Commentary | Questionnaire: Anneze Barthelemy, candidate for Delray Beach City Commission Seat 3

Name: Anneze Barthelemy

Age: 46

Website: annezebarthelemy.com

What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s)?
As a social worker with a legacy to serve my fellow citizens and a creole speaking long-time resident of Delray Beach, I feel that there is a lack of representation in the City Commission, and with my skills and expertise in serving diverse populations, I feel that I can assist in bridging the gap, to bring about the unity and civility that the city desperately needs. My family moved to the US in the 1970s to settle in the city of Delray Beach. In 1987, my father started working as a crew worker for the City of Delray Beach Parks and Recreations, serving the city for 24 years, until his retirement in 2011 and later passed away in 2020. I have worked with the foster care families, mental health, substance abuse, and those facing homelessness. Therefore, I feel that I am the candidate that can best advocate for the best interest of the residents. I also have the experience working for the non-profit and for-profit sectors. I firmly believe that our city’s Commission should be a true reflection of the diversity within our community, including representation for our blue-collar and working-class residents. As a lifelong advocate for families and children, I am committed to continuing this important work on the Commission. My priorities will include addressing issues related to public safety, lower property taxes, improving city programs for children and senior citizens. I am also a strong supporter of our local small business owners and our dedicated police and fire departments. With my extensive experience in serving diverse populations, I am confident that I can help bridge gaps, foster unity, and promote civility within our city. I humbly ask for your support as I seek to become the next City Commissioner for Delray Beach Seat 3. Together, we can make Delray Beach an even better place to live, work and raise our families.

List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
September 2000 – September 2001
Barry University
Miami Shores, FL
Master’s in social work

August 1998 – May 2000
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Bachelor’s in social work

August 1995 – May 1998
Palm Beach Community College
Boca Raton, FL
AA in Social Studies

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
September 2021-Present
Aware Recovery Care, Inc., Delray Beach, FL
Regional Care Coordinator Lead/Clinical Care Coordinator

January 2020-September 2021
Drug Abuse Foundation, Inc. Delray Beach, FL
Substance Abuse/Residential Treatment Primary Therapist

Dec 2018-January 2020
Community Partners, Inc., Riviera Beach, FL
Schools of Hope Gladeview Elementary School/ Child Family Therapist

October 2018- October 2019
Multilingual  Psychotherapy Center-West Palm Beach, FL
Community-Based Therapist

October 2017-May 2019
Community Connections for Life (CMHC) Belle Glade, FL
On-Site Therapist

October 2012 – February 2017
Signature HealthCare, LLC./Golfcrest HealthCare Hollywood, FL
Director of Spirituality/Chaplain

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No

Do you support creation of a historic district to protect East Atlantic Avenue, and why or why not? Yes, I do support the creation of a historic district to protect the East Atlantic Avenue. Traditions are great and preserving the legacy and memories of those who have paved the way for where we are as a city is paramount to its success. We must also leave room for the next generation to contribute their own creativity and ingenuity.

Pension benefits for city public safety workers have increased and public safety costs are roughly half the city budget. Is this appropriate, and would you support additional increases?
I believe that hardworking city staff deserve their appropriate benefits. However, supporting additional increases will require a thorough evaluation of current contracts and looking for ways to decrease the cost, so we don’t place a burden on the taxpayers.

Do you think the city’s building height limits are too low, too high or just right, and would you pledge to oppose any easing of height restrictions in the future?
I believe that our building height limits are just right and yes, I would oppose future height increases. We want to follow the current height restrictions and maintain the family feel that has attracted so many families to relocate to the city of Delray Beach.