Familiar faces head back to the Town Commission

Longboat Key voters chose familiarity in Tuesday’s Town Commission election.

Incumbent District 4 Town Commissioner Jack Daly retained his seat on the board after defeating Larry Grossman with 67% of the vote. Former Mayor Jim Brown will return to the dais, after receiving 605 more votes than Gene Jaleski and 59% of the vote for an at-large seat.

At a gathering at the Longbeach Cafe on Tuesday evening, Daly and Brown had similar sentiments for their supporters.

Daly said he is grateful for everyone who backed him, whether it was with a vote or by financing his campaign.

“I look forward to continuing doing what I’m doing,” Daly said.

Daly was happy to be surrounded by friends, family and colleagues to celebrate his re-election.

“This is what Longboat is all about,” he said with a smile.

Despite how little he campaigned, Brown said he is appreciative of the voters and he intends to give the job his all.

“I understand what the issues are,” Brown said. “But, there’s always things I can learn.”

Jaleski, who served on the Town Commission in 2009 but resigned the following year, sought to replace outgoing Vice Mayor Phill Younger to fight any expansion of tourism uses on the island. 

Grossman, a retired planner who, like Jaleski, attends most Town Commission meetings, said he wanted to make sure the election was contested.

After hearing the results, Jaleski wanted to thank everyone who voted for him, and he promised to remain active in the community.

“I had a good time running,” Jaleski said. “I wish Jim Brown the best.”

Grossman could not be reached for comment.

Around noon on election day, Key voter Walter Hackett, who has lived on the Key since 1999 and served on the Planning & Zoning Board, praised the to-be winners.

“Jim Brown and Jack Daly are both solid, proven individuals,” Hackett said.

Brown is a former commissioner and mayor, and currently chairman of the Planning & Zoning Board.

“In every committee, appointed position or elected position I have served in, I have been chosen to lead the group,” Brown said in an email to the Longboat Observer. “I believe I can continue to provide a service to the community, relying on the history and knowledge I have gained over the many years I have served.”

Daly has also served on the P&Z Board, as well as local condominium boards.

Daly said in an email his top three priorities in his next term are continuing updates to the comprehensive plan, focusing on plans for the development of a cultural center and oversight of burying island utilities.

Daly ran what was perhaps the most visible campaign in both commission races this year, posting signs up and down the Key and speaking with voters outside of Town Hall during early voting.

“Be there. Talk to people,” Daly said, between chatting with voters on Tuesday. “You have to do that.”

Voter turnout for the election was 58%, with 3,699 out of 6,344 Key voters casting a ballot.