Tamarac Commissioner’s Jamaica Trip Sparks Controversy

Tamarac, Florida—In a move that has stirred up quite the conversation, Commissioner Marlon Bolton recently billed taxpayers over $2,000 for a trip to Jamaica. The trip, which took place from July 16 to 19, was intended for Bolton to promote Tamarac’s image on Jamaican television and radio. But the hefty price tag and the nature of the trip have raised eyebrows among residents and city officials alike.

The Breakdown of Expenses

According to city records, the total cost of Bolton’s trip amounted to $2,063.91. This included $1,072.66 for hotel accommodations at the Marriott’s AC Hotel Kingston, $446.28 for airfare on JetBlue, and additional costs for car services and vehicle rentals. Notably, Bolton did not need to reimburse the city for any of these expenses.

The stated goal of the trip was to showcase Tamarac as a “vibrant community,” linking it to local initiatives like FITZONE, a free exercise program, and the “Yard on the Lawn” Caribbean heritage festival held earlier in June.

Questions Arise Before Departure

Before the trip even commenced, city staff expressed concerns. Financial Services Director Christine Cajuste questioned whether the trip fell within the city’s travel policy, prompting her to seek legal advice from City Attorney Hans Ottinot. Cajuste’s email highlighted that the request seemed to be “outside the scope” of what was permissible for city-funded travel.

Despite these concerns, the city attorney approved the trip, allowing Bolton to proceed on official business. However, Cajuste did note that Bolton had already exceeded his authorized travel budget.

Community Reactions

The trip has ignited a debate among Tamarac residents. At a recent city commission meeting, local resident Kate Johnson voiced her discontent, questioning the benefits of such expenditures for the community. “What is the payoff for the citizens of Tamarac?” she asked, emphasizing that the funds could be better utilized to support local households.

Bolton, who has Jamaican roots, defended his trip as a means to promote Tamarac’s cultural identity. He framed his media appearances as a way to foster community spirit, but many residents remain skeptical about whether taxpayer dollars should fund international promotional efforts.

City’s Justification

In response to the backlash, city spokesperson Ciera Campbell issued a statement asserting that the trip aligned with Tamarac’s travel policy. The city aims to expand its international tourism and trade, leveraging events like the Yard on The Lawn Music Festival to attract global audiences. “Forming international relationships now is not only timely but effective in driving growth,” the statement read.

A Pattern of Controversy

This isn’t the first time Bolton has faced scrutiny over expenses. Earlier this year, he received $8,415 in reimbursements for legal fees related to a state ethics investigation. While the investigation concluded without finding probable cause for wrongdoing, it adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about the use of taxpayer money.

As Tamarac navigates these complex issues, residents are left pondering: How should their city define official travel, and what role should taxpayer dollars play in promoting its image abroad? The answers may shape the future of community trust and governance in Tamarac.