Choose Rebecca Shelton and Dominick Vargas for Boynton Beach elections
If there was ever a community that could use a jolt on its city commission, it's Boynton Beach. Its much heralded Town Square Project remains unfinished, the Boynton Beach Mall is a languishing piece of undeveloped commercial property, its annexation plans are an idea bordering on a pipe dream and its city commission is still heavily influenced by the local police union. On March 11, voters will have an opportunity to make a difference in the race for mayor and the District 2 seat. Commissioner Angela Cruz, representing District 3 is running unopposed. The Post's recommendations follow below:
Term limits prevent the current mayor, Ty Penserga, from seeking another term. Given that the city's political structure is a strong city manager-weak mayor form of government, the next mayor had better find a way to improve his or her position politically within the community to develop a stronger working relationship with city administration.
The Palm Beach Post believes Rebecca Shelton fits that role best, and we recommend voters choose her for mayor.
Shelton, 49, is a local business owner and longtime city resident. She has been active in neighborhood affairs, worked on the city's senior advisory board and helped run local political campaigns, including Persenga's initial campaign for the commission. If elected, better police protection and code enforcement will be her priorities. Transparency is also a high concern in her hope to make a greater number of residents aware of city government activities and decisions.
Endorsements: Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsements for March 11 municipal elections
Shelton is one of four candidates seeking to become the next mayor. David Merker is a former commissioner who is campaigning on past experience. The second candidate in the race, Golene Gordon did not accept The Post Editorial Board's invitation for an interview. Courtland McQuire, a 55 year-old business owner is also running.
The next mayor must be ready to galvanize wide support to move the community forward. The Post Editorial Board believes that Shelton is that candidate.
Incumbents usually have an advantage in editorial board endorsements. They have accumulated experience at the job and can boast of a record of accomplishments after serving time on the dais. This unfortunately is not the case in District 3.
The Post recommends voters choose Dominick Vargas, a political newcomer and an improvement to the incumbent Commissioner Thomas Turkin who was first elected in 2022 and is seeking a second term. Vargas, 25, would admittedly be a fresh face on the commission, but he's a longtime resident of the city whose knowledge of the district and his previous work in local and state political campaigns would serve him well on the dais.
Vargas' priorities include restoring trust in Boynton Beach government by prioritizing transparency, fiscal responsibility and community-centered solutions. He supports responsible development in downtown and in older east-side neighborhoods. He also questions the city's attempt to annex unincorporated county communities that don't want to be a part of Boynton Beach, preferring to look at the city's current budget to provide new revenue.
Turkin did not accept the editorial board's invitation for an interview. The interview might have helped clear the air surrounding allegations that his presence at a crash involving his girlfriend led to favored treatment by city police, or Turkin's confrontation with Vargas on the last day of filing.
No matter. Voters in District 3 have a choice. The Post believes Vargas is the one that deserves to win.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Boynton Beach voters should elect Shelton and Vargas | Endorsements
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