Voter's Guide for 2014 General Election – Palm Beach County, Florida – A Libertarian Perspective

I am often asked for my opinion as to who would make good choices for elected office and the 2014 General Election is no different. So here is the list of those I plan to vote. The person / issue I will vote for is in BOLD, sometimes with an explanation.

U.S. Representative, Dist. 22

PAUL SPAIN – I am voting for Paul Spain. He was my #2 pick during the primaries and am comfortable with him leading District 22. I wish he was more libertarian and perhaps in two years we will have a Libertarian Party challenger for this seat.
Lois Frankel
Write-In Candidate Raymond Schamis

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Rick Scott / Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Charlie Crist / Annette Taddeo
ADRIAN WYLLIE / GREG ROE
Farid Khavari / Lateresa A. Jones
Glenn Burkett / Jose Augusto Matos
Write-In Candidates

Attorney General
Pam Bondi
George Sheldon
BILL WOHLSIFER – no matter who wins the Governor’s race, it is imperative to supporters of Amendment 2 (medical marijuana) Bill Wohslifer win to be Florida’s next Attorney General so Amendment 2 will be implemented properly and go unchallenged.

Chief Financial Officer – It is unusual for me; however, I am skipping this race (and a couple more below). I can not in good faith vote for either of these candidates. Both are bad in my opinion.
Jeff Atwater
William “Will” Rankin

Commissioner of Agriculture
Adam H. Putnam – I am not a huge fan of Putnam and am tempted to skip this race as with the CFO race; however, Putnam is the better candidate and has helped Libertarians in the state move their agenda forward.
Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton
Write-In Candidate – Jeffrey Obos

State Senator, Dist. 34 – I am sitting out this race as well. Sachs is awful and I do not believe she lives in this district which is required by our state constitution. If allegations are proven true (it is currently being officially investigated) it could lead to her going to jail for continually lying on official qualification forms and violating the state constitution. Bogdanoff is equally awful. Her record in the Florida legislature is terrible from a Libertarian point of view and is more interested in corporate welfare than offering small or big business a truly free market in Florida. As before, perhaps a Libertarian Party of Florida candidate will challenge the winner next time around.
Ellyn Bogdanoff
Maria Lorts Sachs

State Representative, Dist. 89 – I can not in good faith vote for either of these two. UGH! Both are nice people; however, I do not want either representing me in Tallahassee. I could get into the nitty and gritty details – but will spare you.
Bill Hager
David Ryan Silvers

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Alan O. Forst of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Mark W. Klingensmith of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge W. Matthew Stevenson of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Martha C. Warner of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District Group 5 – 4 Year Term
Eva S. Webb
Karl Dickey – he is the OBVIOUS choice! 🙂

No. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 28
Water and Land Conservation – Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.

Although I am an environmentalist, the state has enough land AND it continually sells off land that was SUPPOSED to be held for conservation. The government has a horrible track record and cannot be trusted to keep this land preserved.

YES
NO

No. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 29
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory and enforcement activities associated with the production and sale of medical marijuana. Fees will offset at least a portion of the regulatory costs. While sales tax may apply to purchases, changes in revenue cannot reasonably be determined since the extent to which medical marijuana will be exempt from taxation is unclear without legislative or state administrative action.
YES – I will be voting YES for this amendment because we must end the absurd practice of jailing patients for using this tremendous resource.
NO

No. 3
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE V, SECTIONS 10, 11
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution requiring the Governor to prospectively fill vacancies in a judicial office to which election for retention applies resulting from the justice’s or judge’s reaching the mandatory retirement age or failure to qualify for a retention election; and allowing prospective appointments if a justice or judge is not retained at an election. Currently, the Governor may not fill an expected vacancy until the current justice’s or judge’s term expires.
YES
NO

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 1
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Shall the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, which provides early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, preventative and other children’s services in Palm Beach County, be reauthorized to continue in existence as a district with voter-approved taxing authority, with independent oversight and accountability as required by law, unless and until it is dissolved as specified in s.125.901 (4)(a), Florida Statutes?
YES
NO – this $100 million+ per year taxpayer funded agency should be abolished. They do great work; however, it can be done better privately.

