Marciano, Lane victorious; Litt and Russo go to runoff
PALM BEACH GARDENS — Palm Beach Gardens voters elected two new council members Tuesday and will decide on a third in a runoff election in two weeks.
Mark Marciano, a 46-year-old optometrist, handily defeated Michael Paolercio, the 65-year-old co-founder of Michael Anthony Jewelers, to win the Group 1 seat.
Marciano, celebrating with supporters at Paddy Mac’s Irish Pub, said voters wanted someone who was knowledgeable and BOYNTON BEACH — Incumbent and Vice Mayor Mack McCray out-polled political newcomer Dr. Jim DeVoursney for the District 2 commission seat late Tuesday night, but he didn’t gain enough votes for the outright win — the two will meet again in a runoff this month.
McCray failed to obtain 50 percent plus 1 of the votes needed to win Tuesday’s election. Former Mayor Woodrow Hay lost to both candidates.
“The people spoke. We have to do what they say,” said McCray, 67. The runoff is March 28. “I’m disappointed, but happy to live to fight another day,” said DeVoursney, 55.
The District 4 commission seat went to incumbent Joe Casello, who was unopposed.
Only residents in District 2, which runs from Boynton Beach Boulevard to south of Hypoluxo Road and covers mainly the east portion of the city, were able to vote. The district covers the Heart of Boynton, which is home to some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. Redeveloping that area is an ongoing challenge for the elected officials.
The term for the seat is three years, and the annual salary is $18,711.
Of the city’s 46,981 registered voters, 10,558 live in District 2. Of those district voters, about 52 percent are black, about 33 percent are white, about 8 percent are Hispanic and about 7 percent identified as “other,” according to Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections data.
If DeVoursney wins in t wo weeks, he would be the latest of several residents new to the political world to be elected to office.
DeVoursney, a dermatologist, said participation in public discussion about a controversial project called Casa Del Mar made him aware of his passion for city government. DeVoursney is a member of the CRA’s advisory board.
McCray said he wants to remain in the seat to be able to continue his work with the current “cohesive” commission.
“We have right now a group of elec ted offic ials who work together now. It seems no one has a hidden agenda. We’re there for the betterment for the citizens of Boynton and I want to continue to be a part of that cohesiveness,” McCray said.
Hay, 72, said he plans to remain involved in city politics despite losing.
“The people have spoken and I wish them both good luck and may the best person win,” he said.