Sarasota Republican Club welcomes candidates

There weren’t any pitchforks or torches.

In fact, the Sarasota City Commission candidate forum held by the Sarasota Republican Club March 6, was downright civil — aside from a few jeers while incumbent Mayor Suzanne Atwell discussed parking meters.

Atwell was one of three registered Democrats running for two seats on the City Commission. Though the race is non-partisan — Atwell and fellow candidate Richard Dorfman both spoke about the mixed political environment at the Sarasota Yacht Club as a step toward improving Sarasota.

Lisa Carlton, the retired state senator and moderator of the event, kept the candidates alert with quick-hitting questions requiring yes-or-no answers.

Here are a few:

Should the city put benches back in Five Points Park?
No: Pete Theisen
Yes: All other candidates

Should there be parking meters downtown?
No: All candidates.

Can the city afford any more bond debt?
No: Kelvin Lumpkin
Yes: All other candidates

Would you support an elected-mayor proposal?
No: Susan Chapman, Theisen
Yes: Londa Holland, Lumpkin, Dorfman, Atwell