Michael Bruyette, a former inmate who served 30 years for murder, is seeking a seat on the Palm Bay City Council. Despite his past, Bruyette believes he can bring positive change to the city and has vowed to support law enforcement, affordable housing, and youth programs.
Michael Bruyette, a Florida man convicted of murder in Massachusetts in 1985, is running for city council in Palm Bay, hoping to bring positive change to the coastal town. Bruyette, who spent 30 years in prison for beating a man to death, was paroled in 2016 with special conditions for demonstrating good behavior.
Despite his criminal past, Bruyette is determined to make a difference in his community. He believes his experience and desire to improve the city make him a strong candidate for the council position.
During his time in prison, Bruyette took courses in criminology and criminal justice, which he says have given him a deep understanding of the criminal justice system. He also worked as a mentor to at-risk youth, an experience that has made him passionate about providing opportunities for young people in his community.
Bruyette's platform focuses on several key issues, including increasing resources for the Palm Bay Police Department, bringing a Boys and Girls Club to the city, and promoting affordable housing options. He believes that by investing in law enforcement and youth programs, the city can reduce crime and improve the quality of life for its residents.
While Bruyette acknowledges that his criminal record may be a concern for some voters, he believes that his transparency and commitment to positive change will win over the majority. He has been open about his past and has shared his story with local residents, who seem receptive to his candidacy.
"I think people are more receptive to the fact that I am transparent," Bruyette said. "What about the ones that are sitting on that board right now that aren't transparent? ... Because I can tell you a whole lot."
Bruyette's parole officer has allowed him to run for the city council seat, and he is listed on the Palm Bay website as an official candidate for Seat 3 on the city council. The city council election will be held on November 5, and a primary election will be held on August 20.
Bruyette's candidacy has sparked some controversy, with some residents expressing concerns about his criminal past. However, others believe that his experience and desire to make a difference make him a viable candidate. The city council election will ultimately decide whether Bruyette's past will prevent him from serving in a position of public trust.
Despite the challenges, Bruyette is optimistic about the future of Palm Bay and believes that he can make a positive contribution to the city. He is eager to work with local leaders and residents to address the challenges facing the community and create a brighter future for all.
