In June we began to ask candidates to fill out questionnaires to help you understand your choices on the ballot.
The following candidate responses were not edited.
Our editorial board planned to interview candidates in September for races that would be decided in the Nov. 8 election. It interviewed candidates earlier this year for the August primary.
KEY LINKS:
The lspantest election news from TCPspanlm: TCPspanlm.com/elections
TCPspanlm’s list of cspanndidspantes running for office this fspanll
Who is running in St. Lucie County this fspanll?
St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections website
Fort Pierce Commission, District 2, Seat 4
Video:2022 Editorispanl Bospanrd interview
2022 Editorispanl Bospanrd recommendspantion (general)
2022 Editorispanl Bospanrd recommendspantion (primary)
Michael Broderick
Age: 62
Educational background: New Hampshire College
Current occupation and work history:
Business owner since 1994 of Trident Properties Management located at 1221 Delaware Ave. Ft. Pierce. The company specializes in commercial real estate acquisition, renovation, leasing and property management of commercial real estate. Our company principally buys and holds its assets.
Business owner since 2010 of Anytime Fitness Of Ft. Pierce located at 701 Orange Ave. Ft. Pierce. We employ approximately 12 people locally.
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Chairman of the City Of Ft. Pierce Parking Committee since inception
Vice Chairman of the City Of Ft. Pierce Planning Board approximately 5 years
Board member City Of Ft. Pierce Historical Preservation Board 7 years recently retired from that position
Board member South Beach Association 2 years
Why are you running for office?
The City Of Ft. Pierce is going through an extensive growth curve. I believe the City deserves smart well planned growth. The relocation of the waste water treatment is a top priority and I want to see that project brought to fruition. A downtown master plan incorporating continued growth and increasing parking capacity is needed to be put in place as soon as possible. The Lincoln Park area with the addition of the Highwaymen museum and the renovation of the Lincoln theater are both projects that need to be brought to reality to spur additional business growth in that area.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
Stabilize Planning and Growth. Work to provide an overall growth plan for the the City Of Ft. Pierce inclusive of a downtown master plan, continue to generate additional industrial growth in the I-95 and Turnpike corridors, residential growth of affordable housing throughout the city.
Keep on track the relocation of the waste water treatment plant.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
I believe my 40 year business career and extensive volunteer work in City Of Ft. Pierce government separates me from the other candidates. City government needs to be run with the assist of persons with experience outside of government, from the private sector. I believe I am the best qualified to bring that experience to the discussion.
In addition my many years of volunteer service to the City Of Ft. Pierce provides me a unique working relationship with the current Mayor and Commissioners in addition to my regular interactions with city staff in multiple departments within the city.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: I have never filed for bankruptcy.
Link to campaign website or social media page: https://www.fspancebook.com/MikeBroderickForCommissioner
James Clasby
Age: 33
Educational background:
Masters Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science
Current occupation and work history:
7th Grade Civics Teacher at Dan McCarty Middle School
Previous Employment:
CRA Project Manager, Martin County
Development Project Manager, Redtail Design Group
Facilities Project Manager, St Lucie County
Construction Project Manager, Paradise Homes Group
Volunteer and civic engagement:
St Anastasia Catholic Church Media Ministry
Fort Pierce South Beach Association Board of Directors
St Lucie County Planning & Zoning Commissioner (At-Large)
St Lucie County TPO Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee
St Lucie County Citizens Budget Committee
St Lucie County Concerned Citizens (Facebook Group) facebook.com/groups/StLucieCCC
James Clasby for Fort Pierce City Commission (4.4k Followers Facebook Page) facebook.com/JDClasby
St Lucie County Intern for Commissioner Chris Craft, the Office of Managment and Budget and Planning and Development Services
Why are you running for office?
