The May 13, 2025, City of Pahokee Commission Meeting was problematic for numerous reasons. Chief among them was the public members in attendance laughing, making comments, outbursts, and interrupting during the second Quarter FY 2024-2025 Financial Report presented by Joseph R. Martin, Interim Director of Finance. The city manager had to step in and advise the commission that the actions were very disrespectful to city staff. I strongly agreed with his assessment. It is no wonder that city staff positions remain unfilled. Why would anyone want to work for a community that represents itself in such a manner? Without quality staff who feel valued and supported, the city and its people will remain stagnant.

Another upsetting part of the meeting was during the discussion of Resolution 2025-29 which authorized City Manager Jackson to secure a fireworks vendor for the City of Pahokee’s July 4th Celebration with an amount not to exceed $37,500. During his explanation of the resolution, the manager stated he reached out and spoke with eight different vendors throughout South Florida. He further went on to say that the ones he spoke with either were not available or could not come out to Pahokee. Mr. Jackson made sure to tell the cCommission that having the fireworks is an annual Pahokee tradition. He reminded the dais that the cost of the prior year’s Independence Day fireworks was $30,000. He then mentioned that costs for the fireworks have risen due to the cost of materials along with tariffs.

After hearing the manager’s explanation about the emergency basis due to time constraints and the limited availability of qualified fireworks vendors, the most egregious part came next. New Commissioner Cowan-Williams who has been in office for just 14 months made a motion that the manager seek three vendor quotes for the fireworks and provide them in writing to the commission so they can then vote on whether to have the July 4th Celebration. The motion was seconded by McPherson (also a relatively new elected official). The third vote came from Commissioner Scott who has been in the seat for less then 2 months. Mayor Babb went along with their vote and Commissioner Boldin was the only no vote. I completely agree with Mr. Boldin’s vote.

During the ensuing discussion about approving the fireworks resolution and event, Boldin asked why the commission would have the city manager get three quotes when he already spoke with eight different possible vendors. Boldin went on to say, it seems as though the elected body was setting Mr. Jackson up for failure with Cowan-Williams’s motion. It is my opinion that by not approving Resolution 2025-29, Cowan-Williams, McPherson, and Scott essentially killed the city’s annual fireworks and Fourth of July Celebration. This to me is shocking because people in the community always say there is nothing for families and children to do in the city. How does cancelling an annual event the public enjoys helping to provide activities? The City of Pahokee deserves its annual Fireworks Celebration as it has been happening for many, many years.

Lastly, a pattern is emerging with the new make up of the commission. Commissioners are placing undue pressure on the manager and in my view interfering with his duties. This can be seen by the shear number of future agenda items being brought forth. In addition, commissioners are not simply questioning the manager on items but the way they do seems contemptuous. Rather than allow the manager’s administration to steer the city in the right direction or get a strong foothold toward that goal, he faces strife from all directions. Watching the city meetings has been tough if you look at how Manager Jackson is treated, talked to, and undermined. I fear if it continues, Mr. Michael Jackson will be done with Pahokee by the end of 2025. Thus, Pahokee will once again have a vacancy in the most critical role in the city government. This will lead to a tremendous problem for Pahokee which is attracting anyone to lead the city administration. This is evident by the constant turnover in the Manager position.

Pahokee can take strides in moving itself forward and to greater prospects, but it first must get out of its own way. When will we finally realize #PahokeeProgress, #ProgressPahokee?

The Pahokee City Commission should immediately move to approve the original Resolution 2025-29 and give Manager authority to move forward with securing vendor for Fireworks/Independence Celebration without delay! Call a Special or Emergency meeting if need be, since the resolution mentioned “emergency basis due to time constraints and the limited availability of qualified fireworks vendors”