Commissioner Blattner, a Hollywood resident for over 35 years, was born in Lima, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin and served for two years in the US Army.

Dick worked for four years for Helene Curtis Industries, ten years for Xerox Corporation, and three years for Saxon Business Products before opening his own business, Suncoast Marketing, Inc in 1977. Suncoast was a manufacturers representative for point of sale supplies and printing. He retired in 2002, selling the business to his partners.

He served on the Hollywood City Commission, elected city wide, from 1994 to 2000, representing the City on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Water Management Advisory Board and the Regional Transportation Organization.

His community and civic activities have been extensive: member and Vice President of the Greater Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Leadership Hollywood program, member of the board of the Liberia Economic and Social Development Inc, (LES), and chair of the City’s Community Development Advisory Board. Other organizations include the Hollywood Human Services Advisory Board, the Budget Advisory Board, the American Heart Association and the Florida Bar Association Grievance Committee (Lay Member). He also volunteers, teaching a class at the Broward Outreach Center. In 1996, he was chosen “Man of the Year” by the American Jewish Congress.

Blattner is chair of the Greater Hollywood Family YMCA, which has begun a $3.5 million renovation and expansion program.

Commissioner Blattner’s wife, Bunny, has been on the faculty of the University School of Nova Southeastern University for over 30 years. Son, David, is an attorney in Plantation and his wife, Elaine, is Director of Library Development for Nova Southeastern University. They have two children, Sarah and Steve. Son, Billy, is a Relations Manager for Sempra Energy in San Francisco and his wife, Jenny, is a midwife. They have two young children, Sam and Suzannah.