, and we are speaking
(00:22):
to mister Murker right now. Thank you for joining me.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Thank you for having me. I guess I should tell
the people who I am, right.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Yeah, I was going to say, you know, I know
you have some history in Boytant Beach and you're going
to share that with us, But of course we have
new new residents to Florida and you know Palm Beach
County and Boyton specifically all the time, so let's get
some background on you.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Sure, it's my pleasure. I mean, I'm just like seventy
three years old. I consider myself to be sure. Man.
I've had the pleasure of being city commissioner in Boyant Beach.
And for the record, I'm from New Jersey and I've
been a city commissioner up there, and I can keep going,
but I won't.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Well, I was going to I was just going to
ask you as far as being a city commissioner in Boyton,
what were the years?
Speaker 2 (01:16):
The years I believe was like nineteen nineteen, twenty fourteen
through twenty sixteen.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Okay, so you served was that that's a term? Okay,
you served a term there? Yes, all right, So give
us some more background work related any of that, any
stuff you feel as pertinent.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Okay. Like I said, I'm in my seventies, and to me,
that's very important when you're in politics and you want
to be a leader, because you have the experience, you
have knowledge, and as I just stated, I've served not
just in bot In Beach, but in New Jersey also
and elsewhere. The reason I'm running is a very simple
(01:56):
reason because as you get older, you learn and what
I've learned at what I see in point In Beach,
it's a very diverse community, and I, as a previous
city commissioner, believe very strongly in respect and bringing people together.
And that's the major reason why I'm running for mayor
(02:20):
of the City of boy Beach.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
All right, Uh, kind of open up a little can
of worms there. I would take that, I assume to
mean that you don't feel like things are cohesive among
the commission currently.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
That's a nice word. I emphatically, indubitably and definitely agree
with that statement. It lacks leadership, It lacks the feeling
for the people, all right.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
As far as the leadership, keep in mind that you
know there's going to be a new mayor regardless, So
I don't know if I don't know if your your
issues are are predominantly with Mayor Penserga but obviously he
will not be there regardless come March.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Well, my issues are not dealing with him, Okay. He
happens to be a very bright guy and he's served
this term and I have nothing negative to say about him,
per sing.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Okay, so what do you what are your concerns regarding
the commission as it as it currently stands.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
That they're following one of the city manager simply he
seems that he is uh controlling the city. A city
manager is to work for the city. He's supposed to
have communication with a very strong communication with the commissioners.
(03:50):
Uh the previous subject. I shouldn't say previous. The president mayor,
I believe, does not have that kind of relationship.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
So you feel like the mayor and the city manager
should work together more closely.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Well, what I feel is very strongly that the mayor
and the commission is truly divided, and that hurts what
I have to say. How should I say it? Or
should I say it? It seems like the city manager
takes sides to get what he or what he wants
(04:31):
to me. The purpose of a city manager, again is
to god the commission informed the commission give his opinions
to the commission, but the commission itself, including the mayor,
has to come to what he or she feels is
the best decision for the people of bullying Peach.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
So it sounds like part of your issue is specifically
with the who is specifically the city manager. Could this
be something that you might put up for a vote
as far as or attempt to Obviously you would need
a second, I guess, but to potentially look for a
new city manager or you know what would you what
(05:14):
would be your plan of action?
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Okay, there's something called the majority and the simple majority.
We boint in Beach are the only city around us,
including Boca del Rey, Lake Worth, Lantana and others, that
require a four vote to either get dismissed. A city
manager and a city attorney or uh, the other cities
(05:41):
I just mentioned it takes three, only three, and I
think that we bought in Beach and it's been brought
up at meetings, but they never followed through in discussion,
let alone a vote on this subject.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
So you were going to say, you you feel like
you should take only three. So that would be that
would be something that would be in the charter, right,
so that would be something you'd have to put to
the to the voters.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I assume No, it's the commission that makes that decision.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Oh okay, all right, so that's not that wouldn't be
a charter change. No, okay, all right. I'd like to
talk with you about some some of the issues around
Boint Beach. And I'm going to start with this one
just because it's it's one that I me as an outsider.
I've never lived in Boyne Beach, but I've been there
(06:33):
plenty of times. I've been. Uh, it's one of those
that I noticed. It's something that's been around for for years.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
And oh may I checked one way. Sorry, let's go
back to the city commissioner. The choice of the city
commissioner by the hr Raids Department. This man the lowest
rank rating of anyone trying to become city manager.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Okay, why do you why do you feel he was chosen? Then?
