Palm Beach Gardens, FL – State Representative Pat Rooney, Jr. today announced his endorsement of former Palm Beach Gardens City Councilman Hal Valeche for the Palm Beach County Commission District 1 seat.

“I have known Hal for a long time, and have great respect for his lifelong dedication to public service, which includes serving our country as a Navy fighter pilot, representing residents on the Palm Beach Gardens City Council, active involvement in numerous civic and community organizations, and his current service as a member of the Board of Enterprise Florida,” said Rooney. “Hal is a fiscal conservative whose business, civic and governmental experience makes him exceptionally qualified to serve on the County Commission in order to help get Palm Beach County’s economy growing again.”

Representative Rooney has been actively involved in all aspects of community life in Palm Beach County – charitable, business and civic – for many years. After serving as a Board Member of the South Florida Water Management District, he was elected to the State House of Representatives in November, 2010.

“I am exceptionally pleased to have the support and endorsement of my friend Pat Rooney,” said Valeche. “Pat has been doing a great job as our Representative in Tallahassee and I look forward to working with him on the economic and quality-of-life-issues that will ensure that Northern Palm Beach County remains among the best places to live and work in the country.”