Questionnaire: Dominick Vargas, candidate for Boynton Beach City Commission District III

Name: Dominick Vargas

Campaign website: domvargas.com

Date, place of birth: 11/07/99 Coral Springs, FL

City Manager Dan Dugger was involved in a verbal confrontation in December involving shouted obscenities just before a commission meeting. Do you retain confidence in the manager’s ability to continue in his position, and why or why not?
As public servants, we have a duty to lead with professionalism, integrity and respect. City Manager Dan Dugger’s recent behavior — walking down from the chambers to confront a civilian in a threatening manner, yelling obscenities, and ultimately being restrained by law enforcement — is not just a single lapse in judgment. It highlights a larger pattern of misconduct that has undermined trust in our city leadership.

Under Mr. Dugger’s leadership, city employees have reported a culture of fear and retaliation, with unfair targeting of individuals who speak out. Transparency in decision-making has been severely lacking, and the disconnect between city management and the people they serve continues to grow. We’re facing the largest utility increases in decades and have seen the mandatory fire assessment fee raised to $145 per year, placing an undue financial burden on our residents. These failures have created division, frustration and a loss of confidence in our city’s leadership.

Beyond these issues, Mr. Dugger’s approach has prioritized consolidation of power over collaboration and respect for the community. This has stifled progress and left residents feeling unheard. Instead of fostering trust and unity, his leadership has deepened the challenges Boynton Beach faces.

Boynton Beach deserves better. We need leadership that fosters collaboration, promotes transparency, and prioritizes the well-being of our residents. Based on this track record, I do not believe Mr. Dugger is the right person to lead our city. It’s time for new leadership that can bring us together and deliver real progress for our community.

An internal affairs police report involving a possible drunk driving incident by a girlfriend of City Commissioner Thomas Turkin was closed in his favor without anyone interviewing the officers at the scene. Would you support reopening this inquiry to include officers’ statements to provide a more complete report, or was this case investigated properly?
I would absolutely support reopening the inquiry to include detailed statements from the officers involved. The fact that the Internal Affairs investigation was closed without interviewing the officers who smelled alcohol on the breath of the Commissioner’s girlfriend, observed the scene, and made critical decisions that night is unacceptable. It raises serious questions about what was overlooked or deliberately avoided during the investigation.

Critical matters remain unresolved: Why were body cameras turned off while the Commissioner was present? Did his arrival and acknowledgment of his relationship with the driver influence the officers’ decision not to administer a breathalyzer or press charges? Without direct input from the officers, we cannot fully understand what happened that night or determine if proper protocols were followed.

This investigation failed to meet the basic expectations of transparency and accountability that our community deserves from both law enforcement and city leadership. Reopening this case is not just necessary — it is essential to ensure that the public knows the truth. We need a thorough and impartial review of all the facts, including the officers’ statements, to make it clear that no one — whether a Commissioner or their associates — is above scrutiny or the law. Anything less is a disservice to the people of Boynton Beach.

What are the plans for the future of the city’s oldest home, the Andrews House, and do you agree or disagree that such buildings are worth saving?
The Andrews House is Boynton Beach’s oldest home and a key piece of our city’s history. Current discussions suggest using it as a cultural or community space — potentially a small museum, gathering venue, or educational center — so it remains accessible and meaningful to residents. Any plan should preserve its historic character while making sure the property is well-maintained and serves a public purpose.

I absolutely believe historic buildings like the Andrews House are worth saving. They give us a direct link to our roots and can foster pride in our city’s heritage. Preservation, however, must be balanced with financial responsibility.

As a commissioner, I’d support efforts to carefully restore and repurpose the Andrews House, ensuring it remains an asset for generations to come. This approach will honor Boynton Beach’s past while contributing to a vibrant and culturally rich future.

Do you support or oppose a proposed annexation of 38 mostly residential areas west of the city that could add at least 35,000 people to the city’s population? Why or why not?
I oppose the proposed annexation of 38 residential areas west of Boynton Beach. While proponents argue that annexation would increase revenue, the reality is that it would significantly strain city resources, exacerbate existing infrastructure challenges, and dilute representation for current residents — particularly in communities with historically underrepresented voices, such as the African American population in District 2.