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Well, it goes it's court politics, and the gentleman was
with the police and the unions seemed to come together
and push him forward. Nothing against the policeman or the
fireman in our city, they're very good. But it's political
(07:30):
and he knew how to do. How should I say it? Oh,
what's the word I'm looking for? Finagel? Okay, what goes on?
Speaker 1 (07:43):
All right? Let me get to the point. Beach Mall property,
that was where I was starting to go. That's something
that I'm sure even as far back as when you
were serving, and you know, we're going back ten eleven
years from when you started serving your your term as
a commissioner. This has been a topic of conversation for
(08:03):
quite a while in the city of Boyton Beach. It's
a fairly dilapidated mall. I know that the property is
for sale. I believe I was told close to one
hundred million is what it's apparently worth. No takers yet,
no word on what's going to happen with it. What
are your thoughts on that property?
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Well, I'll tell you what I'd like to do, Okay,
as the.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Mayor, as the leader of the city, what I'd like
to start doing is doing my homework, which I'm doing now,
and speak to different developers, ask.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Them to talk to me, and hopefully they want me
to talk to them and basically discuss the subject matters.
I think it has to be a continuous subject among
the commission. And what I also want, which is not
done in my mind properly, I want to hear from
the people in the city what they would like, the
(08:55):
type of businesses are, the establishments that they on. So
when I speak to developers, I have both what they're
going to tell me and what the people of the
city are going to tell me.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Okay, has there been any thoughts in your minds of
something you'd like to see. We're hearing a lot of
mixed mixed use. A lot of folks are saying they
want to see mixed use. They don't want to see
just a bunch of condos.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
But like, and I agreed, and I agreed again. I
don't I want to sound intelligent, but the way I
do things is I do my homework and research and
a principle as you brought up as an issue is
speaking to potential developers or or even reaching out to developers,
(09:47):
Like I said, my experience as a councilman in New
Jersey was I dealt with big developers all the time.
If you research the city of fort Land, New Jersey,
you'll see many, many big developers, and I happen to
know them. And what's going on in our country is
(10:07):
people from the Northeast, many many are moving to Florida.
So it's an open door and hopefully I can open
the door a little more.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Hey that rhymed.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Okay, I'm a very excuse me. I'm sorry people who
are listening to me from Boyton Beach and elsewhere. I'm
a very direct person. You ask the question, and I'm
going to sort of commingle it. You asked professionally, what
I've done. Well, from my heart, I've been in the
(10:42):
field and specialized in medicare and long term care planning
for people. Okay, Well, when you see your own father
in the nineteen seventies having Alzheimer's, you cry within. And
my belief was, I'm not here to be a used
car salesman. I'm here to educate people on your life
(11:06):
potentially what could happen to you? So I got into
the subject matter of medicare and long term care. In fact,
i'd love if I was involved with the federal government.
I'd like to extend Medicare into the field of dental
dentistry also, but I'm not going to go into that now.
(11:28):
But so what I'm saying is I want to reach
out and I hope to have people who I know
in the development area inboy In Beach and elsewhere to
talk to me. I want to hear their ideas. Okay,
that's the key of a successful city. The key of
a successful city is the ability and wanting to bring
(11:50):
people together. And I will. If you want me to
go into it now, I will. But that's what I
did from the day I became a commissioner to the
day's when I wasn't commissioner, to the days why I
want to be mayor, Well.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
We have you know, we have about twenty minutes or
so total to talk, so I don't you know, I
would like to hit on a bevy of topics, but
you know, for your sake, but you knows how long
you spend on one is up to you. But I
did want to ask you. You referenced the police department earlier,
(12:25):
and I know there have been some changes in recent
years within the police department and some concerns between the
community and the police. Have those things improved to your knowledge?
And how's the police department doing overall?
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Well, let me just say this. I'm proud to say.
I'm fortunate to say I have a very nice relationship
with our chief. I call him Chief Joe. I respect him,
I like him. I think he knows me fairly well.
If you ask him questions about me, I think he
(13:03):
would say, just as I'm saying that the two of
us feel we can work together very well. We're not
afraid to be direct with one another and ask us
questions about one another on what we feel.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Okay, so it's safe to say.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
And and let me just say and also the fire department.
You know, let me make a very direct personal statement.
