My Newest Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel

Boca Raton's 33rd Mayor is Susan Whelchel.

Susan Whelchel Performance Scoring:

Character: Seemingly uncompromising.

Competency: Unclear.

Contribution. In progress; Just assumed mayoral role.

Whelchel Accomplishments

• Whelchel was a leading advocate and influencer for the construction of the Don Estridge High Tech Middle School on the historic IBM campus. With continued support to this school and its curriculum, this initiative has the potential to advance countless student careers and keep Boca Raton on the technology map.
• As Chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), Whelchel was influential in the conversion of the former Mizner Park cartoon art museum into the new mixed retail and much missed (Liberty) book store. You may recall that at the time of citizen input to determine the future of the facility there were several egos and agendas which threatened to derail a smooth transition. However, a steady hand and cool heads prevailed and both Whelchel and the CRA demonstrated true local leadership in the process.
• In March 2000 after serving as Deputy Mayor and being term limited out of the Boca Raton city council, Whelchel was appointed by then Governor Jeb Bush to serve a two year term on the Palm Beach County School Board. As someone who has worked with county school boards in the past, I can personally attest they are difficult assignments as they generally lack governance and serve challenging constituents.
• Whelchel has the reputation of being fiscally responsible and a tireless overseer of taxpayer money. I have been told by others that she demands accountability from Boca's civil servants and staff while at the same time isn't shy to acknowledge and reward those staff. I have not personally witnessed these events but hope during her new term as mayor.
• Whelchel serves on the Metropolitan Planning Organization which seeks improved transportation planning. She has pressed for new technology to improve traffic standards, which is a start, but clearly much more must be done in this area.
• I believe Ms. Whelchel's biggest contributions to our great city are in front of us. Now that Mayor Whelchel is empowered to assume a greater leadership position, I'm hopeful and optimistic that several slow moving projects can be accelerated and new opportunities can be realized.

Susan Whelchel Public Service History

Susan Whelchel began her tenure of public service in 1995 when elected to city council. She was re-elected in 1997 and 1999 and served as Deputy Mayor from 1999 to 2000. She was Vice Chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) from 1996 to 1999. After being term limited out in 2000, she served on the Palm Beach County School Board. She was then re-elected to Boca Raton city council in March 2003 and 2005. She has served as city council Deputy Mayor for the periods of 2003-2004, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

Susan Whelchel has resided in the Boca community for over 30 years. She retains a BA degree in political science and has completed post graduate course work at FAU and Nova.

Boca Raton Government

The City of Boca Raton is governed by a five member City Council elected on a non-partisan basis. The Mayor and four Council Members are elected to three-year terms. Members who have served two consecutive terms are not eligible to be elected to that office for the succeeding term.

The Mayor presides over all city Council meetings and other public functions and is the ceremonial head of the City. The Deputy Mayor presides in the absence of the Mayor. The Mayor and Council members set policy legislatively and appoint a City Manager to fulfill policy and manage the City’s many departments. The City Manager appoints all city staff and is responsible for departmental activities and successful completion of city council directed programs. The City Council also appoints a City Attorney who provides legal advice to the mayor, council and city staff. City Council meetings are normally held in the City Council Chamber at City Hall at 6:00 PM on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Workshop meetings are generally held on the preceding Monday's at 1:30 PM.

Posted: February 12, 2007
Keywords: Boca Raton Mayor