Because strong, proven, professional leadership is what is needed at this pivital time in the Village of Palmetto Bay, the Palmetto Bay News endorses John DuBois in his run for re-election as Vice Mayor.
While we may not agree with Mr. DuBois on all the issues, we believe he has been a stabilizing force on the Village Council and should remain in his seat to continue his work. John is well versed and experienced in government finance, he is not afraid to make unpopular decisions to protect quality of life in the village, and he demonstrates great integrity – and loyalty – to friends, supporters, and the residents of Palmetto Bay.
As the incumbent candidate, John was first elected to this seat in November 2012. He is a businessman, civic leader, and philanthropist who has spent his entire career in the telecommunications industry. He presently serves as president and CEO of Eyecast, a cloud-based video surveillance company he founded in 2008.
John’s business acumen clearly defines his style as Vice Mayor. Often first on the dais to call out overspending and waste, time and again he has proven to be an outstanding steward of the tax payer dollar. He has well established working relationships with local, state, and federal officials. He has also been responsible for securing hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant funding for village initiatives and services.
Property development along Old Cutler Road, and the inevitable impact on traffic, has been a major concern in this election. John also has taken a public position against future up-zoning of the 69-acre FPL property near the north end of Old Cutler. While he has long been a proponent of smart growth, on this issue John has taken a decisive and consistent stand to protect quality of life for village residents.
He is also unwavering in his support of people in need, as demonstrated by his service as a board member with Camillus House, the largest service provider to the homeless in Miami.
We are well aware John made a decision in early 2015 that may be perceived as risky for a politician – but he does what he believes is right and to this day stands by his decision to support his friends Stanley and Miriam Kowlesar. His generosity of spirit was clearly at the core of his controversial decision to offer assistance to their son, an Iraq War veteran. There is something to be said about committing support for a neighbor and friend in a time of need – it’s called integrity.
John’s opponent in the runoff election, Erica Watts, is a good candidate who ran a solid campaign. Ms. Watts has several qualities that are beneficial for a first-time candidate. However, we believe it is particularly important at this time to have experience in the Vice Mayor’s seat.
John Dubois is experienced, professional, resourceful, and dedicated.
While some may say, “if it aint broke, don’t fix it.” We say, if it’s the right candidate at the right time – don’t change it.
The Village of Palmetto Bay will be well served by allowing John DuBois to continue in his role as Vice Mayor and we wholeheartedly endorse him.
In-person voting in the vice mayoral runoff election in Palmetto Bay takes place Tuesday, Nov. 22 from 7am to 7pm. Please visit Following is a list polling locations. If voting by mail, vote-by-mail ballots must be requested by 5pm, Nov. 16. Please visit the Palmetto Bay website for complete details regarding mail-in options at www.palmettobay-fl.gov. You may also call the Palmetto Bay Village Clerk at 305-259-1234.
Precincts for Palmetto Bay Run-Off Election, Nov. 22
- Coral Reef Park 7895 SW 152 St Palmetto Bay 33157
- Howard Drive Elementary School 7750 SW 136 St Miami 33156
- St. Andrews Episcopal Church 14260 Old Cutler Rd Palmetto Bay 33158
- Christ Congregational Church 14920 SW 67 Ave Palmetto Bay 33158
- St. Richard Parish Center 7500 SW 152 St Palmetto Bay 33157
- Marlin Moore Post #133 16401 SW 90 Ave Palmetto Bay 33157
- Perrine-Peters UTD Methodist Church 18301 S Dixie Hwy Palmetto Bay 33157
- Edward & Arlene Feller Community Room 17641 Old Cutler Road Palmetto Bay 33157
- Southwood Middle School 16301 SW 80 Ave Palmetto Bay 33157
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