As an observer of how Loxahatchee Groves has grown from an outpost in our western county agricultural area into a new town, I am impressed on how our neighboring community is growing and influencing its own growth decisions since its incorporation.
As a former Wellington councilman and vice mayor from 1998 to 2002, I love to follow the activities of my village and neighbors. Since Loxahatchee Groves is a full-fledged town now, it is incumbent for its more than 3,400 residents to elect its council with new, fresh and far-reaching programs as they continue to grow.
I have watched the O’Neal family grow and facilitate good business practices with their roofing business for lots of us in the western communities. Neil O’Neal has grown up with a business acumen in his family business and college program.
As a Realtor, he has seen the growth first-hand and has a good perspective on his town’s growth problems. He feels that the LGWCD should be dependent on the town and help in the reconstruction of deteriorating roads, which exist all over the community. He is committed to providing advance funding for Okeechobee Blvd. to support traffic-calming devices and pedestrian walkways, which we have done in our Wellington growth these past 20 years.
He agrees that in order to create financial stability and provide a town reserve for emergencies, a small millage increase is needed, which is smart fiscal planning for growth.
I believe young Neil O’Neal Jr. would bring a fresh new approach to existing growth concerns while maintaining an open mind to established precedents.
I urge Loxahatchee Groves to elect Neil O’Neal to the council on March 13.
Al Paglia, Wellington
