Todd McLendon is running for Loxahatchee Groves Town Council Seat 2 against Jim Rockett. He promotes himself as a protector of the town’s rural environment, a champion of “love it and leave it alone.” Yet Mr. McLendon filled and destroyed a large section of protected wetlands on his property — so he could put his business on top of it.
The State of Florida asked him to restore the wetlands. He didn’t, so they brought him to court and ordered him to restore it. He didn’t, so they brought him back to court, held him in contempt, and ordered him to restore it again. He didn’t, but decided to appeal the case to a higher court, where it sits now, all these years later. Apparently, he’d rather spend thousands of dollars on lawyers, tirelessly defending the damage he did, instead of just fixing the problem.
He’s just another bad developer, exploiting Loxahatchee’s unique and fragile environment for his own financial gain. Loxahatchee’s wetlands are protected by the town’s comprehensive plan, our environmental plan, and the State of Florida. They are a sanctuary for rare plants and wildlife.
Palm Beach State College, which Mr. McLendon so vigorously opposes, promises to preserve the wetlands on their property.
Mr. McLendon’s actions fully contradict his main campaign message — and the sentiments of a large number of our town’s residents. I don’t think we need this on the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council.
Larry Lefkowitz
Loxahatchee Groves
