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Port of Palm Beach Group 2

The Port of Palm Beach District is an independent special taxing district and subdivision of the State of Florida, covering 971 square miles, or approximately 50 percent of Palm Beach County. The port itself sits on 150 acres in Riviera Beach; it is the fourth busiest container port in Florida and the 18th busiest in the nation, with container and bulk cargo and passengers.The Port District has statutory authority to levy ad valorem tax, but has not done so since Fiscal Year 1975. It is primarily an export port, with 80 percent of cargo being exported, the majority to islands in the Caribbean.The Port District is governed by a board of five commissioners elected at large for overlapping four-year terms by voters within the district. The commission is the governing body for the operation, maintenance and management of projects within the district. The commission selects its chairman, vice chairman and secretary-treasurer. The 2024 salary for a port commissioner is $12,500.

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  • Candidate picture

    Varisa Lall Dass
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Theodore Sarandis
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

What unique qualifications and expertise do you possess that make you well suited for this office?

What problems, difficulties or challenges do you see in the Port of Palm Beach and what do you propose to do about them?

Port of Palm Beach meetings are held the Third Thursday of each month at 4:00 p.m. when many residents are unable to attend. Do you support live streaming or recording public meetings to allow citizens who can't attend in person to stay informed?

How do you view the balance between experience gained through longer terms and the potential for new perspectives brought by term limits?

What is your stance on adopting single member districts within the port district to enhance local representation and fostering a strong connection between the Port of Palm Beach and their constituents?

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Website http://www.votevarisa.com/
Place of Residence West Palm Beach
Campaign Mailing Address 600 S Dixie Highway
Apt 653
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Age 40
Education Stetson University College of Law (J.D.), University of Florida (A.A), University of South Florida (B.A.), King High School I.B. Diploma recipient, New Horizons Elementary (gifted)
Experience Incumbent Port Commissioner, group 2; additionally, my experience as a contract attorney is beneficial because 100% of our port business dealings are contractually governed
Endorsements Palm Beach County Fire Rescue, West Palm Beach Fire Rescue, Fraternal Order of Police, Bizpac, Economic Council of Palm Beach County, ABC Builders, AGC Builders, Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue
Campaign Phone 561-917-1723
Campaign Email vlalldass@kklaw.com
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/varisa.lalldass/
Instagram www.instagram.com/varisalalldass/
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/mynetwork/grow/
Under my leadership, the Port of Palm Beach tripled its net profit to $3m in 2023. In 2024, we are set for a historic $7m net profit gain. This matters because we are the only government entity in Palm Beach County that doesn't levy taxes. We generate the revenue we need to pay our bills so taxpayers don’t have to.But this requires we keep commissioners like me who understand our economic models and how to make them succeed.Plus I am a contract lawyer and all our port business is contractual.
We need to find a solution to our berthing restrictions. Currently, not all of our vessels can fit at the same berth at the same time. We need to either widen the berth or add slips. We can do this with PIDP funding. We need maintenance dredging to approximately 500-1000 yards of the inlet area. We plan to a accomplish this with FDOT funding. We need to fortify the port infrastructure. We retained engineers to evaluate how best to accomplish this. PIDP funding will be used.
Yes, we have an audio recording, but this has never fully satisfied me. We need a live steam. There are many demonstrative aids (powerpoints, etc.) that are lost when it's just audio. I support a live stream.
I support term limits. For decades the port only made $1m/yr. It was the same mindset, with the same leadership, making the same decisions. Growth only comes with fresh perspectives that build on each other. Experience refines each perspective over time, but then it becomes stagnant. It's then time for a new perspective that builds on the last. I'm intolerant of complacency. We need responsible growth and commissioners who understand if you aren't moving forward, you die. Term limits help.
I am in favor of this. I have actually spoken to several people who are interested in the port obtaining a citizen's advisory group. This needs to be done.
Website http://voteted.net/
Place of Residence WESTLAKE FLORIDA
Campaign Mailing Address 1127 ROYAL PALM BEACH BLVD
SUITE 122
ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411
Education BS IN COMMUNICATIONS SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY SYRACUSE NY
Experience PROUD POPULIST NON CAREER POLITICIAN WITH REAL WORLD SKILLS & STRONG TRADITIONAL VALUES
Endorsements REPUBLICAN PARTY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, LATINO REPUBLICANS OF PBC, CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE DAN FRANZESE CD-22, PALM BEACH PATRIOTS, PASTOR LYDIA MALDONADO
Campaign Email info@voteted.net
Populist man of the people with strong traditional values! Proud non career politician never elected with unique skills not found in those currently serving. Radio & TV On Air Talent, Real Estate Property Management, volunteer in support of military personnel for more than 20 years during the Global War On Terror. My focus is dramatically tightening Port Security now. Plus public service, providing ALL PALM BEACH COUNTY RESIDENTS A 20 % DISCOUNT ON ALL CRUISES & attracting more cruise lines.
I am running to FIND OUT & SHINE A LIGHT on the most super mysterious elected body in Palm Beach County & the current incumbents want to keep it that way! The marxist opponent I face 4 Group 2 varisa dass, was the subject of a recent stetnews.org story alleging she EXTORTED a Port tenant for a campaign contribution, then threatened retaliation against him if he refused! In addition dass, defied Florida Election law by demanding 3 times the legal donation limit! Criminal! dass MUST RESIGN NOW!
Live on line video streaming essential. Meetings should begin at 6 PM to ENCOURAGE the working public to attend in person, but incumbents intentionally DO NOT want folks paying attention. Only lobbyists & lawyers can be found at most meetings! This Board has NEVER PROVIDED A COMPLETE FORENSIC AUDIT OF ITS BUDGET & STAFFING TO THE PUBLIC. IT MUST HAPPEN NOW! Publicize the monthly meetings in local media, turn the sound system on, start on time. STOP grade school voice votes. ROLL CALL VOTES NOW
When three incumbents have served as Port Commissioners for a grand total of 86 YEARS, THEN THAT EXPLAINS EVERYTHING! The public, media & League of Women's Voters Palm Beach County, MUST in the spirit of good government DEMAND a 2 term, 8 year limit! Ask yourself for a parttime job that only pays just over 12 K yr, why have these 3 hung around so long! Mabye they benefit from secret goodies the public NEEDS TO know about! dass got APPOINTED BY INCUMBENTS TO FILL VACANCY. NEED SPECIAL ELECTION!
ALL 5 INCUMBENTS LIVE ALONG THE COASTLINE & THE DISTRICT STRETCHES 50 MILES WEST TO BELLE GLADE & PAHOKEE! OF COURSE SINGLE MEMBER REGIONAL DISTRICTS ARE NEEDED! I live in Westlake, western part of the county & running to represent the voters out here that currently HAVE NO VOICE & no representation on this Board. Regional Districts must happen but this crew makes it own rules & they only care about themselves & demanding campaign donations from those they offically oversee. Conflict ofinterest
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