Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Educational Leadership - Florida Atlantic University, Master of Education (M.Ed.) Educational Leadership - Florida Atlantic University, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Elementary Education - Florida Atlantic University
Experience
Village of Royal Palm Beach, Councilman, Royal Palm Beach Planning & Zoning Chair & Commissioner, School District of Palm Beach County - Chief of Performance Accountability & Director of Educational Technology, Golden Grove Elementary - Principal, Pioneer Park Elementary - Principal
Endorsements
Marcia Andrews, Dave Aronberg, Alexandria Ayala, Ellen Baker, Frank Barbieri, Mack Bernard, Karen Brill, Jervonte Edmonds, Jeff Hmara, Bob Margolis, John McGovern, Melissa McKinlay, Deandre Poole, Debra Robinson, Sylvia Sharps, Tanya Siskind, Debra Tendrich, Richard Valuntas, CTA, HISPAC, AFL-CIO
Campaign Phone
5613061479
The biggest threat to our municipality is unmanaged growth that outpaces infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life. Royal Palm Beach’s desirability brings development pressure, and without careful planning this can lead to increased traffic, flooding concerns, loss of neighborhood character, and higher long-term costs for residents. The solution is disciplined, smart growth-aligning development with infrastructure capacity, prioritizing traffic and stormwater improvements, protecting established neighborhoods, and making decisions transparently with meaningful resident input. By following our strategic plan and remaining fiscally responsible, we can protect what makes our community special while planning responsibly for the future.
Our municipality’s greatest strength is its strong sense of community and high quality of life. Royal Palm Beach is a place where residents are engaged, families put down roots, and community events, parks, and programs bring people together. We should build on this by continuing to invest in parks, recreation, public safety, and services for seniors and families, while encouraging civic engagement and transparent decision-making. By listening to residents and planning thoughtfully, we can preserve the community character that makes Royal Palm Beach a great place to live while preparing responsibly for the future.
Property taxes are a primary, stable funding source for essential local services. Eliminating or significantly reducing them without a guaranteed replacement would put pressure on public safety, infrastructure maintenance, parks, stormwater systems, and other core services residents rely on. Local governments would be forced to either cut services or shift costs to less predictable sources such as fees, special assessments, or sales taxes, which can be more regressive and less transparent. In my view, any proposal to reduce property taxes must include a reliable, long-term replacement revenue source and allow local flexibility. Decisions of this magnitude should be made carefully, with input from municipalities, to avoid unintended conseque
Royal Palm Beach is already in a strong financial position due to years of responsible stewardship and conservative budgeting. We maintain healthy reserves, plan multi-year capital projects, and regularly review expenditures to ensure taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. Rather than broad cuts, the best opportunities for savings are ongoing operational efficiencies, such as shared services, technology improvements, and regular contract and staffing reviews. A disciplined, continuous-improvement approach allows us to control costs while maintaining high service levels and financial stability for the long term.
Our municipality is approaching the new law with a focus on compliance, coordination, and compassion. Royal Palm Beach works closely with Palm Beach County, law enforcement, and service providers to ensure individuals experiencing homelessness are connected to available shelter, mental health, and support services rather than simply displaced. We emphasize outreach and referral first, while keeping parks, sidewalks, and public spaces safe and accessible for all residents. Managing this issue effectively requires regional cooperation and continued investment in services that address the root causes of homelessness, not just enforcement.
Education
B.S. in Marketing from Barry University; M.B.A. from University of Miami
Experience
Councilwoman of Royal Palm Beach for 9 years serving as: Recreation Advisory Board Liaison, Senior Citizen Ad Hoc Board Liaison, Vice Mayor (2018, 2022, 2024). Solid Waste Authority of PBC Small Business Avdisory Committee. PBC Planning Commission
Endorsements
Human Rights Council, Fraternal Order of Police, The Hispanic Vote, Realtors Broward, Palm Beaches, St. Lucie, Charlotte Leonard - Westlake Councilwoman; Judy Dugo - Greenacres Councilwoman, State Representative Patrick Rooney, Jr., State Representative Matt Willhite; WPB Mayor Jeri Muoio
Royal Palm Beach has a few threats. These include traffic, over development, and growth from neighboring cities such as Wellington and Westlake. We can address these by maintaining Royal Palm Beach as the best place to live with affordable
housing, abundance of parks, leisure activities, and family-friendly free events.
We should address local threats by protecting our tax base, talent, businesses, and having a strong council while staying competitive and cooperative where possible. We need to focus on livability including schools, parks, public safety, housing variety; infrastructure like utilities, roads; faster permitting and clearer zoning.
RPB has many strengths. We provide services and facilities to create an aesthetically pleasing, active, and connected community. We offer diverse youth programs, as well as enriching adult and senior activities. We are family-friendly with affordable homes, great schools, and an abundance of parks. We are financially sound and provide responsive services as well as a knowledgeable staff with longevity and roots in the Village. We build on this by maintaining a fiscally sound government - applying for grants to complete many projects as well as annual strategic planning and a succession plan. Our strategic plan allows us to work on pressing issues, upcoming projects, and potential trends, and we have a succession plan for each staff.
Eliminating property taxes would create a large revenue gap for local governments, and in Royal Palm Beach we would have a deficit of $3 million annually. Legislation will have to work with municipalities to plan for a revenue gap.
Royal Palm Beach is efficiently run. We are fiscally sound and have a robust reserve. We do offer many events and programs for free. Cutting back on some of these would have to be a consideration. We would also revisit our fee schedule for facility rentals and possibly not be able to sponsor several events that permit groups to use our facilities without a charge. Additionally, we would have to examine short-term rentals, apartments, or investment properties.
Royal Palm Beach is run efficiently and has a robust reserve. We have the lowest millage rate in Palm Beach County of municipalities with over 2,000 residents. Although I don't believe there is much opportunity for savings, I do believe funds could be shifted annually to where needed most at the time. Examples include firework shows at Winter Fest and 4th of July. Shows could be shortened to move those funds if needed elsewhere. Staff apply for grants to fully fund or match projects. Most recently, the Village has updated or renovated many buildings including village hall, cultural center, and recreation center, as well as continuing to repave all Village maintained roads.
Royal Palm Beach is fortunate to be able to work with Palm Beach Sherrif Office District 9 to help transport those in need of shelter and services requested. They also connect anyone with services available. Most recently, an individual was living in their car that was not functioning. District 9 was able to help the individual get the vehicle fixed so they could return to work and look for housing.
