I am writing this letter in support of Felicia Matula, my good friend who is running for the Royal Palm Beach mayor position. She is a young candidate with fresh ideas, a different work background (non-political) and a known member of our community. There are a number of reasons why I think Matula is the best candidate for this position.
In 2010, Matula was instrumental in organizing Hawthorne and the surrounding neighborhoods in objecting to the commercial development of the former wastewater treatment plant property behind Hawthorne Estates. As a result, more than 200 (standing room only) Royal Palm Beach residents attended several heated council meetings, resulting in the majority of the council voting against the project. In contrast, former councilwoman and current mayoral candidate Martha Webster voted in favor of the project.
In addition, as the 2012 commissioner of the Royal Palm Beach Softball Association, chair of the Recreation Advisory Board and past and current Relay for Life team captain, Matula has demonstrated strong leadership skills in the community. Her three children attend H.L. Johnson Elementary and Crestwood Middle schools, plus she has been a Royal Palm Beach resident for 14 years.
In 2010, Matula persuaded her employer, Pinnacle Hotel Management, to make Royal Palm Beach its corporate headquarters. Currently, she is CFO, employs nine people locally and is responsible for an additional 900 jobs throughout the country.
Her opponents have suggested that Felicia Matula lacks the necessary experience for the office. I highly disagree. Since when does a strong business background and extensive volunteer leadership positions disqualify an individual for mayor?
My neighbors, friends, colleagues and I support Felicia Matula, this well-qualified candidate, for mayor.
Elizabeth Torres, Royal Palm Beach
