By the deadline to qualify for the Anna Maria municipal election in November, there were five candidates in the race for three seats.
Penny Naylor delivered her election-qualifying packet to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Aug. 28, qualifying to run for a seat on the Anna Maria commission in the Nov. 3 election.
Naylor, a city resident since 2008, said she had no intention of running for office until a couple of friends talked her into it.
“It was all last minute,” she said. “But my friends convinced me that I could be a strong candidate and that I could help make the city better.”
Naylor said she would strive for consensus on the issues — the biggest being the short-term vacation rental ordinance.
“Parts of the new ordinance seem arbitrary and are likely to cause added costs for everyone, including city hall and the police,” Naylor said, adding the city needs to keep its arms open to visitors. “Hospitality is the city’s business.”
She said she stands firm on amending the ordinance again. Naylor believes the “opt out” clause in the VRO adopted Sept. 2 is a mistake, that leaving a property unattended would burden taxpayers. “People need to be responsible for their properties,” she said.
The other candidates are incumbents Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland. John Damato also qualified.
Carter, has been a commissioner since 2013 and previously was a member of the city planning and zoning board.
Copeland has served on the commission since June 2013.
Woodland has served on the commission for 12 years, since 2003.
Damato served as a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy 2004-09 in the city.
Naylor is an artist and former creative director for a New York City-based marketing and advertising company.
Anna Maria commissioners receive a $4,800 yearly stipend and are elected for two-year terms.
After each election, the commissioners choose a chairperson to lead them.
Anna Maria’s election qualifying period ended Aug. 28.
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County will host an election forum at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3. The polling location — the Roser Church fellowship hall, 512 Pine Ave. — will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
City residents can register to vote in the November election through Monday, Oct. 5, and mail-in and absentee ballots are available from the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office at 941-741-3823 or votemanatee.com.
Anna Maria’s polling will be Nov. 3 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave.