Three spots, including mayor, up for grabs in Lake Worth
Eight candidates seek the city’s top position
LAKE WORTH BEACH – From an empty swimming pool on the Atlantic Ocean to a quirky downtown where residents paint, party and parade, Lake Worth Beach has no shortage of issues in the March 19 election for mayor and two City Commission seats.
There’s the future of the historic Gulfstream Hotel, affordable housing, reviving the western part of the city, streamlining code enforcement, helping the homeless, reducing crime, boosting businesses, perking up parks, and plugging potholes.
The mayor is paid $29,500 annually and serves a three-year term. The five commission members are paid $24,500 annually and serve staggered three-year terms. All receive an additional $500 a month car allowance.
Eight candidates are running for mayor and two commission seats in the non-partisan election in the coastal city of about 42,000 residents.
Mayor’s race: Incumbent Betty Resch
Betty Resch, the incumbent, was elected as mayor in 2021. The 73-yearold has been a resident of Lake Worth Beach since 1989.
Background: Resch received a law degree from Hamline University School of Law in St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1988 and since then has been a member of the Florida Bar. Resch has been a solo practicing attorney in Lake Worth Beach since 1998.
Public service: Resch serves on the Legislative Committee, Land Use and Economic Development, of the Florida League of Cities and serves on the board of directors of the Florida League of Mayors. She is a member of the Lake Worth Beach High School Community Leadership Council and a member of the Downtown Jewell Neighborhood Association.
Priorities:
Progress on the Gulf