Residents in Florida House of Representatives District 94 will choose a new representative this year to replace State Rep. Rick Roth, a Republican who is vacating the seat due to term limits.
Four Republicans are vying in a primary election Tuesday, Aug. 20 with the aim of winning the seat — nuclear engineer Christian Acosta; Anthony Aguirre, who manages inpatient hospitalist medicine; Gabrielle Fox, a small business owner; and Meg Weinberger, who for the last 10 years has been focused on her animal sanctuary Rescue Life. The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Rachel Litt, a former mayor of Palm Beach Gardens, in November’s general election.
District 94 includes the Acreage/Loxahatchee area, Loxahatchee Groves, Westlake, parts of Royal Palm Beach, parts of Palm Beach Gardens and all of western Palm Beach County including the Glades. The Town-Crier reached out to the four primary candidates with a series of questions to learn about their background and where they stand on the issues.
CHRISTIAN ACOSTA
Acosta has a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from the University of Florida; 12 years of professional experience as an engineer in the energy and railroad industries; and has been a professor at Palm Beach State College for six years teaching electric power and renewable energy, according to his web site. He grew up in Palm Beach County, is married and has a young daughter. He has been endorsed by Roth.
Why are you the best person to represent this area in the legislature?
I have been learning from our current state representative for the last two years. I have committed my time even before I was a candidate, and I will work even harder when voters send me to Tallahassee. Rep. Roth has been mentoring me on how a state representative can positively impact the lives of Floridians. We have worked on legislation together, as well as tried to help residents in discussions with the county commission.
What are the key issues in this campaign?
My campaign priorities are to tackle roof leakage to lower insurance costs; improve technical education options so people can get good-paying, local jobs; defend agriculture and private property rights; and continue to improve the integrity of our election system.
What would be your key areas of focus?
My key areas would be homeowners’ insurance and education. As an example, I want to work together with industry groups to create a set of low-leakage and waterproofing standards. In the same way that wind mitigation studies help insurance companies lower risk estimates for houses that have them, I envision a low-leakage survey providing similar reassurance.
What protections, if any, can or should the legislature give to unincorporated areas from encroaching annexation and gentrification?
First, I believe that it was wrong for state senators to block the Loxahatchee incorporation referendum. Whatever one’s opinion on incorporation, the voters should have been allowed to decide. Second, I believe firmly in the Right to Farm Act and want to see improved protections for agritourism and some ancillary agricultural-related businesses. Thirdly, I am against the use of eminent domain against residents who do not wish to sell.
How do you balance the needs of communities such as Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Westlake with the coastal suburbs and the Glades?
I have spoken with multiple municipalities and offered my future services as a mediator. If I can help bring support from Tallahassee that would allow a local compromise to occur, I will commit to working toward it. I will not take the side of one municipality over another, but I will do the hard work of trying to find common ground.
Traffic congestion and failing rural roads are a major issue in this area. Where and how should the state focus its resources to help?
The specific needs of each group with roadway responsibility will be different from each other. The Indian Trail Improvement District, the City of Belle Glade and private residents with shared road responsibilities will all have varying problems and needs. I have met with the mayor of Belle Glade, will be taking a tour of ITID facilities, and have spoken to hundreds of residents in The Acreage and Jupiter Farms areas. Most of the solutions will begin at the local level, and I will ask for state funding when my municipalities indicate they are having trouble.
Visit www.voteacosta.com to learn more.
ANTHONY AGUIRRE
Aguirre has lived in the area for more than 30 years. After attending Wellington High School, he graduated from Florida State University with a degree in economics and a minor in business. He currently manages inpatient hospitalist medicine for high-risk organizations. He is active in the Christopher Aguirre Memorial Foundation, which he and his family founded in 2009 to honor his late brother. The foundation supports local students and their families through educational and recreational opportunities. Aguirre and his fiancée, Kelli, enjoy traveling, hunting, golfing and boating.
Why are you the best person to represent this area in the legislature?
As a lifelong resident of the western communities, I know the area and the many families and industries that make up District 94. My interests are aligned with the community at large to represent their interests above my own as we prepare for the inevitable growth that the Free State of Florida has to offer outsiders.
What are the key issues in this campaign?
Our focus is on the costs to the residents of Florida. As people and business move here in droves, we cannot look past those that have been here and make this community so great. From the agriculture partners of the tri-cities (Belle Glade, Pahokee and South Bay), small business owners in Loxahatchee and The Acreage, to the suburban areas (Palm Beach Gardens), rising costs to the many families is placing an unrealistic burden on everyone, forcing many to consider leaving. Farming costs rise, food costs rise. Private property fines and restrictions to home-operated businesses are direct rising costs to the families in the area that purchase services. To lower costs, we must fight issues head-on for this community.
What would be your key areas of focus?
Aggressive legislation to prevent frivolous lawsuits that constantly hurt residents’ (insurance) policies. Auto insurance and property insurance continue to rise and not enough has been done for a long time for fixed-income families. As a freshman legislator, I want to solve the immediate needs of the residents and build trust for future projects and later sessions.
What protections, if any, can or should the legislature give to unincorporated areas from encroaching annexation and gentrification?
Implement strict zoning laws that preserve agricultural and low-density residential uses. This can include designating certain areas as agricultural or conservation zones to prevent urban development. Encourage or provide incentives for property owners to enter into conservation easements, which restrict development rights on their land to maintain its current use. Establish oversight mechanisms that require state or regional approval for large-scale annexations, ensuring that local desires are balanced with broader state interests.
How do you balance the needs of communities such as Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Westlake with the coastal suburbs and the Glades?
The needs of the communities are very different, and I have urged the local officials in these cities to prioritize the needs of their residents when asking for state assistance and funding. It is more focused and effective when trying to solve real issues of residents.
