District 4 Candidates Face Questions on Housing, Redevelopment and Accountability at Villij News Forum

By Villij News Staff

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. — With major redevelopment projects reshaping Pompano Beach and longtime residents questioning whether they will benefit, two candidates seeking to represent District 4 made their case to voters Thursday evening during a community conversation at the E. Pat Larkins Community Center.

Patricia Hawkins-Williams and Mary Phillips participated in the Oct. 15 Candidate Conversations forum hosted by Villij News and co-sponsored by the Greater Pompano Beach Democratic Club and the Friends of the Jan Moran Collier City Library.

Incumbent Commissioner Beverly Perkins was invited to participate but did not respond to the invitation or provide a reason for her absence.

The discussion, moderated by Villij News publisher Attiyya Atkins, focused on issues affecting Northwest Pompano Beach, including affordable housing, redevelopment, city spending, employment opportunities, public safety and the relationship between residents and local government. Although both candidates emphasized the importance of community involvement, they offered different approaches to addressing the district’s challenges.

REDEVELOPMENT: A SEAT AT THE TABLE OR A BIGGER SHARE?

One of the evening’s central questions was how longtime residents and businesses could benefit from Pompano Beach’s ongoing redevelopment without being displaced.

Hawkins-Williams, a former state representative and Lauderdale Lakes commissioner, emphasized the need to involve residents before development agreements are finalized.

“We need to be included in the plans and not an afterthought,” Hawkins-Williams said.

She argued that developers should be required to meet with the community and discuss housing, employment and other neighborhood priorities before projects receive approval.

“When you’re not included in the plans, it’s either you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu,” she said.

Phillips, a longtime community advocate, real estate professional and founder of Small Biz CEDC, suggested increasing affordable housing requirements associated with development.

“Rather than 15%, maybe we need to be asking for 20% affordable housing,” Phillips said.

She also pointed to opportunities for churches with available land to develop affordable housing, describing an initiative underway at her own church.

Both candidates agreed that new investment should deliver measurable benefits to existing residents rather than simply transform the physical appearance of the community.

HOUSING AFFORDABILITY TAKES CENTER STAGE

Housing emerged as another major concern, particularly for young families, seniors and longtime residents facing rising costs.

Hawkins-Williams called for stronger partnerships with Broward County and organizations offering first-time homebuyer assistance. She said development agreements should include resources specifically designated for families who need help purchasing homes.

Phillips offered several alternative housing proposals, including making it easier for homeowners to construct additional residential units on their properties.

She suggested revisiting city restrictions on accessory housing, exploring regulated recreational vehicle housing and reconsidering smaller residential arrangements that could increase the number of affordable places to live.

Phillips also questioned a reported change in the credit score requirements for a local first-time homebuyer program, saying the minimum had increased from 600 to 640.

“How does that help us?” she asked, arguing that residents with steady employment and savings should have more opportunities to qualify for homeownership.

The specific program requirements and potential policy changes discussed by the candidates were not independently verified during the forum.

CITY SPENDING AND GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY

Both candidates expressed concern about how residents receive information about city decisions.

Phillips criticized the accessibility of information about city contracts and requests for proposals, saying local businesses should have a better opportunity to compete for public work.

She proposed improving the city’s website so businesses could receive timely information about available projects.

“I think that we need to support the businesses that are here,” Phillips said. “They should come first.”

Hawkins-Williams called for more commission workshops before major decisions reach a vote.

She argued that residents should not have to sit through six- or seven-hour commission meetings to learn about proposed projects or ask questions.

“The community needs to be able to ask questions,” she said.

Hawkins-Williams said workshops could provide opportunities for city staff to explain proposals, answer questions and help residents understand the potential impact of projects before commissioners vote.

JOBS, SMALL BUSINESSES AND YOUTH OPPORTUNITIES

The candidates also addressed whether city-supported development is creating meaningful economic opportunities for Northwest Pompano residents.

Phillips questioned whether developers have fulfilled promises to provide commercial space and opportunities for neighborhood businesses.

She cited the Cornerstone development as an example of what she described as unmet expectations for small-business space.

“Our small businesses still do not have adequate space to run their business in our community,” Phillips said.

Hawkins-Williams emphasized including community benefits in development contracts from the beginning.

“We need jobs for our youth. We need housing for our seniors,” she said.

Both candidates discussed the need for stronger youth programming.

Hawkins-Williams proposed negotiating additional community policing, youth services and mental health resources through the city’s contract with the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Phillips highlighted her organization’s Teens Chasing Dreams and youth entrepreneurship initiatives, which she said provide life skills, scholarship information and employment assistance.

She also proposed redirecting some law enforcement funding toward housing, training and support for people returning from incarceration.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND TRUST IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Greater Pompano Beach Democratic Club President Ron Thurston raised concerns about recent allegations of excessive force involving the Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Hawkins-Williams described a disconnect between law enforcement and the community, saying rebuilding trust and mutual respect must be a priority.

She also cautioned against drawing conclusions about a specific incident without knowing all the facts.

Phillips agreed that allegations should be investigated thoroughly.

“There’s always two sides to the story,” Phillips said, adding that people who have been harmed should receive appropriate assistance.

CANDIDATES ASKED TO DEMONSTRATE INDEPENDENCE

The conversation also explored whether the candidates would be willing to challenge established political interests.

Hawkins-Williams cited her legislative work involving Florida Statute 409.166, saying she opposed language that classified Black children as having special needs based on race.

Phillips recalled challenging the removal of community representatives from a local development-related board, arguing that residents had been treated unfairly.

Both presented their willingness to challenge government decisions as evidence of their independence.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Following the Villij News questions, representatives of the two co-sponsoring organizations questioned the candidates about issues important to their members.

Thurston addressed police-community relations on behalf of the Greater Pompano Beach Democratic Club.

David Miller, representing the Friends of the Jan Moran Collier City Library, asked candidates about their plans for public service and how they would support the local library.

Villij News thanked Tiger Trail representatives for attending the community discussion.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR DISTRICT 4?

The forum provided voters with an opportunity to hear directly from two candidates about their priorities, records of community involvement and proposed solutions.

While Hawkins-Williams emphasized her experience in elected office and ability to negotiate with government agencies and developers, Phillips highlighted decades of grassroots work, small-business advocacy and community-based programs.

Their responses revealed a shared concern: Northwest Pompano Beach must have a stronger voice in decisions affecting its future.

For voters, the question is not simply which candidate has the strongest ideas, but who can translate those ideas into measurable results.

District 4 voters will make their choice in the Nov. 3 municipal election.

Villij News encourages residents to learn about the candidates, review their positions and participate in the electoral process.

For additional election coverage, visit VillijNews.com/vote.