With the veteran Palm Beach County State’s Attorney David Aronberg leaving to begin a “new chapter in life”, voters have three capable candidates to choose from as his replacement.

Democrat Alexia Coxrepublican Sam Stern and independent Adam Farkas are vying to become the county’s first new state’s attorney in 12 years.

The winner will earn a salary of $219,000 and will command an office of 115 prosecutors and 180 support staff charged with delivering justice in Florida’s fourth most populous county.

Neither candidate has previously held elected public office.

Alexia Cox

Cox, 45, today works as a deputy assistant state attorney in the Palm Beach State Attorney’s Office (SAO), where she oversees the county’s conviction review, domestic violence and court units, as well as its northern and southern satellite offices. .

He has been with the SAO for 18 years and joined almost immediately after passing the bar exam. During his time there, he handled cases of all types, from misdemeanors to capital murder.

A victory this year would make Cox the first woman and Black person to serve as Palm Beach State’s Attorney.

If elected, she said she wants to do more to tackle violent and career criminals while also establishing a dedicated unit to focus on hate crimes. Cox also plans to create an elder crimes unit with dedicated prosecutors focused on cybercriminals. To improve prosecutor retention, a persistent problem for SAOs across the state, he said he intends to establish housing incentives, health and wellness initiatives and seek higher state salaries.

“As Deputy Chief Assistant, I have taken on complex legal issues, held executive leadership positions and focused on difficult cases to keep Palm Beach County safe,” she said. “Families deserve the right to live safely in their neighborhoods, and as the next State Attorney, I am ready to get to work defending our office’s mission and building on the great work and progress made by our strong State Attorney, Dave Aronberg.”

As of Oct. 26, Cox has raised $765,000 and spent $437,363 through his campaign account and political committee, Friends of Alexcia Cox. About a fifth of the donations he received came from other lawyers. His biggest win, a check for $200,000, came from Jonathan Pollockco-CEO of hedge fund Elliott Management who moved its headquarters from New York to West Palm Beach in 2020.

Cox is endorsed by more than 75 current and former elected officials, including Aronbergfour Democratic US representatives, Palm Beach Sheriff Ricardo BradshawPalm Beach Secretary Jose AbruzosBroward County State’s Attorney Harold Pryor and more than a dozen advocacy organizations, including the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association, Florida Fraternal Order of Police and Palm Beach-Treasure Coast AFL-CIO.

In the August 20 primary, Cox defeated his fellow Democrats. Greg Lerman and craig williams (the latter, a chief deputy state attorney who outranked her), with 64% of the votes.

Sam Stern

Since then, both Lerman and Williams have endorsed Stern, a former Palm Beach County and federal prosecutor who is leading the fundraising effort with nearly $1.59 million raised between his campaign account and political committee, Stern PCof which he spent 1.3 million dollars. He also loaned his campaign $175,000.

Like Cox, Stern had widespread support from members of the legal profession. His largest contribution was a $250,000 check from the Palm Beach billionaire. Thomas Peterffyfounder and president of Connecticut, based in Interactive corridors.

Peterffy’s contribution, combined with others of his colleagues donald trump allies John Paulson and Steve Wynnhelped fund attack ads against Cox and Farkas. Stern has denied any affiliation with Trump, who in 2021 pardoned one of his clients.

Stern, 43, is a partner at Stern Kilcullen & Rufolo LLCa law firm with offices in New Jersey and Palm Beach Gardens. He previously worked as a federal and Palm Beach County prosecutor under Democratic and Republican administrations.

If elected, Stern plans to establish a task force to prosecute criminals caught committing firearms crimes and protect seniors from fraud and financial crimes. He also wants to hire more lawyers and keep the SAO “free from any outside influence and without fear or favor.”

“This is where my wife and I raised our two children, and it is where our parents call home. I want to use my experience to keep our community safe,” Stern said. “Palm Beach County needs a state attorney who knows that law and order allows our community to thrive. We deserve a State Attorney who seeks justice for victims and who fights to put criminals behind bars.”

Those who believe that having a knack for certain professions is hereditary may lean more toward Stern in career; his father, Herbertis a highly respected former New Jersey prosecutor and federal judge who later was successful in private practice as a white collar criminal defense attorney.

In the primary, Stern defeated only one opponent, Forrest Freedmanwith 63% of the votes.

He also won endorsements from Republican state representatives. mike caruso, Peggy Gossett-Seidman and Rick Rothand Palm Beach County Commissioner Sara Baxter.

He South Florida Solar Sentinel he also endorsed Stern. He Palm Beach Mail is endorsing Cox.

Adam Farkas

Both outlets viewed Farkas favorably, and the Sun-Sentinel agreed with him that the State’s Attorney should be impartial.

Farkas, 40, is a partner in Farkas and Crowleya law firm specializing in criminal defense, personal injury and family law that he opened with his wife in 2011. He previously worked as a Palm Beach County prosecutor, although for less than a year.

He said his lack of political affiliation is an advantage in the race, highlighting “mediocre” fundraising by Florida Democrats, “existential flaws” among Republicans and “unprecedented dissatisfaction” with Trump and the president. . joe biden.

If elected, Farkas promised to investigate and address racial disparities in sentencing, reduce incarceration by ending the incarceration of juveniles who violate probation, and expanding treatment and pretrial diversion programs.

As of the end of October, Farkas has raised more than $99,000 and spent about $77,000 through his campaign account and political committee, impartial justice. That includes $26,000 in self-loan loans.

Democratic voters outnumber Republicans in Palm Beach by about 5 percentage points, according to Florida’s most recent report. accountalthough the county turned red for the governor Ron De Santis Two years ago.

An internal poll Cox’s campaign conducted in late August found he had a 16-point lead over Stern, his closest competitor in the race.

The general elections are on November 5.

Post Views: 0