Deadlocked BB Commission plans special meeting Monday to fill Ward 2 seat

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A crowd of people gathered for the Bradenton Beach City Commission meeting Dec. 1, hoping to see the Ward 2 seat filled. However, the seat remained vacant as commissioners came to a deadlock on two nominations. Islander Photos: Bonner Joy

At its meeting Dec. 1, the Bradenton Beach City Commission was prepared to address a single applicant for the vacant Ward 2 seat —Marilyn Maro.

But as the commission began its discussion, Commissioners Ralph Cole announced he had an application in hand, but was unsure of the process.

The applicant was announced to be Anne Leister, but Cole had no recommendation to offer and Leister was not present.

The vote was deadlocked when Commissioner John Chappie and Mayor Bill Shearon voted for Maro and Cole and Commissioner Jake Spooner voted for Leister.

The commission then set a special meeting Monday, Dec. 5, to again vote on filling the seat and to swear in the appointed candidate.

Commissioners agreed Maro and Leister meet the requirements for the position — they are Ward 2 residents and registered voters in the city for more than two years, which was confirmed the city clerk and the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections.

Shearon said that according to the city’s charter, the vote would have to be recast at the next city meeting.

City attorney Ricinda Perry recommended the application process be re-opened to allow for more candidates and commissioners agreed.

On Dec. 2, Bill Vincent, a Bradenton Beach resident and previous commission candidate, emailed a call to action.

He asked residents to contact commissioners to request the commission appoint Maro to the open seat.

Vincent said Maro has attended city meetings since September, and noted that three people, including himself, endorsed her at the Dec. 1 meeting.

Vincent also pointed out that Leister was absent and no one spoke on her behalf.

He also alleged that Leister’s husband is employed by Spooner — and Spooner was silent about his ties to the candidate at the meeting.

“Cole and Spooner offered no reason or rationale for their rejection of Marilyn,” Vincent said. “Neither did they provide any reason whatsoever for their vote for Anne Leister, the surprise, last-minute applicant.”

The city clerk is accepting applications from qualified candidates.

The special commission meeting to nominate, vote on and swear in the new commissioner will be at 6 p.m. at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.

One thought on “Deadlocked BB Commission plans special meeting Monday to fill Ward 2 seat

  1. Patricia Shay

    How can a current commissioner who knows the procedures to bring forth resolutions involving city business, not know how to submit an application for a new commissioner for the board’s vote?
    How can another current commissioner think it is ethical and responsible not to disclose to the remaining commissioners and the attending public that an applicant commissioner’s husband currently works for that same commissioner?
    Very good questions that require answers, the voters of Bradenton Beach deserve answers!

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