Longboat Key Town Commission candidates debate issues

Election season has officially begun on Longboat Key.

Longboat Key Town Commission candidates took to the podium at the Longboat Key Republican Party luncheon Friday at the Sarasota Yacht Club to answer a variety of questions.

The hour-long debate allowed candidates to answer a variety of questions.

When asked what the most important thing the candidates would like to accomplish if elected on March 12, these were their responses:

“A long-term strategic plan that shows where we are going and how we are going to get there. Not just objectives, but a strategy that supports it. If we can get that long-term thinking in place, it will be the most important thing I will ever do on the commission.”
— Commissioner Jack Duncan (running unopposed)
 
“Comprehensive Planning is the most important and to get zoning codes adjusted in the immediate future.”
— Commissioner Terry Gans

“I also believe in strategic planning, long-term and shorterm. Management and fiscal review is also very important as well. It’s important we look at everything.”
— Commission candidate Irwin Pastor

“We need to get the codes reviewed and the Comp Plan. But beyond that, I feel like a kid in the candy store. There’s so many things to choose from and I want it all.”
— Commissioner Phil Younger

“I want us to become the premier name on people’s lips when they say where they want to retire. I’m a firm believer in marketing.”
— Commission candidate Gene Jaleski

“I would like to see a community center. We will perform an outreach for one and it will help draw this community together.”
— Mayor Jim Brown

“One simple thing I will accomplish is to have a Comp Plan that reflects consensus of the folks on this island and a zoning code that implements it.”
— Commission candidate Larry Grossman

• Pastor will challenge incumbent Gans for the one-year at-large seat.

• Jaleski will challenge incumbent Younger for the two-year at-large seat.

• Grossman will challenge incumbent Brown for the District 4 seat.

The election will be held on Tuesday, March 12.

For more information on the debate, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Jan. 17 Longboat Observer.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].