I know Fort Pierce needs educated, knowledgeable, and experienced leadership on the dais in City Hall. The biggest challenges we are going to face as a city in the coming years will be managing growth. As new development applications come before the City Commission it will become increasingly important for us to have elected representatives who can read and interpret construction proposals, site plans, and developer agreements to negotiate the best deals for our city. With nearly a decade of project management experience in both the public and private sectors and a master’s degree in public administration, I am uniquely qualified to fill the shoes of the retiring commissioner Tom Perona. Before I filed to run, I met with Commissioner Perona and he encouraged me to file my paperwork to run as soon as possible. I have been involved in local government issues my entire adult life and I believe this is the right time for me to step up and represent my hometown.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
My top priority in my first year as a City Commissioner will be to provide strategic budget improvements. These improvements include providing relief to taxpayers as property values increase, prioritizing neighborhood roadway and infrastructure projects, and actively working to increase public input throughout the year. These strategic budget improvements can be accomplished by lowering the millage rate as property values increase, controlling wasteful spending in the budget year-round, and by making sure that new neighborhood road projects are being proposed, funded, and moving forward on schedule. I will work to increase public involvement in the public policy process by utilizing social media, email newsletters, holding regular open office hours, and by hosting my own informal town-hall meetings.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
I am a fifth-generation resident of Fort Pierce, this is my hometown. That along with my education, experience, and local relationships distinguish me from my opponents in this race. The politics of local government have always been my passion. To better understand and participate in our local government process I earned my bachelor’s degree in Political Science and my master’s degree in Public Administration. I was appointed at-large to the Planning and Zoning Commission and was elected by my peers on that board to the position of Vice-Chairman. During my tenure on the P&Z from 2014 to 2018, I helped lead the charge for the approval of items like allowing Craft Brewery Tasting Rooms and opposed items like the rezoning of 20 acres of ocean front residential property on South Beach for the construction of a rehab facility. I was featured on the front page of the newspaper in 2011 for my efforts in stopping the county from banning the consumption of alcohol at the cove. I have worked as a project manager in both the public and private sectors. Meaning, I have gone through the development review process from the prospective of the applicant, staff, and as an appointed official. Over the years, I have developed many strong relationships in our community, and I enjoy a great deal of bi-partisan support in this non-partisan race. I have received the support and endorsement from many of the elected officials in our area such as: State Representative Dana Trabulsy, Sheriff Ken Mascara, Commissioner Sean Mitchell, and Councilman Anthony Bonna. I am ready to lead Fort Pierce into the future.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://JspanmesClspansby.com
Port St. Lucie City Council, District 3
Editorispanl Bospanrd recommendspantion
2021 Editorispanl Bospanrd recommendspantion
2018 Editorispanl Bospanrd recommendspantion
Fritz Masson Alexandre
Age: 59
Educational background:
PhD Student in Psychology Health Psychology Walden University, Master in Public Health (MPH) Epidemiology Walden University, Bachelor of Science (BSHA) University of Phoenix, Associates Science Nursing (ASN-RN) Victoria
Current occupation and work history:
Certified Chiropractor Physician Assistant
GTD Medical & Rehabilitation Center, West Palm Beach and Naples Florida
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Volunteer in different activities organized by Treasure Coast Cultural Festival (TCCF)
Participated in various democratic Party events.
Why are you running for office?
I am running for office because I am a Candidate who believes in making progress and I really feel that someone else with value must continue to fulfill this positive change. In addition, I decided to run for Port St. Lucie City Council because I would like to do more to help Port Saint Lucie to go forward, I would like Port Saint Lucie to come together as a community. I would like to see some positive change and collaboration; we can accomplish so much more in Port Saint Lucie if we can work together and form positive relationship. I am running because I am the voice of the community, and also bringing diversity to our city.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
When I get elected for City Council of Port Saint Lucie, my top priorities for improving the lives of the residents will be:
Increasing support for public safety, bringing more jobs to the community, and giving tax cuts to small businesses.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
focusing on what you have to win the election.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain.
No, I have not filed for bankruptcy.
Anthony Bonna
Age: 35
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science in Finance from Georgetown University
Current occupation and work history:
Current
Port St. Lucie City Councilman, District 3
GlobalED Foundation, Vice President of Sales
Partnership Realty, Real Estate Sales Associate
Owner of The Good Help Group, LLC marketing company since 2011
Past
St. Lucie County Commissioner, District 2 in 2018
Hudson Global Scholars, Director of Partner Development
Stoneridge Group, LLC, Director of Advertising/Digital Strategy
Harris Media, LLC, Florida Statewide Director
State of Florida, Financial Analyst, Legislative Affairs Director, Research
Field Staff/Campaign Worker for various political campaigns
As a teenager, I was a paid intern for Oxbow Eco-Center, the St. Lucie County Finance Department, and the St. Lucie County Office of Management and Budget.
My first job was a Summer Camp Counselor at Tanah Keeta Scout Reservation.
