Jeremy Rodgers is sworn in March 31 by Florida CFO Jeff Atwater.
Bruce Borich/The Coastal Star
By Tao Woolfe
City Councilman-elect Jeremy Rodgers attributes his surprise win to running a clean campaign and focusing on Boca Raton’s business growth.
“My goal is to bring new businesses to Boca Raton, especially high-tech companies,” Rodgers said in a phone interview after the March 10 election. “In addition to being the best place to retire, Boca should be the best place to find a job and raise a family.”
The height and density of downtown buildings, traffic congestion, annexation and the expansion of Florida Atlantic University were other top issues in a race that focused just as intently on character and campaign styles.
Though Rodgers, 36, was considered the underdog in the heated three-way battle for the District C seat, he stayed above the mudslinging and insider politicking to capture key supporters.
His business-friendly message resonated with the Greater Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, which endorsed Rodgers and helped get out the vote. Rodgers, who came to Boca Raton in 1997 to attend Florida Atlantic University, also won endorsements from The Sun-Sentinel and The Palm Beach Post, which recognized him as a highly qualified candidate with a fresh voice.
Both papers pointed out that unlike other candidates, Rodgers has served on the city’s Financial Advisory Board and regularly attends City Council meetings.
Rodgers is a computer security engineer with IBM and also serves in the U.S. Naval Reserve. He promised to bring honor, courage and commitment to the job.
The positive tone of Rodgers’ message was in stark contrast to that of opponent Frank Chapman, retired attorney and businessman. Chapman’s negative messaging drove a fourth Seat C candidate, Armand Grossman, out of the race. The candidate quit after Chapman’s campaign sent a mass mailing raising questions about a real estate course Grossman ran.
Chapman’s campaign repeatedly painted third candidate Jamie Sauer as the establishment candidate who would kowtow to developers. Sauer, a Realtor and political consultant, raised $29,000 in contributions with help from prominent developers, development attorneys, Realtors and local businesses.
Sauer, however, denied allegiance to developers. She described herself as an independent thinker who sought controlled growth for Boca and the preservation of the city’s values. Sauer, who is active in the Junior League and the Boca Raton Historical Society, also had the backing of other longtime political players including Mayor Susan Haynie.
Rodgers said his campaign did, at the last minute, join in broadcasting warnings about Chapman’s recent past.
In the last few weeks of the race, it came to light that Chapman’s Ohio-based former law firm had been in a prolonged battle with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Chapman was ordered by a federal court in 2013 to pay $44,000 in fines for violations of the False Claims Act. The case involved inspections of foreclosed homes that Chapman’s firm was handling. Chapman has denied any wrongdoing.
Voter turnout was light and typical for local elections. Rodgers won with 2,792 votes; Sauer came in second with 2,075 votes and Chapman garnered 1,991 votes.
Rodgers says he has spoken to his new colleagues on the council and does not anticipate any lingering animosity about the race. “I’m friendly with everyone on the council and look forward to working with them,” he said.
Boca Raton Election Results
City Council Seat C
Percent Votes
Frank Chapman 29.03% 1,991
Jeremy Rodgers 40.71% 2,792
Jamie Sauer 30.26% 2,075
6,858
Source: Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
Comments