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 2
REFERENDUM TO CONTINUE AN AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONAL NEEDS

Shall the School Board of Palm Beach County have the authority to continue to levy 0.25 mills of ad valorem millage dedicated for operational needs of non-charter District schools to fund teachers, as well as arts, music, physical education, career and academic programs for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2019, with oversight by an independent finance committee of citizens and experts?
YES
NO – VOTE NO to end this ‘hidden’ unnecessary tax

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Voter’s Guide for 2014 General Election – Palm Beach County, Florida – A Libertarian Perspective

I am often asked for my opinion as to who would make good choices for elected office and the 2014 General Election is no different. So here is the list of those I plan to vote. The person / issue I will vote for is in BOLD, sometimes with an explanation.

U.S. Representative, Dist. 22

PAUL SPAIN – I am voting for Paul Spain. He was my #2 pick during the primaries and am comfortable with him leading District 22. I wish he was more libertarian and perhaps in two years we will have a Libertarian Party challenger for this seat.
Lois Frankel
Write-In Candidate Raymond Schamis

Governor and Lieutenant Governor

Rick Scott / Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Charlie Crist / Annette Taddeo
ADRIAN WYLLIE / GREG ROE
Farid Khavari / Lateresa A. Jones
Glenn Burkett / Jose Augusto Matos
Write-In Candidates

Attorney General
Pam Bondi
George Sheldon
BILL WOHLSIFER – no matter who wins the Governor’s race, it is imperative to supporters of Amendment 2 (medical marijuana) Bill Wohslifer win to be Florida’s next Attorney General so Amendment 2 will be implemented properly and go unchallenged.

Chief Financial Officer – It is unusual for me; however, I am skipping this race (and a couple more below). I can not in good faith vote for either of these candidates. Both are bad in my opinion.
Jeff Atwater
William “Will” Rankin

Commissioner of Agriculture
Adam H. Putnam – I am not a huge fan of Putnam and am tempted to skip this race as with the CFO race; however, Putnam is the better candidate and has helped Libertarians in the state move their agenda forward.
Thaddeus “Thad” Hamilton
Write-In Candidate – Jeffrey Obos

State Senator, Dist. 34 – I am sitting out this race as well. Sachs is awful and I do not believe she lives in this district which is required by our state constitution. If allegations are proven true (it is currently being officially investigated) it could lead to her going to jail for continually lying on official qualification forms and violating the state constitution. Bogdanoff is equally awful. Her record in the Florida legislature is terrible from a Libertarian point of view and is more interested in corporate welfare than offering small or big business a truly free market in Florida. As before, perhaps a Libertarian Party of Florida candidate will challenge the winner next time around.
Ellyn Bogdanoff
Maria Lorts Sachs

State Representative, Dist. 89 – I can not in good faith vote for either of these two. UGH! Both are nice people; however, I do not want either representing me in Tallahassee. I could get into the nitty and gritty details – but will spare you.
Bill Hager
David Ryan Silvers

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Alan O. Forst of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Mark W. Klingensmith of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge W. Matthew Stevenson of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

District Court of Appeal
Shall Judge Martha C. Warner of the Fourth District Court of Appeal be retained in office?
YES
NO

Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation District Group 5 – 4 Year Term
Eva S. Webb
Karl Dickey – he is the OBVIOUS choice! 🙂

No. 1
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 28
Water and Land Conservation – Dedicates funds to acquire and restore Florida conservation and recreation lands.

Although I am an environmentalist, the state has enough land AND it continually sells off land that was SUPPOSED to be held for conservation. The government has a horrible track record and cannot be trusted to keep this land preserved.

YES
NO

No. 2
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE X, SECTION 29
Use of Marijuana for Certain Medical Conditions
Allows the medical use of marijuana for individuals with debilitating diseases as determined by a licensed Florida physician. Allows caregivers to assist patients’ medical use of marijuana. The Department of Health shall register and regulate centers that produce and distribute marijuana for medical purposes and shall issue identification cards to patients and caregivers. Applies only to Florida law. Does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession or production of marijuana.

