City Commissioner Cathy Anderson faces challenges from Patty Asseff, Sara Case and Luis Prada. They, as well as Mayor Mara Giulianti and her challenger, Commissioner Peter Bober, gathered for a forum at the Quadomain Condominiums at 2201 S. Ocean Drive to answer questions from Hollywood beach voters.
Candidates compared campaign contributions and talked tough on reforming the way business is done at City Hall. Much of the discussion, however, centered on the influence of lobbyists and developers who have eyed prime real estate on the beach.
''It goes beyond contributions from developers. It goes to the influence they have on the laws,'' said Case, who dominated much of the debate.
Many of Case's comments were directed at Patty Asseff, another political newcomer. Asseff, a realtor, has received several thousand dollars from developers and special interest groups on the beach. Case also blasted incumbent Cathy Anderson. More than 70 percent of Anderson's contributions have come from developers and special interests, Case said. Case has received no money from developers.
The debate was the first time candidates spoke about their views on a new beach master plan adopted by the City Commission in December. The Zyscovich Plan encourages low to mid-rise developments and also encourages redevelopment near the Broadwalk.
During the evening, residents pointed to the 40-story glass tower being built by Donald Trump near the Quadomain on South Ocean Drive as a sign that high-rise development is still a threat to the beach.
