Local Election Candidates Begin Their Campaigns with “Kick-off Party”
Story and photos by: Caylin Hirapara
Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park Commission candidates, Erin Wright and Craig Ehrnst began their campaigns on Tuesday, July 26th with a party at the Dubliner in Mizner Park. In attendance were many of Boca’s political figures including Mayor Susan Haynie, Councilman Jeremy Rodgers, and City Councilman Robert Weinroth. Also making an appearance was Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections, Susan Bucher.
E
rin Wright is running for the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park Commission seat 3, while Craig Ehrnst is running for seat 1. The two have decided to campaign together as a type of “running mate”. They are running with the goal of improving the communication between the commission, the city, and the city council. “Both sides have been at odds for months, as evidenced by the inter-local contract dispute, budget disagreements, and park planning issues,” said Ehrnst.
The party was a casual affair, mostly a meet and greet with the candidates and their families. Ernst and Wright used the party as an opportunity to give away signs and have volunteers sign up to help with the campaign. The party showed the unity that the two are hoping to gain by being elected to the Beach and Park commissioner. More than one councilman attended in support of the candidates.
Both of the candidates families were in attendance, including both of their young children Earlier in the week Mr. Ehrnst told us that he is running for this position primarily because the parks in Boca are important to him and his children. He has become increasingly upset that Sugar Sand Park has been closed for too long. Saying, “In the life of my 8-year-old son, closing the best playground in the area for 18-24 months is unacceptable”.
This was the first campaign event for this election. The election for both seats on the Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park Commission will take place on August 30th. There are 2 other candidates in both elections.
