"How I Got Here..." 

Initially I was elected to the City Commission in March 2001 and served until March 2003.

In 2009, I was encouraged to “come out of retirement” to serve the city again as popular Commissioner Retha Lowe had decided to retire.

With the endorsement of Commissioner Lowe and widespread community support, I was again elected to the City Commission in November 2009, earning around 65% of the vote.

I believe we cannot realistically achieve economic stability or service enhancements without increasing and diversifying the City’s tax base, with special emphasis placed on attracting new business, jobs and responsible home owners.  

 Some of my solutions to consider:

Utilities are a very complicated dimension of our City, and our history shows it is inefficient for Lake Worth to effectively operate power and water utilities, therefore we must:

• Assess the fair market value of our electric system and explore options for the future;

• Retain absolute control of our water needs;

• Attract the best trained professionals to operate more cost effective electric and water enterprises.

Code Enforcement: 

As the third leg of the public safety “stool”, public safety has become compromised by budget driven downsizing in this area.  My recommendations are to:

• Reinstate displaced code inspectors and have the City Manager provide a clear, defined, measurable plan utilizing Code Enforcement as the tool to fight blighted neighborhoods, reduce overcrowding and crime, and stabilize and improve property values;

• Partner with Palm Beach Sheriff Office and Palm Beach Fire Rescue to re-introduce the Community Action Team (C..A.T.).

Citizen Involvement / Volunteerism: 

There is no shortage of talented residents available to assist the City... I believe it is time to ask for help from our citizens, and that we take the time to listen…

• 2013 Centennial Celebration
• Asset and Accounts Receivable Recovery
• Budget Review and Analysis
• Building and Permitting Best Practices Research and Review
• Code Enforcement
• Community Marketing and Rebranding
• Community / Area Services Information Facilitation
• Economic Development / Business Services
• H.E.R.O. (Homeowner / Emergency / Rehabilitation / Ordinance)
• Intergovernmental Liaisons to neighboring cities and county government
• Landlord Education and  Services
• Operation: Home Ownership
• Senior Programs and  Services
• Utilities: Conservation Best Practices Research and Review
• Utility Billing Dispute Resolution
• Utility Operations and Systems Review

Our Tax Base: 

• Assemble citizen committee to review current and future budget documents to provide the City Commission with independent monthly review and reporting of City expenditures to budget;

• Partner with residents, Chamber of Commerce, Community Redevelopment Agency, public safety providers and others to craft a specific, measurable and timely plan to:

• Stabilize and  expand the existing business community;

• Aggressively attract new business to the downtown and  Park of Commerce areas;

• Aggressively encourage new home ownership.

City Hall/Administration: Adopt a written policy that provides specific measures of:

• Streamlining permitting and licensing processes for residents, businesses, and landlords;

• Providing excellent customer service our City residents and visitors.

The Rebranding of Lake Worth: 

I believe our City has suffered long enough as the place that some folks and business choose to avoid!

Lake Worth will celebrate its 100^th anniversary in a few years, and I believe that by addressing the five issues above in a logical and thoughtful way.

Lake Worth has the opportunity to positively “Rebrand” itself  for its second 100 years. 

This effort will be a tall task, however, I believe the economic and political climate may be just about right to position civic and business leaders in a way to positively impact Lake Worth’s future. 

I am honored and humbled to help lead the charge for these exciting opportunities to stabilize our community for a sustainable future.

My Personal Information:

My father was career military and consequently I had the opportunity to live throughout the U.S. as a youth and teenager.

I consider the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area as my original "home town"

In 1983 I was transferred to Palm Beach County...met my wonderful wife Paula in 1984 and was married in 1988.  Our son Scott is currently a college student with an interest in business upon graduation.

Rounding out my family are two beautiful cocker spaniels, Champ and Brandi.

My Political Experience:

I began serving Lake Worth in 2000 as a member of the Code Enforcement Board and was quickly elevated to the position of Chairman until my mandated resignation to run for the City Commission in 2001.

In March 2001,  I won election to the Lake Worth City Commission representing the southwest section of Lake Worth

During this term, I worked hard to strengthen code enforcement, increase the number of neighborhood associations, reduce the cost of living in Lake Worth and provide a true voice for the needs and concerns of all City residents.

My Civic Involvement: Past & Present

• Board of Directors - Palm Beach County League of Cities 2010 to present 

• City Commissioner 2009 to present 

• City Commissioner 2001 – 2003 City of Lake Worth, Florida

• Chairman - Code Enforcement Board 2000 – 2001 City of Lake Worth, Florida

• Code Enforcement Ad-Hoc Committee 2001 City of Lake Worth, Florida

• Advisory Board / Sacred Heart Catholic School / Church 1997 – present  Lake Worth

• Chairman - Tuition Assistance Committee

• Chairman - Marketing / Public Relations Committee

• Chairman - Stewardship Program

• Capital Campaign Committee / 5 Million Dollar Goal

• Kiwanis International 

• Mentor - Hosts Program - Northgrade Elementary School

My Additional Volunteer Projects: (Partial Listing)

• Lake Worth Street Painting Festival

• Hispanic Fest: Benefiting Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce

• Caribbean Carnival: Benefiting Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce

• Palm Beach County Firefighters Chili Cook-Off: Benefiting M.D.A.

• Lake Worth Christmas Parade: Benefiting area needy children

• Tropical Triathlon: Benefiting City of Lake Worth

• Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament: Benefiting Lake Worth Chamber of Commerce

• "MEGA EVENT": Benefiting Sacred Heart Catholic School

My Education:

I graduated from High School in 1976 and attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio.

I have also successfully completed several courses related to municipal government management and attained the certification for all three levels of Code Cnforcement training offered by the Florida Association of Code Enforcement (F.A.C.E.).

Have Questions or Comments?

I believe that the best ideas for providing solutions to opportunities come about as the result of having everyone participate in the processes of analysis and communication.

Please know that I truly encourage, welcome and value your questions and comments and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Share your thoughts by using our Contact Scott page.

Thank You!