Thank God, And I say it again, thank God. There
are people who want to be policemen and people who
want to be firemen. We the public should bless God
(13:42):
that we have people like that that want to help
us and take care of us. So as far as
the city's police and fire, it's great Unfortunately, what happens
is sometimes someone or somebody interferes and that's what I
feel is going on.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
But you feel the police department is and fire for
that matter, is running well and engaging with the community
in a positive way and whatnot.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Yeah, and again I repeat, if I was mayor, it
would be done even more because I look at it
as mayor, as leader of the city. Is that I
want the people to know that the relationship I have
with fire and police is professional, it's personal and most important,
we want to help you the people.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Let's talk about traffic for a bit. I've been on
Congress Avenue there in Boyton Beach at certain times of
the day where it can get pretty hectic, and are
there any ideas you would bring to the daist to
maybe smooth things out a little bit.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Well, again, I may sound a little ignorant now I
hope I don't, but that's something I want to talk to.
I need to be in the position to get a
feeling and a little more education on how it can
be improved. At this point, I will not give you
an intelligent answer because I feel I have to do
(15:14):
some more homework.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
It sounds like you want to get a lot of
input on a lot of things from the residents. Should
you get elected.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Okay, thank you, thank you for bringing that up. Thank you.
We have four districts, and now I'll tell you my
little story. When I was elected commissioner and I'm inn
I living District one, what I realized is there's a
lot There's three other districts. There's a lot more people.
And so what I started doing was going into each district.
(15:47):
I went into the churches. I met the pastors and
the priests and the rabbis, and I went to the services,
and I went to the events. Why it's called the
personal touch, It's called trying to get people to understand
and have knowledge and like one another. If I'm fortunate
(16:08):
to become mayor, ask the pastors in the city if
they know me and if I've been there for them,
my voting record, my presence in their events and churches.
Have I been a leader that I've been there for
the people. And I believe emphatically, again, I'll use this
(16:30):
term indobitably and definitely they'd all say they know me
and I've been there.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
All right, I want to ask you this question, and
I do this with all the candidates that I've interviewed
over the years for whatever race they're running four candidates
in this race is going to be a new mayor.
As I said earlier, regardless of who wins, why ultimately
should folks choose David Murker?
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Number one, I have the experience. Number two, I had
votes that the people know that we're for them. For example,
in District three, the old high school was converted to
a new one. Guess who had a vote on that. Also,
I'm not tied up with any one group or any
(17:18):
one person what I represent, and I invite them, just
like I stated just before, I invite them to invite
me to come to their meetings. Why guess what I
learned from the people what's running against me is no knowledge,
(17:39):
no experience. Yes, they say I'm going to do this,
I'm going to do that. Excuse me. What they're going
to do I've done already. I've been there and will
continue to be there. And I'll make it more personal
so that people can touch me and feel comfortable with
me when you first run for office. And the joke is,
(17:59):
none of the people ever ran I shouldn't say never,
have never been a commissioner. And they want to be
the leader of the band and be mayor right away.
That's a joke. Fact one of them ran and lost.
One of the women are running. Let's put it this way,
she's very good friends with the city manager, or phrase
it that way. So the point is I'm not interested.
(18:23):
I'm interested that the people can feel comfortable with me
and touch me if I become mayor. What I'm going
to do is have my own special number so I
could set up a day or two where the people
could meet with me. Hey, David, I got some questions,
I got some missions. Can we meet and it'd be
my pleasure. I want to bring up the last point.
(18:45):
The CRA I was out of the CRA when it
consisted of the commission and two citizens on the boards.
No if, hands or butts. We need to add some
citizens from the area to participate voice their opinion on
what they believe is right for the CRA district. Well
(19:07):
we have right now because I'll use a nice word ego,
only the commissioners vote on it, and half the time
they talk about it but never vote. So I'm in
strong favor of bringing back to the CIRA board with
the five commissioners and mayor and two citizens and their inputs.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
All right, well, I appreciate you taking the time to
speak with us and more importantly, of course, the voters
in Boynton Beach. So thank you for your time. David Merker,
candidate for mayor of Boynton Beach. He're on WJNO dot com.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Thank you for having me
Hey, Joel Malcolm Ford WJNO dot com. And my election
spotlight is on the city of Boynton Beach where you
have actually two active elections on the ballot there, including
one for mayor. Taypin Serga is termed out after a
couple of terms, so you have four candidates going at
it for mayor, including David Murker, and we are speaking
(00:22):
to mister Murker right now. Thank you for joining me.
Speaker 2 (00:26):
Thank you for having me. I guess I should tell
the people who I am, right.
Speaker 1 (00:32):
Yeah, I was going to say, you know, I know
you have some history in Boytant Beach and you're going
to share that with us, But of course we have
new new residents to Florida and you know Palm Beach
County and Boyton specifically all the time, so let's get
some background on you.
