By John Pacenti
In an unusual December election, voters in Florida House District 90 will pick a new state representative.
The Dec. 9 election choice features Democrat Delray Beach Vice Mayor Rob Long, Republican Maria Zack or independent Karen Yeh, who has no party affiliation.
The seat has been vacant since July due to the death of Democrat Rep. Joe Casello following a heart attack.
The House district encompasses a coastal portion of southern Palm Beach County, including Boynton Beach, Ocean Ridge, Briny Breezes, Gulf Stream and Delray Beach.
Long has served as a city commissioner since March 2023. No matter the outcome of the election, he was forced to resign his seat as of Dec. 9 in order to run.
He previously served two terms in a countywide elected role as a Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District supervisor, where he chaired the board for four years.
“After nearly a decade serving this community, I understand the issues firsthand and have the relationships to deliver real results for District 90 on day one,” Long said.
He has criticized Zack for living in Palm Beach and not residing in the district. Under state law, she can move to the district if she is elected.
Zack defeated Bill Reicherter in the Republican primary in September. She said moving shouldn’t be an issue and she has been looking at several residences.
“I have worked specifically on creating solutions to end government corruption and prevent government corruption,” she said of her candidacy.
A main issue in the race is Gov. Ron DeSantis’ proposal to put on the 2026 general election ballot a referendum to eliminate property taxes, the lifeblood to fund municipal governments.
Long has said he supports economic growth as opposed to property tax elimination.
Zack — a math professor turned political consultant — said she has been working with economists at the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank, and others on how to eliminate the property tax.
Yeh, the third candidate, does not support eliminating the property tax. “I think it’s very important for our firefighters and police to have local spending,” she said.
Yeh lives in Boynton Beach and is a former licensed real estate broker, a former teacher and has worked as an accountant and an auditor. She said her lifetime experience makes her the best candidate.
“Everybody says I can’t win because I’m not a Republican or Democrat,” she said. “All I want to do is concentrate on what is good for the local people.”
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