The race for the District 3 City Commission seat in Tamarac has drawn attention, with two distinct candidates vying for the position. Here’s a look at the candidates: incumbent Elvin Villalobos and challenger Krystal Patterson.
Incumbent Elvin Villalobos was born and raised in Nicaragua. He and his family made their way to the United States crossing the border illegally. It’s unclear whether or not he gained his status through marriage or by applying through the normal immigration process. Some have raised questions about his current citizenship status. Despite these uncertainties, Villalobos has managed to establish himself in American life, and he is now completing his first term as a City Commissioner in Tamarac.
In 2018, Villalobos ran in District 1 against Mayor Michelle Gomez in a three-way race, which also included Kings Point resident Gerald Heller. He narrowly lost the election by just 396 votes. Determined to serve Tamarac in some capacity, Villalobos relocated his family to District 3, understanding that it would be difficult to challenge popular Commissioner Marlon Bolton in his original district. His strategy paid off, as he won another three-way race in District 3, narrowly defeating Commissioner Julie Fishman by a margin of 104 votes.
Villalobos’ term, however, has been marked by personal and professional challenges. His wife filed for divorce during his first term, and critics argue that his tenure has been less than stellar. Residents of District 3 have expressed concern over his voting record, specifically his support for raising property taxes, increasing government spending, and approving higher fees for city contracts. A controversial decision involved Villalobos rejecting a $700 monthly car allowance in favor of requesting a city vehicle, which has cost taxpayers over $25,000 annually—considerably more than the original allowance would have cost.
To learn more about his plans and initiatives, voters can visit Villalobos’ campaign website.
Challenger Krystal Patterson is a mother of three, a long-time District 3 resident, and a well-respected community leader. She has lived in Tamarac for over 12 years and brings a wealth of experience from her background in public administration. As the daughter of a retired Air Force Colonel and the wife of a Navy veteran and current law enforcement officer, Patterson’s commitment to public service runs deep.
With over 15 years of experience in local government, including a role as Director of Code Enforcement for a city in Miami-Dade County, Patterson brings a strong understanding of municipal operations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in public administration, making her well-versed in both public safety and city governance. Her platform is focused on reducing crime, creating opportunities for youth, fully funding social services, and ensuring the city’s administration runs efficiently.
Patterson is also a successful entrepreneur. As the founder and President of H.E.R.S. (Helping Executives Reach Solutions) Consulting, she provides leadership and management consulting services to both public and private organizations. Her consulting work centers on improving the efficiency of municipal processes and policies. Additionally, she serves as Executive Director of the West Perrine Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), where she leads efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and empower local residents.
Patterson’s extensive community involvement, including her service as an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University and various leadership roles in local government associations, underscores her dedication to the city and its residents. She has earned respect for her collaborative, hands-on approach and plans to bring the same energy to the District 3 City Commission seat.
In her free time, Patterson enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. She is an active church member, a volunteer with several nonprofit organizations, and remains committed to personal and professional development.
