City Commission applicants step forward

In departing Sarasota City Commissioner Paul Caragiulo’s eyes, it’s clear who should finish the soon-to-be-vacated term of Commissioner Shannon Snyder: Shannon Snyder.

Caragiulo prevailed over Snyder in the Aug. 26 District 2 County Commission Republican primary election, but both candidates had to submit their letters of resignation to the city in order to enter that race. On Tuesday, the city began accepting applications for the vacated District 2 and 3 seats, which expire next May.

Caragiulo, who represented District 2, placed an item for discussion on Tuesday’s City Commission meeting agenda regarding the potential appointment of Snyder to the District 3 seat. If Snyder were interested in finishing his term, Caragiulo said, it would provide a level of continuity on the commission in the final months before next spring’s local elections.

“I think it makes a lot of sense, because it cuts down on the volatility of having two absences,” Caragiulo said.

The commission will discuss the potential appointment of Snyder during the evening session of today’s meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. A special meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 19, to select the new commissioners.

Already, two candidates have submitted their applications for the vacancies. In District 3, journalist and former Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations president Stan Zimmerman is seeking to serve the remainder of Snyder’s term. In District 2, Planning Board member and former Indian Beach/Sapphire Shores Neighborhood Association President Vald Svekis applied to finish Caragiulo’s term.

Interested applicants have until noon on Friday, Sept. 12 to submit their application to the City Auditor and Clerk’s office. All forms can be found on the city’s website, or in person at the office of the City Auditor and Clerk.

Contact David Conway at [email protected].