I would like to thank all the people who encouraged me to run for the District 6 Palm Beach County Commission seat being vacated by term-limited Jess Santamaria. This occurred before his daughter Michelle decided to run for her dad’s seat.
The encouragement that I received to run was truly humbling, however, despite my scholastic achievements and political background (not local) I can honestly say that I am no match for Michelle. She is, without a doubt, the ideal replacement for Jess, who should be thanked and also remembered for all the great work he has done in our western communities.
So, as we prepare to say goodbye to Jess and welcome Michelle, lets reflect on Jess for a little while. He was the poster boy for the homeless, donating his entire commissioner’s salary to the Lord’s Place. He and his family have paid for vocational training for several underprivileged youths so that they could find meaningful employment. Give a man a fish and you can feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for life.
Countless numbers of kids are taken Christmas shopping each year, the look on their faces is quite touching. Jess gave tens of thousands to Max Planck. Jess fought tirelessly for us and redefined the term “intestinal fortitude.” He brought honesty and transparency to the county commission. Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can. He is far too modest and generous to a fault. We should all be honest and acknowledge and admire and applaud the work he has done. I thought Jess was good, but Michelle will be even better.
So I say to you, Jess, thanks a million. To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to change you is the greatest accomplishment. Don’t cry because it ended, smile because it happened.
Our system of government can only function properly if those who are governed take an active role in choosing its direction and operation. Every citizen has a responsibility to be informed and to take part in the process. This is called participatory democracy. In a democracy, the will of the people is expressed through the voting process. An election is the process by which we choose who will hold public office, so before choosing, we should become familiar with the issues and the candidates’ position on all of these issues. Do not let illusion or delusion lead to confusion.
Politics is not a blood sport, neither is it rocket science. Please remember that one of the benefits of living in a democracy is the freedom and privilege to participate in the election system, voting for the candidate of your choice. My choice is Michelle Santamaria.
If you are not a part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Please make your voice heard by voting in this upcoming election.
Palm Beach County has been stigmatized for far too long with the title “Corruption County,” with several elected officials being sent to prison. They were elected to lead but were consumed by greed.
The Palm Beach Post referred to the district candidates as a weak field.
I refute that assessment in its entirety. Once again, please go out and vote. Christmas will come early in the western communities when on Nov. 4 we elect Michelle “Santa”-maria to be our next county commissioner.
Karl Witter, The Acreage
Jess Santamaria modest to a fault??!!! Are you kidding me? Mr. Witter obviously never watched any commission meetings. Santamaria constantly reminded his commission colleagues of his ethical superiority and their vast shortcomings. That’s why he was able to accomplish nothing on big issues Minto being the most obvious. Michelle will be no better.
Are you kidding me! Karl WHO? for Commissioner. Will someone please wake me from this campaign nightmare?!?!?!