Vice Mayor Duncan won't seek third term

At least two out of the three commission seats up for grabs in the town’s March election will feature fresh faces.

Longboat Key Vice Mayor Jack Duncan announced in an email to the Longboat Key Town Commission July 20 that he won’t seek a third and final term in March.

Mayor Jim Brown will complete his third and final term in March, leaving his seat open for a new candidate as well.

“After hours of soul searching and long discussions with my family and friends, I have made the decision not to seek a third term,” Duncan wrote. “It is my intention to complete my second term on the commission, carrying out my duties as Longboat Key vice mayor and president of the Manasota League of Cities. Thank you for supporting this difficult decision.”

The announcement came as a surprise to both town staff and commissioners.

Commissioner Terry Gans told Duncan in a July 20 email that he will be missed.

“Your decision to call it a day after two terms certainly has taken me by surprise,” Gans wrote. “And, I am saddened the commission and the town will lose your energy, wisdom and outright devotion after this winter. At the same time, I recognize the demands of working to perform this role with balance and focus.”

Duncan called the announcement “a tough decision” Monday, but said it’s time to spend more time with family after spending more than 10 of his 12 years of retirement life on civic or Fairway Bay condo board responsibilities. Duncan and his wife, Debbie, are expecting their second grandchild later this year and Duncan said he doesn’t expect to miss the birth of his second grandchild. Duncan, 64, was at a Manasota League convention last year when his first grandchild was born.

Duncan said he also believes several of the goals he set out to accomplish have been met or will be met without his presence needed on the commission.

“I believe a lot has been accomplished or is on the way to being accomplished, and I don’t think two more years will change anything,” Duncan said.

Duncan said he believes a town center concept will come to fruition over time.

He also believes a cellular communication strategy, pension reform, a beach nourishment plan and a town manager with long-term strategic planning success are elements that leave the town in good hands.

“These things are there and aren’t going away,” Duncan said. “I don’t think the commission will skip a beat without me being there.”

Duncan said he has wrestled with this decision for the last eight months and is content with his choice.

“It’s been an honor to be a commissioner, but it takes up a lot of time and it’s time to start thinking about my family,” Duncan said.

Commissioner Phill Younger’s seat is also up for re-election in March. Younger is eligible for his third and final term.

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected]