Newly elected Commissioner, Krystal Patterson, will be sworn in today during a special meeting at Tamarac City Hall. Krystal Patterson, a 12-year homeowner and resident of District 3 in Tamarac soundly defeated the incumbent but outgoing commissioner Elvin Villalobos. Krystal won with 56% of the vote while Elvin received just 44% or 4,054 votes. Elvin performed terribly for an incumbent Commissioner as he earned fewer votes in 2024 than he did 4 years ago in 2020. In a three-way race in 202o Elvin earned a total of 4,440 or 386 votes fewer than 2024 where he earned 4,054 votes. Elvin earned the endorsement of the Sun Sentinel, Realtors Association and other organizations but he did not earn the most important endorsement which is that of the voters in his district. Instead, he actually lost votes. Elvin spent most of his time bickering with other Commissioners instead of delivering for his district and the City of Tamarac. As a result, voters have sent him packing.
Figure 1 2024 Election Results
Figure 2: 2020 Election Results
Krystal Patterson brings experienced government leadership, she is highly educated, sophisticated, and classy. She will bring much needed respect and professionalism to the dais. Those characteristics were severely lacking with Elvin serving as Commissioner. The Mayor and other commissioners consistently expressed frustration with Villalobos with his constant interruptions and rude outbursts. Krystal is a small business owner, a long-time government executive, and a married mother of 3. Krystal earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in Sociology from Florida Atlantic University and a master’s in public administration from Florida International University, and various certificates to include Government Leadership from Barry University. Krystal will bring a fresh perspective, a new vision, and a true commitment to the district as a long-term resident of the district.
The districts loss of Villalobos is not a big one. He had no ties to the District. He was a resident of District 1 in 2018 when he challenged Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez. After losing that race, he relocated to District 3 to challenge Commissioner Julie Fishman. With a third candidate in that race, Elvin snuck in to win by just 104 votes. Many believe that the candidate was a “ghost” candidate who was placed in the race to take the female vote away from Elvin Villalobos.
The District and the City will experience real leadership and a respected ambassador for the City of Tamarac in Krystal Patterson. If you cannot make the swearing in Ceremony this evening, be sure to tune in online and watch live on the City’s Facebook page or website.
