Candidates with same last name could cause confusion

TAMARAC – What’s in a name? A Tamarac commissioner running for mayor thinks that there’s plenty — and it’s meant to fool voters.

Commissioner Michelle Gomez faces another candidate in the Nov. 6 election with a similar name: Claudia M. Gomez.

Because nobody named Claudia M. Gomez has been involved in city affairs, Michelle Gomez said she’s wondering whether it’s a ploy to trick voters at the polls and split votes.

A man who identified himself as Claudia M. Gomez’s husband said she was not available for comment after qualifying ended Friday. She

duced to her,” Michelle Gomez said. “If somebody truly wants to get involved, normally you would start with coming to meetings, getting on boards, coming to events.

“If you want to know how to operate the city, participate. I don’t know how going straight for the mayor’s seat without participating is not a political game.”

Two other people are also seeking the mayor’s job: Gerald Heller and Elvin Villalobos.

Heller said he didn’t believe any candidates were trying to fool anyone. “Nobody believes this was a trick to confuse people.”

Still, “I don’t know anything about her. I have no idea who she is,” Heller said. Villalobos could not be reached for comment by phone or email.

Because Michelle Gomez is running for mayor, her District 2 seat, which is generally the Woodlands area, is open. The candidates for that seat are Elberg "Mike” Gelin, Larry Goehrig and William K. “Bill” Mei.

Incumbent Debra Placko is seeking to keep her Seat 4 seat — which covers Woodmont and Heathgate-Sunflower area — against rival Doug Maesk.

Michelle Gomez said she’ll have to change her campaign motto; “Gomez for Mayor” won’t cut it, so she’s considering “Michelle for Mayor.”