In primary, Bonfiglio (D), Spritz (R) best for House District 89
With state Rep. Bill Hager reaching his term-limit allotment of eight years as state representative for coastal District 89, four candidates are vying to claim the Republican’s seat in the Aug. 28 primary.
In the Democratic primary, Ocean Ridge Mayor James Bonfiglio, 64, is competing against Ryan Rossi, 33, a teacher turned real estate agent from Boca Raton who says he can capitalize on a surge of youthful interest in politics. Rossi helped develop the Youth Academy League of Palm Beach County, which hopes to expand civics education for high school students.
For all that, Bonfiglio is the stronger candidate. “I know how to get along with Republicans and how to win in a Republican area,” says the two-term Ocean Ridge town commissioner. He currently serves as mayor.
“I’m a Democrat who knows how to balance a budget,” he says. “I’m a Democrat who knows how to reduce taxes.”
Working for his town of 1,700, Bonfiglio says he has dealt hands-on with the impacts of sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion — and subsequent flooding. Ocean Ridge built a retention pond in 2005, but the freshwater level has since risen 2 inches. The fixes are expensive. “We need help from Tallahassee,” he said, “and we’re dealing with a government that doesn’t even recognize the words ‘climate change.’”
From knocking on doors, Bonfiglio has learned residents are concerned about gun control, health issues and jobs. He would raise teachers’ salaries by taxing legalized marijuana and sports betting.
In the Republican primary, our endorsement goes to Matt Spritz, 35, a corporate attorney from Boca Raton in his first run for public office. Opponent Mike Caruso, 59, a Delray Beach CPA, did not respond to an invitation for an interview with the Editorial Board.
A self-described “principled conservative,” Spritz was an aide to state Rep. Bob Rommel, R-Naples. He says constituents want action on the opioid crisis, beach renourishment and business issues including property taxes and the commercial real estate tax.
Spritz is also concerned about sea-level rise. “I live in a coastal community,” he said. “I want to keep my home above water.”