2015 election: Daly vs. Grossman, Jaleski vs. Younger

The race is on for two seats on the Longboat Key Town Commission.

Larry Grossman qualified to run against Planning & Zoning Board Vice Chairman Jack Daly for the District 4 seat that Mayor Jim Brown will term-limit out of next spring.

Gene Jaleski will challenge Commissioner Phill Younger for the at-large seat Younger has held since 2010, when Jaleski resigned after just over a year on the commission.

Meanwhile, no candidates challenged Vice Mayor Jack Duncan for the District 2 seat he has held since 2011 by the town’s deadline of noon today, meaning Duncan will serve a third and final term on the commission. 

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office rejected the petitions Grossman submitted last week because they were signed by residents who live outside of Grossman's District 4, however, Grossman qualified to run earlier today.

“He worked hard over the weekend and got certified by noon,” Town Clerk Trish Granger said.
Planning & Zoning Board Chairman Al Hixon had taken out papers to run for the District 4 seat but opted not to run.

“With appreciation to all of those who encouraged me to seek a seat on the Town Commission, I am unable to devote the time and effort required to do this full time public service position well. My personal & professional obligations seem to be increasing, and Jack Daly is an outstanding candidate who will serve our Town well…” Hixon wrote in an email to the Longboat Observer.

The town’s general municipal election is scheduled for March 10, 2015.

For more information, pick up a Nov. 20 copy of the Longboat Observer.

Contact Robin Hartill at [email protected].