Traffic congestion and failing rural roads are a major issue in this area. Where and how should the state focus its resources to help?
As development comes in, it cannot ruin the quality of life of the existing residents of our many communities. Working in conjunction with development site plans, city and county officials, and existing cities and residents, there is a path to mutually beneficial growth.
Visit www.anthonyaguirre.com to learn more.
GABRIELLE FOX
Fox is a Chicago-area native who was in the Illinois foster care system before earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology, according to her web site. She has lived in Florida for 20 years and currently is a Palm Beach Gardens resident. Fox describes herself as, “A Christian wife, small business owner and a Constitutionalist grassroots fighter… who has spent her time organizing events, attending community meetings and speaking out about the issues that matter most to the everyday American citizens.”
Why are you the best person to represent this area in the legislature?
I have been fighting for conservative causes and freedoms for over seven years. I do not take special interest money and am not beholden to corporate interests. I am self-made, as is my husband. I have a proven, documented track record of fighting for family values, small government and constitutional rights. I am truly grassroots and did not have to forge political alliances or pay anyone to support me.
What are the key issues in this campaign?
Cost of living, i.e. the property tax and insurance crisis, improper budget allocations for roads, and clashing of developers and rural residents on land use/property infringement.
What would be your key areas of focus?
To tackle Palm Beach County’s insurance and high property tax issues, we should promote insurance market competition, reassess property valuations, cap tax increases, audit spending and incentivize local economic growth. Engage community stakeholders for balanced, efficient solutions.
What protections, if any, can or should the legislature give to unincorporated areas from encroaching annexation and gentrification?
I believe the legislature should protect unincorporated agricultural and residential areas like The Acreage by enhancing local control and strengthening zoning laws. Local communities should have the authority to manage their own development decisions, ensuring any growth aligns with the wishes of the residents. Strengthening property rights to prevent forced annexation and offering tax incentives for land conservation are crucial. These measures will protect these areas from unwanted encroachment and gentrification while respecting the principles of individual rights.
How do you balance the needs of communities such as Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Westlake with the coastal suburbs and the Glades?
I believe in empowering local governments to make decisions that best suit their communities through decentralized governance. This allows each area to address its unique challenges, whether it’s managing growth in burgeoning cities or preserving the natural and economic resources in coastal and rural areas. Additionally, fostering collaboration between these communities can lead to shared solutions that benefit the broader region, such as regional infrastructure projects or economic development initiatives.
Traffic congestion and failing rural roads are a major issue in this area. Where and how should the state focus its resources to help?
Addressing the challenges particularly as these areas experience growth from new suburban developments requires a targeted approach that prioritizes sustainable infrastructure investment. The state should focus its resources on upgrading and maintaining rural roads to ensure they meet the needs of both the agricultural community and new residents. This includes not only repairing existing roads but also considering the construction of new roads or expansion where necessary to alleviate congestion. Moreover, the state should implement stricter planning and zoning regulations to manage the pace and style of development, ensuring that it does not overwhelm existing infrastructure. We can encourage developments that respect the rural and agricultural character of the region.
Visit www.gabriellefoxforfl.com to learn more.
MEG WEINBERGER
Weinberger, a Palm Beach Gardens resident, “has dedicated her life to advocating for… individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, foster children and animals in need,” according to her web site. For 10 years, she has been the driving force behind Rescue Life, a sanctuary for abused animals. Weinberger is a married mother of two, and she and husband Eric have fostered and mentored other children. Weinberger has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and U.S. Rep. Brian Mast (R-District 21), among others.
Why are you the best person to represent this area in the legislature?
I have dedicated my life to advocating for the most vulnerable in society. With unwavering passion, I stand up for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities, foster children and animals in need. I have been volunteering for decades and want to serve my community on a larger platform. I have founded Rescue Life, an animal sanctuary, and I currently serve on the board. I am/have been on the board of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, Stetson University, Restoration Bridge, Furry Friends and more. I am also involved in Place of Hope as a mentor and foster parent, the Els Center of Excellence and FLITE Center. I am not a politician. I am dedicated to working for everyone, regardless of their affiliations, and I will continue to do so to make our community a better place.
What are the key issues in this campaign?
Property insurance and affordable housing are some of our community’s top issues, along with immigration and inflation. I am determined to bring solutions to the table to help alleviate costs for our community and all Floridians and bring back a competitive market that will drive prices down.
What would be your key areas of focus?
I would like to be on the Education, Infrastructure and Appropriations committees. I will work with the local, state and federal governments to invest in critical infrastructure in our community, especially in far western communities like the Glades and beyond, to ensure they have access to clean, running water and quality education.
What protections, if any, can or should the legislature give to unincorporated areas from encroaching annexation and gentrification?
I would seek to eliminate involuntary annexation and require all annexations to be voluntary and only authorized under a majority vote of the affected property owners.
How do you balance the needs of communities such as Loxahatchee Groves, Royal Palm Beach and Westlake with the coastal suburbs and the Glades?
I view each city and neighborhood as unique and would seek to protect the character of those communities in accordance with the desires of the residents who live there. One size fit all does not work, especially when you consider how vastly different the rural communities in the Glades are and how important it is that those communities receive their fair share of services.
Traffic congestion and failing rural roads are a major issue in this area. Where and how should the state focus its resources to help?
Florida is a high-growth state, and we need to invest in critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, wastewater and utilities) to keep pace with the strain that growth places on them. Public safety, hurricane evacuation, clean drinking water and wastewater utilities must be improved to address this reality. Local, state and federal governments should work together to meet these needs.
Visit www.megforflorida.com to learn more.
