Vote Glas-Castro, Michael Hinsley and Judith Thomas in Lake Park elections

Yahoo

20-02-2025

Imagine a game of Musical Chairs in which contestants compete for four seats. Once the music stops, the scramble for a chair begins, ending with the seated winners and standing losers. The analogy fits the upcoming Lake Park municipal election.
On March 11, voters will choose one of six candidates, and the top four will go on to serve three-year terms.
Lake Park, a community of about 9,000 residents squeezed between North Palm Beach and Riviera Beach, may be small. But, like many of its surrounding communities in this part of Palm Beach County, it faces the same problems of that come with growth and development — traffic congestion, and the demand for new residential and commercial projects that ultimately have the potential to change and reshape the very nature of the town.
The Post recommends three incumbents who are hoping to either be re-elected or elected to a full term in office. Their experience, knowledge and commitment to the job gives them the edge over three candidates who didn't accept The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board's invitation to interview — former Commissioner John Linden, former Mayor Michael O'Rourke and Commissioner Mary Beth Taylor. The Post won't recommend even seemingly experienced candidates if they don't show up to present their views.
Post Editorial Board endorsements: Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsements for March 11 municipal elections
Kimberly Glas-Castro, 60, has been on the commission for four terms. She's seeking re-election because she believes the commission and town administration are finally at the point where they can make progress after ending a time of bickerng at commission meetings and financial difficulties that almost put the town in bankruptcy. If re-elected, she would push to establish a plan for the U.S. 1 corridor that would allow for greater housing density. She would be open to making Park Avenue more pedestrian-friendly, and would maintain ad valorem rates while prioritizing services to take advantage of new tax revenue to address town expenses.
Michael Hensley, a 44 year-old middle school teacher and a former high school football coach, was appointed to the commission eight months ago when former Commissioner Linden stepped down from the dais. He is seeking his first full term as commissioner, and on March 11 voters should give it to him. In his short stint, Hensley has initiated a number of community events to draw more Lake Park residents into town government affairs. If re-elected, he would work to enhance public safety and infrastructure. He'd also work to complete ongoing projects, like the aquatic and community centers.
Judith Thomas, 54, brings the experience of being an urban planner and former Riviera Beach planning and zoning administrator to her role as town commissioner. That on top of a 12-year stint as a volunteer member and board chair of Lake Park Planning and Zoning Board, along with her time on the dais as an elected official. If any candidate has the qualifications to help a community grapple with growth and development, it's Thomas. If re-elected, Thomas would try to retain the town's small time charm by encouraging the growth of small businesses, particularly along the town's Park Avenue corridor. She would also work with young residents and help boost schools in Lake Park as well as work to improve community engagement with the Palm Beach Sheriff's Office and other county agencies.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Lake Park voters choose Glas-Castro, Hinsley and Thomas | Endorsements