Davie mayor helps John Rayson keep his job as town attorney

DAVIE — Mayor Judy Paul helped John Rayson keep his job as town attorney Wednesday in one of the shortest meetings in townhistory.

Councilman Bryan Caletka had requested the special meeting. But beforehe couldmake his case to terminate Rayson, Paul said she would entertain a motion to keep him. Councilman Marlon Luis made the motion. Paul and Councilwoman Caryl Hattan quickly agreed while Caletka and Councilwoman Susan Starkey voted no.

The mayor then ended the meeting, one minute and 23 seconds after it began.

Rayson, a former state legislator and formermayor of Pompano Beach, was hired five years ago asDavie’s town attorney.

Caletka told the Sun Sentinel he called the meeting because he had concerns about recent mistakes he said Rayson had made on a settlement with Club Eden and Davie’s contract with AmericanTraffic Solutions.

He also accused Rayson of trying to influenceHattan’s voteonthe town’s controversial redistricting plan.

“He’s trying to be the sixth council member,” Caletka said. “He’s been trying to direct public policy.”

After the meeting, Rayson said he plans to keepondoingthebest jobhecanforthetown.

“I love working with the Town Council,” Raysonsaid. “I likeBryan. Iwanttoworkwith him. I’m going to do the best job I can.”

Starkey has complained that Rayson gives his personal opinion rather than legal advice when answering questions— a claim Rayson denies.

But Luis said he didn’twant to see Rayson go.

“He has saved the town a lot of money,” he said. “He has been very efficient. I think things will work out. The man’s done a good job.”

Luis said he had no meeting ending quickly.

“I don’t think we need to sit up there and disparage the man’s reputation,” Luis said.

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