American activist and long-term elected official
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Key moments and achievements from Suzanne Gunzburger's life.
Suzanne was born
· Hollywood, Florida, U.S.
Election Victory
In 1982, Suzanne Gunzburger was elected to the Hollywood, Florida City Commission, launching a public service career that would span over three decades. Originally a public school teacher turned social worker and family therapist, she brought a service-oriented perspective to local government.
Election Victory
In 1982, Suzanne Gunzburger was elected to the Hollywood, Florida City Commission, launching a public service career that would span over three decades. Originally a public school teacher turned social worker and family therapist, she brought a service-oriented perspective to local government.
Election Victory
In 1992, Gunzburger resigned from the Hollywood City Commission to run in a special election for Broward County Commissioner. Despite being viewed as an underdog, she won the Democratic primary comfortably and defeated Republican Kurt Volcker by a wide margin in the general election, beginning a historic 22-year tenure.
Election Victory
In 1992, Gunzburger resigned from the Hollywood City Commission to run in a special election for Broward County Commissioner. Despite being viewed as an underdog, she won the Democratic primary comfortably and defeated Republican Kurt Volcker by a wide margin in the general election, beginning a historic 22-year tenure.
Leadership Role
Gunzburger served as Broward County Commission Chair during 1994-95 and again during 1999-2000. She also served as Vice Chair in 1993-94 and 1998-99. Her leadership positions reflected the trust her colleagues placed in her ability to guide the county's largest governing body.
Leadership Role
Gunzburger served as Broward County Commission Chair during 1994-95 and again during 1999-2000. She also served as Vice Chair in 1993-94 and 1998-99. Her leadership positions reflected the trust her colleagues placed in her ability to guide the county's largest governing body.
Historic Event
During the 2000 presidential election, Gunzburger served as one of three members on the Broward County Canvass Board during the historic Florida recount between George W. Bush and Al Gore. She received death threats and thousands of emails during the recount, and was named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by the Bush campaign.
Historic Event
During the 2000 presidential election, Gunzburger served as one of three members on the Broward County Canvass Board during the historic Florida recount between George W. Bush and Al Gore. She received death threats and thousands of emails during the recount, and was named as a defendant in lawsuits filed by the Bush campaign.
Award
In 2001, the Broward County Democratic Party gave Gunzburger its Democrat of the Year award for her courageous service on the Canvass Board during the contentious 2000 Florida election recount. The award recognized her principled stance under enormous pressure and personal threats.
Award
In 2001, the Broward County Democratic Party gave Gunzburger its Democrat of the Year award for her courageous service on the Canvass Board during the contentious 2000 Florida election recount. The award recognized her principled stance under enormous pressure and personal threats.
Leadership Role
Gunzburger served as Broward County Vice Mayor in 2009-10 and Broward County Mayor in 2010-11, the highest elected position in the county. These roles capped her decades of service as an advocate for environmental preservation, social services, public arts funding, and LGBT equality.
Leadership Role
Gunzburger served as Broward County Vice Mayor in 2009-10 and Broward County Mayor in 2010-11, the highest elected position in the county. These roles capped her decades of service as an advocate for environmental preservation, social services, public arts funding, and LGBT equality.
Retirement
When Gunzburger retired in November 2014, she tied the late Gerald F. Thompson's record for being the longest serving county commissioner in Broward County history, with both serving 22 years on the County Commission. Her legacy included championing environmental preservation, the Broward County Ethics Code, and LGBT equality.
Retirement
When Gunzburger retired in November 2014, she tied the late Gerald F. Thompson's record for being the longest serving county commissioner in Broward County history, with both serving 22 years on the County Commission. Her legacy included championing environmental preservation, the Broward County Ethics Code, and LGBT equality.
Suzanne Gunzburger passed away
