Dave Aronberg, Joe Abruzzo back ‘ideal candidate’ Adam Frankel for Public Defender

Add two big Palm Beach County names to the list of those backing former Delray Beach City Commissioner Adam Frankel’s Public Defender bid.

Frankel’s campaign announced the endorsements of State Attorney Dave Aronberg and Palm Beach Clerk and Comptroller Joe Abruzzo. Both provided statements.

“I have known Adam Frankel for 20 years,” Aronberg said, “and I am certain he will run an excellent Public Defender’s Office where individuals will get the best legal defense available under the law.”

Abruzzo said he too has known Frankel for two decades over when he “witnessed first-hand his unwavering commitment to public service and his exceptional ability to manage and guide a large city.”

“Adam’s sense of fairness and justice has always earned my deep respect,” Abruzzo said.

“These qualities, combined with his extensive legal expertise as a criminal defense attorney, make him the ideal candidate to provide strong and principled leadership for our Public Defender’s office. Adam Frankel’s dedication to serving our community and his proven track record ensure he will be an outstanding Public Defender.”

The endorsements from Aronberg and Abruzzo join another the Fraternal Order of Police gave Frankel in April.

He said in a statement that he is “honored” to receive the new nods from “respected leaders in our criminal justice system.”

“Their endorsements underscore the importance of my mission to reform the Public Defender’s office and provide better outcomes for our community,” he said.

A press note from Frankel’s campaign said that if elected Public Defender, he would strive to improve the office’s efficiency while reducing recidivism through rehabilitation and providing comprehensive mental health programs for offenders.

A five-term Delray Beach Commission member, Frankel works as a criminal defense lawyer with his own firm. Returning to the Public Defender’s Office would be a full-circle accomplishment; he began his legal career as an Assistant Public Defender in 1999.

He is one of two Democrats running for the job. The other is Dan Eisinger, who currently serves in the seniormost staff-level position under the person both men hope to succeed, Public Defender Carey Haughwout.

Eisinger carries an array of endorsements, including one from Haughwout, who called him “perfect for the position.” Others backing him include Sen. Tina Polsky, Reps. Joe Casello and Katherine Waldron, and a passel of advocacy group leaders and former elected officials.

The Primary Election is on Aug. 20.