Speaker 2 (00:49):
Sure, it's my pleasure. I mean, I'm just like seventy
three years old. I consider myself to be sure. Man.
I've had the pleasure of being city commissioner in Boyant Beach.
And for the record, I'm from New Jersey and I've
been a city commissioner up there, and I can keep going,
but I won't.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Well, I was going to I was just going to
ask you as far as being a city commissioner in Boyton,
what were the years?
Speaker 2 (01:16):
The years I believe was like nineteen nineteen, twenty fourteen
through twenty sixteen.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Okay, so you served was that that's a term? Okay,
you served a term there? Yes, all right, So give
us some more background work related any of that, any
stuff you feel as pertinent.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
Okay. Like I said, I'm in my seventies, and to me,
that's very important when you're in politics and you want
to be a leader, because you have the experience, you
have knowledge, and as I just stated, I've served not
just in bot In Beach, but in New Jersey also
and elsewhere. The reason I'm running is a very simple
(01:56):
reason because as you get older, you learn and what
I've learned at what I see in point In Beach,
it's a very diverse community, and I, as a previous
city commissioner, believe very strongly in respect and bringing people together.
And that's the major reason why I'm running for mayor
(02:20):
of the City of boy Beach.
Speaker 1 (02:23):
All right, Uh, kind of open up a little can
of worms there. I would take that, I assume to
mean that you don't feel like things are cohesive among
the commission currently.
Speaker 2 (02:36):
That's a nice word. I emphatically, indubitably and definitely agree
with that statement. It lacks leadership, It lacks the feeling
for the people, all right.
Speaker 1 (02:49):
As far as the leadership, keep in mind that you
know there's going to be a new mayor regardless, So
I don't know if I don't know if your your
issues are are predominantly with Mayor Penserga but obviously he
will not be there regardless come March.
Speaker 2 (03:05):
Well, my issues are not dealing with him, Okay. He
happens to be a very bright guy and he's served
this term and I have nothing negative to say about him,
per sing.
Speaker 1 (03:18):
Okay, so what do you what are your concerns regarding
the commission as it as it currently stands.
Speaker 2 (03:27):
That they're following one of the city manager simply he
seems that he is uh controlling the city. A city
manager is to work for the city. He's supposed to
have communication with a very strong communication with the commissioners.
(03:50):
Uh the previous subject. I shouldn't say previous. The president mayor,
I believe, does not have that kind of relationship.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
So you feel like the mayor and the city manager
should work together more closely.
Speaker 2 (04:08):
Well, what I feel is very strongly that the mayor
and the commission is truly divided, and that hurts what
I have to say. How should I say it? Or
should I say it? It seems like the city manager
takes sides to get what he or what he wants
(04:31):
to me. The purpose of a city manager, again is
to god the commission informed the commission give his opinions
to the commission, but the commission itself, including the mayor,
has to come to what he or she feels is
the best decision for the people of bullying Peach.
Speaker 1 (04:52):
So it sounds like part of your issue is specifically
with the who is specifically the city manager. Could this
be something that you might put up for a vote
as far as or attempt to Obviously you would need
a second, I guess, but to potentially look for a
new city manager or you know what would you what
(05:14):
would be your plan of action?
Speaker 2 (05:16):
Okay, there's something called the majority and the simple majority.
We boint in Beach are the only city around us,
including Boca del Rey, Lake Worth, Lantana and others, that
require a four vote to either get dismissed. A city
manager and a city attorney or uh, the other cities
(05:41):
I just mentioned it takes three, only three, and I
think that we bought in Beach and it's been brought
up at meetings, but they never followed through in discussion,
let alone a vote on this subject.
Speaker 1 (05:56):
So you were going to say, you you feel like
you should take only three. So that would be that
would be something that would be in the charter, right,
so that would be something you'd have to put to
the to the voters.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I assume No, it's the commission that makes that decision.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Oh okay, all right, so that's not that wouldn't be
a charter change. No, okay, all right. I'd like to
talk with you about some some of the issues around
Boint Beach. And I'm going to start with this one
just because it's it's one that I me as an outsider.
I've never lived in Boyne Beach, but I've been there
(06:33):
plenty of times. I've been. Uh, it's one of those
that I noticed. It's something that's been around for for years.
Speaker 2 (06:39):
And oh may I checked one way. Sorry, let's go
back to the city commissioner. The choice of the city
commissioner by the hr Raids Department. This man the lowest
rank rating of anyone trying to become city manager.