Increased costs from this amendment to state and local governments cannot be determined. There will be additional regulatory and enforcement activities associated with the production and sale of medical marijuana. Fees will offset at least a portion of the regulatory costs. While sales tax may apply to purchases, changes in revenue cannot reasonably be determined since the extent to which medical marijuana will be exempt from taxation is unclear without legislative or state administrative action.
YES – I will be voting YES for this amendment because we must end the absurd practice of jailing patients for using this tremendous resource.
NO

No. 3
CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
ARTICLE V, SECTIONS 10, 11
Prospective Appointment of Certain Judicial Vacancies

Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution requiring the Governor to prospectively fill vacancies in a judicial office to which election for retention applies resulting from the justice’s or judge’s reaching the mandatory retirement age or failure to qualify for a retention election; and allowing prospective appointments if a justice or judge is not retained at an election. Currently, the Governor may not fill an expected vacancy until the current justice’s or judge’s term expires.
YES
NO

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 1
REAUTHORIZATION OF THE CHILDREN’S SERVICES COUNCIL OF PALM BEACH COUNTY

Shall the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, which provides early learning and reading skills, development, treatment, preventative and other children’s services in Palm Beach County, be reauthorized to continue in existence as a district with voter-approved taxing authority, with independent oversight and accountability as required by law, unless and until it is dissolved as specified in s.125.901 (4)(a), Florida Statutes?
YES
NO – this $100 million+ per year taxpayer funded agency should be abolished. They do great work; however, it can be done better privately.

COUNTYWIDE – QUESTION 2
REFERENDUM TO CONTINUE AN AD VALOREM LEVY FOR SCHOOL OPERATIONAL NEEDS

Shall the School Board of Palm Beach County have the authority to continue to levy 0.25 mills of ad valorem millage dedicated for operational needs of non-charter District schools to fund teachers, as well as arts, music, physical education, career and academic programs for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2019, with oversight by an independent finance committee of citizens and experts?
YES
NO – VOTE NO to end this ‘hidden’ unnecessary tax

Palm Beach County’s Primary Elections – how would a Libertarian vote?

Although we will not see Libertarian-branded candidates on the ballot on August 26, 2014, there are some candidates of interest as well as questions to answer. So, even if you’re not affiliated with a political party, or the party you belong does not have a candidate in the race, then you should vote. I will voice my opinion on the general election in October, so if you haven’t already subscribed to this blog’s postings, then do so on the right of this column.

I am focusing on Palm Beach County, because that is where I live in Florida and there are some interesting races happening. I do this before most elections, because I often get asked through phone calls, emails and social media postings, my advice for whom to vote – and why.

The following is my own personal opinion and NOT that of any political party, committee or candidate.

Florida Governor – Democratic Primary

Although you would not know it by listening or reading information from the general media, there is a race between Charlie Crist and Nan Rich. Crist has shown he cannot be trusted, paling around with Ponzi-schemer Scott Rothstein, changing his strong convictions from week to week. He’s a mess, but a media darling. Nan Rich on the other hand is a steadfast, serious liberal Democrat. If you’re a Democrat, your choice is clear with a vote for Nan Rich.

The winner will face the Republican Primary winner, Libertarian Adrian Wyllie , along with the following NPA qualified candidates: Joe Allen, Glenn Burkett and Farid Khavari.

Florida Governor – Republican Primary

Similarly, by listening or reading the mainstream media, Republicans would be shocked to learn Rick Scott is being challenged in the primary tomorrow.  The race is between Yinka Abosede Adeshina, Elizabeth Cuevas-Neunder and Rick Scott. I do not have a dog in this race and Scott will easily win, but a contrarian may want to consider Cuevas-Neunder.

The winner will face the Democratic Primary winner, Libertarian Adrian Wyllie, along with the following NPA qualified candidates: Joe Allen, Glenn Burkett and Farid Khavari.

Florida Attorney General – Democratic Primary

This is a race between George Sheldon and Perry Thurston. Go with Thurston if you’re a Democrat. The winner will face Republican Pam Bondi and Libertarian Bill Wohlsifer in the November General Election.

U.S. Congress District 22

Andrea Leigh McGee, U.S. Congress District 22

Besides incumbent Lois Frankel, who is unopposed in the primary, there are three Republicans vying to run against her (and the write-in candidate) come November. They are David Wagie, Andrea Leigh McGee and Paul Spain. I agree with all three on a long list of issues and have met all three. Like most people, all are very likable when you meet them in person. I can personally relate to all three candidates and their life stories; however, my choice has been between McGee and Spain for a long time. McGee seems very libertarian; however, lacks experience. Spain is a strong free market guy, signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge and has vast experience.  He seems out-of-place at candidate forums, which I actually like – he’s not playing the politician role and reminds me of myself in many ways. Unfortunately, I cannot say Spain is the most libertarian in the race, otherwise I would vote for him in a heartbeat. If I was a libertarian-leaning Republican, I would consider the three in this order: 1st McGee, 2nd Spain and 3rd Wagie.