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Current
St. Lucie County Education Foundation, Board Member, Vice Chairman (Past Treasurer)
Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties, Board Member
Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree Member
Port St. Lucie Rotary Club, Member, Past Secretary
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church — Parish Council
St. Anastasia Catholic Church — Lector, Passion Play
St. Lucie County Landlord Association, Board Member
Georgetown University Alumni Association — Alumni Admissions Interviewer
Port St. Lucie Downtown Lions Club, Member
City Appointments:
Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council
St. Lucie County Homelessness Task Force
St. Lucie County Opioid Funding Advisory Board
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee
Past:
Eagle Scout
St. Anastasia Catholic Church Prison Ministry
Leadership St. Lucie, Class 34 Valedictorian
PSL Speakers (Toastmasters)
St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, Board Member
Leadership Martin County, Class 27
Public Safety Coordinating Council, Chairman
Why are you running for office?
I’m running for council because I love Port St. Lucie and I want to make it by lowering taxes and fees as much as possible, encouraging economic development, and investing in our roads, public safety and quality of life. I feel called to lead and believe I am well-equipped to lead our city into the future.
My family moved to our community in 1990 and I have considered District 3 “home” for 31 years. I attended Windmill Point Elementary, St. Lucie West Middle, and Centennial High School. I played baseball at Whispering Pines Park and became an Eagle Scout with Troop 445 at the Disabled American Veterans’ Hall. After high school, local community members came together to help me reach my goal of graduating from college, which I did in 2009 from Georgetown University.
Serving as councilman is an incredible opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain.
My top priority in my first year in office will be ensuring Port St. Lucie remains the best place in the country to live, do business, and raise a family. In order to accomplish this, I will focus on several areas, including:
Traffic: We cannot allow Port St. Lucie to experience the traffic nightmares of Fort Lauderdale or Miami. We must smartly plan our growth, invest in our roads, and ensure developer-paid fees are spent here in Port St. Lucie, not disproportionately north of Midway Road. We made significant progress on this last point by negotiating a new agreement with the county for their road impact fees, securing millions of additional dollars for roads in our city.
Property Taxes: St. Lucie County has one of the highest property tax rates in the state. I pledge to vote to continue lowering the city’s property tax rate.
Public Safety: Port St. Lucie is the safest large city in Florida and we must keep it that way. I pledge to vote to give our police officers the resources and training they need to protect our community.
Economic Opportunity: We must continue to attract high-quality companies to our city, so there are high-wage jobs for our existing residents and so our young people can remain here or return home like I did to build their families and careers.
Accessibility: This is our community. I will be available to all our citizens for your input on Port St. Lucie’s future. Call/Text me on my cell phone at 772-237-0984 or email [email protected].
Solid Waste: I did not list this at the top of my priorities since well before the beginning of the term, this issue will be resolved. While monitoring service will always be a priority, our residents will soon receive efficient and reliable service as a result of the emergency RFP process and the transition to our new hauler, FCC, in September of 2022. In the interim, I am continuing to work to ensure the city does everything we can to fill in Waste Pro’s gaps in service. I am personally following up on behalf of residents, advocating for a more immediate credit on the tax bill for poor service this past year, and supporting our city legal team’s longer-term efforts to recover every taxpayer dollar we can in court so we can return even more money to residents in the future.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
1. Experience: I have served our community as an appointed St. Lucie County Commissioner in 2018 and an elected Port St. Lucie City Councilman since December 2021. I am the only candidate who has held an elective office and fought to lower taxes and grow responsibly. I am the only candidate with experience participating in an entire government budget process from start to finish, negotiations with unions, and an RFQ process.
2. Endorsements: I have strong support from key community leaders and organizations in our community. You can find an updated list of my supporters here: https://anthonybonna.com/endorsements/
3. Accessibility: I give all residents my cell phone number – 772-237-0984. My work is home-based and I set my appointments. I have the time, commitment, and flexibility it takes to be available for our residents and businesses… to be available for you. Call or text me with questions, if I can ever help you, or if you want to join our campaign.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No.
Link to campaign website or social media page: https://spannthonybonnspan.com/
St. Lucie County Commission, District 2
Video: Editorispanl Bospanrd interview
2018 Editorial Board recommendation
Larry Leet
Age: 64
City of residence: Port Saint Lucie
Political party: Republican
Educational background:
1 year of college
Current occupation and work history:
Self employed – CEO Able American Jets – Broker Associate Lang Realty
Volunteer and civic engagement:
REC – Republican Executive Committee
Why are you running for office?
