My wife and I moved to Royal Palm Beach three years ago from Shaker Heights, Ohio. Royal Palm Beach and Shaker Heights are both communities of approximately 35,000 people. The similarity ends there.
Shaker Heights has the highest tax rate in the Buckeye State and it just keeps getting higher.
Shaker Heights, once one of the top 10 places to live in the United States, has less than first-rate municipal services. Roads are riddled with potholes, crime has become a problem and garbage collection is subject to more rules, regulations and limitations than one can imagine… Police and fire costs are out of control because the city fathers will not consider reaching across borders to develop regional police and fire services that can more effectively and efficiently keep the community safe.
When I landed here in Royal Palm Beach, I felt like I died and went to heaven. RPB has excellent public services. Roads are good, garbage collection is outstanding — put it at the curb and it is taken way. No ifs, ands or buts. As a homeowner, I appreciate the foresight of village planners in maintaining a residential core and keeping commercial development and growth on the perimeters of the community. Southern Blvd., Okeechobee Blvd. and State Road 7 are great commercial areas, as they should be. Our homes are protected from incursion by business development.
This village is always ranked near the top for best places to raise a family. For a community its size, the park system is second to none. Commons Park is the crown jewel of a highly developed and competently managed recreation infrastructure.
We have such a wonderful community because of the outstanding elected leaders that have had the foresight, intelligence and acumen to keep the community looking forward and building upon the successes of the past…
There are three incumbent members of council on the ballot this year.
Long-serving Councilman Fred Pinto is a candidate for mayor. He has worked side-by-side with his colleagues over the years in a constructive way to continue to build on the successes of the past. He is a leader. He has served his country in the armed forces. He was a field grade officer during the conflicts in the Middle East. He knows the value of teamwork. He has the courage of his convictions and is accountable to no one other than the citizens he represents.
Jeff Hmara is another council veteran who has spent a lifetime in public service. He served in the U.S. Army for almost 30 years, starting with service in Vietnam. He retired as a bird colonel. He is a dedicated, conscientious leader who studies every issue that comes before council before deciding.
Richard Valuntas, a six-year council veteran, is an attorney and prosecutor who can parse and analyze issues with impartiality. He has young children who reside in this community and brings a unique perspective as a father to his council duties.
These three men have served with distinction. They represent different generations, and each brings a unique perspective to council. Importantly, they have all been part of this council that has built upon the foundation established by the village’s founders.
We are faced with an election between candidates who want to continue to build upon past achievements versus a triumvirate that has no fresh ideas, only repetitive criticisms of past actions — and this year, they are single-issue candidates.
“What’s past is prologue,” wrote Shakespeare, and nowhere is that truer than in local politics.
My vote is for the three candidates who I believe will best continue to build on the accomplishments of the past — Pinto, Hmara and Valuntas. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Dan Splain, Royal Palm Beach
