Lenobel qualifies for at-large seat

The town will have at least one contested commission race in the March 2010 election.

Town Clerk Trish Granger confirmed Friday, Oct. 9 that the Sarasota County Supervisor of Elections Office has confirmed At-large Commissioner Hal Lenobel’s petition certification paperwork.

It will be the first time in five terms that Lenobel will be challenged for a commission seat.

Longboat Key resident and current code enforcement board member Phillip Younger became a candidate for the same at-large seat in September.  

Lenobel becomes the fourth commission candidate to become certified for the March election.

Vice Mayor and District 5 Commissioner Robert Siekmann and District 3 Commissioner Peter O’Connor have been certified for their third and final two-year terms. Neither candidate’s seat has been contested yet for the March 2010 general election.

And, 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 Islandside Property Owners Coalition Chairman Bob White, who both have yet to decide whether they will vie for a commission seat.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].