By Dawn Krebs
dkrebs@hometownnewsol.com
PORT ST. LUCIE - When it comes to the city council District 2 seat, Port St. Lucie residents will choose between incumbent Michelle Berger and Lawrence Cohen.
Hometown News asked the candidates the same questions about their campaign. Their answers are below in alphabetical order.
Hometown News does not endorse any candidates for political office, but instead provides information about each candidate for voters to make an educated decision.
Name: Michelle Berger
Family: Husband of 19 years, Scott, and two sons: Sean, 17 and Mark, 12.
Name: Lawrence Cohen
Family: Two married daughters living out of state. Two stepchildren living in Port St. Lucie, one living in Louisiana.
Q: How long have you lived in St. Lucie County?
Berger: I have lived here for 11 years.
Cohen: I have lived in Port St. Lucie for 16 years.
Q: Why should voters choose you?
Berger: I offer experience, integrity and objective views on the issues.
Cohen: My business experience and ability to get along with others. I have a bachelor's degree in business administration and success in owning a business for 30 years and 15 years with Publix, now retired, as an assistant produce manager. I am non-confrontational and can work well with others.
Q: What do you feel are the two most important issues that face the residents of Port St. Lucie?
Berger: A balanced budget, which we have for the next two years, while maintaining the level of service and an environment that is conducive to job creation.
Cohen: To foster cooperation, not confrontation on the council, and to try to bring blue-collar jobs to the area and use due diligence before spending the taxpayer's money on jobs.
Q: If you could, what would be the one thing you would change in the city and why?
Berger: Would like to see a higher ratio of commercial to residential.
Cohen: I would foster more cooperation and less confrontation on the city council so we can work for the benefit of the taxpayers.