West Palm Beach election: Development, public safety are top issues in one open seat

Wayne Washington, Palm Beach Post
·2 min read
West Palm's District 5 campaign features incumbent Christina Lambert (left) against challenger Matthew A. Luciano.
West Palm's District 5 campaign features incumbent Christina Lambert (left) against challenger Matthew A. Luciano.

Development and public safety are the top issues in West Palm Beach's lone contested City Council race this year, the District 5 campaign between incumbent Christina Lambert and Matthew A. Luciano.

Lambert, 44, is seeking her fourth two-year term. She has generally been supportive of zoning changes that have facilitated the rapid economic growth in West Palm Beach.

Luciano, 51, says the city is not doing enough to keep residents safe or to moderate growth.

Here's a bit more about each candidate:

Christina Lambert, 44, seeks her fourth two-year term

City Commissioner Christina Lambert, running for re-election to the District 5 city commission seat.
City Commissioner Christina Lambert, running for re-election to the District 5 city commission seat.

Background: Lambert holds a bachelor's degree in public relations from the University of Florida and a master's degree in corporate communications and technology from Rollins College. She is a chief administrative officer for a law firm in Palm Beach Gardens.

Public service: In addition to her work on the City Commission, Lambert has served as the president and chief executive officer of the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, executive director of Leadership Palm Beach County and unit executive director for the American Cancer Society.

Priorities: Neighborhood safety, affordable housing, improving government efficiency and sound fiscal management.

What she's saying: "I believe my track record as a solution-oriented leader, combined with my extensive experience and commitment to the community, uniquely position me to continue making a positive impact on our city."

Campaign finances: Lambert raised $73,735 through Feb. 16.

Facebook: Christina Lambert, City Commissioner, West Palm Beach.

Matthew A. Luciano, 51, is making his first run for public office

Matthew Luciano
Matthew Luciano

Background: Luciano holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Johns Hopkins University and a master's degree in finance from Fordham University. He works as an associate director for an asset management firm.

Public service: Luciano has served as a mentor and coach with the National Alliance for Youth Sports.

Priorities: Oppose large-scale development projects, reduce traffic, combat homelessness and crime.

What he's saying: "I am also against added congestion on our roads and overcrowding the schools. I am for adding to our green space and sidewalk beautification. With all the tax revenue, we should get reimbursements somehow. I have ideas on that. Totally against giving (money) to developers and adding marinas downtown. I would work to listen to the constituents and wouldn't think about building near (Grassy Waters Preserve, West Palm's main source for drinking water) and would fight against (a plan to extend State Road 7, which some say would contaminate Grassy Waters). I am against wasteful spending like Sunset Lounge (There have been ongoing efforts to rebuild and re-open the iconic, 1920s-era supper club) ... and adding more structures on our Great Lawn."

Campaign finances: Luciano raised $3,789 through Feb. 16.

Facebook: Matthew A. Luciano for WPB District 5 Commissioner.

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: West Palm Beach election: Lambert faces Luciano in District 5 race