More development isn’t what voters want

In regard to Randy Schultz’s Dec. 13 column, I wish I could say I was shocked to read former commissioner Burt Aaronson is now a paid lobbyist for one of South Florida’s biggest developers GL Homes. Sadly I wasn’t. This type of arrangement is common for some retired politicians. While not illegal, the optics appear poor at best. You can almost feel a quid pro quo in motion.

I also wasn’t shocked to read that GL will likely be back with another plan to develop the Ag Reserve. This is how predatory developers operate; they keep coming back with plan after plan hoping to wear down the public and entice commissioner votes.

It was also interesting to read that term limited commissioner Mary Lou Berger may betray the voters of Palm Beach County and the residents of her own district by casting a parting yes vote for any GL plan. This could have a two-fold benefit; 1) She could help out her mentor in Aaronson who handpicked her for his seat, and 2) it could increase her chances of getting a lucrative lobbyist gig once she’s out of public office. Again, very poor optics.

Eighteen years ago the people of Palm Beach County voted to protect the Ag Reserve from urban sprawl. I strongly urge all commissioners to do the right thing and vote no against any and all future plans to develop the Ag Reserve. William Vale, Boca Raton