Post endorses: Silvers, Hardy will work to represent all constituents in their Florida House districts

HOUSE DISTRICT 87: Democratic state Rep. David Silvers, 41, has represented this mid-county district for two terms, and there’s no good reason voters shouldn’t give him a third. A publishing executive with a law degree, Silvers is the kind of legislator who focuses on pragmatic issues that affect people where they live.

He takes pride in having sponsored 10 bills that made it into law on such issues as mental health, education reform and domestic violence. One, for example, seeks to de-escalate situations so children are less likely to be put through the trauma of Baker Act evaluations.

During the pandemic, Silvers has chalked up an admirable record of service, including holding 12 webinars on mental health for high school and college students. “I knew I had to take a leadership position during COVID,” he told the Post Editorial Board.

His Republican opponent, Herbert Sennett, is a retired professor of speech and theater arts at Palm Beach Atlantic University and Palm Beach State College, a Vietnam War veteran, a former chaplain in the Army Reserve, a filmmaker, and an author of five books. This is his first run at public office.

Big issues for Sennett are increasing school choice and reviving the COVID-battered economy. He told the Editorial Board that he doesn’t expect to win in the heavily Democratic district, but that if he did, his Republican party affiliation would be an advantage in delivering for constituents.

Sennett is a man of intelligence, good humor and broad interests, but Silvers has been growing into his role as a public leader.

HOUSE DISTRICT 88: Omari Hardy, 30, has made a name for himself as a voluble member of the Lake Worth Beach City Commission. Some of his verbal clashes this year -- as he fought to prevent utility cutoffs during the pandemic or to open discussions on systemic racism -- went viral, with most commenters cheering him on.

After easily defeating four opponents in August’s Democratic primary, including the poorly-performing incumbent state Rep. Al Jacquet, Hardy promises to be a vital voice for this mostly minority district.

Hardy is opposed by Republican Danielle Madsen, who did not respond to two invitations to meet with the Post Editorial Board or answer its questionnaire.

The Post endorses Silvers and Hardy.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Post endorses: Silvers, Hardy will work to represent all constituents in their Florida House districts

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