Sun Sentinel Palm Beach Edition
Endorsements.
Voters across South Florida today can have their say on issues ranging from who becomes mayor to whether to raise taxes to fix roads. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for today’s municipal elections. Below are summaries of the Sun Sentinel Editorial Board’s recommendations for elections in six cities in Broward County and three in Palm Beach County. More detailed versions of those endorsements can be found online at Sun-Sentinel.com/opinion/endorsements.
BROWARD COUNTY
Coral Springs bond referendums: Coral Springs voters should say no to costly parks and public safety bond measures, but say yes to bonds for fixing roads and drainage. Pompano Beach bond referendums: Pompano Beach’s pricey bond measures for parks and public safety go too far, but the city bond plan for fixing roads is worth taxpayers’ investment.
Fort Lauderdale mayor: Dean Trantalis brings experience, willingness to listen to the public and a commitment to smart growth that make him the best choice for mayor.
Fort Lauderdale commission: Steve Glassman offers long-time city roots along with a commitment to fixing failing infrastructure that voters in District 2 should support. Warren Sturman’s willingness to stand up to developers, while getting the city to catch up on fixing outdated pipes and other facilities, makes him the smart choice in District 4.
Hallandale Beach commission: Mike Butler’s experience in civic involvement gives voters a reason to trust he can help Hallandale Beach rise above corruption scandals dogging city government.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea mayor: Mark Brown can bring new ideas, and a commitment to protect the small-beach-town feel, as Lauderdale-by-the-Sea’s next mayor.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea commission: Elliot Sokolow’s small-government approach is something voters should keep on the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea commission.
Pembroke Pines commission: Ismael Monroig’s ability to get things done should earn him the right to go from an appointed fill-in to elected commissioner for District 1.
Angelo Castillo’s experience warrants another term representing District 4.
PALM BEACH COUNTY
Boca Raton council: Jeremy Rodgers’ good record warrants staying in Seat C. Armand Grossman in Seat D could use his public service experience to help Boca Raton manage growth, instead of others who just complain about it.
Delray Beach mayor: Jim Chard’s commission experience and history of civic involvement have readied him to lead the city as mayor.
Delray Beach commission: Eric Camacho’s inexperience is outweighed by his insights on infrastructure, sober homes and other important issues he could tackle in Seat 1. Ryan Boylston’s business experience and ability to foster collaboration make him the best choice for Seat 3.
Highland Beach vice mayor: Alysen Africano-Nila’s even-keeled approach can bring needed civility to the vice mayor post. Highland Beach commission: Peggy Gossett-Seidman offers voters a well-informed, sensible addition to a commission too often mired in dysfunction.