The Palm Beach Post sent questionnaires to candidates in the primary races for the Port of Palm Beach Board in District 4 and District 5.
Candidates for the primary in Group 4 are Blair Ciklin and Serge D’Haiti. Democrat candidates for Group 5 are Taniel Koushakjian and Deandre Poole. Republican Ted Sarandis is unopposed in Group 5.
The primary election will be held Aug. 18. Winners advance to the general election Nov. 3.
The candidates’ answers were edited for length.
Blair Ciklin, Democrat, Group 4
Age: 76Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens
Previous experience: Port of Palm Beach commissioner (incumbent); former chair of the Port; member of the Chamber of Commerce
Education: B.A., Muskingum University
Employment history: First vice president, Morgan Stanley
Campaign priorities: He said one of the most significant priorities will be the Port’s upcoming capital improvement projects, which are estimated at approximately $244 million. He said the projects will require careful planning, proper timing, strong financial oversight, and thoughtful decision-making and it’s important to have experienced leadership on the Board with an understanding of large-scale infrastructure projects.
What new tenants would you like to see and how would you help bring them to the port? He said the Port would welcome expanding cruise operations and attracting additional cruise partners but it is important that any new cruise operations are the right fit for the Port. He said factors such as vessel size, operational needs, and compatibility with our existing business model must be carefully considered. He said the Port is moving forward with plans for the design and permitting of a terminal expansion project, which would strengthen the Port’s ability to attract additional cruise opportunities.
Where’s the growth potential for improved operations at the port? He said there is not one single area that defines the Port’s growth potential. He said the focus is to continue improving every aspect, including operational efficiencies, customer service, infrastructure and maximizing the use of limited land resources.
Quotable: “The Port is clearly heading in the right direction, and we continue to move forward on multiple fronts.”
Why should voters choose you? “I have proven that having the experience gained from years of dedication serving as a Port Commissioner provides better long-term planning decisions by understanding how we have grown and why.
“Global markets and changes in marine cargo routes is just part of the institutional knowledge needed. Cruise line tourism forecasting, what our sister ports in Florida are doing, and what new industries are moving into our region are all part of the equation that goes into making sound business decisions for the Port.”
Serge W. D’Haiti, Democrat, Group 4
Age: 43
Hometown: West Palm Beach
Previous experience: Accountant and auditor; managing member of a CPA firm; experience in state financial and revenue agencies
Education: Doctorate
Employment history: Managing member, Serge W. D’Haiti CPA PLLC; accountant, Healthcare District of Palm Beach County; auditor, Florida Department of Financial Services; revenue administrator, Florida Department of Revenue; prior roles in retail and security
What new tenants would you like to see and how would you help bring them to the port? In tourism, he said he’d like to see the Port attract new visitors with a Casino Cruise Line. He said in keeping in alignment with the 2023 Master Plan of the Port, there is expected growth in the upcoming decades, and the port should invest in land to house more storage of bulk and refrigeration logistic operators.
Where’s the growth potential for improved operations at the port? He said there is expected growth in demand for storage and warehousing; the Port has the opportunity to buy land for the construction of a warehouse or last-mile delivery. He said this would create an opportunity for economic development by training the residents in a trade in the area of logistics, seafaring, and port industries. He also said there is an opportunity in the area of communications. He said as the brand of the Port’s operations becomes a staple, the demand for services and for small businesses to explore the Caribbean markets increases.
Campaign website: voteforserge.com
Quotable: “This is an opportunity to get a fresh perspective on allowing the Port to strengthen its position in the upcoming decades.”
Why should voters choose you? “This is an opportunity to get a fresh perspective on allowing the Port to strengthen its position in the upcoming Decades. We are in a new economy, and a look at the utilization of the Port’s resources is needed to benefit the domestic and international markets.”
Taniel Koushakjian, Democrat, Group 5
Age: 45
Hometown: West Palm Beach
Previous experience: Transportation and infrastructure professional; former member of the Port of Palm Beach Audit Committee; local board and community involvement
Education: B.A., Florida Atlantic University; M.A., George Washington University
Employment history: Jacksonville Transportation Authority; South Florida Water Management District; Potomac International Partners; Offensive Security
What new tenants would you like to see and how would you help bring them to the port? He said he’d like to see more cruise ships, shipping companies, new technology companies (energy, robotics, transportation) and businesses that create good-paying local jobs. He said to attract new businesses, the Port need to be proactive. He said that means working with the Port’s economic development partners, meeting directly with companies, and showing them why the Port of Palm Beach is a great place to invest. Businesses want leadership that’s responsive, professional, and easy to work with, he said.
