Gulf Stream Commissioners (l-r) Joan Orthwein, Scott Morgan, Tom Stanley and Michael Greene are sworn in March 13 at the first meeting after they were reelected. Robert Canfield was unable to attend the meeting. Tim Stepien/The Coastal Star
By Steve Plunkett
As they usually do, Gulf Stream voters March 10 chose to keep the five incumbents running for Town Commission.
Returned to the dais are Scott Morgan, Tom Stanley, Robert Canfield, Michael Greene and Joan Orthwein, all officially receiving at least 294 votes, according to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office.
The commissioners took their oaths of office at the start of their March 13 regular meeting and quickly chose Morgan to continue as mayor and Stanley as vice mayor.
Town Clerk Reneé Basel said 399 people voted in person and 67 by mail, making for a 57% turnout of Gulf Stream’s 818 registered voters.
Newcomer Michael Glennon, who campaigned on bringing “a fresh perspective” to the commission, garnered 241 votes, more than double the 112 that Julio Martinez got in his losing effort in the last contested election in 2017 but 54 shy of winning a seat.
Glennon was picked by more than half the voters casting ballots in the town election, but that wasn’t enough to overcome the incumbents who each were chosen by between 63% to 73% of participating voters.
It was the first time Greene and Canfield stood for election after being appointed to the commission. Greene had 305 votes, Canfield 294.
Morgan, Stanley and Orthwein each received the most votes they’ve ever had. Morgan had 340, or 15 more than in 2014; Stanley clocked in with 333, up 16 from 2014; and Orthwein had 318, or five more than in 2014.
A PAC supporting the five incumbents took out an ad telling voters that “results require a team” and listing the commission’s accomplishments over the years, including zero tax increases for 10 years and 25% lower costs for drinking water once Gulf Stream switches to Boynton Beach’s system in 2027.
Town Commission
(five seats)
S. Morgan (I)* 340
T. Stanley (I)* 333
J. Orthwein (I)* 318
M. Greene (I)* 305
R. Canfield (I)* 294
M. Glennon 241
(I) Incumbent
*Elected to three-year term
Source: Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
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