Governor Charlie Christ's announcement that Steve Abrams will fill the County Commission seat vacated by Mary McCarty is welcome news. Steve has served honorably as Mayor of Boca Raton and will bring the same dignity to the County Commission. His comprehensive disclosure of financial benefits, which consisted primarily of attending charitable events in his elected capacity, highlights the thoroughness and ethical seriousness he brings to the position.

All four of Governor Christ's final choices, Susan Haynie, Jose Rodriguez, and Patrick Halperin were good candidates. While it would have been nice to see at least one Democratic on the list for this non-partisan position, overall Governor Christ made a good decision.

With the resignation of Commissioner Addie Greene effective the end of April, the Governor will have the opportunity to fill another seat on the County Commission. Hopefully this will be handled in the same efficient manner so that the County Commission can move forward.

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The news that Palm Beach County Commissioner Mary McCarty has resigned and will probably face a jail term is disheartening at best. Ms. McCarty is the fifth politician in Palm Beach County to resign in disgrace in three years. Her removal raises the question of how widespread is corruption in Palm Beach County and does power corrupt?

There are jokes that the Commission can now have a quorum in jail. Rumors are circulating that the investigation is still on-going with other potential targets will be revealed. To answer the question about the scope of the corruption, it appears that we may not have yet seen the full extent of the frauds perpetrated on the citizenry of Palm Beach County.

The question of why appears to have been answered by Lord Acton (1834–1902), a historian and moralist, who wrote in 1887 that "Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." It is sad that his words still ring true over 120 years later. It is even more upsetting that these Palm Beach County politicians have not learned any lessons from the past.

Once the investigation is complete and the replacement politicians are appointed and elected, let us hope that the new officials will live up to our public trust.

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The election on November 4 will be historic no matter who wins for it will either represent the first time an African American has been elected to the nation's highest office or a woman has been elected to the nation's second highest office. As we all have been told ad naseum, Florida is a swing state and this time around our votes should count.

If you want to vote by absentee ballot, the deadline for requesting the ballot is October 29. You can request it at www.pbcelections.org or by calling 561 656-6200. The absentee ballot must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections by 5:00 on Election Day.

Early voting starts Monday October 20 and continues every day, including Saturday and Sunday, through November 2. You can cast your vote at any of the Palm Beach County locations regardless of where you live. Locations nearby include Boca Raton City Hall, Southwest County Regional Library and Hagen Ranch Road Library. You will need a current and valid picture signature identification to vote. Hours to vote are 10- 6 weekdays and 10-2 weekends.

If you wait until November 4th Election Day to vote, be prepared for long lines. The ballot is lengthy and contains a variety of amendments in addition to the presidential, state and congressional elections. This long ballot combined with a big turnout could lead to delays. You will need your picture identification to vote and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Many attorneys are serving as poll watchers and if you have any problems contact them immediately.

Lastly, be an informed voter. Palm Beach County just distributed a sample ballot by mail to all registered voters. Study the ballot and even mark it up and bring it to the polling place with you. Attend one of the numerous candidate forms that are taking place around town. Read the papers and check out the endorsements and formulate your own opinions. With respect to voting, knowledge really is power.

This election represents everyone's chance to be part of the making of history. Make your voice heard in this groundbreaking election by voting.

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What is it about male politicians that make them think they can have an affair and no one will notice? Maybe the issue of having an affair is not only endemic to politicians; maybe it has to do more with men and money and power. Irregardless, once a man puts himself in the political spotlight, he becomes a public figure subject to public scrutiny and having an affair is dishonest, immoral and plain stupid.

The news about John Edwards' liaison was disheartening and audacious. How dare he think that he could run for President and that his affair would remain a secret? Even leaving aside the issues of his wife's illness and the destruction of his family, you really have to wonder what the man was thinking.

The recent revelations about Congressman Tim Mahoney, who represents parts of Palm Beach County, are also shocking. Here is a man who won his seat by virtue of his predecessor's illicit activities with underage males. Did he not learn any lessons from Mark Foley?

The fact that he hired the woman he was having an affair with compounds the problem tenfold. The FBI is currently investigating the matter to see if the employment relationship and subsequent discharge were legal. Sadly this situation has shades of Wayne Hayes. Remember the congressional aide who could not type or even answer the phone? Not to say that Ms. Allen is unqualified, but hiring someone you are sleeping with is just bad office policy.

