Dorfman files to run for commission again

Richard Dorfman
Age: 60
Hometown: Manhattan, N.Y.
Education: Business and communications degrees from American University
Occupation: Sports agent, radio show host

Former Sarasota City Commission candidate Richard Dorfman, who narrowly missed out on a runoff election in May 2011 for the District 1 seat, is ready to try again to attain a seat on the commission.

On Friday, Dorfman confirmed for The Sarasota Observer he has filed paperwork at City Hall to become a candidate for the two at-large commission seats currently held by Mayor Suzanne Atwell and Commissioner Terry Turner that are up for grabs next year.

When asked why he would try again for a commission seat, Dorfman said, “It’s more of the same really, the city is in poor financial shape and a different approach needs to be taken to the manage the city.”

Dorfman’s top four priorities last time around as a commission candidate were pensions; job creation and North Trail redevelopment; police services and public safety; and creating more of a can-do environment in the City Commission.

City Auditor and Clerk Pamela Nadalini told the Sarasota Observer her office is still waiting on one document from Dorfman to make his filing official.

The only other at-large candidate that’s officially filed at this time is Rev. Kelvin Lumpkin of Light of the World International Church.

Interested candidates have until Jan. 11, 2013 to run for the two at-large seats. A March 12, 2013 election and a May 14, 2013 runoff election are scheduled for the seats.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].