U.S. Congress District 21

There is a Democratic primary between incumbent Ted Deutch and Emmanuel Morel. As with the District 22 race, I do not have a dog in this race because I am not a registered Democrat; however, I would be tempted to go with the underdog,  Morel – though I likely would not vote. From a political point of view, I do not agree with either’s positions on most issues. I know Deutch well, and he’s a great guy, overall – however he is not someone I would want representing me in D.C.

U.S. Congress District 20

There is a Democratic primary between three candidates, one of which is Alcee Hastings. If you’re a Democrat, vote for either of the other two and remove Hastings from office – he’s not helping you, he’s hurting you. Ugh!

U.S. Congress District 18

Calvin Turnquest – photo credit wptv.com

What an interesting race between 6 (count them SIX!) Republican candidates seeking to oust Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy in the November General Election – Beverly Hires, Carl Domino, Calvin Turnquest, Brian Lara, Alan Schlesinger, Nick Wukoson. Admittingly, I have not followed these candidates closely enough to offer an opinion, though I know Domino and Turnquest. I will take this moment to say to the liberals out there that think Tea Partiers are racist: I know several tea partiers that are supporting Calvin Turnquest and he’s black – just like they supported Allen West. Tea Partiers ARE NOT racists! Are there some that are, I am sure – just like I am sure there are some hardcore liberals that are racists. I am tired of hearing on the television and in person, uninformed ignorant statements saying Tea Party supporters are all racists – that is B.S. Wish I could be of better help on this one.

A WORD ABOUT JUDGES

For me, and most ‘regular folks’ in the county, voting for judges can always be a challenge, because we are not in front of judges very often. Though we all may know one or many attorneys in our personal lives, any running for judge we likely will not know well. For this reason I often rely on attorney or judge friends to tell me the merits of the candidates. It is through this lens I offer the following opinions on the races for the two that are running tomorrow in Palm Beach County. One thing that will be interesting to see on Tuesday evening is how close each of the two races are.

Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit Group 14

Normally judge races are not very exciting; however, the fight between Jessica Ticktin and Diana Lewis (incumbent) is interesting. I have consulted with at least 9 attorneys or friends that know each well. Normally such races are a slam dunk – whereas it is heavily weighted from one to the other. Lewis was recently in the news as ruling Florida’s gay marriage ban is unconstitutional, which got me to wondering why many of my conservative friends are supporting her. The irony. Apparently Ticktin would have ruled similarly. This race is the closest I have seen with those I spoke with, and it tipped in Ticktin’s favor by one.

Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit Group 30

This is a race between Jamie Goodman, Maxine Cheeseman and Peggy Rowe-Linn. I wish I could offer a reasonable opinion on this race; however, the opinion of those I spoke with about each was split. So, you are on your own with this one.

School Board District 3

This is a race between David Mech, Karen Brill and John Hartman. I have met all three at candidate forums – again, all three are very likable people. As I wrote in a previous article about this race and a few others, Mech states he’s a libertarian, but then says some things that are not libertarian. I have friends voting for Brill and Hartman, while I haven’t heard anyone voting for Mech. I do not know if that is due to his arriving in shorts and flip-flops at candidate forums (which I like) while other candidates are in suits, or if they do not like his lifestyle. Regardless, he is clearly the smartest and reasonable person in the race, so being a contrarian, it would be interesting to see Mech on the School Board.

Delray Beach – Charter Amendment: Removal of City Manager

The city has had its share of problems hiring and keeping a city manager the commission can get along with. This question on the August 26th ballot is asking voters to change the ability of the commission to remove a city manager with a vote of at least 3 instead of the current 4. Personally, I will be voting “NO” as I feel, long-term, it is a mistake to change the vote to a simple majority from a super majority as it is now.

Lake Worth – 2020 Bonds

The City of Lake Worth is posing a question to its city voters on August 26th, and that is whether to issue $63,500,000 in bonds to raise money in an effort to “acquire and improve roadway, sidewalk, street light, streetscape, drainage and water and sewer facilities located within the City.” It is strongly likely a libertarian, or even a libertarian-leaning voter would vote “NO” to this bond. There is little accountability and there is no clear path to paying back this bond. Lake Worth does suffer from a prior regimes poor management of the city; however, this bond is not the answer.

