Jack Clarke was sworn in as mayor of Bradenton Beach June 1 at city hall, 107 Gulf Drive N.
Clarke, 71, who retired to Bradenton Beach from Connecticut, where he owned a small business, was elected May 19 on the same ballot where voters recalled former Mayor Bill Shearon by eight votes. Clarke defeated Shearon, 185 votes to 172 in a race to determine who would fill the remaining five months of Shearon’s term.
With his wife Karen looking on, Clarke was sworn into office by attorney Stephen G. Perry of the Bradenton-based Blalock Walters law firm, the husband of city attorney Ricinda Perry. His voice quivering, Clarke said the event was “unexpectedly” emotional.
Clarke thanked his wife, Karen, and the city staff, and local merchants and any others who worked on his campaign.
“We’re starting over here from Day 1,” Clarke said. “This is not an opportunity to settle old scores, as some have suggested. We prevailed with a clear victory. However a substantial number of voters apparently lack confidence in my abilities. It is my hope that these citizens will join with us to work together for a better Bradenton Beach.
Shearon already has announced his intention to run again for mayor in November.
Perhaps now we can get something done in BB. Nothing against either mayor, but it’s time to get along, and move along.