Tuesday, Aug. 14 is primary election day in Florida. In the lead up to the election, the Town-Crier is offering our opinions on some of the candidates voters will find on this month’s ballot. This week, we make endorsements in the races for Palm Beach County Clerk, Port of Palm Beach Commission Seat 1 (Democratic Primary) and State Senate District 25 (Republican Primary).
PORT OF PALM BEACH COMMISSION, SEAT 1 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY — This is a race in which an established incumbent, Wayne Richards, is being challenged by a political newcomer, builder Joseph Anderson. However, unlike some county agencies, the Port of Palm Beach is running smoothly and has little need for a change in leadership. And having served as chair of the port commission for the past two years, Richards is very much at the helm. Under his watch, annual revenues increased from $12.6 million to $16 million, and in four of the five years, the port reduced expenses. This was done in the face of an incredibly difficult economic period. During his time on the commission, Richards has done a lot to modernize the district, and it continues to be a great asset to the county. Anderson might very well make a good port commissioner and offers some good ideas, but in this race, there just isn’t a good enough reason to vote out the incumbent. The Town-Crier endorses incumbent Wayne Richards in the Port of Palm Beach Commission Seat 1 Democratic Primary.
