Governor DeSantis announced his appointment of Republican Party Of Palm Beach County Chair Michael Barnett to the Palm Beach County Commission District 3 seat. The sitting District 3 County Commissioner, Democrat Dave Kerner, was nominated Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
In September 2022, Kerner endorsed Gov. DeSantis for reelection, and many thought his endorsement would lead to an appointment by the governor of some kind.
“Endorsing Governor DeSantis was the obvious choice. Job number one of a Governor is to keep our residents safe. No one does that better than Governor DeSantis,” ~Palm Beach County District 3 County Commissioner Dave Kerner
Dem PBC County Commissioner Dave Kerner endorses DeSantis for Gov.
I salute Kerner for making the right decision and endorsing Gov. DeSantis. DeSantis will keep our communities safe, the Democrats won’t, and everyone knows it.
It was the right thing to do. Thanks, Dave. ~Jack Furnari, Sep 25, 2022
Kerner attended the DeSantis Inauguration and seemed to be in great spirits.
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When contacted by Florida Jolt, Barnett said:
I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis for putting his trust in me. I will do my very best to serve the people of District 3 and all of Palm Beach County. This is an incredible honor, and I can’t wait to get to work. ~Michael Barnett
Barnett recently won reelection as Chair of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County after helping turn the traditionally blue county red for DeSantis. Barnett told the Sun-Sentinel that he would remain chair of the party and simultaneously serve on the County Commission.
Michael is very effective in engaging in public life communities of people who have previously not participated. We’ll see more involvement from previously under-represented communities under his leadership.~Republican State Committeewoman of Palm Beach County Cindy Tindell
Palm Beach County Republican Chair Mike Barnett Wins Reelection
Florida Jolt Editor at large Tracy Caruso recently caught up with Barnett at the DeSantis Inaugural gala.
The official press release
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Ron DeSantis nominated Dave Kerner as Executive Director of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). Kerner is currently a Palm Beach County Commissioner and previously served as County Mayor for Palm Beach County.
Kerner will serve as Interim Executive Director until his nomination is brought before the Cabinet for final approval at January 17, 2023, Cabinet meeting.
Governor DeSantis also announced his appointment of Michael Barnett to fill the vacancy on the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners created by Kerner’s appointment.
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Dave Kerner
Prior to his election to the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Kerner served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives. He also served as a police officer and as a special prosecutor in Palm Beach County. Kerner earned his bachelor’s and juris doctor from the University of Florida.
Michael Barnett
Barnett is an attorney for Shiner Law Group. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Republican Party of Palm Beach County. He has also served as Committeeman, Secretary, and Vice Chair of the Republican Executive Committee of Palm Beach County. Barnett earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida and his juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
I congratulate Barnett and Kerner and wish them great success in their new positions.
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