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.
Email: brianmudd@iheartmedia.com
Twitter: @brianmuddradio
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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