Deltona appoints Troy Shimkus as one new commissioner, another, Tom Burbank, departs
One Deltona city commissioner is in. Another, again, is out.
On Tuesday, the day after the City Commission appointed Troy Shimkus to fill a vacancy, another commissioner abruptly resigned.
Tom Burbank, who faced censure and criticism last year for posting a homophobic rant on Facebook about a resident who later sued the city and received a settlement, quit Tuesday.
The city has seen a revolving door of city managers and interim managers for years. Now two commissioners have departed mid-term in the last month.
Shimkus, the new District 2 commissioner, was a mayoral candidate in 2018. He scored the best of seven candidates who applied to fill the seat of Anita Bradford, who resigned for health reasons. Commissioners ranked the candidates from 1 to 7, with 1 being their top choice.
Shimkus won with a score of 12. Following behind him were: Elbert Bryan and Emma Santiago, with 15 each, Willam Maberry, 22; Matthew Shaw, 30; Timothy Tyckoson, 36; and Elizabeth Chavez, 38.
In his application letter, Shimkus − who has worked as a data analyst − cited as qualifications his regular attendance at commission meetings and his work on a committee helping with the city manager search, which is ongoing.
"My background in data analysis and solution crafting equips me with the skills necessary to contribute effectively as a city commissioner," Shimkus wrote. "I believe that data-driven decision-making is vital for addressing the complex challenges Deltona may encounter."
Burbank was the lone vote against Shimkus on Monday night.
Last February, Burbank ranted on Facebook about resident and 2024 city commission candidate Nick Lulli and let loose a long string of names, punctuated by a slur against gay people. Lulli sued and won an $8,000 settlement from the city.
Following the post, Shimkus called it "vile," and was among the residents calling for Burbank to resign, which he now has done, nearly a year later.
A news release from the city states Burbank did not cite a reason in his resignation letter.
"I feel I've done my part and it's time to hang up my cleats," Burbank wrote.
He responded to a text message seeking comment with a single line: "The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog."
Deltona will now have to appoint a replacement for Burbank by March 1. The city announced it will be accepting applications from District 1 residents who are interested in replacing Burbank. Commissioners will appoint someone as the District 1 representative and the seat will be on the November ballot.
District 1 covers the northeast portion of Deltona.
Those interested are being asked to send a resume or letter of interest to the City Clerk’s Office, 2345 Providence Blvd., 2nd Floor, Deltona FL 32725, or via email at jraftery@deltonafl.gov. The deadline to apply is noon Monday, February 19, 2024.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Deltona appoints one new city commissioner as yet another departs
