City of Margate Commissioners show themselves to have huge ethical problems during a public hearing
Updated: Aug 23
By Staci-lee Sherwood
Corruption in some form has been around since we humans first showed up on Earth. There is always someone who wants what others have and will stop at nothing to get it. For some it’s material things like money or expensive art. Others prefer power, no matter what form it takes. I’ve seen people lose their minds over who gets on the PTA Board (parent teacher assoc). Over the years I’ve attended and spoken at thousands of hearings across the country from the nations’ capitol to such tiny towns one could barely locate them on a map.
I’ve witnessed adults on commissions who were respectful of the public having their say, while other hearings devolved into screaming matches and arrests, some even between commissioners. Over the years things have definitively gotten worse. We live in a more rude ill-mannered culture and it shows.
This is the Mayor?
Antonio Arserio, 41, doesn’t look like your typical Mayor. He dresses like he’s going camping not conducting business, to the tune of millions of dollars, for a city that elected him. As a representative he’s got attitude, but not in a good way. During the public hearing I attended and spoke at, he routinely complained about those speaking on behalf of abused and exploited animals. He constantly fell asleep during public comment, which is funny since he was the one who dragged out the meeting so public comment wouldn’t start until after 10:30 pm.
Mayor Arserio sleeping on the taxpayer’s dime.
When he walked by me I was surprised at how small he was, at least in height.. Perhaps his small stature leaves this realtor with a chip on his shoulder. His narcissism was on full display which is usually a sign of both insecurity and a grossly over inflated view of self importance. He clearly lacks the necessary maturity, intellect and temperament needed to run a city as Mayor.
Mayor Arserio looking bored during a meeting
He’s a kiddie Mayor when this city is desperate for decent adults to run it, and not into the ground. No surprise he’s been found guilty of fiscal misconduct. During the hearing about their soccer field residents accused him of taking money to help an outside city take over the field their own taxpayers paid for. A quick Google search brings up lots of complaints about him and the local government in general.
In 2026 corruption seems to be open as those in power whether at the very top or way down in a tiny city have no fear of accountability or repercussions.
Margate is small but not alone in corruption
Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano, from New Jesery, couldn’t help himself from trying to control the entire hearing. During a break I spoke briefly with Commissioner Arlene Schwartz, a retired school teacher, who said he ‘acts like he’s the Mayor and wants to be’. His brash demeanor was on full display. Cleary he saw his position as City Commissioner more like a local celebrity with something to broadcast and post on Facebook for ‘likes’ by his fans. During the 5 hour hearing he had his cell phone recording probably himself. Both he and his wife Amanda, also from New Jersey, work in construction. Something about them reminds me of the 'Jersey Shore' crowd of low class narcissists always putting themselves first.
Ruzzano had his narcissism on full display
In January 2025 Commissioner Caggiano filed a police report against Ruzzano and his wife, “They are putting my life and my family’s life at risk,” he told cops, adding that the Ruzzanos were inciting a mob hostility against him. This seems more like a kangaroo court than a proper city commission comprised of educated adults. Back in the old days politicians at least knew how to play the part in public with decorum. Stalking and revenge from one commissioner to another…..that says it all.
Click here to see the report
Despite the squabbles back and forth the one thing all three of these commissioners agreed on is fiscal misconduct. The listed amount of money may be small but corruption is corruption, it does not distinguish the crime in dollar amounts nor should the public. In politics, if this is the admitted amount, one must always ask if there is more being hidden.
Click here to read more
Police corruption has always been around. It should come as no surprise City Manager Cale Curtis and City Attorney David Tolces bent the knee for former Police Lieutenant Paul Kostick after he fostered a culture of corruption for years. They paid off Kostick and let him go back to being a cop despite being guilty of perjury, misconduct and other violations. They also had no problem with allowing Larry Wallach to open his exploitive business where wild animals are pawed by strangers for a fee.
Click here to read more about Kostick
Proposed moratorium on exploitive animal businesses
On august 19, 2026 the hearing for a moratorium about exotic animals businesses was held. The catalyst was Larry Wallach who plans to open a ‘store’ where people can hold Sloths and Tiger and pose for photo ops cubs for a fee. After losing his USDA license and leaving New York he landed in Florida, a bastion of animal abuse and government corruption. Wallach showed up wearing torn jeans and a dirty t-shirt looking more like a homeless man than successful business owner. Does he even have the money to care for all the animals in his possession properly?
