Candidates inducted at Holmes Beach City Hall
By Nick Walter
Islander Reporter
Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Bob Sweat swore-in the three recently elected Holmes Beach commissioners Nov. 16 at city hall.
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Newly sworn Commissioners Al Robinson, David Zaccagnino and Pat Morton were the top three vote-getters in the Holmes Beach city election Nov. 3
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Returning Commissioners David Zaccagnino and Pat Morton and newcomer Al Robinson will serve two-year terms.
“I’m shooting from the hip,” Robinson said. “It was basically business as usual during this downturn and that’s the reason I decided to run.”
Robinson said he hopes to levy lower taxes, partially by eliminating unnecessary road paving.
“I’m saying [the commission] voted to raise taxes and they didn’t have to,” Robinson said. “Four of five voted to raise taxes. They call it ‘millage,’ but it’s taxes.”
Zaccagnino won the most votes in the election. He serves as the liaison to Anna Maria Elementary School, the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, the police pension board and the parks and the city beautification committee.
Morton first was elected to the commission in 2003. He also is a member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association.
Chair Sandy Haas-Martens was re-appointed to her position in a 4-1 vote. Zaccagnino moved to appoint John Monetti, but Monetti declined. Monetti first was elected to the commission in November 2006 and was re-elected in 2008.
The terms of Mayor Rich Bohnenberger, Monetti and Haas-Martens are up for re-election in November 2010.
Haas-Martens said she doesn’t know if she has aspirations to become mayor. She enjoys her position as deputy mayor, standing in for Bohnenberger. “I enjoy being the chair,” Haas-Martens said. “I like working with the staff, and I think they like working with me.”
The next city commission meeting will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at city hall.
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