Photo: CBS 12
There is only one primary race in the Palm Beach County Commission.
In District 2, Democrat Vice Mayor Gregg Weiss will have a Republican challenger in November as will Democrat Mayor Robert Weinroth in District 4.
Melissa McKinlay is termed out in her District 6 seat and three Democrats are running next month for the right to challenge a Republican in the fall. They include Michelle Oyola McGovern.
"I have been a working mom who worked for Senator Bill Nelson for 18 years. But I have always found time to volunteer in my spare time with different organizations around the county and really proud of some of that work we've been able to do over the years."
One question we're asking all three candidates is whether they would be in favor of suspending the county's 12 cent local gas tax, which is the highest allowable by state law.
It's something Weinroth has said he wouldn't do. What about McGovern?
"It would have to be a pretty robust public conversation with staff and with the community because a lot of those tax dollars help with public transportation and I think that would be something we'd need to really get into. I'm certainly in favor of trying to find savings where we can but I want to make sure that we do it responsibly."
Fellow candidate Sylvia Sharps ran unsuccessfully for a different seat on the commission four years ago, but has since moved into District 6.
She works as a grant coordinator for a local non-profit and calls herself a "Peopletician," saying she's about the people, not the politics.
Sharps is also a domestic abuse survivor and volunteer.
"31 years this year it will be that I've been working with domestic violence victims."
On the topic of whether she would entertain suspending the county's local gas tax...
"Yes, definitely. It would definitely be something I would consider. The people in the county are our responsibility. So yes, I definitely would be willing to discuss that. If it would help, then do it."
State Representative Matt Willhite is the third candidate in this race.
He's a County firefighter and former Wellington Village Councilmember.
"I think that I have a proven track record of obviously serving our community, serving our state and serving our country as a veteran."
When asked about the gas tax, Willhite points out the state's fuel tax holiday in October that's estimated to save drivers around 25 cents a gallon, though he didn't rule out a possible suspension of the local tax.
"But I think we should always be looking at ways to lessen the costs to help people."
The candidates also talk about other issues, including how the current County Commission handled the pandemic.
The winner of this race will face Republican Sara Baxter in the November General Election.