With the Nov. 6 general election just weeks away, Florida voters have plenty of decisions to make before they enter their polling place. Over the next several weeks, the Town-Crier will offer opinions on some of the items voters will find on the ballot. This week we offer our suggestions for two local State House races and the Port of Palm Beach Commission race.
STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 86 — This is another race in which an incumbent is running in a newly drawn district. Current District 88 State Rep. Mark Pafford, a Democrat, is running against Republican Tami Donnally, who ran for a seat in 2010, narrowly losing to incumbent Joseph Abruzzo. Since being elected in 2008, Pafford has worked hard to make sure those without a voice have a voice in Tallahassee — the poor, the homeless, those without insurance. He works hard and does a fairly good job at it. He has done a great job at constituent service and really has a feel for the community. Donnally also has a feel for the community, and we believe she is very serious about her desire to serve. We’re impressed by how adamant she has been about running a positive campaign, choosing to promote herself rather than denigrate her opponent. Though we disagree with her on a number of key issues and feel she is more conservative than is representative of this district, we have a lot of respect for her as a candidate and a person who is true to her ideals. However, Pafford’s job in Tallahassee is not done, and he deserves another two years. The Town-Crier endorses Mark Pafford for State House District 86.