Lower property taxes – Manage growth – Support local businesses – Support local law enforcement & first responders – Keep St Lucie County a paradise for generations to come
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:
Affordable Housing: I will focus on keeping St. Lucie County affordable by cutting taxes
without cutting services and by working with State Representatives to lower insurance costs. I
would also look at any “Fat” in the budget that could assist in lowing property taxes without sacrificing services. I would like to create a call center to help the homeless or soon-to-be homeless that will direct them to a non-profit that can assist, similar to the CSC (Children Services Council). This could possibly be blended with the CSC or another established entity to keep the expenses zero or minimal.
What distinguishes you from your opponent in this race?
I believe in limited Government which results in lower taxes and more freedom. I believe in personal responsibility, not forced government shutdowns and mask mandates. I believe in supporting our local businesses while balancing the “targeted businesses”. I have spoken to many local businesses that feel “forgotten” because the county is too focused on the larger “targeted” corporations. I will work with our city commissioners to bridge our differences with the focus of keepin St. Luice County a paradise. I beleive in keeping St. Lucie County a paradise, not the concrete jungle of our southern neighbors. I believe in the Republican values of, personal responsiblity, limited government, lower taxes, and more freedom, not redistribution of wealth.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain. No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.lspanrryleet.com
Sean Mitchell
Age: 63 (turns 64 prior to election)
City of residence: Port St. Lucie
Political party: Democrat
Educational background:
Raritan High School, Brookdale Community College, Ironworkers Apprenticeship program
Current occupation and work history:
Chairman of the St. Lucie Board of County Commission, 4 years
Volunteer and civic engagement:
PSLAA assistant basketball coach
ARC of St. Lucie County
Former member of Planning Board SLC
Former member SLC Contracting board
Career Source of Treasure Coast
Why are you running for office?
When I ran four years ago, I made a commitment to help create jobs that turn into careers and we as a county have had a lot of success. I would like to continue on that path along with lowering our taxes when we can and while keeping the community safe thru law enforcement and public safety investments. That being said, I will continue to advocate for the very important issues of lower taxes, public safety and protecting the environment. It has always been about the people. That’s why I believe in people over politics.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:
If I m fortunate to be reelected, my fifth year in office I would advocate for workforce housing with public or private partnerships. Having an affordable place to live for middle class workers is paramount for continued success in the county. Workforce housing is becoming a lost reality in St. Lucie County. A few years back, over 80% of our residents left the county to go to work, which means tax dollars are more prone to leave the area. We now stand at 60% of our residents leaving the county to go to work. We need to keep pushing that number lower. We could collaborate more with private and public partnerships so our residents can afford to work, play, and live here.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
I can only speak for myself, but in my experience being a County Commissioner for the previous 4 years, I have learned first hand the needs and wants in our community. The people have told me they prioritize the safety of their family, growth and development, housing needs, transit options, and other elements that create a thriving community.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: no
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.reelectsespannmitchell.com
St. Lucie County Commission, District 4
Video: Editorispanl Bospanrd interview
Jamie Lee Fowler
Age: 40
City of residence: Port St. Lucie
Political party: Republican
Educational background:
High School, Some College
Current occupation and work history:
I am currently the Operations & Community Outreach Manager for Tri-County Enterprises and oversee Tri-County Automotive & Towing, Tri-County Farms, Tri-County Waste & Recycling, Tri-County Realty Holdings, and Colten James Leasing.
When I started over 20 years ago only Tri-County Automotive & Towing existed; I worked my way through the ranks starting as a second shift dispatcher while holding a full-time job as an assistant body shop manager.
I have been instrumental in growing a small local business into the multi-million-dollar enterprise it is today by utilizing my in-depth knowledge of the transportation, construction, and insurance industries as well as my contract, project, and public safety experience.
When I started, Tri-County had 8 trucks and operated primarily in Fort Pierce; Today, we operate throughout the State of Florida, have three locations across two counties, 23 trucks, and over 30 employees for which I am responsible in addition to the 40,000-acre cattle lease and sister companies.
Volunteer and civic engagement:
I am currently a member of the:
* St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce
* Habitat for Humanity – Former 2022 Women’s Build Captain
* 2022 Young Floridian Judge
* Fort Pierce Women”s Club – through the Women’s Club I have volunteered with the Treasure Coast Food Bank, Surfers for Autism, and environmental cleanups.
*Coordinate all charitable donations, contributions, and sponsorships for Tri-County
Why are you running for office?
