Lou Pate Endorsement

My name is Lou Pate. I live in New Smyrna Beach. I am a radio talk show host and media personality. Prior to getting into radio and media, I worked in the construction industry for ten years. In 2024, after years of witnessing the City Commissioners rubber stamp any and all construction projects the real estate industry and their general contractors requested, I ran for mayor of New Smyrna Beach. I ran in order to responsibly help shape our growth. While I did not win, the experience was a positive one because it was educational. It also provided further insight on irresponsible leadership and on how a city should not be run. In 2026, I ran for a seat that was being vacated in Zone 2 on the City Commission. I did not win. However, again there was a lesson. From 2024-2026, pertaining to growth and the issues that the residents of New Smyrna Beach face, the situation has gotten considerably worse.There are a lot of problems facing New Smyrna Beach and aside from election year reactions by the city government, no real solutions are being offered. One of the biggest problems, which has been an issue here long before all of us were born, is flooding. In my opinion, the problem of flooding is not being addressed properly, if at all. Moving New Smyrna Beach into the future comes with a lot of responsibility. It also comes with a vision for the future while having respect for the past. Growth is inevitable. It cannot and should not be stopped. However, with proper planning and not just taking care of the friends of those in government, it can be achieved properly in a way that benefits all citizens regardless of income. Irresponsible growth, which is what New Smyrna Beach is experiencing now, does not serve the residents of New Smyrna Beach who have been here for generations or the new residents who have decided to make New Smyrna Beach their home. It only serves the real estate and general contractor communities, many of which do not live in New Smyrna Beach. As a student of history, I have learned that erasing a town's history is detrimental to its future growth. The two can and must march arm and arm into the future together. We must work together to preserve the quaintness of New Smyrna Beach and all of the history that goes with it, while welcoming the benefits that come with planned responsible growth. Since the primary, I have met with the two candidates for Zone 2, Cynthia Sniezak and Jennifer Devine. While both women are unique, intelligent and impressive in their own individual way, only one can represent New Smyrna Beach Zone 2 as City Commissioner. I am endorsing Jennifer Devine. Jennifer comes from humble beginnings. She put herself through college and served our country in the United States Army. She also became a lawyer and worked as a teacher. In the midst of these accomplishments, along with her husband Jeff, they have raised their three children. The ideas she has will help move New Smyrna Beach into the future while addressing the aforementioned problems that remain from our past. She will serve New Smyrna Beach well.