Turn up late to city hall and you might miss a good show.
It was standing room only in the Anna Maria commission chambers Sept. 30 for the League of Women Voters of Manatee County candidate forum held at city hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The house was so packed, Commissioner Dale Woodland stopped several times during his answers to admire the size of the audience — relative to the low attendance at most city meetings — for the debate among five candidates running for three seats.
Woodland and the other candidates — incumbents Carol Carter and Doug Copeland and newcomers John Damato and Penny Naylor — fielded questions about budget concerns, traffic ideas, code enforcement and the planned high-rise bridge on Manatee Avenue.
The rules of the forum were simple. Candidates were given the chance to make opening and closing statements. A question would be asked and each candidate had limited time for their response and the possibility for rebuttal.
Copeland, an island-based cabinetmaker running for his second term, stressed his history on Anna Maria Island and how he’s raised his family here.
Moderator Rosalie Shaffer, president of the LWV, opened questions with one of the biggest topics in the city: vacation rentals. “How can Anna Maria Island preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods while accommodating visitors?” she said, beginning with Copeland.
Copeland said the VRO will be effective. “The commission has come to a workable element to control large vacation homes,” he said. “I believe this will allow residents to maintain a quiet life.”
Carter and Naylor said the limits placed on vacation rentals would help protect the quiet environment of Anna Maria.
Carter, who’s running for her second commission term, stood firm on her feelings about the importance of the city’s short-term vacation rental ordinance.
Woodland spoke against the city pursuing a declarative action to determine whether vacation rentals in Anna Maria are illegal. “It’s wrong! The ramifications from it aren’t worth pursuing.”
He blamed the action taken to obtain a declarative judgment to make vacation rentals illegal for breaking down the compromise talks that had been ongoing.
Woodland has been an island resident the longest — he attended Anna Maria Elementary — and got involved in city government in 1990.
The incumbents have all been instrumental in the VRO’s creation and adoption.
A question about what the city could do to help with the Anna Maria Island Community Center’s economic recovery was posed.
Naylor and Damato thought the center could start charging more for services to help cover costs.
Woodland suggested businesses could be solicited to add a 1 percent surcharge tax to their goods and services to help cover center costs.
The center board released conceptual plans in March to expand its fitness center, prompting local fitness center owners to voice concerns that the nonprofit’s enterprise would damage their businesses.
Carter and Copeland agreed the center had alienated the community, but offered no solutions.
“Would you favor stronger penalties for people who ignore the city’s building codes?” Shaffer asked.
The candidates agreed fines should be increased and codes enforced. “A $100 fine is a drop in the bucket for some developers,” said Damato, a police officer for 32 years. He served at the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Anna Maria-substation from 2000-09 and now works in real estate sales.
In the end, Naylor warned against a “laissez-faire” attitude in the city. “I have a more proactive approach,” she said, referring to the current lawsuits against the city and how they came about. “We’re on the verge of destruction if we don’t get it together.”
Naylor, an artist, wanted everyone to be clear that she isn’t running against anyone but wants all candidates, commissioners, businesses and residents to work together. She believes she has the ability to do that.
And Carter said if re-elected she would continue the fight for Anna Maria. “I need support against Shawn Kaleta and other developers,” she said. “We can’t wait until they’ve drained all of our old Florida charm.”
As of Sept. 22, there were 1,188 registered voters in Anna Maria.
Balloting to fill three commission seats will be 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave.
Mail and absentee ballots also are available. Voters need to call the SOE at 941-741-3823 or go online at votemanatee.com to request a ballot.
For debate
The League of Women Voters of Manatee County hosted a candidate debate Sept. 30 in Anna Maria. City commission candidates were questioned on the following:
• Vacation rentals: How can AMI preserve the quality of residential neighborhoods while accommodating visitors?
• Law enforcement: Are you in favor of renewing the city’s contract with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office?
• Traffic: Are the city’s current parking regulations and enforcement working?
• Code enforcement: Would you favor stronger penalties for those who ignore the city’s building codes?
• City charter: What changes would you like to see made to the city charter?
• High-rise bridge: Do you think the proposed bridge will help traffic or increase it?
• Islandwide relationships: Are there more services that can be consolidated with one or more of the cities?
• Community center: What do you propose to help the recovery of the Anna Maria Island Community Center?
• BP settlement: What would be a good use for the settlement would be?