St. Lucie County has had a place in my heart since I first moved here in the second grade. I moved around a lot growing up but settled back in St. Lucie County after finishing high school at the age of 17. I am so passionate about this community that I have been blessed to call home for the past 23 years. Like you, I live here, work here, and play here and I want to protect our unique quality of life by putting government back into our hands. I want to be our voice, the voice of the community, and the voice of common sense.
We need a leader with fresh perspectives, who will promote policies that foster economic growth and alleviate the middle-class squeeze.
I know that with my business experience, civic engagement, and long history in the community that with your vote I can fight for our values while bringing a new sense of fiscal conservatism, common sense, and accountability to our local government.
My promise to you is that I will work hard every day to make sure you know what your county commission does that affects you and your family.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:
The first year is all about learning the job and forming a solid foundation from which to build on. I intend on continuing to build relationships with residents, leaders in the community, staff, and fellow commissioners. In wanting to be “our voice” and putting government back into “our hands” I need to work on getting our community actively participating in local government in conjunction with improved transparency and assisting the small business community with process improvement is my top priority for the first year.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
What makes a good county commissioner? I don’t believe there is any one job title or skill set that prepares or enables an individual to be suited for the position but rather the right mix of personal fortitude coupled with faith, professional achievements, and life experiences. Commissioners are the key policymakers that oversee the operation and administration of the county which is exactly what a business manager does for a company. When you run a company, there isn’t a policy manual that gives you the answers but rather you have to use your experience, knowledge, and trust in yourself to find creative ways to resolve issues and handle speed bumps that come up along the way. I have been in a leadership position since my early twenties and am actively involved in my community through civic engagement and attend Revive Church. I believe that my drive, tenacity, problem solving skills, and energy will be an asset to the commission, staff and residents.
There are many things wrong with the way we govern today from where we place our priorities to issues of transparency, and I really want to make a difference and bring needed positive change.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.votejspanmiefowler.com
Helen Lurry
Age: 45
City of residence: Port Saint Lucie
Political party: Democrat
Educational background:
State University of New York at Albany, MA (Criminal Justice); Bethune-Cookman University, BS (Psychology), BS (Criminal Justice)
Current occupation and work history:
Current- Realtor
Former-Chair, Departments of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security at Keiser University
United States Pretrial & Probation Officer; Department of Children and Families Investigator and Case Manager and Employee of the Department of Juvenile Justice
Volunteer and civic engagement:
Volunteer with the Mustard Seed, Local food bank, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the St. Lucie County Public School District
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc.
Why are you running for office?
I am a former educator, criminal justice professional, wife, mother, and first generation American. I decided to run because I can bridge gaps between agencies, community members, and representatives in St. Lucie County. As an educator, I constantly reinforced the necessity of seeing the big picture, or not missing the forest for the trees. Too often, issues are tackled as though they exist in silos; the reality is that the issues that I believe are most pressing are intersectional. For example, if we are going to work on creating jobs and ensuring a living wage in St. Lucie County, we would be remiss to not consider how issues related to education, transportation, and the environment will, or should, affect our plans. My lived experiences allow me to relate to our community members, and I am committed to being a transparent representative that invites our community to collaborate and work with the Commission to make St. Lucie County an incredible place to live, work, and play for everyone.
What would be your top priority during your first year in office? Explain:
My primary focus as a County Commissioner will be working to help create a local government that works collaboratively to ensure our area grows responsibly and serves all members of our community. The challenges our area faces do not exist in isolation. We cannot expect to grow our job market without protecting our environment, improving our schools, enhancing our infrastructure, etc. In particular, the Commission must address issues related to wages/jobs and the environment. I see these issues as intricately linked. The port, for example, is an important development in St. Lucie County that could be affected adversely by our water conditions. We must work together to stem the environmental damage and preserve the life and beauty of the Indian River Lagoon for current and future generations — our lives and livelihoods depend on it.
What distinguishes you from your opponents in this race?
My parents came to this country with a dream of a better life for themselves and their children. I have been fortunate throughout my life to have a loving and supportive family, strong role models and mentors, and incredible opportunity — my story is the American Dream in which so many people continue to dare to believe. I work daily to empower those around me and to give back as much as I can to help others realize their own dream. I am proud to have touched the lives of many area residents through my work as an educator and former law enforcement officer, and I will work relentlessly for the citizens of St. Lucie County on the issues that matter most to them. St. Lucie County has many strengths, but none are stronger than our community. When we work together, we will accomplish great things.
Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? If yes, please explain: No.
Link to campaign website or social media page: http://www.helenlurry.com