Three candidates are competing for two open seats after Ed Brookes and Zoanne Hennigan decided against running for re-relection on March 11.
James Bonfiglio
Personal: 60; bachelor’s degrees in political science and history, 1975, University of Rochester; graduated Loyola University School of Law, 1979; 25-year resident of Ocean Ridge; single.
Professional: Real estate attorney, specializing in foreclosure defense; also practices in the field of Federal Truth in Lending litigation; guest lecturer at Nova Southeastern University Law School; inducted into the Palm Beach County Legal Aid Pro Bono Hall of Fame in 2008.
Political experience: First run for elective office; appointed to town’s Planning and Zoning Commission in 2000; served as board’s vice chairman for seven years, and elected board’s chairman in 2008.
Position on issues: Would consider increasing police presence on public beaches to help limit the potential liability of risky behavior to the town and residents; improve beach signage; is reluctant to support an ordinance to prohibit alcohol use on the beach because it would infringe on the rights of residents; prepare a plan for dealing with potential retirements of key town staff members; evaluate possible options for fire rescue service contracts.
Quote: “I’ve been on the Planning and Zoning Commission since 2000, and I think I know enough of the town and the issues that I can help contribute a little more as a town commissioner.”
Richard Lucibella
Personal: 60; bachelor’s degree, Fairfield University; master’s in business, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; master’s in health care administration, Johns Hopkins University. Moved to Ocean Ridge 1996; single.
Professional: CEO at Accountable Care Options, LLC; director at Primus Health Network; publisher S.W.A.T. Magazine; former president at Medical Management Associates Inc.
Political experience: No elective office. Member of the town Planning and Zoning Commission, 1997-2000. Member Board of Adjustments, 2000-present.
Position on issues: Past commissions have left the town in good fiscal condition, so Ocean Ridge has the opportunity to address long-term planning now. Should consider underground utilities, natural gas lines and reining in costs of emergency medical services. Calmly and thoughtfully “walk the fine line” between keeping public beaches public and managing access.
Quote: “There will be a lot more vehicular and pedestrian presence due to rapid growth of neighboring towns. What’s at stake is the culture of Ocean Ridge three to five years from now. Residents can either help in the formation of that culture or let someone else do it. There are only two choices.”
Roberta Wehr
Personal: 50; bachelor’s degree in journalism from Ball State University; associate’s degree in business; has lived in Ocean Ridge since 2000; single.
Professional: Former investment liaison for several financial services companies in Florida; public relations and fundraising for nonprofit group in Indiana.
Political experience: No elective office. Worked as an intern in Indiana Gov. Robert Orr’s office in early 1980s; activist against high-rise development along the South Florida coast.
Positions on issues: Supports two-story limits on buildings; town must do more to protect dunes and turtle nesting; would consider putting utility lines underground; wants town to keep its own Police Department; public must have access to beaches but residents’ property rights have to be protected, too.
Quote: “Ocean Ridge to me represents Old Florida. This to me is ideal. I love the integrity of this town and I want to see our town stay the way it is.”
Polls are open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. March 11. For information, visit www.pbcelections.org.
Compiled by Dan Moffett
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