Dania Beach politicians run away from Local 10 News reporter

Politicians won't explain motive for move some are calling 'dirty politics'

DANIA BEACH, Fla. – Dania Beach politicians claim they were unaware of a colleague's illness when they recently moved to remove her from office. But when Local 10 News reporter Jeff Weinsier asked them to explain their decision on camera.  They ran.

Vice Mayor Chicke Strollo Brandimarte was in intensive care after intestinal surgery when her rivals did not excuse her absence from the commission June 24.

Dania Beach Mayor Walter Duke can remove Brandimarte, 77, from office if no one seconds motions to excuse her absence.

Commissioner Bobbie Grace, who is a cancer survivor, did not move to excuse Brandimarte. She said Weinsier's report on her decision -- which was recorded on camera and remains on the public record -- were false.

Sun Sentinel Columnist Michael Mayo lives in Dania Beach. His opinion: "When it comes to the city's politics, I feel mostly disgusted." Brandimarte told Mayo that Duke is playing dirty politics. He and Grace want to seize control of the commission until the November election.

Brandimarte was released from the hospital July 2 and is recovering at home. She plans on attending the July 22 meeting and on serving her term, which ends 2016.