Tamarac mourns the loss of former mayor Harry Dressler, a beloved figure in the community, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74 after losing his battle with cancer. Known for his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to the betterment of the city, Dressler leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Dressler’s political journey began in late 2006 when he joined the Tamarac City Commission. His dedication and innovative thinking quickly catapulted him into the position of mayor in 2014, a role he embraced with passion and determination after the City went through a series of corruption scandals. During his tenure, Dressler implemented numerous initiatives that aimed to enhance the quality of life for Tamarac residents.
Under Dressler’s leadership, Tamarac experienced tremendous growth and development. He championed the revitalization of the city’s infrastructure, spearheading projects to improve parks, and public facilities, much of which current Mayor Michelle Gomez takes credit for.
Dressler’s career was never without controversy. In 2016, Dressler spent $14,000 of taxpayer money to earn a certificate from Harvard University.
Vice Mayor Marlon Bolton expressed his condolences, “Harry was a true visionary and his impact will be felt for years to come. His passion for Tamarac was unmatched, and his tireless work ethic served as an inspiration to all of us. We have lost a great leader, but his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him.”
Dressler will be laid to rest on August 15th at the Star of David Memorial Gardens.