The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board is endorsing candidates in a number of races in the Nov. 3 elections. What follows is the Post's endorsements for Florida House races in the county's three northern and central statehouse districts.
Whatever your choice, it's important to make your voice heard by early voting, voting by mail or by going to the polls on Nov. 3. For more details on different ways to vote, to confirm if you're registered, to know your voting precinct and/or to follow your vote, go to votepalmbeach.gov.
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No endorsement for State House 86
Florida's 86th House District encompasses a slither of northeast Palm Beach County. Republican state Rep. John Snyder is the incumbent, but, since he didn't participate
in the Post's endorsement process, there's not much we can say about him, much less recommend him for another term. Unfortunately, we didn't get a questionnaire from Democrat Elizabeth Pandich either. So, what's good for the gander applies to the goose ― no endorsement.
District voters and the public at large need to know the qualifications, backgrounds and priorities of the men and women running for the Florida Legislature. State government already plays a very large role in the life of Floridians, as do the work of state lawmakers, even if the voters don't directly see it. It's the lawmakers who set the budgetary priorities, hold state agencies and regulators accountable and initiate new services to address ongoing problems.
It would've been nice to know where these candidates stand on several pressing issues, and it might have happened if ... Chalk it up to either a missed opportunity, or just plain ghosting constituents who don't seem to matter.
Emily Gregory for House District 87
In what has become a rematch of an earlier special election, the Post recommends voters re-elect Democrat Emily Greagory over her Republican challenger, Jon Maples. She has competently stepped into the role of state representative, addressing several issues facing this coastal district. Voters should give her the chance at a full term.
The 87th House District stretches from Juno Beach south to Manalapan and includes the Florida home of President Donald Trump, who had endorsed Maples, a financial planner and former Lake Clarke Shores town councilman. Maples would be a solid Republican vote in Tallahassee had he won the race to fill the term of former state Rep. Mike Caruso. Now, instead of running for an open seat, Maples has the challenge of beating an opponent who's the "incumbent."
Gregory, a small business owner living in Jupiter, has already weighed in on two controversial issues: plans to make flight restrictions over Mar-a-Lago permanent and Amendment 3. If re-elected, she would work to address Florida's affordability crisis, and reverse policies that undermine public education, weaken consumer protections in insurance and preempt local governments from addressing local needs. Voters should give her that chance this November.
Jervonte 'Tae' Edmonds for House District 88
Four years ago, state Rep. Jervonte "Tae" Edmonds won election to the Florida House, using his business and nonprofit background to represent this central county district that runs from Lake Park to Haverhill, including portions of Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach. The Post urges voters re-elect Edmonds. He's done a competent job as a legislator.
Edmonds, 35, is the founder and CEO of CareerReady, formerly Suits for Seniors, a nonprofit that began by providing suits to high school seniors. He has used that experience with his nonprofit and the resulting community ties to build a solid record of accomplishment in the legislature. He has helped bring state funding back to the district for water plant projects in Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach, as well as funding for first responders and dental services for veterans. If re-elected, he work to address "affordability" issues, strengthen public schools and bolster local businesses.
Jackie Green is the Republican in the race. She did not participate in the Post's endorsement process.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Post recommends these candidates for Florida House Districts 87 and 88
