In the Village of Palmetto Bay elections, John DuBois was re-elected vice mayor and political newcomer David Singer was elected the council member for Seat 2.
Singer was elected by residents on Nov. 8, gaining 59 percent of the vote compared to incumbent Councilmember Tim Schaffer’s 40 percent.
In the three-way race for vice mayor the incumbent John DuBois got 41 percent of the vote, newcomer Erica Watts received 36 percent and David Zisman got 22 percent, sending DuBois and Watts into a runoff election on Nov. 22, following an intense and often contentious campaign.
DuBois handily won the runoff with 58 percent of the vote in an election in which only 21 percent of the village’s 17,045 registered voters cast ballots.
The returning vice mayor was pleased by the show of support and responded to our interview question about his victory.
“This election was about the residents of our village who saw danger on the horizon and cast their votes to stop it before it was too late,” DuBois said. “They spoke loudly against Mayor [Eugene] Flinn, developers, special interests, lobbyists, and their plans for overdevelopment of Palmetto Bay. I am thrilled with the results and look forward to continue working together with my colleagues and residents of Palmetto Bay to keep our village the enviable place it has always been.”
David Singer could not be reached for comment in time for our deadline, but in an email message to voters following the election he expressed similar sentiments of gratitude and a pledge to serve the community well.
“I am honored and humbled to have been elected to Palmetto Bay Council Seat Two, yesterday,” Singer emailed on Nov. 9. “I would like to thank all my supporters, volunteers, family and friends for the effort you put forth in my campaign.
“I can only hope that I will live up to expectations and continue to serve as an advocate for the residents of Palmetto Bay who truly are concerned with the direction this village (our home) is heading. You have my sincere promise that I will always listen to your opinions and vote to keep our village’s quality of life headed in a positive direction.”
Both men were elected to four-year terms.
On the Charter Amendment questions, voters said “no” by 61 to 38 percent on the issue of Powers of the Manager; “yes” by 63 to 36 percent on the question of Appointment and Removal of Charter Officers and Auditors; “yes” by 65 to 34 percent on the question of Interference with Administration (correcting confusing language); “yes” by 53 to 46 percent on the issue of Nonpartisan Campaigning, and “no” by 50 to 49 percent on the question of annexation of an area west of the current village boundary between SW 160th Street on the north, and SW 184th Street on the south.