Twenty years ago, when rumors began circulating about his extramarital relations, Gary Hart challenged the media to follow him around. He said they would be bored. Needless to say, they were not. His presidential aspirations were dashed by his activities on a boat appropriately named Monkey Business.

Since that time, the list of cheating Congressman has grown exponentially. David Vitter, Larry Craig, Bob Livingston and even Newt Gringich are just a few of the members of the infamous club.

While people have a right to their private lives, if they choose to become public figures who are passing legislation that affects everyone's privacy rights, the public has a right to know about their morals and values.

It is outrageous that so many elected representatives continue to have extra-marital affairs. Congressmen consider yourselves warned. The angry women are watching and will not condone your foolish behavior.

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Tuesday, August 26th is the Florida primary. Elections on the Palm Beach County ballot include Congress, the Florida Senate and House, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Property Appraiser, Sheriff, State Attorney, Supervisor of Elections, County Commissioner, and the School Board.

Traditionally turnout is low in the primaries. Some of the positions are unopposed in the general election, so it is important for people to vote. Every vote is significant and could make a difference in the election.

The polls are open from seven in the morning until seven at night. Make the extra effort to exercise your civic duty and vote.

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Now that primary season is concluding, South Florida is back on the political radar. John McCain, the Republican nominee, and Hillary Clinton and Barak Obama, the Democratic contenders, are all campaigning in South Florida.

Hillary Clinton started her visit with stops at two bastions of staunch supporters, Century Village, Boca Raton and Sunrise Lakes. She completed her swoop through with an evening program open to the public at the University of Miami. John McCain appeared at a private fundraiser in Ft. Lauderdale and held a town hall style meeting in Miami. Barak Obama is starting his visit with a town hall style meeting at Congregation B'nai Torah in Boca Raton and an evening fundraiser at the Diplomat Hotel. He is concluding with a rally open to the public at Bank Atlantic Center.

The appearance of the candidates is a welcome opportunity for South Floridians to learn more about their positions. Because of the Florida legislator's decision to move up the primary, South Floridians never had the chance to see the Democratic contenders. Seeing the candidates in person is a more complete view than just catching the sound bites or the reviews from the nightly talking heads.

The town hall style meetings have afforded South Floridians the chance to question candidates on issues that matter both locally, nationally and globally. Even if you do not get a chance to see the candidates in person, there is more complete news coverage of their speeches providing everyone with a fuller picture of the individuals running for President.

Once again, it appears that Florida will be a pivotal state in the presidential election. This will probably be the first of many visits by the candidates. Now is a great opportunity to listen to the candidates and hear what they have to say on issues that matter to you. Let's all take advantage of being in the political driver's seat and enjoy being in the positive political spotlight for a change.

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When Florida Atlantic University ("FAU") opened in Boca Raton in 1964, President Lyndon Johnson delivered the keynote address. On Thursday, January 24th, FAU was once again in the national spotlight, hosting the Republican presidential debate.

Rudy Giuliani, Mike Huckabee, John McCain, Ron Paul and Mitt Romney took center stage in FAU's Kay Auditorium. Moderators Brian Williams and Tim Russert framed questions to the candidates, which included issues concerning the economy, the war in Iraq, global warming, and even Florida's property insurance crisis. McCain and Romney came across as dignified and presidential, Huckabee as homespun and down to earth, Guiliani as friendly and affable and Paul as out of the mainstream.

Over 1,500 people attended the debate. The attendees included FAU students, individuals supporting various candidates, and a who's who of Florida Republicans - Governor Charlie Crist, Speaker of the House Marco Rubio, Attorney General Bill McCollum, Representative Connie Mack, and Mayor Steve Abrams, to name a few.

FAU President Frank Brogan spoke to the crowd prior to the debate. He greeted each of the candidates and then left to attend an FAU student watch party, giving up his seats for student use. After the debate several of the candidates also went to meet the students at a watch party.

The debates were FAU's ninety minutes of fame. The professional and competent manner in which the University executed this event should serve to place FAU in a long lasting positive light. Kudos to all the candidates and President Brogan and FAU for their participation in the debate.

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