The city is already grappling with aging infrastructure, overburdened public services, and a budget heavily allocated to personnel costs for police and fire departments. Adding 35,000 new residents would worsen these challenges without guaranteeing the quality of services would improve for anyone. Additionally, annexation risks forcing unincorporated communities into the city against their will, creating resentment and jeopardizing the trust and unity of our region.

Leadership should prioritize solving Boynton Beach’s existing problems — like affordable housing, traffic congestion and public safety — before taking on new ones. Annexation is a shortsighted solution that prioritizes political agendas over the best interests of residents.

Is the city too pro-development, or too anti-development, or does it strike the right balance between growth and preservation?
The city has been heavily focused on development, often at the expense of thoughtful planning and the broader public interest. I believe in smart development, not overdevelopment. It’s critical to strike a balance between reasonable growth and protecting our community’s infrastructure and character. Growth should benefit all residents, not just a select few, and it should be approached with an eye toward sustainability, affordability and long-term community well-being.

We’ve seen empty lots sit untouched for years as construction costs have risen. This moment offers a critical opportunity to prioritize infrastructure improvements — such as traffic management, water systems and public safety — before large-scale development overwhelms our city’s capacity. By investing in infrastructure now, we can prevent future overflow issues and ensure that new development integrates seamlessly with our existing community.

In District 3, we’ve already experienced the consequences of promises made but not kept. Commissioner Turkin campaigned against overdevelopment and height increases, yet once in office, he took the lead in nearly doubling the density in his own district for the Pierce project. Not only did he allow height exemptions but also awarded density bonuses to developers — benefits that served private interests rather than the public welfare. This bait-and-switch approach has fostered distrust and prioritized short-term gains over long-term community stability.

As commissioner, I will advocate for transparent and community-focused development that ensures growth benefits everyone and doesn’t burden our infrastructure or quality of life.

What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s)?
The difference is clear: I’m committed to working for the future of our city, while my opponent seems to be working for himself. I believe leadership is about action, not just holding a title. My focus is on delivering real results for our community: tackling issues like affordable housing, public safety, government transparency and always putting residents first.

I earned my education in political science at George Washington University, where I developed the skills to address complex problems and create meaningful solutions. I’ve never been under criminal investigation or faced ethics violations — something my opponent cannot say for himself. I approach leadership with accountability, fairness and professionalism, qualities Boynton Beach deserves but hasn’t always had.

Under my opponent’s leadership, the city has faced mounting controversies, broken trust, and little progress on the issues that matter most. Boynton Beach has fallen behind. We deserve better.

I’m not running for personal gain or recognition — I’m running to restore trust in our city government and ensure Boynton Beach thrives for everyone who lives here. It’s time for leadership that prioritizes progress, inspires confidence and works for the people.

List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
I went on to George Washington University, for my Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. Prior to that, I earned an Associate of Arts degree from Palm Beach State College, and I am also a proud graduate of Boynton Beach Community High School.

I chose this field of study because I am deeply passionate about government — how it functions, how decisions are made, and the profound impact leaders have on the people they serve. My degree provided me with a comprehensive understanding of government operations, equipping me with the knowledge to navigate and address the challenges our municipality faces.

Combined with my firsthand experience growing up in Boynton Beach, my education gives me the tools to bring thoughtful, informed leadership to our city. I am committed to using my background to move Boynton Beach forward and improve the lives of all its residents.

List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
My professional experience spans national, state and local levels, with a focus on political strategy, compliance and large-scale project management. I’ve worked in high-pressure environments, where I contributed to mobilization efforts that impacted elections across the country and played a key role in ensuring adherence to complex regulatory requirements. This background has prepared me to navigate the intricate challenges of governance and deliver results that benefit the public.

In addition to my political work, I’ve managed global projects in the private sector, overseeing operations that required collaboration across multiple teams and tight deadlines. This experience taught me how to streamline processes, solve complex problems, and deliver measurable outcomes on a large scale.

Whether working on national campaigns or global initiatives, my career has been dedicated to driving impactful results, and I am ready to bring this experience to serve Boynton Beach.

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No.

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No.