 

Palm Beach County's Primary Elections – how would a Libertarian vote?

Although we will not see Libertarian-branded candidates on the ballot on August 26, 2014, there are some candidates of interest as well as questions to answer. So, even if you’re not affiliated with a political party, or the party you belong does not have a candidate in the race, then you should vote. I will voice my opinion on the general election in October, so if you haven’t already subscribed to this blog’s postings, then do so on the right of this column.

I am focusing on Palm Beach County, because that is where I live in Florida and there are some interesting races happening. I do this before most elections, because I often get asked through phone calls, emails and social media postings, my advice for whom to vote – and why.

The following is my own personal opinion and NOT that of any political party, committee or candidate.

Florida Governor – Democratic Primary

Although you would not know it by listening or reading information from the general media, there is a race between Charlie Crist and Nan Rich. Crist has shown he cannot be trusted, paling around with Ponzi-schemer Scott Rothstein, changing his strong convictions from week to week. He’s a mess, but a media darling. Nan Rich on the other hand is a steadfast, serious liberal Democrat. If you’re a Democrat, your choice is clear with a vote for Nan Rich.

The winner will face the Republican Primary winner, Libertarian Adrian Wyllie , along with the following NPA qualified candidates: Joe Allen, Glenn Burkett and Farid Khavari.

Florida Governor – Republican Primary

Similarly, by listening or reading the mainstream media, Republicans would be shocked to learn Rick Scott is being challenged in the primary tomorrow.  The race is between Yinka Abosede Adeshina, Elizabeth Cuevas-Neunder and Rick Scott. I do not have a dog in this race and Scott will easily win, but a contrarian may want to consider Cuevas-Neunder.

The winner will face the Democratic Primary winner, Libertarian Adrian Wyllie, along with the following NPA qualified candidates: Joe Allen, Glenn Burkett and Farid Khavari.

Florida Attorney General – Democratic Primary

This is a race between George Sheldon and Perry Thurston. Go with Thurston if you’re a Democrat. The winner will face Republican Pam Bondi and Libertarian Bill Wohlsifer in the November General Election.

U.S. Congress District 22

Andrea Leigh McGee, U.S. Congress District 22

Besides incumbent Lois Frankel, who is unopposed in the primary, there are three Republicans vying to run against her (and the write-in candidate) come November. They are David Wagie, Andrea Leigh McGee and Paul Spain. I agree with all three on a long list of issues and have met all three. Like most people, all are very likable when you meet them in person. I can personally relate to all three candidates and their life stories; however, my choice has been between McGee and Spain for a long time. McGee seems very libertarian; however, lacks experience. Spain is a strong free market guy, signed the U.S. Term Limits pledge and has vast experience.  He seems out-of-place at candidate forums, which I actually like – he’s not playing the politician role and reminds me of myself in many ways. Unfortunately, I cannot say Spain is the most libertarian in the race, otherwise I would vote for him in a heartbeat. If I was a libertarian-leaning Republican, I would consider the three in this order: 1st McGee, 2nd Spain and 3rd Wagie.

U.S. Congress District 21

There is a Democratic primary between incumbent Ted Deutch and Emmanuel Morel. As with the District 22 race, I do not have a dog in this race because I am not a registered Democrat; however, I would be tempted to go with the underdog,  Morel – though I likely would not vote. From a political point of view, I do not agree with either’s positions on most issues. I know Deutch well, and he’s a great guy, overall – however he is not someone I would want representing me in D.C.

U.S. Congress District 20

There is a Democratic primary between three candidates, one of which is Alcee Hastings. If you’re a Democrat, vote for either of the other two and remove Hastings from office – he’s not helping you, he’s hurting you. Ugh!

U.S. Congress District 18

Calvin Turnquest – photo credit wptv.com

What an interesting race between 6 (count them SIX!) Republican candidates seeking to oust Democratic incumbent Patrick Murphy in the November General Election – Beverly Hires, Carl Domino, Calvin Turnquest, Brian Lara, Alan Schlesinger, Nick Wukoson. Admittingly, I have not followed these candidates closely enough to offer an opinion, though I know Domino and Turnquest. I will take this moment to say to the liberals out there that think Tea Partiers are racist: I know several tea partiers that are supporting Calvin Turnquest and he’s black – just like they supported Allen West. Tea Partiers ARE NOT racists! Are there some that are, I am sure – just like I am sure there are some hardcore liberals that are racists. I am tired of hearing on the television and in person, uninformed ignorant statements saying Tea Party supporters are all racists – that is B.S. Wish I could be of better help on this one.