Where’s the growth potential for improved operations at the port? He said the biggest opportunity is growing the Port without losing sight of what already makes it successful. He said he wants to protect what’s working, fix what’s not, and position the Port for its next generation of growth. He’d like to bring in more cruise ships, particularly a luxury liner. He said he will support shipping partners by investing in modern infrastructure, new Port technologies, and property acquisitions required to meet future demands of the Port. He said the Port needs to do a better job keeping the public informed. He said commission meetings should be televised so taxpayers can see what their government is doing. Public access, transparency, and better communication build trust with the people and businesses we serve, he said.
Campaign website: tkforport.com
Quotable: “I want to protect what’s working, fix what’s not, and position the Port for its next generation of growth.”
Why should voters choose you?
“I’m running for the Port Commission because I think it’s wrong that the 400,000 people of the Port district, myself included, have been denied full representation on the Port Commission. Leaving a seat vacant for 10 months or possibly longer is an abdication of leadership. I believe the Port needs a Commissioner that will get the job done and that is what I intend to do.”I also believe in transparency, public access, and accountability. The year is 2026, and Port Commission meetings are not televised. I will work with my colleagues on the Commission to change that so the public sees what’s going on.”No more no-bid contracts. Local small businesses should have a fair shot, our procurement process should be transparent, and we should emphasize hiring local workers where we can.”And I will be working every day to bring in more cruise ships, and laser focused on creating more jobs, and strengthening our local economy.”I have the background and experience to step in on Day One and start making a difference. My focus is on people and positive results for our community.”
Deandre Poole, Democrat, Group 5
Age: 45
Hometown: West Palm Beach
Previous experience: Port of Palm Beach commissioner (2022–present); university instructor; community leader and former union president
Education: Ph.D., Howard University
Employment history: Instructor, Florida Atlantic University (2011–present); Port of Palm Beach commissioner (2022–present)
What new tenants would you like to see and how would you help bring them to the port? He said he would like to see an additional one or two cruise ships call the Port of Palm Beach home. To attract a new cruise tenant, he said they must ensure the Port has adequate space and facilities. He said the Port needs to expand the cruise terminal, provide more luggage storage areas, build a parking garage to ensure ample parking, and expand one of the berths.
Where’s the growth potential for improved operations at the port? He said there is growth in advancing an Inland Port initiative with Tropical Shipping, FDOT, and other governmental agencies to reduce truck traffic, increase operational efficiency, and free up valuable port space
Campaign website: pooleforport.com
Quotable: “I do not consider myself a politician but rather a well-rounded public servant with extensive experience in community service.”
Why should voters choose you? “I believe voters should re-elect me because of my experience and knowledge of the Port’s business operations.
“During my first term, the Port achieved record financial performance, secured over $13 million in State Funding, completed a $36 million Port Infrastructure Development Project, which redesigned and automated the main gate, expanded truck lanes that have reduced wait times by up to 50%, added radiation portal monitors for enhanced security, rehabbed 6.5 miles of rail track, and reduced bank accounts from 11 to 2, adding about $700,000 annually to the Port’s financial health.
“We have increased investment of idle funds, generating about $682,000 in additional annual revenue, and reduced our insurance costs while improving coverage, saving over $120,000 annually. The Port has maintained seamless cargo and cruise operations, reduced costs, and increased revenue, achieved a clean, unmodified audit with zero findings, and maintained full compliance with U.S. Coast Guard and federal security standards with no deficiencies.
“I am also proud that we have reinstituted our paid summer internship program, which has earned national recognition from the American Association of Port Authorities.
“We have more work to accomplish. We are working to expand cruise operations and develop a financial plan to fund 200 million dollars in infrastructure projects over the next 15 years.”
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Palm Beach Post voter guide for Port of Palm Beach primaries
Reporting by The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
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By The Palm Beach Post, Palm Beach Post | USA TODAY Network
