Candidates emerge for commission seats

This spring, the Sarasota City Commission could see a major shake-up for the second time in six months — or the board could remain unchanged following the November appointment of two new commissioners.

The fate of the board rests in the hands of city voters, whose options will crystalize next week as the qualification period for City Commission candidates begins. Those hoping to vie for the open District 1, 2 and 3 seats must submit the required paperwork to the city between noon on Jan. 5 and noon on Jan. 9.

Already, a field of candidates is beginning to emerge. Eileen Walsh Normile and Stan Zimmerman, appointed to the board late last year following a pair of resignations, aim to retain their seats in District 2 and 3; both have filed pre-qualification forms with the city.

The incumbents will not go unchallenged. Arlington Park resident David Morgan, chairman of the Sarasota Housing Authority, has filed paperwork for the District 2 seat currently held by Normile. Matthew Wooddall, a resident of Alta Vista, will run against Zimmerman for the District 3 seat.

No candidates have submitted pre-qualification forms for District 1. Mayor Willie Shaw, first elected to the commission in 2011 following a run-off, currently holds that seat.

Interested candidates may obtain qualifying packets at City Hall from the office of City Auditor and Clerk. In addition to submitting those forms, candidates are required to have spent at least one year as a registered voter in their district prior to taking office.

The city election will be held March 10. If necessary, a run-off will be held May 12, and the new commissioners will officially join the board May 15.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].