Page 31 - Boca ViewPointe - February '23
P. 31
February 2023 Viewpointe, Page 31
Mayor’s Update: Reasons To Vote Yes On Question 1
In The March 14 City Election
Scott Singer is the 35th to change the term of office for city council members and • Nonpartisanship: It is a good thing that our city
Mayor of Boca Raton and the mayor to four years, all while maintaining the current elections remain nonpartisan. As a result, we have less of
was re-elected without two-term limit for each role. Even though I will not be on the constant fighting seen in Washington and the nation.
opposition for a final term. the ballot, as I’m honored to have been reelected without If we do not make a change now, our next election will
A South Florida native, opposition, I still think it’s important that you vote on March coincide with the presidential preference primary in 2024,
attorney, mediator, and 14. Here are several reasons why voters should say yes to and again in future cycles. No matter who is in the White
small business owner, Scott Question 1: House, the electorate will be more partisan and different
and his wife Bella live in • Less Politicking: When Boca Raton residents in 2006 from the voters who take the time to focus on city issues,
Broken Sound with their two overwhelmingly approved the change from two-year to with fewer independent voters coming out. If we want to
young children. three-year terms, it was to focus more on policy and less on avoid excessive partisan politics in our city elections and
constant politicking with elections every year. Yet we still have remain focused on serving the residents on local issues,
Boca Raton residents will elections either four out of every five years or three out of five, now is the time to make this change.
have a choice to vote on March 14 for a good-governance which impacts long-term planning and has some costs. The • Consistency: Boca Raton is the only city of Florida’s
measure that will keep our city elections nonpartisan, change would reduce potential impacts of special interests, 25 most populous cities that does not have a four-year term
freer from special interests and constant politicking, while especially with campaign cycles lasting longer and longer. for mayor or commission members. Eighty-two percent of
preserving term limits. Question 1 will ask if voters want Future candidates might be less beholden to certain interests. the top 50 cities also have four-year terms. Our other local
offices of county commission, school board, and Beach &
Parks District all also have four-year terms. This reform
measure would bring consistency to the election cycles
Do you need completely in place, and the proposal would provide elections
we already expect.
• Term Limits Still In Place: Term limits remain
every two years for half the council to ensure accountability
with stability. Unlike many other cities that have no term
limits, we would retain the two-term limit.
• Why Now? Now is an especially appropriate time to
Help? ensure more long-term stability on the city council, with
the city manager due to retire in just over a year and the city
attorney soon thereafter. Both have been on the job for more
than two decades. The change necessarily gives some council
members an extra year, and the experience may prove for the
better for continuity. We also just had an election where all
three council seats were filled without opposition. The extra
year would deepen the pool of potential public servants.
• Long-Term Accountability: I have experienced
firsthand how time on the dais and seasoned relationships
with residents and neighborhoods has helped me and others
be more effective public servants. Our current irregular
schedule has an impact on getting focus on multiyear
priorities, which is part of why residents approved the prior
change. For example, long-term transportation projects are
funded six years in advance. Under our current cycle, council
members might not be around to support the implementation
of ideas they propose. The better cycle would ensure council
members can be expected to deliver results while in office.
For these reasons, I believe voters should support this
measure and vote YES on Question 1. The other cities that
have considered this issue have generally voted two-to-one
in favor, or sometimes higher percentages, and I think we
should do so as well. I also think the measure would cut
down on special-interest influence and partisan bickering,
and enhance accountability and long-term vision. I hope you
We have the help agree these are good things for our community.
One more note: If you want to vote by mail, you need to
request a new mail-in ballot this year because of a change to
that is just right for you! state law made last year. You can do so at pbcelections.org,
where you can also find your polling place for in-person voting
on Tuesday, March 14. Regardless of the term length, I remain
Call or Email us for a honored to serve you. Please reach out by email to ssinger@
myboca.us with any thoughts or requests. Thank you.
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