Siekmann qualifies for District 5

Vice Mayor and District 5 Commissioner Robert Siekmann has officially become a candidate for his third and final two-year term that would begin in March 2010.

Town Clerk Trish Granger confirmed that Siekmann submitted election paperwork at Town Hall, and the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office has confirmed Siekmann’s petition certification paperwork.

Siekmann is the second current commissioner to become certified for his third and final two-year term. District 3 Commissioner Peter O’Connor was certified for his seat in July.

At-large Commissioner Hal Lenobel has picked up paperwork at Town Hall for his second two-year term.

Meanwhile, Lenobel already has a challenger for his seat who is waiting to be qualified.

Phillip Younger submitted paperwork at Town Hall and is awaiting certification paperwork from the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office.

If Lenobel decides to run, it will be the first time he has ever been challenged for a commission seat.

Mayor Lee Rothenberg’s District 1 seat will also be available this March, because he will term-limit out. Commissioners are only eligible for three consecutive, two-year terms.

Other potential candidates for the March election include former Planning and Zoning Board Chairman David Brenner and IPOC Chairman Bob White; both have yet to decide whether they will vie for a commission seat.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].