The City of Pahokee held elections to fill two seats on the City Commission within the last 3 weeks which included a general election followed by a run-off election for both seats. The Unofficial Results of the April 2 Run-off:

 

Group 1:

• Monique Gordon, 46.53%, 235 votes

• Everett D. McPherson Sr, 53.47%, 270 votes

Total votes: 505 votes

 

Group 2:

• Sanquetta Cowan-Williams, 63.03%, 329 votes

• Sara Perez, 36.97%, 193 votes

Total votes: 522 votes

 

As soon as Gonzalez lost his seat on March 19, he began pointing out Perez’s wrongdoing and actions. While some of us already knew about Perez’s behavior, we should not make a saint out of Gonzalez as he was a party to Perez’s actions whether directly or indirectly. We must not forget he worked in unison with Bohlen and Perez. He should have brought Perez’s Sunshine Law violations and actions to the public in real time in City meetings. Gonzalez failed in his public oath to protect and defend the city’s charter. There was not one substantial achievement by the previous majority of Bohlen, Perez, Gonzalez. At many instances, both in words and actions, we witnessed Gonzalez and Perez work to undermine the city, its projects, its staff, and the community’s trust in their local government.

 

I stood in the Pahokee Commission Chamber in March 2022 to ask for that month’s election to bring a reset to the city. Under the new Commission make up, we have seen tangible results, project completions, and an annual audit completed. I have never attacked Gonzalez and Perez personally. I have only reacted to their words, actions, votes.

 

Based on the results of the March 19 and the subsequent April 2 Run-off votes, Pahokee has envisioned a new path forward. We used to use the tag of Progress Pahokee. Today, we begin the Pahokee Rising chapter. Welcome to the 2 new Commission members. I look forward to having elected officials not working against the city, the administration, and the community from their dais positions. I as always will hold all Commissioners to the same public scrutiny standard.

 

Perez and Gonzalez have shown a consistent pattern of being unfit to lead, serve, and be stewards of the public trust. I am happy to count them along with Bohlen as one term public officials. March 19 and April 2 were their report cards, and they earned their rightful grade of F. Perez’s words, actions, and votes finally caught up with her on April 2. The voters could only be fooled for so long.

 

To the Hispanic-Latino community, I say I hope in the future, you will put capable, strong, and forward-thinking persons on the City Commission. I also would like to thank all of the candidates that ran against the incumbents. You did a great job and I look forward to your future runs for Pahokee Commission.

 

I again call for a renewed spirit of unity to address Pahokee’s needs and future prosperity. Let us begin #PahokeeRising.