In Royal Palm Beach Council election, vote Hmara and Avila
The village race for mayor features two proven council incumbents and a businessman making his first bid for office. Following the death of Royal Palm Beach's longtime mayor, Fred Pinto, the village council appointed Council member Jeff Hmara to be interim mayor. Residents have the chance to elect him, and remove the "interim" tag next month. The Post Editorial Board recommends voters do just that. Hmara has shown he can handle the job, and represent the village well.
Hmara, 80, has been a council member since 2012, and he remains active in village affairs. Traffic congestion, improving area schools and ensuring adequate supply of affordable housing remain priorities for Hmara. And his work with county officials and those from surrounding communities is helping ensure that the village isn't lost in the sauce of development among other growing western communities like Wellington and West Lake.
There are two other candidates seeking the seat. Selina Samios, 52, the executive director of the Women's Chamber of Commerce of Palm Beach County and the town's vice mayor. Justin K. Plaza, a computer consultant, is making his first bid for public office.
Post editorial Board endorsements: Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsements for March 11 municipal elections
While Samios makes a strong case, Hmara is the better choice.
The Royal Palm Beach mayor's race features two experienced candidates vying for the job. The Group 3 race? Not so much. Amid three inexperienced candidates running for the seat, the Post Editorial Board recommends voters choose Steve Avila. He offers the greatest promise among the candidates who are running for the seat.
Avila, a 35-year-old college consultant and former schoolteacher, is a lifelong resident of Royal Palm Beach. He is active in several business groups, including the Royal Palm Beach Rotary Club and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He ran for mayor in a losing bid last March, and has set his sights this time for an open seat on the council. If elected, he says he will push for responsible development in hopes of keeping the town's "Mayberry-esque charm." He would also be a big advocate for term limits, given the fact that several officeholders have been in the job far longer than eight years.
Sylvia L. Sharps and Doniele Pinto are also in the race. Pinto, while she has name recognition as the widow of the late Mayor Fred Pinto, seemed uninformed about several key issues that she would have to address as a council member. Sharps did not accept the editorial board's invitation to interview. Advantage, Avila.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Royal Palm Beach should elect Hmara and Avila | Endorsements
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