Two city commissioners will be chosen for three-year terms in the March 11 election. Also on the ballot is a charter-revision proposal to clarify the voting procedure by commissioners at meetings.
Seat No. 4
Personal: 43; bachelor’s degree in American studies from Lynn University; single mother of son and daughter.
Professional: Customer service for 20 years, medical field for 10 years.
Political experience: No elective office. Public relations director for Delray Mothers Against Violence.
Position on issues: Main issue is the quality of education that children are receiving. Are they learning the fundamentals that will provide a strong foundation? Other issues are employment in the city and crime. Wants to bring common sense and integrity back into politics. Also wants to maintain small-town charm and uniqueness of this city, which she says will diminish with greed.
Quote: “My goal is to help my community and to be a voice for those whom otherwise will not be heard.”
Personal: 48; attended Grambling State University; married with three children.
Professional: Owner of Top Notch Beauty Spa and Suites.
Political experience: City commissioner since 2009, vice mayor 2011-2012. Community Redevelopment Agency board member.
Position on issues: Attract new business and higher-paying jobs. Support economic development on West Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue corridors. Work to brand Delray as a sports destination. Lower property taxes further. Protect and preserve our neighborhoods and quality of life.
Quote: “Delray Beach is on the move. New businesses are opening, housing prices have stabilized and established businesses are seeing improvements to their bottom line. I would love to continue to serve to keep our city moving forward.”
Personal: 34; master’s and law degrees from Pepperdine University; single.
Professional: Attorney and partner with Conrad & Scherer.
Political experience: No elective office. Planning and Zoning Board member.
Position on issues: Demands efficient, transparent and fiscally responsible city government. Respects unique character of Delray and supports objectively defined land development regulations. Supports responsible economic development. Advocates better local schools. Public safety and code enforcement issues will be a priority.
Quote: “I am running because I believe the current commissioner shows a lack of understanding of significant issues … and has put our character and success as a community at risk.”
Personal: 74; bachelor’s and dental degrees from Temple University; divorced with two children.
Professional: Dentist for 34 years in Pennsylvania.
Political experience: Ran for commission unsuccessfully in 2012. Past vice chairman of Police Advisory Board. President of homeowners association.
Position on issues: A revised plan is needed for Atlantic Crossing. Growth in our city is inevitable, but it must be monitored closely. Supports a balanced budget with fair business practices, new jobs and safe neighborhoods for families. Opposes no-bid contracts, downtown parking meters and the expansion of sober houses.
Quote: “I am an independent thinker — no special interests own me. I will listen to concerns and work to do what is best for all the residents.”
Seat No. 2
Personal: 42; graduate of Iona College; divorced, two children.
Professional: Automotive body and mechanics.
Political experience: No elective office.
Position on issues: Police salaries must be increased to be competitive with other agencies. Every resident should feel safe and comfortable in their homes and community. Supports a drug task force plan to create an advisory board to eliminate the sober houses that cause problems. Improve the image of schools so families with children will move here. The city should follow the guidelines of its federal highway traffic studies.
Quote: “I love and believe in Delray Beach. I want to make this city a better place to live, work and play.”
Personal: 48; bachelor’s degree in political science and international business from Ramapo College; single.
Professional: Real estate agent for 18 years, previously an aide to the speaker of the
New Jersey Assembly with eight years of government experience.
Political experience: No elective office. Member of the city Planning and Zoning Board, president of homeowners association.
Position on issues: Delray must continue to pursue economic growth and healthy development, but in a way that preserves the unique character of our community, limits traffic and protects our residential neighborhoods. City government can do a better job of managing tax dollars with a more transparent and responsible procurement process. Competitive bids necessary for city contracts.
Quote: “Family, friends and clients know I get great satisfaction in giving back and helping others, always doing more than what is expected in all tasks.”
Personal: 34; bachelor’s degree from DePauw University and law degree from St. Thomas University; single.
Professional: Attorney, Florida House legislative aide 2009-11.
Political experience: City commissioner since 2012, vice mayor since last year. Former Planning and Zoning Board member.
Position on issues: Supports economic development and bringing good-paying jobs to the city. Property taxes need to be lowered more. City needs creative ways to reduce downtown traffic congestion. City contracts must go out to competitive bids. Opposes parking meters in the downtown. More must be done to improve neighborhoods and quality of life.
Quote: “It has been my honor to serve as city commissioner the past two years and be a voice for our residents. I would like to continue to be your voice while keeping our city moving in the right direction.”
Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. March 11. For information, visit www.pbcelections.org.
Compiled by Tim Pallesen/The Coastal Star
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