Assistant deputy mayor’s request for United Way ‘Women United’ leadership gift draws ethics concerns from a public speaker and commissioners

Assistant Deputy Mayor Jacqueline A. Guzman asked the commission to consider support for a United Way fundraising option that would include a $1,000 leadership gift tied to membership in Women United and a $150 ticket for the associated Magnolia Luncheon.

Guzman, participating by phone because of illness, said United Way had reached out to invite support and that she did not intend to seek a staff appointment or a seat on a board; rather, she brought the opportunity to the commission so members could consider an appropriate level of civic engagement. “This was specifically to support the organization and the city of Sunrise,” Guzman said.

A public speaker, Nicole Pazos, told the commission she opposed using city funds to pay for an elected official’s personal membership in a private philanthropic network and cited Article VII, Section 10 of the Florida Constitution and Florida Statute 112.313(6) on improper use of public office. “Public funds cannot be used for private purposes,” Pazos said, and described use of city money for a membership as a conflict of interest and “self‑dealing.”

Commissioner Joseph A. Scudo and others raised similar concerns about the item’s wording, which described Guzman joining a cabinet and a leadership gift. Scudo said he has never asked the city to pay for his membership in civic or philanthropic groups and expressed opposition to city sponsorship of what appears to be an individual membership. Several commissioners asked staff — and City Attorney Thomas Moss was asked generally about legal implications — for written clarification of whether such a payment by the city would be permissible under state law.

City staff provided additional detail that United Way listed a single‑ticket Magnolia luncheon price of $150 and that a $1,000 leadership gift would confer the Women United cabinet membership. The conversation ended with Guzman saying she did not intend to join the cabinet and asking staff to reword any future request; no commission vote was recorded to approve funding at the meeting.

Why it matters: The exchange raised questions about the use of public funds for memberships in private philanthropic networks and the appearance of impropriety when elected officials seek city support for individual philanthropic participation.

What’s next: Commission members asked staff to return with clearer language and, where appropriate, legal counsel to confirm any permitted use of city funds for membership or event purchases. The item did not move forward for approval at this meeting.