Voters trust Loxahatchee Groves Town Council members to study issues, listen to public comments, discuss recommendations of town staff and committees, and then make informed decisions in the best interests of Loxahatchee Groves. This is local representative democracy.
I have been a close observer of Vice Mayor Jim Rockett’s efforts and votes on the town council, and his working relationship with town staff and committees for the past three years. On several occasions we have discussed the town’s growing pains, the Palm Beach County Inspector General’s positive role in local government, and the eventual turnover of Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District road functions to the town. I have seen Jim’s work in a family business in Loxahatchee Groves and his assistance to residents when a need arises. Jim understands that the town must function to be fiscally sound and to balance neighbors’ rights, respect for the environment and our rural lifestyle. Jim’s background, experience, and positive record of town and community service are outlined in a brochure that is available to all interested voters (or visit www.jimrockett.com).
Jim’s support for the Palm Beach State College campus on the northwest corner of Southern Blvd. and B Road is in stark contrast to his opponent, who is knowingly promoting an illegal repeal of two ordinances that were publicly discussed for over a year and approved by the town council as a pre-condition for PBSC’s purchase of the property in late October 2012. Illegal repeal of the ordinances at this time will expose the town and taxpayers to more than $4.5 million in litigation expense and damages that were more fully described in my previous Town-Crier letter. Jim’s opponent’s public record disrespect of his property (filling in and then refusing to remediate wetlands) and allowing nuisance levels of aviary noise (in contrast to responsible commercial aviaries in Loxahatchee Groves) are other serious questions for voters to consider.
My opinion is that Jim Rockett is the clear best choice for re-election to the Loxahatchee Groves Town Council. Please vote for Jim on March 12.
John Ryan
Loxahatchee Groves
Editor’s note: Mr. Ryan is an elected supervisor of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District.
