Dr. Chaz Stevens Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Deerfield Beach, Pledges Bold Reforms and Expanded Mental Health Services.
by Tom Wright, Campaign Director for Chaz Stevens
Deerfield Beach, FL —November 12, 2024 — Longtime activist and entrepreneur Dr. Chaz Stevens has officially declared his candidacy for Mayor of Deerfield Beach. With nearly 50 years of residency and a proven track record of exposing corruption in Deerfield Beach, promoting transparency, and advancing community welfare, Stevens is running on a bold platform to revitalize the city and expand access to mental health care for residents.
Stevens, founder and CEO of ESADoggy, has extensive experience in mental health advocacy through animal-assisted mental health services. ESADoggy provides free, remote support to underserved populations, including homeless individuals, wounded veterans, and Ukrainians impacted by the Russian invasion. His work has shown him the need for accessible mental health care in every community, including Deerfield Beach.
“My work with ESADoggy has deepened my understanding of the power of mental health care to transform lives,” said Stevens. “I’ve faced my own challenges with alcohol abuse and autism. Those experiences taught me resilience and empathy, fueling my commitment to serving Deerfield Beach with compassion and understanding.”
“I’m committed to ensuring every resident has access to the support they need. As Mayor, I will prioritize mental health care access by creating partnerships and leveraging technology to deliver cost-effective, compassionate care.”
Stevens’ platform also includes developing a vibrant Downtown Deerfield, revitalizing the Dixie Corridor, and advancing the city’s Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) vision. With the potential to improve Deerfield’s connectivity, economic growth, and cultural appeal, these projects have stalled due to a lack of leadership. As mayor, Stevens promises to bring new focus to these initiatives, drawing on successful models from neighboring cities and his commitment to sustainable growth.
“For too long, Deerfield Beach has sat idle, guided by a lack of vision, while our neighbors surge ahead,” Stevens said.
“I want to change that. Right now, people pass through Deerfield on their way to Pompano or Delray — I want to make Deerfield their destination.”
“I envision Deerfield Beach as a beacon of progress and community pride, one that celebrates and serves every resident, including our growing Latin community (en español).”
“Together for Change, Together for Deerfield.”
A self-described “change candidate,” Stevens contrasts his fresh perspective with his opponents’ decade-long track records. “My opponents have been in office or running for office over the past decade, with little progress to show,” said Stevens.
“Eight years in office, no results. Three campaigns, zero wins. Perhaps it’s time for a fresh start in Deerfield Beach.”
As the election’s change candidate, Chaz believes in:
- Accountability First: Prioritizing transparency and ethical leadership, challenging outdated practices and holding officials accountable.
- Higher Standards: Leading by example, driving accountability and integrity in leadership.
- Community-Centered Progress: Revitalizing with inclusive growth, focusing on mental health resources, rent stability, a pro-business agenda, and urban development.
- Fresh Vision, Bold Action: Innovative ideas, taking action where others have maintained the status quo.
“Ask yourself this, is Deerfield better today than a decade ago? My taxes have skyrocketed … and what do I have to show for that? Free taxi service to the Cove, a better trash can, and yet another new fire truck.”
“We deserve leadership that drives real change, not more of the same.”
For more information on Chaz Stevens’ campaign and his vision for Deerfield Beach, visit rebootdeerfield.vote.
Media Contact:
Tom Wright
561–756–4832
thwrightesq@gmail.com