A WORD ABOUT JUDGES

For me, and most ‘regular folks’ in the county, voting for judges can always be a challenge, because we are not in front of judges very often. Though we all may know one or many attorneys in our personal lives, any running for judge we likely will not know well. For this reason I often rely on attorney or judge friends to tell me the merits of the candidates. It is through this lens I offer the following opinions on the races for the two that are running tomorrow in Palm Beach County. One thing that will be interesting to see on Tuesday evening is how close each of the two races are.

Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit Group 14

Normally judge races are not very exciting; however, the fight between Jessica Ticktin and Diana Lewis (incumbent) is interesting. I have consulted with at least 9 attorneys or friends that know each well. Normally such races are a slam dunk – whereas it is heavily weighted from one to the other. Lewis was recently in the news as ruling Florida’s gay marriage ban is unconstitutional, which got me to wondering why many of my conservative friends are supporting her. The irony. Apparently Ticktin would have ruled similarly. This race is the closest I have seen with those I spoke with, and it tipped in Ticktin’s favor by one.

Circuit Judge 15th Judicial Circuit Group 30

This is a race between Jamie Goodman, Maxine Cheeseman and Peggy Rowe-Linn. I wish I could offer a reasonable opinion on this race; however, the opinion of those I spoke with about each was split. So, you are on your own with this one.

School Board District 3

This is a race between David Mech, Karen Brill and John Hartman. I ha
ve met all three at candidate forums – again, all three are very likable people. As I wrote in a previous article about this race and a few others, Mech states he’s a libertarian, but then says some things that are not libertarian. I have friends voting for Brill and Hartman, while I haven’t heard anyone voting for Mech. I do not know if that is due to his arriving in shorts and flip-flops at candidate forums (which I like) while other candidates are in suits, or if they do not like his lifestyle. Regardless, he is clearly the smartest and reasonable person in the race, so being a contrarian, it would be interesting to see Mech on the School Board.

Delray Beach – Charter Amendment: Removal of City Manager

The city has had its share of problems hiring and keeping a city manager the commission can get along with. This question on the August 26th ballot is asking voters to change the ability of the commission to remove a city manager with a vote of at least 3 instead of the current 4. Personally, I will be voting “NO” as I feel, long-term, it is a mistake to change the vote to a simple majority from a super majority as it is now.

Lake Worth – 2020 Bonds

The City of Lake Worth is posing a question to its city voters on August 26th, and that is whether to issue $63,500,000 in bonds to raise money in an effort to “acquire and improve roadway, sidewalk, street light, streetscape, drainage and water and sewer facilities located within the City.” It is strongly likely a libertarian, or even a libertarian-leaning voter would vote “NO” to this bond. There is little accountability and there is no clear path to paying back this bond. Lake Worth does suffer from a prior regimes poor management of the city; however, this bond is not the answer.

 

Palm Beach County candidate’s answers from Boca Raton forum

Last night, July 8, 2014, several candidates for elective office met the Boca Raton group of the Palm Beach County Tea Party for a candidate forum. Two candidates for Florida’s U.S. House District 22 were there along with candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission, Palm Beach County School Board District 3, along with Florida Senate incumbent Maria Sachs who stayed for twenty minutes. There were approximately 35 people in the audience to listen to the candidate’s answers to over 15 questions and this was not a debate, however a candidate forum. Palm Beach County Tea Party President and Co-Founder Mel Grossman and his team did a great job hosting the forum.

 

SEE HOW THE CANDIDATES ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS.

Palm Beach County candidate's answers from Boca Raton forum

Last night, July 8, 2014, several candidates for elective office met the Boca Raton group of the Palm Beach County Tea Party for a candidate forum. Two candidates for Florida’s U.S. House District 22 were there along with candidates for the Palm Beach County Commission, Palm Beach County School Board District 3, along with Florida Senate incumbent Maria Sachs who stayed for twenty minutes. There were approximately 35 people in the audience to listen to the candidate’s answers to over 15 questions and this was not a debate, however a candidate forum. Palm Beach County Tea Party President and Co-Founder Mel Grossman and his team did a great job hosting the forum.

 

SEE HOW THE CANDIDATES ANSWERED THE QUESTIONS.