[New post] It’s election time in Jupiter and it’s a BIG deal
Tom Priester posted: " I first stepped foot in Jupiter in 1991 and didn't move here full time until 2006. It's a special place that to me has changed dramatically, and unfortunately, has lost a whole bunch of its small-time charm over the years. Traffic jams, circling for "
I first stepped foot in Jupiter in 1991 and didn't move here full time until 2006. It's a special place that to me has changed dramatically, and unfortunately, has lost a whole bunch of its small-time charm over the years. Traffic jams, circling for parking are "new" things and I fully recognize that implants like me are part of the problem.
Another part of the problem is a Town Council that over the years has ignored, and on many projects, disregarded, sound zoning and use policies relating to density, height, setbacks, parking, traffic counts, etc. They bend the rules to allow developments that should not be approved.
On March 8th, an extremely important election will be held in Jupiter. If you care to even try and retain some of that small time charm, we all used to love then it's critical that you do your research, get involved, and get out to vote for what you want the future of Jupiter to be. For our children, for their children, for all the generations to follow.
Three seats on the Town Council are up for grabs. To me the choices are obvious and I will tell you why. Do your own research, make your own decisions, but as you try and get across Indiantown Road one afternoon, or find parking at the beach next weekend, understand you do have a say in the future. Never has that say been as critical it is this election.
The race for Mayor has three candidates and to me a total no brainer. Jim Kuretski is a professional engineer who has served on the Jupiter Town Council now for over 20 years. Last year Jim was filing again for his seat then surprised just about everybody and announced he was running for Mayor.
Over the years, Jim has pretty much been a lone wolf, standing up for the citizens of Jupiter. Always asking the right questions about how a proposed project fits Jupiter. How it impacts traffic and parking. How our setback, density and height rules were being followed, or bent, by developers. He has always stood for what was a good fit for our amazing city. Time and time again he was out voted by other Town Council members who seemed to be watching out for developers more than citizens.
There are two other candidates. Patrick Gallagher and Ilan Kaufer. Patrick has no history on which to base a decision in my humble opinion. Ilan has been on the Town Council for almost 9 years and has plenty of history and raised lots of money from developer friendly sources. The last I saw his campaign funds were almost $70,000 compared to $5,000 for Patrick Gallagher and $3,500 for Jim Kuretski. When big money backs a candidate, it raises my eyebrows. Take a look at the extremely negative direct ad campaign currently underway in Jupiter against Jim Kuretski. Ask yourself who is paying for these ads and why.
Ilan's past voting record to me is even scarier if his well-financed campaign actually wins. Love Street, Oxbow, Fisherman's Wharf, he was all in for acceptance no matter many how many existing codes and ordinances needed to be "bent" to accommodate the developer. Jim Kuretski, as usual, asked the tough questions to protect the future of Jupiter and her citizens and voted against each of these projects seeking the city to change their rules to accommodate the wishes of traffic creating developers and their projects. Again, to me a vote for Jim Kuretski is the only vote for the right path forward.
The next big decision is another no brainer in my book. The District 1 seat is a two-lady race between Cheryl Schneider and Barbara Richardson. To me, Cheryl Schneider deserves everyone's vote as her focus has always been on protecting Jupiter, our environment, and our small-town character. Cheryl has proudly served on the Town of Jupiter Planning and Zoning Commission, served on the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency and is co-founder of the Jupiter Inlet Foundation.
Cheryl, time and time again, in her role on the Jupiter Planning and Zoning Commission has asked the same questions of submitted projects that Jim Kuretski has been asking at Town Council meetings. Does a project meet published city requirements or does a develop look to "bend" the rules. Cheryl always makes the right choice for Jupiter, her citizens, and her future.
Cheryl has been endorsed by the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, the Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach County and clearly deserves your vote.
I have searched unsuccessfully for any in depth information on Barbara Richardson.
The third and final seat is for District 2 and it's a crowded field with 5 candidates. I know some things about some of the candidates but to me the clear choice is Malise Sundstrom who I have met and have been extremely impressed with. If you have the opportunity, please get out and meet Malise and you will see what I mean. She is focused on traffic, holding developers responsible to follow the rules with a focus on Jupiter's quality of life.
I have truly been amazed watching Malise's passion and know she will have a most positive impact on the future direction of this town. Check out her Facebook page (link below) and you too willl easily see what I do.
Malise has been endorsed by the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association as well as Jupiter Town Councilor Ron Delaney.
I highly recommend everyone does their own research and vote for what their vision of Jupiter should be. Here are links to the pages for the three candidates I am proud to support. Dig in, see what they represent and please think about the future, what has already been allowed and how future disregard for our codes and ordinances will forever change our amazing piece of paradise.
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