Firefighter Jesse Rivero was sworn in March 24 by Town Attorney Max Lohman. Rivero’s wife, Kerri, held the Bible. Mary Thurwachter/The Coastal Star
By Mary Thurwachter
Newcomer Jesse Rivero, a 50-year-old firefighter, defeated veteran Town Council member Lynn “Doc” Moorhouse for Lantana’s Group 1 Council seat.
Moorhouse, 81, a retired dentist, has been on the council for 21 years and was endorsed by the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County — a surprise and disappointment to Rivero, who has served 20 years with Palm Beach County Fire Rescue.
But Rivero said at a candidates’ forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce eight days before the vote, “He may have the endorsement of the union, but I have the endorsement of the community.”
Rivero collected more than 58% of the vote compared to Moorhouse’s 41%. Only 733 of Lantana’s 6,131 registered voters cast ballots in the March 11 election.
Reached by phone election night, Rivero, celebrating with family and a few friends at El Bohio Cuban Restaurant, said Moorhouse had already called to concede and extend congratulations. Mayor Karen Lythgoe and Police Chief Sean Scheller also called with best wishes.
“Like I said at the debate, I didn’t get the endorsements Doc got, but the people were behind me and whatever the people decide will happen,” Rivero said.
Rivero said he thought the election would be close because Moorhouse had history in the town and knew a lot of people. “But I know a lot of people, too.”
Moorhouse did not respond to phone calls seeking comment.
Asked to comment about the election and what Moorhouse’s departure would mean, Lythgoe said: “Doc possessed a deep understanding of the council’s history and provided institutional knowledge to the council. I look forward to what Jesse may bring.”
With Moorhouse gone, the longest serving council members are Lythgoe and Mark Zeitler, both of whom were first elected in March 2020.
Kem Mason, who holds the Group 2 spot, was elected automatically when no one else filed to run for the position during the election qualifying period that ended Nov. 15.
Mason, 66, is a retired firefighter and is completing his first term.
Rivero and Mason were sworn in during the March 24 Town Council meeting.
Council terms are for three years.
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