Vote for Pat Bentley

Pat Bentley’s life is a testament to dedication, service, and leadership. As a devoted husband and father of three grown children, Pat understands the importance of family and community. His journey began with his service in the US Marine Corps, where he learned the values of discipline, perseverance, and commitment. His service took him across the globe to Italy, France, Spain, Sicily and Monaco.

After his honorable discharge, Pat transitioned into a distinguished 40-year career at L3Harris Corporation. Here, he not only applied his technical skills but also developed a profound understanding of engineering and management. His work was not just about meeting objectives but about innovating and pushing the boundaries of what was possible. Pat’s career at L3Harris saw him rise through the ranks, taking on increasingly challenging roles and responsibilities. His dedication to his profession is matched by his commitment to his community, making him a well-rounded leader who understands both personal and professional demands.

Pat Bentley’s professional journey is marked by significant achievements and leadership roles that underscore his capabilities. At L3Harris, he was instrumental in bringing numerous products from the conceptual stage through to full production. His ability to navigate the complexities of product development, while maintaining stringent quality and financial targets, showcases his strategic and operational expertise.

One of Pat’s notable roles was as Branch Lead for commercial and government programs, where he managed projects valued at over $25 million annually. This role required not only technical proficiency but also exceptional project management skills. Pat coordinated efforts across various departments, ensuring that all components worked seamlessly together to deliver high-quality results on time and within budget. Pat’s leadership extended to managing a team of over 300 engineers. These professionals, specializing in RF, antenna, fiber, and bulk optics disciplines, looked to Pat for guidance and direction. He fostered an environment of innovation and collaboration, driving his team to achieve remarkable results. His ability to lead such a diverse and specialized team speaks volumes about his managerial acumen and his commitment to fostering talent and excellence.

Pat Bentley’s 16-year tenure as a Councilmember, culminating in his current role as Mayor (appointed November 2023), is a testament to his dedication to the City of West Melbourne. As Mayor and a Councilmember, Pat has been at the forefront of initiatives that promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life for residents. His role as the Space Coast League of Cities representative and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) representative underscores his commitment to fostering a thriving business environment.

Pat’s leadership has also been instrumental in securing significant state funding for the city. His efforts have resulted in over $1 million being allocated for crucial floodwater and sewer projects, addressing essential infrastructure needs and improving the city’s resilience. Additionally, his stewardship of the Police Pension Fund has been transformative. Under his guidance, the fund’s financial health improved dramatically, going from 54% to 102% funded. This achievement reflects Pat’s ability to manage complex financial matters and his dedication to ensuring the security and well-being of the city’s public servants.

Looking to the future, Pat Bentley is determined to continue making West Melbourne a vibrant and thriving community. One of his primary goals is to further develop the city’s parks and recreation facilities through the comprehensive Parks Master Plan. Pat believes that well-maintained parks and recreational spaces are vital for the community’s health and well-being, providing places for families to gather, children to play, and residents to stay active and engaged.

Pat is also a strong advocate for environmental sustainability. He supports programs that benefit both residents and the environment, such as the septic-to-sewer conversion initiative. This program aims to protect the local ecosystem while improving the quality of life for residents. By transitioning from septic systems to a more efficient sewer system, the city can reduce pollution and enhance water quality, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.

Infrastructure and safety improvements are also high on Pat’s agenda. He is committed to investing in critical projects such as the construction of a new water plant, which will ensure a reliable and safe water supply for all residents. Additionally, Pat plans to implement measures to improve road safety to protect pedestrians, drivers and cyclists alike, making West Melbourne a safer place to live and work.

Pat believes in a fiscally responsible approach for West Melbourne and is proud that the city is debt free and has an even lower millage rate than when he came to the council 16 years ago.

As the West Melbourne City Council prepares to welcome many new faces, Pat Bentley’s extensive experience and proven leadership skills are more important than ever. He brings a wealth of knowledge and a track record of success that will guide the city through its next phase of growth and development. Pat is committed to building a community that is not only prosperous but also sustainable and inclusive, ensuring a bright future for all residents.