Speaker 1 (07:01):
Okay, why do you why do you feel he was chosen? Then?
Speaker 2 (07:09):
Well, it goes it's court politics, and the gentleman was
with the police and the unions seemed to come together
and push him forward. Nothing against the policeman or the
fireman in our city, they're very good. But it's political
(07:30):
and he knew how to do. How should I say it? Oh,
what's the word I'm looking for? Finagel? Okay, what goes on?
Speaker 1 (07:43):
All right? Let me get to the point. Beach Mall property,
that was where I was starting to go. That's something
that I'm sure even as far back as when you
were serving, and you know, we're going back ten eleven
years from when you started serving your your term as
a commissioner. This has been a topic of conversation for
(08:03):
quite a while in the city of Boyton Beach. It's
a fairly dilapidated mall. I know that the property is
for sale. I believe I was told close to one
hundred million is what it's apparently worth. No takers yet,
no word on what's going to happen with it. What
are your thoughts on that property?
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Well, I'll tell you what I'd like to do, Okay,
as the.
Speaker 3 (08:22):
Mayor, as the leader of the city, what I'd like
to start doing is doing my homework, which I'm doing now,
and speak to different developers, ask.
Speaker 2 (08:33):
Them to talk to me, and hopefully they want me
to talk to them and basically discuss the subject matters.
I think it has to be a continuous subject among
the commission. And what I also want, which is not
done in my mind properly, I want to hear from
the people in the city what they would like, the
(08:55):
type of businesses are, the establishments that they on. So
when I speak to developers, I have both what they're
going to tell me and what the people of the
city are going to tell me.
Speaker 1 (09:11):
Okay, has there been any thoughts in your minds of
something you'd like to see. We're hearing a lot of
mixed mixed use. A lot of folks are saying they
want to see mixed use. They don't want to see
just a bunch of condos.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
But like, and I agreed, and I agreed again. I
don't I want to sound intelligent, but the way I
do things is I do my homework and research and
a principle as you brought up as an issue is
speaking to potential developers or or even reaching out to developers,
(09:47):
Like I said, my experience as a councilman in New
Jersey was I dealt with big developers all the time.
If you research the city of fort Land, New Jersey,
you'll see many, many big developers, and I happen to
know them. And what's going on in our country is
(10:07):
people from the Northeast, many many are moving to Florida.
So it's an open door and hopefully I can open
the door a little more.
Speaker 1 (10:18):
Hey that rhymed.
Speaker 2 (10:21):
Okay, I'm a very excuse me. I'm sorry people who
are listening to me from Boyton Beach and elsewhere. I'm
a very direct person. You ask the question, and I'm
going to sort of commingle it. You asked professionally, what
I've done. Well, from my heart, I've been in the
(10:42):
field and specialized in medicare and long term care planning
for people. Okay, Well, when you see your own father
in the nineteen seventies having Alzheimer's, you cry within. And
my belief was, I'm not here to be a used
car salesman. I'm here to educate people on your life
(11:06):
potentially what could happen to you? So I got into
the subject matter of medicare and long term care. In fact,
i'd love if I was involved with the federal government.
I'd like to extend Medicare into the field of dental
dentistry also, but I'm not going to go into that now.
(11:28):
But so what I'm saying is I want to reach
out and I hope to have people who I know
in the development area inboy In Beach and elsewhere to
talk to me. I want to hear their ideas. Okay,
that's the key of a successful city. The key of
a successful city is the ability and wanting to bring
(11:50):
people together. And I will. If you want me to
go into it now, I will. But that's what I
did from the day I became a commissioner to the
day's when I wasn't commissioner, to the days why I
want to be mayor, Well.
Speaker 1 (12:05):
We have you know, we have about twenty minutes or
so total to talk, so I don't you know, I
would like to hit on a bevy of topics, but
you know, for your sake, but you knows how long
you spend on one is up to you. But I
did want to ask you. You referenced the police department earlier,
(12:25):
and I know there have been some changes in recent
years within the police department and some concerns between the
community and the police. Have those things improved to your knowledge?
And how's the police department doing overall?
Speaker 2 (12:42):
Well, let me just say this. I'm proud to say.
I'm fortunate to say I have a very nice relationship
with our chief. I call him Chief Joe. I respect him,
I like him. I think he knows me fairly well.
If you ask him questions about me, I think he
(13:03):
would say, just as I'm saying that the two of
us feel we can work together very well. We're not
afraid to be direct with one another and ask us
questions about one another on what we feel.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
Okay, so it's safe to say.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
And and let me just say and also the fire department.
