- March 28, 2024
Loading
There weren’t any pitchforks or torches.
In fact, the Sarasota City Commission candidate forum held by the Sarasota Republican Club March 6, was downright civil — aside from a few jeers while incumbent Mayor Suzanne Atwell discussed parking meters.
Atwell was one of three registered Democrats running for two seats on the City Commission. Though the race is non-partisan — Atwell and fellow candidate Richard Dorfman both spoke about the mixed political environment at the Sarasota Yacht Club as a step toward improving Sarasota.
Lisa Carlton, the retired state senator and moderator of the event, kept the candidates alert with quick-hitting questions requiring yes-or-no answers.
Here are a few:
Should the city put benches back in Five Points Park?
No: Pete Theisen
Yes: All other candidates
Should there be parking meters downtown?
No: All candidates.
Can the city afford any more bond debt?
No: Kelvin Lumpkin
Yes: All other candidates
Would you support an elected-mayor proposal?
No: Susan Chapman, Theisen
Yes: Londa Holland, Lumpkin, Dorfman, Atwell