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 at a candidates’ forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce eight days before the vote, Rivero said, “He (Moorhouse) may have the endorsement of the union, but I have the endorsement of the community.” Turns out he was right.
Rivero collected 58% of the vote compared to Moorhouse’s 41%. Only 733 Lantana voters turned out for 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 congratulations.
“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. He 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 was unavailable for comment but told Rivero he had a good run.
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. Council terms are for three years.
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