A Meeting With Tequesta's Mayor Brennan

JUPITER, FL – January 4, 2017 – A personal love for the Village of Tequesta coupled with a vigorous committal to keeping it safe, fiscally strong, and “small” is Mayor Abby Brennan’s daily fuel. She is a 22-year resident of Tequesta and she is currently serving her fifth consecutive term as Mayor. Brennan was also named the Palm Beach North Chamber’s 2017 Community Leader of the Year. InJupiter recently visited with Mayor Brennan to learn about her colorful history, her daily goals, as well as her her emphasis on safety and community presence.

InJupiter: What makes Tequesta so special?

Brennan: Of course the natural beauty of the waterways that surround the Village is beyond compare, but what sets us apart from other waterfront communities are: The residents; a staff dedicated to consistently courteous and timely customer service; a fully trained and well-equipped police department capable of handling whatever must be done to keep our community safe; an outstanding fire rescue department with unmatched response times, deep caring for those who need their services, and commitment to excellence in all that they do.

InJupiter: Your background is special, to say the least. You were CFO during the development and construction of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum (RRHOFM) in Cleveland, Ohio. Tell us about that experience.

Brennan: When I first joined the RRHOFM, there were five paid staff members in a small office with a big dream. The design changed, the site changed, and three executive directors came and went. We raised money, courted corporate sponsors, put together complex bond financing and creative repayment streams, and negotiated construction contracts. When it was opened six years later, the dream came true and the result was even more spectacular than we had imagined. And there are many rock and roll stories that shall remain untold!

Sitting down to a lovely meal at Evo Italian in Tequesta with “Broadway” Joe Namath

InJupiter: You have had a major presence in assisting notable Palm Beach County entities Could you tell us a bit about your direct contribution to these organizations?

Brennan: My role as an organizational and special projects consultant varied from helping set up accounting systems (Maltz Jupiter Theatre) assisting with hiring and training of finance department staff (Lighthouse ArtCenter), serving as the Finance Director (Cultural Council of Palm Beach County) and as Executive Director of the International Museum of Cartoon Art.

InJupiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment as Mayor?

Brennan: This is by far the toughest question. It’s difficult for me to reflect on what has been done in the past and stay focused on what is before me today. I think it is more about the body of work and not just one accomplishment. For better or for worse, I will stand up for what I believe to be in the best interests of our community and listen to those who believe that I am wrong. One day, I’ll be publicly tangling with the national railroad industry, another riding around with an FPL supervisor looking for the one or two houses that still don’t have power on a street where everyone does. I’ll be applying and receiving $1 million in funding for the Complete Streets project one day, and another scouting sites to move the AmeriGas propane tank that sits perilously close to Old Dixie Highway, and yet another walking to every Tequesta business to deliver the holiday greeting cards I had printed up. Being visible and accessible to the public is very important to me, so I attend as many special events, ribbon cuttings, and HOA meetings as possible. Little things and larger initiatives add up.

Brennan has publicly asked the Florida East Coast Railway to address blocked railway crossings 

InJupiter: Tequesta was recently named the seventh safest city in Florida. What does that mean to you on a personal level?

Brennan: My focus on the Council has always been about the safety of our residents. Regardless if they are driving or bicycling on our roads, navigating our waterways, shopping and dining at Village establishments, walking on our streets, day or night, or simply enjoying the comforts of their own homes, our police officers are highly visible and effective. The relationships they have forged with our residents help them stay ahead of possible problems. Add to that our Citizens on Patrol volunteers, the watchful eyes of our public works and water plant staff in the field, and the residents who care about their neighbors and their entire community and you have achieved the distinction of being the seventh safest city in Florida.