Palm Beach maintains a respect for tradition, with its 113th annual election caucus taking place this Tuesday. The event hosts the nominations for individuals running for mayor and Town Council, with already four contestants stepped up to be on the ballot. The nominees have until the end of Wednesday to finalize their candidacy, indicating they are ready to serve the town. The election caucus, a signature event in the life of the community, is set for 3:30 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers at Town Hall, 360 S. County Road.
The results of this election will shape the community in profound ways as the town’s general election is targeted for March 11. One significant person in the mix is the incumbent Mayor, Danielle Moore, who bravely announced her decision to run again last November. She shares this determination with fellow council members Julie Araskog and Ted Cooney, who are both vying again for the Group 1 and 2 seats respectively. However, newcomer Dave Brooker has entered the race, eyeing the Group 1 position.
Moore currently sits on the throne of her second term and brings six years of council experience to the table. Curiously, she doesn’t feel she’s done enough, stating she hasn’t ‘finished the job that I was elected to do.’ Yet, it remains to be seen whether her previous record will resonate with the voters this time around, or if they will opt for a fresh perspective.
Citizen concerns such as the negotiation of a new water contract, traffic congestion, and the review of zoning codes are the matters she wishes to address should she retain her office. But can she deliver, or like other politicians, will these promises simply vanish in the political swirl? ‘We still have so many issues coming,’ she stated, indicating at a vague future without a clear plan of action.
A lifelong resident of Palm Beach, Moore began her service in the Recreation Advisory Commission from 1994 to 1996. She was again appointed in 2007 and served till 2011. While she might boast about her decades of service and provide a sense of stability, critics might argue change is necessary to bring a new dynamism to the community.
She ascended to her council position first in 2015, getting reelected without opposition in 2017 and 2019, which suggests her popularity. But the question remains: Can she maintain this momentum, or is the time ripe for a new vision and leadership? Now in 2021, she’s taken over from Mayor Gail Coniglio. Some might say she’s become too comfortable in her role.
Palm Beach native, Cooney, with a firm grip on the current council positions, is pushing for a third term on the council. His first election victory came in 2021, and he retained his seat in 2023, unopposed. Today, as chair of the Public Safety committee and member of its Public Works committee, he holds significant influence within the council.
Cooney spoke on pressing matters facing the community, such as traffic and building pressures. He recognized that the residents’ quality of life had a downward curve. But his statements served more as acknowledgments rather than concrete plans. Indeed, a major question follows: Are words enough, or do voters demand actions?
Currently, Moore and Cooney face no opposition. It seems the political field in Palm Beach lacks diversity and choice, further strengthening the case for new blood. Another central figure in the upcoming election is Araskog, an attorney seeking her fifth term on the council. A fixed figure in politics, one can’t help but wonder, is it wise to stick with the familiar, or is it time for a change?
Araskog, also the chairperson of town’s Ordinances, Rules & Standards Committee, positions herself as a champion for the residents, vowing to maintain their unique quality of life and small-town charm. A promise heard far too regularly, it would be interesting to witness if she can actually deliver this time around.
Re-elected in the years 2019, 2021, and 2023 respectively, Araskog claims importance on resident input on town decisions. However, concerns remain about how well she integrates these inputs into her decision-making process, underlining the ever-present disconnect between words and deeds in politics.
This upcoming municipal general election in 2025 stands as a time of choice for the residents of Palm Beach. The responsibility lies entirely on the voters’ shoulders to decide the future of their community. A critical factor to remember is the runoff election scheduled for March 28, 2025, should it be necessary.
Each term is two years, which means voters must be strategic and thoughtful about their decisions. Electing officials is not just about choosing a personality but embracing the policies that will govern the community. Indeed, the next few months will witness several political tugs of war as Palm Beach prepares for the future.
The narrative is clear: Palm Beach, entrusted in the hands of a few familiar individuals, stands on the threshold of significant changes. Will voters opt for the tried-and-tested or venture for fresh faces and ideas? Only the impending elections will reveal.