Running For: Second District (Three Year Term)
Running Against: Willie Puz, Malise Sundstrom
Tell Us a Little About Yourself. What Inspired You to Run for Office in Jupiter?
I am a 40-year Jupiter resident who came to Jupiter in 1983 as an AVP and Bank Manager. I fell in love with Jupiter and was lucky to become one of the first home buyers in the Bluffs, and my children loved growing up here, just as my 8-year-old granddaughter does now. I downsized to my current house in Jupiter Village.
I was part of the Jupiter Police Department’s first volunteer members of Citizens on Patrol and Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) and served as their Treasurer for six years. From 2010 to 2017, I was a volunteer American Red Cross Disaster Action Team member and participated in many response drills with Police, Fire, and other agencies.
As a 34-year government employee with the City of West Palm Beach, I have held leadership roles and wish to continue serving the public as I retire from my job this year.
What Do You Love Most About Jupiter, and What’s One Thing You’d Like to Improve?
Beautiful waterways, parks, restaurants, and small businesses that have made Jupiter feel unique. I would like to improve the traffic and save our sensitive shorelines from environmental pollution.
Describe Your Leadership Style in Three Words
Transformational and Outcome-Driven
What Experience or Skills Make You the Best Candidate for This Role?
I believe that my 34 years of working as a government leader, experienced in writing and reviewing budgets, procurement contracts, union negotiations, and policies, has provided insight into knowing what questions and conversations to bring up to allow informed decision-making. I have experience communicating and cooperating with other government agencies and professionals to advance issues important not only to Jupiter but also within the County.
As a transformational leader, I have inspired and motivated others with a “Can-do” attitude while developing shared vision, goals, and outcomes.
I plan to retire from the City of West Palm Beach and devote my time to the Town.
Positions held with the City:
- December 2022 to current – Grants & Special Projects Administrator
- February 2016 to Dec 2022 – City Budget Manager ($700M funds management)
- January 1997 to February 2017 – Police Department Fiscal Manager
- August 1990 to Jan 1997 – Police Dispatch and Trainer
My experience also includes emergency management, union negotiations, grant writing, and project management. I know how to budget for and strategically plan with elected officials, managers, and staff in good financial times and bad. I love data analysis and understand what questions to ask of staff at the right time and for the right reasons.
What Is Your Top Priority for the Town If Elected, and How Do You Plan to Accomplish It?
- To create a culture of trust, fiscal transparency, and public safety for all.
- To use innovative outreach to encourage public input and civic engagement beginning with public forums, roundtable discussions, surveys, and consensus on Fire/Rescue service delivery.
- Review Town vacant properties and opportunities for small-scale affordable housing development.
- Request a presentation on the Town’s financial position and long-range financial plan, including debt and unrestricted cash reserves.
- Address the future use of Suni Sands property.
- Assess the impact of the Downtown Abacoa proposal for over 300 apartments without adding parking spaces.
I will advocate for the citizens to have a voice and a choice.
How Do You Plan to Keep Jupiter’s Small-Town Charm While Supporting Responsible Growth?
Stop allowing code and zoning changes that reduce the quality of life for current property owners. Ensure that building and traffic impact studies are up-to-date and that decisions are data-driven. Require more art in public places and preserve green spaces.
What’s One Local Issue That Residents Talk to You About the Most, and What’s Your Stance on It?
The decision of the mayor and two Council members to end the services of Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) without a vote by the residents and with a vacancy on the council. No public forums or public outreach and no financial plan were presented.
On August 3, 2023, one Council member quit, and the Mayor took that opportunity to direct the Town Manager to budget for the creation of Jupiter Fire Department. In July 2023, an agenda item presented a signed 10-year agreement with PBCFR, so members of the public reading the agenda expected approval. Instead, this decision led to public outcry. Over 5,000 verified voters participated in a survey, and dozens spoke at Council meetings opposing the decision.
I am considered a subject matter expert on public safety budgeting and fire assessment funding. I have presented public comments on the 2022 consultant’s financial estimates, which are outdated. I have provided data-driven facts on actual costs and proven that the Town’s stated savings are grossly inaccurate.
At this point, I want to ensure that our Fire Rescue workers receive competitive salaries, updated equipment, and fair schedules so they can continue living, working, and enjoying Jupiter as their home.
If You Had to Explain Your Vision for Jupiter in a Single Sentence, What Would It Be?
The Town of Jupiter will continue to provide the quality and level of services that citizens have come to enjoy as they live, work, and enjoy our unique coastal town.
How Do You Plan to Engage and Communicate With Residents to Ensure Their Voices Are Heard?
By finding new ways to include residents and community partners that bring new voices to the table:
- Advocate to bring back Zoom availability for citizen and public comments at Council meetings.
- Advocate for focus group meetings over Zoom to reach residents who may not engage on social media or attend Council meetings.
- Create a “Budget Talk” hotline and hold community budget meetings early in the process to help the public understand how their tax dollars are spent and to gain input on prioritizing capital projects.
- Advocate for citizen and public comments to be accurately reflected, not just selectively recorded by the Town.
What’s a Fun Fact About You That People Might Not Know?
I am full-blooded Italian born in America, and I am a super Elvis fan.