His lawyer, Shai Ozery, looked about twelve and spoke nervously in public, served as his mouthpiece. Ozery graduated from Nova Southern University, so he’s no top level lawyer from Harvard which could be why he took on this client. Rumor has it he’s working for free which begs the question does he need more experience or does he support animal abusers?
It was clear from the start the commission would try to run out the clock waiting nearly 4 hours after the start of the meeting to begin discussion on the moratorium. The meeting finally ended just before midnight. Commissioner Ruzzano, the brash stalker wanna-be-Mayor has personal ties to Wallach and should have recused himself. The main players for Wallach were Mayor Arserio, Commissioner Ruzzano and Commissioner Caggiano coming in as the surprise pinch hitter.
With close ties to someone coming before the Commission the ethical thing to do is recuse yourself for conflict of interest. I guess Ruzzano didn’t get the memo about public service. Holding the Sloth toys showed his vote before the vote.
Margate City Manager can't even hold the Sloth correctly. Doesn't it look like the Sloth can't stand to be near this guy?
Margate Assistant Fire Chief - EMS Matt Whiteshield mugging for the camera.
As people spoke passionately for the animals, who have no voice, I saw Arserio winking and smiling, like a school girl with a crush, at Larry Wallach aka ‘the Sloth King’. It’s his exploitative business that was the main reason for the hearing. Arserio seemed obsessed with Facebook and their Meta glasses as only someone so young would be. Most of those in the room wouldn’t know his reference.
My statement about animal exploitive businesses and Wallach. Click video to listen.
Mayor Arserio whining like a child about his obsession with Facebook. Click video to listen.
Caggiano waived a piece of paper saying it was a letter from Wallach’s lawyer, Shai Ozery. He didn’t read the letter nor was it entered into the minutes, oh wait there are no minutes for the meeting just video. Did Caggiano also get a threatening note from Ruzzano who clearly has friendly ties with Wallach? After all it was just last year Caggiano went crying to the cops about threats from Ruzzano and his wife. Could some cash have been left on his desk? If you don’t know that’s how politics REALLY works you need to learn some things.
Caggiano, perhaps still in fear for his life while sitting next to Ruzzano, voted against the moratorium after saying how disgusting Wallach’s business was. The two face hypocrite is the symbol of American politicians. Arserio could barely stay awake past his bedtime but held on long enough to give Wallach the win.
Caggiano says he's disgusted by the inhumane business that Wallach has. Click video to listen.
Video of the final vote 3-2 against the moratorium which had Arserio, Ruzzano and Caggiano voting yes for Wallach’s abusive business. Only Commissioners Simone and Schwartz did the decent thing. Click video to listen.
Sad day for wild animals caught in the cycle of ‘encounters’ and recreation for selfish humans.
Click here to read more about how Sloths should live and how people like Wallach exploit them for money
The type of people that support animal exploitation. She can't even hold the baby Kangaroo, which belongs with his mother in the wilderness of Australia.
Margate, Florida is a shining example of what not to do and who not to elect. When the public fails to get involved sleazy politicians can move in just as sly as mold in the dark crevices where at first it goes unnoticed. Like mold, once the rotten politicians have been identified it takes a lot to get rid of them. Don’t be like Margate, learn from their gross errors.
This does NOT apply to most of the Margate, Florida officials
Unfortunately, Margate has a history of allowing animal cruelty at their annual festivals! Ruzzano always claims they have a great turnout. Yes, but festival attendees have complained when seeing how the animals were suffering! And still each year they allow truly disgusting animal acts! These Commissioners with the exception of two have left the City with a reputation of permitted animal abuse!
Not very uplifting post, is it? Dont the local voters/taxpayers attend these meetings at all?
The thought of people manhandling sloths - such gentle creatures - for a selfie, I presume. And this guy already lost any certification from USDA?
Stacie, cant imagine how hard it is to continue to push back on this abusive, corrupt system. And this isnt the only town/city it pertains to.
Keep up the good work, Lady.