You know, let me make a very direct personal statement.
Thank God, And I say it again, thank God. There
are people who want to be policemen and people who
want to be firemen. We the public should bless God
(13:42):
that we have people like that that want to help
us and take care of us. So as far as
the city's police and fire, it's great Unfortunately, what happens
is sometimes someone or somebody interferes and that's what I
feel is going on.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
But you feel the police department is and fire for
that matter, is running well and engaging with the community
in a positive way and whatnot.
Speaker 2 (14:13):
Yeah, and again I repeat, if I was mayor, it
would be done even more because I look at it
as mayor, as leader of the city. Is that I
want the people to know that the relationship I have
with fire and police is professional, it's personal and most important,
we want to help you the people.
Speaker 1 (14:36):
Let's talk about traffic for a bit. I've been on
Congress Avenue there in Boyton Beach at certain times of
the day where it can get pretty hectic, and are
there any ideas you would bring to the daist to
maybe smooth things out a little bit.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Well, again, I may sound a little ignorant now I
hope I don't, but that's something I want to talk to.
I need to be in the position to get a
feeling and a little more education on how it can
be improved. At this point, I will not give you
an intelligent answer because I feel I have to do
(15:14):
some more homework.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
It sounds like you want to get a lot of
input on a lot of things from the residents. Should
you get elected.
Speaker 2 (15:23):
Okay, thank you, thank you for bringing that up. Thank you.
We have four districts, and now I'll tell you my
little story. When I was elected commissioner and I'm inn
I living District one, what I realized is there's a
lot There's three other districts. There's a lot more people.
And so what I started doing was going into each district.
(15:47):
I went into the churches. I met the pastors and
the priests and the rabbis, and I went to the services,
and I went to the events. Why it's called the
personal touch, It's called trying to get people to understand
and have knowledge and like one another. If I'm fortunate
(16:08):
to become mayor, ask the pastors in the city if
they know me and if I've been there for them,
my voting record, my presence in their events and churches.
Have I been a leader that I've been there for
the people. And I believe emphatically, again, I'll use this
(16:30):
term indobitably and definitely they'd all say they know me
and I've been there.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
All right, I want to ask you this question, and
I do this with all the candidates that I've interviewed
over the years for whatever race they're running four candidates
in this race is going to be a new mayor.
As I said earlier, regardless of who wins, why ultimately
should folks choose David Murker?
Speaker 2 (16:56):
Number one, I have the experience. Number two, I had
votes that the people know that we're for them. For example,
in District three, the old high school was converted to
a new one. Guess who had a vote on that. Also,
I'm not tied up with any one group or any
(17:18):
one person what I represent, and I invite them, just
like I stated just before, I invite them to invite
me to come to their meetings. Why guess what I
learned from the people what's running against me is no knowledge,
(17:39):
no experience. Yes, they say I'm going to do this,
I'm going to do that. Excuse me. What they're going
to do I've done already. I've been there and will
continue to be there. And I'll make it more personal
so that people can touch me and feel comfortable with
me when you first run for office. And the joke is,
(17:59):
none of the people ever ran I shouldn't say never,
have never been a commissioner. And they want to be
the leader of the band and be mayor right away.
That's a joke. Fact one of them ran and lost.
One of the women are running. Let's put it this way,
she's very good friends with the city manager, or phrase
it that way. So the point is I'm not interested.
(18:23):
I'm interested that the people can feel comfortable with me
and touch me if I become mayor. What I'm going
to do is have my own special number so I
could set up a day or two where the people
could meet with me. Hey, David, I got some questions,
I got some missions. Can we meet and it'd be
my pleasure. I want to bring up the last point.
(18:45):
The CRA I was out of the CRA when it
consisted of the commission and two citizens on the boards.
No if, hands or butts. We need to add some
citizens from the area to participate voice their opinion on
what they believe is right for the CRA district. Well
(19:07):
we have right now because I'll use a nice word ego,
only the commissioners vote on it, and half the time
they talk about it but never vote. So I'm in
strong favor of bringing back to the CIRA board with
the five commissioners and mayor and two citizens and their inputs.
Speaker 1 (19:30):
All right, well, I appreciate you taking the time to
speak with us and more importantly, of course, the voters
in Boynton Beach. So thank you for your time. David Merker,
candidate for mayor of Boynton Beach. He're on WJNO dot com.
Speaker 2 (19:43):
Thank you for having me
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.