Voter Guide: For today's Municipal Elections in Palm Beach County

Voter Guide: Ballot Questions for March 12th's Municipal Elections in Palm Beach County

It’s the Q&A of the day. Each day I’ll feature a listener question that’s been submitted by one of these methods.

Twitter: @brianmuddradio

Facebook: Brian Mudd https://www.facebook.com/brian.mudd1

Today’s question comes from Lou & Terry…

We have not heard you say anything about this. What is your opinion of the Jupiter referendum on General Bonds to support Land Acquisition? It doesn’t mention in the referendum that this will be paid for by ad valorem taxes.

Bottom Line: While I don’t endorse political candidates for office, I am willing to weigh in on issues. Specifically, as I’ve recently mentioned, I’m generally not supportive of any effort that requires raising property taxes. You’ll see that reflected in my thoughts about specific ballot questions throughout South Florida. I’m also a believer in transparent and highly accountable local governments as well. That comes into play today in a few communities.

I’m using Lou & Terry’s note to setup the recommendations on how I would vote on the various ballot issues in communities across Palm Beach County. At the onset I want to make it clear than I live in Lake Worth and will only be voting on those specific issues.

There are eight municipalities in Palm Beach County that have questions on today’s ballot. Here’s how I’d vote on each of them (or how I will vote in Lake Worth).

Highland Beach

General Obligation Bonds Stormwater Improvement Project: No

Reason: Requires higher property tax assessments

General Obligation Bonds Ocean Walk Multiuse Corridor Project: No

Reason: Requires higher property tax assessments

Undergrounding Utilities Project: No

Reason: Requires higher property tax assessments

Jupiter

Land Acquisition Bond: No

Reason: Requires higher property tax assessments

Lake Worth

Name Change to The City of Lake Worth Beach: Yes

Reason: Creates separation between unincorporated Lake Worth and the city itself. Has the potential to aid tourism

Downtown Property sale to Improve Infrastructure and enhance Redevelopment: Yes

Reason: Monetizes non-essential real-estate and increases the tax base

Loxahatchee Groves

Town Charter Police Question: Yes

Reason: Current PBSO deal ends in October of 2019 and would require a town established police department. This question would provide added flexibility to seek a solution with PBSO.

Road Improvement Bond: No

Reason:Requires higher property tax assessments

Ocean Ridge

Charter Housekeeping and Administrative Issues: Yes

Reason: Allows for an update/accurate charter

Charter Town Manager Powers and Duties: No

Reason: Non-residents in town management potentially creates a less responsible/accountable local government along with a power shift towards the town manager and away from the commission.

Charter Procedures Governing the Town Commission: Yes

Reason: Increased transparency for special meetings/decisions

Charter for Term Limits: Yes

Reason: Aids against entrenched special interests and increases civic participation

Riviera Beach

Charter Question #1 Prohibition of Interference: Yes

Reason:Creates a clear chain of command for public employees

Charter Question #2 Term Limits: Yes

Reason:Aids against entrenched special interests and increases civic participation

Charter Question #3 Former Elected Officials: Yes

Reason: Aids in preventing political decisions being made for personal interests upon exiting office

Charter Question #4 Ethics: Yes

Reason:Increased transparency/accountability enabled by city council for public officials

Tequesta

Charter Amendment Question for Appointing or Removing Manager: Yes

Reason: Allows easier accountability for town manager by elected officials

West Palm Beach

Audit Committee Membership: No

Reason: Allowing non-residents into the city commission risks a less accountable local government

Here’s a link to all of the Palm Beach County Election info for today: https://bit.ly/2DWnBvv