Vice Mayor Duncan won't seek a third term

Longboat Key Vice Mayor Jack Duncan announced in an email to the Longboat Key Town Commission Sunday that he won’t seek a third and final term in March.

“After hours of soul searching and long discussions with my family and friends, I have made the decision not to seek a third term,” Duncan wrote. “It is my intention to complete my second term on the commission, carrying out my duties as Longboat Key Vice Mayor and President of the Manasota League of Cities. Thank you for supporting this difficult decision.”

The announcement came as a surprise to both town staff and commissioners.

Commissioner Terry Gans informed Duncan in an email Sunday that Duncan will be missed.

“Your decision to call it a day after two terms certainly has taken me by surprise,” Gans wrote. “And, I am saddened the commission and the town will lose your energy, wisdom and outright devotion after this winter. At the same time, I recognize the demands of working to perform this role with balance and focus.”

Duncan called the announcement “a tough decision” in a follow-up email to Gans.

The announcement means that two commission seats will have fresh faces in March. Mayor Jim Brown is completing his third and final term this year. Commissioner Phill Younger is also up for re-election in March.

For more information, pick up a copy of this week’s Longboat Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].