Martino: Councilman Matthew Lane Deserves Re-election
Posted by Michael Martino on March 2, 2020 · Leave a Comment
On Tuesday, March 17, 2020, if you are a legally registered voter in the City of Palm Beach Gardens you have the opportunity to cast your ballot for a candidate of your choice in both the Presidential Primary and City Council elections. As Americans we have the freest and fairest elections of any country on earth yet our participation rate is often abysmal. I would urge each and every reader to caste their precious ballot on March 17th.
The City Council election, though often overlooked, is as important as the Presidential Primary. I would argue that the City Council candidate of our choice in our City elections has as much or more of an effect on our daily lives as our Presidential choice. Our City Council members are responsible for much of the aspects of our local quality of life. The members are directly responsible for the health, safety, welfare, and recreational aspects of life here in Palm Beach Gardens. With the fiscal responsibility of the creation of a City budget Council members establish our property tax rates, as well as, fund our excellent municipal services and administrative departments. Providing for the governing of sustainable and controlled growth within our borders and a vibrant business community to serve us are other important responsibilities that our City Council members are given with our vote. Just about every local convenience we enjoy emanates from the City Council dais. Thus, the importance of our vote and our choice for our local City Council members cannot be overstated.
In the March 17th City election the Group 1, 3, and 5 seats are to be decided. However, Mayor Mark Marciano in Group 1, and Vice-Mayor Rachelle Litt in Group 5 were unopposed at the end of the qualification period, and thus re-elected. In Group 3, incumbent Councilman Matthew Lane has a challenger.
Regarding the Group 3 City election, my choice is Councilman Matthew Lane. In my opinion, he deserves re-election to a second 3-year term. In his first term Councilman Lane has established himself as the chief challenger to the status quo. With his legal background as a foundation he is always prepared to argue for the needs of the residents in making Council policy decisions. Councilman Lane is a tough questioner of Council issues using his always meticulous meeting preparation as a basis for them. He is and was a staunch defender of term limits as approved by the voters in 2014 and voted against attempts to make substantial changes to them. Councilman Lane is a strong and vocal advocate for safe and exceptional Gardens’ schools. Having served on the Palm Beach Gardens Parks and Recreational Board Councilman Lane has a firm grasp on recreational needs in the Gardens.
This is just a sampling of the on the job certification of Councilman Lane’s qualifications for a second 3-year term. He is my preference to continue working as a productive Councilman for the residents of Palm Beach Gardens. Please vote on March 17th and please consider marking your ballot for Councilman Matthew Lane.