The three candidates who qualified to run in the Fort Pierce City Commission special election are busy on the campaign trail, hoping to fill the seat that came open with the resignation of disgraced former commissioner James Taylor.
District 2 residents Donna Benton, Chris Dzadovsky and Jaimebeth Galinis are vying to fill the three-year balance of Taylor’s four-year term. The primary for the Commission District 2, Seat 2 position is set for Nov. 4, at normal voting precincts.
But early voting begins this Saturday Oct. 25 for all District 2 voters, who are the only ones in the city that can vote, and runs through Nov. 1 at the Supervisor of Elections office at 4132 Okeechobee Road in Fort Pierce (which is actually in District 1 but on the dividing line of the two districts). If needed, a run-off election is scheduled for Jan. 13, 2026, one week earlier than the original date set last month.
St. Lucie Voice posed a series of questions to the candidates, in the same order for each. The questions, and their responses (edited slightly for space considerations), are below.
What is the most important issue facing the City of Fort Pierce right now and what would you do to try to fix it?
In general, why are you the best candidate for the job?
How do you feel about growth in the city?
What do you see as the best way to increase city funds?
Donna Benton
“The most important issue facing the City of Fort Pierce right now is restoring confidence in the city leadership while improving the quality of life in our neighborhoods and controlling growth. Residents deserve a city that is clean, safe, and managed with efficiency and accountability. Too often, projects are delayed, communication is poor, and taxpayer dollars aren’t used effectively,” Benton said.
“The solution begins with creating a customer-service-driven City Hall that responds quickly to residents and businesses supported by a clear mission statement and team accountability. We must focus on infrastructure, drainage, and neighborhood revitalization, ensuring our roads, sidewalks and utilities are reliable and attractive to new investment.”
With her background, Benton says she knows how to evaluate costs, set priorities, and build partnerships that deliver real results.
Asked why she is running for the position, Benton said, “I love Fort Pierce!”
“As a lifelong 56-year resident, wife, mother and grandmother, I bring experience, accountability and a lifelong commitment to the community.”
Benton is a real estate broker/realtor, business owner and has served as a community leader. She believes her business background will ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely.
“I bring integrity, practical solutions, communication and leadership,” she said, adding that those qualities are what Fort Pierce needs to make the city thrive as well as have a better reputation.
Benton believes that “growth must be guided by vision, planning and a commitment to preserving Fort Pierce’s charm, character and history.”
Benton feels that because of her extensive experience, she “understands that quality development brings quality jobs, improves property values and strengthens our economy – allowing for lower taxes and greater community prosperity.
“Growth must be well-managed, with infrastructure in place so that it does not burden current residents.”
Benton believes that smart, responsible growth is the best way to increase city funds.
“We must stop giving away waterfront property, especially without reverter clauses, as seen with the Kings Landing property, which left taxpayers without protection and a project that, after seven years, still has yet to break ground.”
Benton also sees the Port of Fort Pierce as a key part of the city’s future – “offering the opportunity to expand into mega yacht repair, marine industry growth, and clean, sustainable economic development that brings quality jobs and revitalizes our waterfront.
“At the same time, the Kings Highway Corridor holds tremendous potential to attract quality businesses and high-paying jobs, but to truly succeed, we also need quality housing – not just rental properties. We need the executives, employees and families who work here to live here,” she said, adding that the city government needs to serve the people “efficiently and transparently just as any successful business would.”
“Fort Pierce is turning 125 years young! Infill development should be a priority for sustainability while expansion must have purpose. We must continue to defend our South Beach Overlay and Comprehensive Plan, while working closely with neighborhoods to promote balanced development that complements the area, preserves our natural resources, and safeguards Fort Pierce for future generations to enjoy.
“By honoring our past and planning wisely for our future, we can ensure Fort Pierce remains a vibrant, beautiful, and authentic coastal city – one that fosters economic opportunity, celebrates its cultural roots, expands the arts, adds beautiful parks, maintains our beautiful beaches and continues to inspire pride,” Benton said.
Chris Dzadovsky
Asked about the most important issue facing the city, Dzadovsky said, “While the question asks for the most important issue, the reality is that the City of Fort Pierce is facing several serious challenges that all demand immediate attention. These include decisions regarding the City Manager’s contract, the selection of a new Police Chief, and addressing multiple pending lawsuits related to planning, development, and flawed bid processes – issues that have strained both public trust and city resources.
“With my years of experience in government operations, budgeting and public administration, I am prepared to get to work immediately. My focus would be on restoring accountability, improving procurement and planning processes, and helping stabilize city leadership so we can move forward effectively and transparently for the people of Fort Pierce,” Dzadovsky said.
“I bring more than 16 years of experience as a St. Lucie County Commissioner, where I guided balanced budgets, lowered millage rates five consecutive years, improved our bond ratings, and returned $32 million to taxpayers – all while protecting our environment and investing in long-term infrastructure.
