Southwest Ranches candidate forum spotlights code enforcement, incinerator opposition and business licensing

A candidate forum hosted by the Town of Southwest Ranches president's council on the evening of the forum brought six announced candidates before residents to answer consolidated questions on code enforcement, commercial businesses and infrastructure.

Moderator Michael Katz opened the event and reminded candidates of a state statute, section 104.271, prohibiting knowingly false statements about opponents. Each candidate gave a brief opening statement and then answered resident-submitted questions grouped by topic.

Code enforcement became a central fault line. John Gerati said the town’s “code enforcement department has been weaponized by some of the sitting council members that are here tonight,” and described personal experiences he said motivated his campaign and prompted him to take code-enforcement training (he referenced the Florida Association of Code Enforcement) to better understand enforcement procedures. Jim Albritton denied using code as a weapon and said he files complaints after receiving resident reports; he described efforts to make code officers more compliance-oriented. Laurie Parrish proposed a citizen review board to evaluate ordinances and a follow-up magistrate process when disputes cannot be informally resolved.

On commercial activity and short-term rentals, candidates emphasized the limits of municipal authority. Steve Rykruz said state law allows short-term rentals and restricts the town’s power, so local responses rely on noise, parking and party ordinances. John Gerati noted a state rule cited in the forum (referenced as 559.955) enabling many home-based businesses and urged creation of a business-licensing function to communicate with operators and manage impacts. Candidates discussed designating commercial corridors and the trade-offs of allowing nurseries and ag businesses in some locations.

Waste management and a proposed incinerator drew unanimous opposition. David Kosinski, who opened the incinerator segment, said preventing an incinerator will require large increases in recycling and “a concerted effort” across Broward County to reach a 75% recycling goal; mayoral candidate Steve Rykruz and other speakers described participation on the Broward Solid Waste Authority and on a county-level 0-waste task force as part of the town’s strategy.

On liability and drainage, candidates said responsibility depends on property ownership and the drainage district involved. Laurie Parrish said Central Broward had allocated funds for a study and for canal cleaning; candidates noted patchwork drainage and funding constraints that make comprehensive, contiguous projects difficult.

Legal fees and litigation were debated at length. Parrish said the town’s per-capita legal fees are high. Some candidates defended the firm’s hourly rate (cited during the forum as about $175) but others argued the council should limit litigation escalation and reduce attorney-driven costs on routine departmental matters. The forum referred to a prior lawsuit and a settlement figure that was discussed publicly during the event.

Candidates also addressed infrastructure and finances: David Kosinski cited the town’s recent approval of a 3.9 millage and described grant-writing success that he said helps fund projects without raising residents’ taxes. Mayor Rykruz highlighted the town’s ongoing repaving program (a multi-year plan to maintain roads on a rotating schedule) and candidates discussed the distinction between public and privately owned roads.

In closing statements, candidates summarized their priorities — protecting rural/agricultural freedoms, trimming costs, strengthening public safety partnerships and expanding volunteer-led beautification projects — and asked residents to vote in the upcoming election.

The forum ended with an invitation to the audience for follow-up questions and with candidates available to speak to residents after the event. No formal votes or council actions occurred at the forum; it was an informational event for voters.