Surfside Mayor Apologizes After Being Accused of Racism

A Surfside Commission meeting held Tuesday tackled more than just city business. The meeting comes days after the town’s mayor made controversial comments that were aimed at a commissioner.

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“In my frustration I admit I made a comment which came off as offensive to some people,” Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger said. “I deeply regret losing my composure and not choosing my words more carefully.”

During a meeting on Thursday, Danzinger snapped at Commissioner Nelly Velasquez for interrupting.

“Commissioner, please stop interrupting,” he said.

After a brief pause, Danzinger said, “OK, does anybody know how to speak Spanish to tell her this? Because I said it like four times.”

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She also introduced a resolution during the meeting.

“To censure the mayor, regarding his unacceptable comments last week,” Velasquez said.

Her motion did not pass {snip}

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The public was given a chance to speak at Tuesday’s meeting {snip}

“And we feel deeply, deeply offended by last week’s attack towards Commissioner Velasquez,” said a speaker. “It was insulting to her, but also racist against the whole Hispanic and Latino community.”

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