Mayor Judy Paul : Broward County Pioneer

The Davie Historical Society nominated Mayor Judy Paul as a Broward County Pioneer for the 41st Annual Pioneer Day in Coral Springs. Pioneers from throughout the county will be recognized fortheir contributions at a reception on October 19.

Judy Paul was born in Hackensack, New Jersey to Lillian and Louis Weiss in 1940. After graduating with a Bachelors degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, she taught American History at Fair Lawn High School in New Jersey and pursued a Masters from Montclair College. She began an illustrious career in social studies education, spanning three decades and included special advisory positions, such as Economics Teacher On Task, Coordinator for the Pre-Law and Public Affairs Magnet programs at Ft. Lauderdale High School and Social Studies Curriculum Specialist for Broward County.

It was her love of horses that brought her to Davie in March 1972 and she has since been a dedicated advocate for preserving the natural environment that defines the town’s character.  When a proposed construction threatened a local green space, she jumped in and crawled through the thick brush in search for owl pellets to prove the area was a refuge for wildlife. She serves as a Master Gardener and works with the Broward County 4H Foundation as well as the Davie Area Land Trust, Friends of the Davie Farm Park, Inc., and is a member of the South Florida Trail Riders. She recognizes the valuable role of open space as an opportunity to encourage environmental awareness, preserve Davie’s unique spirit, and promote economic development. With a background in teaching economics, she played a part in establishing BizTown with the Junior Achievement of South Florida.

As a social studies teacher, she understood and taught her students the role of municipal government. This keen passion for education and public service fueled her successful run for a seat on the Davie Town Council in 1997. After serving three consecutive terms, she took a short hiatus before running for mayor. In 2009, she was elected and has since been reelected for another term. She continues to contribute to the community—visiting schools and reading to children, initiating a high school internship program called the Davie Public Affairs Academy, spearheading Davie as a Purple Heart community that honors local veterans, preserving the town’s agricultural roots and serving on the board for organizations such as the Broward County Farm Bureau, Project Stable, Area Agency on Aging and Disability Resource Center, Old Davie School, Davie Merchants and Industrial Association, and Wings of Gold Motorcycle Club.

She considers her position as the Town of Davie Mayor to be both a full-time job and a hobby.  She raises horses and chickens and enjoys watching the community that she loves grow.