The Race Is On: Majhess Files To Run For Mayor

By: Linda Santacruz

On Tuesday, City Council member Anthony Majhess filed his intent to run against Deputy Mayor Susan Haynie in the race for the Boca Raton’s mayoral seat.

The current Mayor, Susan Whelchel, retains the office until March 2014 when term limitations occur. The election for Boca Raton Mayor will be held on March 11, 2014.

Majhess currently occupies Seat D in the Boca Raton City Council. But now he feels compelled to take on Haynie and her ideas for development.

“There are two visions for Boca Raton competing right now and Susan Haynie’s vision is one of high density development,” said Majhess. “I think the other vision is a more responsible development. Kind of along the lines of where the city’s grown over the last 85 years.”

The majority of the council, which includes his opponent, has been promoting developments based on transits which allow for greater density and less of a parking requirement. By having convenient stores closer to homes, there is a premise that people are going walk more or ride bicycles.

However, Majhess worries that this is going to create more traffic, parking problems and eventually turn Boca Raton into an urban hub.

“I don’t know if [people are] going to walk a quarter mile to lunch in the summertime in Boca Raton. You’re probably going to get in your car and drive,” said Majhess. “It’s just going to create a traffic nightmare.”

The other difference, according to Majhess, is that Haynie’s vision focuses on construction development as a way to appeal to business. The goal is to provide residential housing that will attract companies. But Majhess disagrees.

“I think we should just be focusing on attracting companies that want to relocate here and try to bring jobs,” Majhess said. “I think there’s a lot more to business development than building a high density apartment building.”

As part of what qualifies him, Majhess credits his background in business as an international sales manager. However he gives the most credit to just being a general member of the community for 17 years.

“Just from being a part of what’s been going on for the last 5 years here in the city, I think I have a pretty good handle on what the city can be doing,” Majhess said.

The Boca Raton Tribune will be talking with the opponent, Susan Haynie, next week.