I am writing you in reference to John Pacenti’s January 2026 article: “Mayor’s concerns cause ‘chaos,’ spur audit of downtown agency.”
In the article, Pacenti notes that I offer advice to Mayor Tom Carney on occasion. Very true. Also true is that on a regular, often daily basis, Delray residents reach out to the mayor via phone, text or email with viewpoints, advice and criticism. And he in turn solicits their input. A healthy dialogue.
The mayor is always appreciative of residents’ input, mine included.
Tom Carney and I have known each other for over 30 years, and he is mindful that I served on the Delray Beach commission for three years, and 18 years as a Palm Beach County commissioner representing Delray Beach. Many issues facing the city today are similar to those I experienced during my time in public office. I am proud that I served my community as an elected official, and frankly, that I was reelected by the people of Palm Beach County at every election, 13 times in a row.
Pacenti was careful to note that, yes, I was convicted and went to prison. Where his reporting falls short, whether intentional or due to a lack of research, was that he failed to inform his readers that in June of 2010 the United States Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the statute governing my conviction was ruled unconstitutional. It was because of that unanimous ruling that I was given an unconditional presidential pardon.
Readers deserve to know the whole story.
— Mary McCarty Delray Beach
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