By Steve Plunkett
The state’s Sunshine Law, the town’s weak-mayor form of government and a deep personal goal led Ted Gross to be a one-term-and-done mayor of Briny Breezes.
Gross, who did not file qualifying papers in November to run for reelection, used the time allotted for the “Mayor’s Report” at the Town Council meeting to elaborate on his three reasons for not seeking office again.
The Sunshine Law, which states in part that two or more government officials cannot discuss government business without first notifying the public of their planned conversation, was “quite restrictive,” Gross said.
“I have close friends who sit on the dais and who hold official roles within the corporation (Briny Breezes Inc.). And my interactions with them became limited,” he said. “I was unable to discuss anything that might be on an agenda or could come before the council in the future.
“In Briny that’s almost everything,” Gross said.
He had spoken several times during his term about his dissatisfaction with being a weak mayor, one who must sign contracts and is the face of the town but who does not have a vote on issues.
“The weak mayor framework makes the role primarily ceremonial. While respect and attention shown to the mayor is meaningful, I often felt I did not deserve it because when residents brought any concerns or ideas, my ability to help was very limited,” Gross said. “I found myself unable to make the level of impact that I believe a mayor should be able to make for their constituents.”
Last, “and probably most important,” Gross said, he wanted to book more of his time “to a mission that is deeply important to me and I have been working on it for a while, and one that I believe that I can make a meaningful impact — that is supporting individuals affected by sex trafficking and abuse, particularly boys and men.”
Gross said this group receives “far too little recognition or support” and the issue is especially significant in South Florida, “and yet resources remain scarce.”
“I feel the call for this work and I believe I can make a difference by focusing my energy there,” he concluded, adding that he is grateful for the opportunity he had to serve.
Gross’ wife, Kathy, resigned as an alderwoman in October 2024 after he had been in office almost a year and she had been on the dais almost six years.
Also declining to run for election was Alderwoman Holly Reitnauer, who is married to Alderman Bill Birch. Reitnauer, who took Kathy Gross’ Seat 2 in December 2024, will have been in office only 15 months when her tenure ends in March.
She was absent from the council’s Dec. 11 meeting and has not publicly discussed her reason for not running for office.
Alderman Jeff Duncan, who drew no challengers during November’s qualifying period, was automatically elected to his Seat 4 position and will serve a second two-year term.
Under the town’s charter, the council will choose a “qualified elector” to be Briny’s new mayor and a new alderman at its first meeting after what was to be the March 10 election.
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