On Tuesday, Nov. 8, voters will decide who will replace State Rep. Mark Pafford and represent District 86 — which covers all of Loxahatchee Groves, Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, along with several eastern communities — in Tallahassee.
Pafford, currently minority leader of the Florida House of Representatives, is leaving his work on behalf of voters here in the western communities due to term limits. His replacement will have big shoes to fill. During his four terms in Tallahassee, he fought as effectively as a Democrat could for his constituents in a heavily Republican legislature, and was perhaps the state’s most outspoken advocate on homeless issues, Medicaid expansion and environmental issues. Vying to replace Pafford are Republican Laurel Bennett of Royal Palm Beach and Democrat Matt Willhite of Wellington.
Bennett, a businesswoman and analyst with a background in computer engineering and an MBA in healthcare studies, is married with a son. Her husband, Joel, is a disabled Vietnam Navy veteran currently in hospice care. She is a strong advocate for veteran’s rights and wants to ensure that those who served overseas get their due benefits. She is a staunch supporter of Gov. Rick Scott’s efforts to trim Florida’s budget and decrease taxes, and seeks to reduce both state and federal regulations. In addition, Bennett opposes the controversial Common Core curriculum, and supports charter schools. We have been very impressed by her advocacy on veterans issues and in support of the local business community.
Her opponent, Willhite, cites a diverse background of public service among his key strengths. This includes 21 years as a firefighter (and currently a captain), eight years with the U.S. Marine Corps and eight years as a member of the Wellington Village Council. He considers himself a problem solver and used his background to help keep Wellington fiscally sound during difficult economic times. Willhite wants to close the terror watch list loopholes that exist regarding gun sales and help refocus public schools on teaching, as opposed to the current slate of high-stakes standardized testing. While still well within the mainstream of the Democratic Party, Willhite would clearly bring a more moderate voice to Tallahassee than Pafford, the incumbent.
We have not always seen eye-to-eye with Willhite on local issues, particularly regarding development and the equestrian industry. However, we have always respected the tenacity by which he advocates his point of view and the deep research he does on the issues. We also recognize that this type of skill set would be useful in Tallahassee. He knows how to be a mover and shaker, and this will come in handy when seeking funds for environmental protection and water quality maintenance, investment in infrastructure and area transportation, and representing senior citizens. Further, we believe that Willhite will be a representative who truly listens to his constituents.
Both candidates have noble aspirations and want to do good things for their constituents. We commend Bennett for having the dedication and confidence to seek this post. However, Willhite’s experience, connections and proven abilities make him the better choice.
The Town-Crier endorses the election of Matt Willhite to the Florida House of Representatives in District 86.
Willhite will represent the Jacobs in Tallahassee.