The Nov. 6 general election is just weeks away, and Florida voters have plenty of to decide before they enter their polling place. From now until the election, the Town-Crier will offer opinions on some of the items voters will find on the ballot. This week we offer our recommendations for Palm Beach County State Attorney, two local congressional races and the two Palm Beach County ballot questions.
COUNTY QUESTION 1 — This referendum would allow for slot machines at Palm Beach County’s only pari-mutuel facility, the Palm Beach Kennel Club, pending approval by the state legislature. It is estimated that this would garner an additional $1.8 million for the county and has widespread support from the business community, and we have to agree. The county needs the money, the community need the jobs, and the moral argument is not strong enough to warrant turning it down. The Town-Crier recommends voting YES on Palm Beach County Question 1.
COUNTY QUESTION 2 — This referendum would give the Palm Beach County Commission authority to grant property tax exemptions to new and expanding businesses if they are expected to create jobs. It’s a power that’s already in place but set to expire in 2014. When this was created in 2004, it was something of a luxury. But in 2012, as the county desperately tries to bring in new businesses and jobs, this is crucial for the county’s future. It was benefits such as this that were responsible for bringing the biotech industry to the county, for retaining and increasing new businesses, such as Aldi coming to Royal Palm Beach. If we’re looking to diversify our tax base and bring more good jobs to Palm Beach County, this is a tool the county commission must have. The Town-Crier strongly recommends voting YES on Palm Beach County Question 2.