“Fort Pierce needs steady, proven leadership right now – someone who understands how to manage growth responsibly, strengthen accountability in city operations, and restore public trust. I’ve delivered results before: from securing the airport’s Part 139 certification to preserving 12,000 acres of public land and improving water quality in the Indian River Lagoon,” Dzadovsky continued.
“I’m not running to make headlines – I’m running to make government work again for the people of Fort Pierce. Experience, transparency, and real results – that’s what I’ll bring from day one.”
According to Dzadovsky, he is the only candidate with the experience, stability and credibility to restore trust in city government and get Fort Pierce back on track – ethically, fiscally and operationally.
“Growth is inevitable, but it must be done responsibly and in a way that preserves what makes Fort Pierce special. Unlike the over-dense development patterns we’re seeing in other parts of St. Lucie County, Fort Pierce has always had its own distinct character – historic neighborhoods, open spaces, and a sense of community that can’t be replicated behind gated walls.”
“Our city’s charm and livability come from thoughtful, balanced planning – not from chasing high-profit, high-density projects that overwhelm infrastructure and diminish quality of life. That’s why I strongly support growth that reflects our history, protects our neighborhoods, and aligns with the vision residents have consistently expressed for Fort Pierce.
“After a long career that could have taken me anywhere in the world, I chose to retire and serve here – because Fort Pierce feels real, authentic and worth protecting. My goal is to ensure it stays that way for generations to come.”
“The best way to strengthen city revenues isn’t by overburdening homeowners – it’s by growing our private sector and attracting sustainable commercial investment.
“Fort Pierce has prime opportunities along the Kings Highway Corridor, the port, and the airport to expand intermodal distribution, manufacturing, marine, and aviation industries. These targeted job corridors create higher-wage employment, diversify our economy, and expand the tax base – reducing pressure on residential property owners,” Dzadovsky said.
“At the same time, we must balance impact and permit fees, so they fairly cover the infrastructure needs that come with growth, without discouraging private investment.
“By planning smarter, not denser, Fort Pierce can build a sustainable economy that funds essential services, protects our neighborhoods, and creates real opportunity for the next generation.”
Jaimebeth Galinis
“The most important issue facing Fort Pierce right now is the cycle between economic insecurity and crime. Crime is not the root cause – it’s the symptom. When people lack access to stable jobs, training and opportunity, the results show up in our crime statistics.
“Applying a problem-solving mindset means addressing the root cause through continuous, practical improvement – building systems that create opportunity, not just reacting to symptoms,” Galinis said.
“We need a lean approach to growth – one that eliminates wasteful spending, streamlines city processes, and focuses resources where they have the most impact. That starts with economic development. Expanding the Kings Highway Industrial Corridor and annexing it into the city before county impact fee increases take effect will allow us to attract manufacturing, logistics and technology companies.
“At the same time, revitalizing our neighborhoods and commercial corridors through infill development and façade improvements creates pride and ownership,” Galinis continued.
“Finally, coupling these efforts with community policing and proper funding for law enforcement ensures safety and trust grow alongside opportunity.”
Galinis is running because she believes Fort Pierce is ready for something different – real change that delivers results.
“My background isn’t in politics; it’s in leading complex operations, diverse large teams, and multimillion-dollar vendor negotiations. I’ve spent my career solving hard problems by bringing people together, analyzing data, and finding root causes – not just symptoms – to create lasting improvements.
“I’ll work with city staff to streamline city operations, improve permitting and communication, and ensure every taxpayer dollar delivers maximum value.
“Our biggest challenges – economic security, crime, and city execution – require more than talk; they require leadership that’s not afraid to innovate, to collaborate with the county and our business community, and to make data-informed decisions. I’m not running to be a politician. I’m running to be a problem solver for the people of Fort Pierce.
“Fort Pierce is growing, and it’s critical we guide growth responsibly. I will work with my fellow commissioners, community members, and city staff to attract the right businesses, expand career opportunities for residents, and ensure development strengthens our tax base without straining infrastructure. Growth must bring long-term value to our community, not just short-term projects,” she said.
“Our city needs thoughtful, strategic growth that balances progress with preservation, building a future that works for everyone.
“The City of Fort Pierce needs to work jointly with St. Lucie County and our business leaders rather than operating in isolation. Many of our biggest challenges – whether improving infrastructure, strengthening public safety, or driving economic development – do not stop at city limits.
“Expanding the Kings Highway Industrial Corridor is a game-changer for Fort Pierce. It positions our city to attract logistics, manufacturing and technology companies that bring higher-paying jobs and long-term investment. This corridor is strategically located – close enough to draw medical technology companies expanding north from Palm Beach, and aviation and space-related industries moving south from the Space Coast.
“Beyond the corridor, we also have tremendous opportunity at the Treasure Coast International Airport.”
“Combined with our downtown and waterfront revitalization efforts, strong support for small businesses, and partnerships that grow local talent, this balanced approach builds a sustainable economy and creates opportunity in every neighborhood of Fort Pierce.
“Fort Pierce doesn’t need more politics; it needs performance. By focusing on data, accountability, and execution, we can turn potential into progress and make Fort Pierce a model of smart, transparent city government,” Galinis said.