The election season is ending and Anna Maria’s commission candidates are using the final days to gather support.
Five candidates are campaigning for three commission seats — incumbents Carol Carter, Dale Woodland and Doug Copeland and newcomers Penny Naylor and John Damato.
Since Aug. 28, when the qualifying period closed, the candidates have been working to reach voters, from Carter’s coffee talks to Naylor’s mailers and Damato’s booth at Bayfest.
The five candidates have varied methods to fund their campaigns — or not. Carter received $3,200 and Damato $3,277 from contributors. Naylor at $3,300 and Woodland with $500 were the only contributors to their respective campaigns.
Copeland signed a hardship waiver, was relieved of the $48 registration fee and therefore can’t raise money for his campaign. He said he tries to spend as little as possible because “money doesn’t belong in politics.”
“I’m running on my record,” he said.
When Copeland was first elected to a commission seat in 2013 he spent no money.
However, he’s canvassing. Every Saturday Copeland can be found knocking on doors in the hopes of gaining votes.
Carter and Damato are following Copeland’s strategy, canvassing door to door.
“I really hope I represented the city well over the past two years,” Carter said. “It’s a steep learning curve, being a commissioner, and I hope the people of Anna Maria put their faith in me again.”
Carter and her supporters also are putting out more campaign signs.
With signs lining up on city streets, it can be difficult to stand out. So Naylor and Woodland have taken different approaches in their appeal for votes.
Naylor’s signs are unique. She’s taken the traditional campaign sign and turned it to her favor. Her signs of angled-squares of blue and black are difficult to miss on Gulf Drive.
“I’ve decided to run for commissioner to express ideas. It’s ideas that count,” Naylor said. “Our town needs to pull together to protect itself from the pressures of development, which are natural in a place as unexploited and attractive as ours. Time is of the essence.”
She’s sent out mailers, bought newspaper ads and canvassed the city to meet residents.
Woodland, in an effort to conserve funds, has done a DIY update to his original green signs. He’s taken a black Sharpie marker and added “Re-” next to “elect.”
“When I first put the signs out years ago, I got in a bit of trouble for not having the phrase ‘re-elect’ on them. I didn’t know they couldn’t just say, ‘Elect Dale Woodland,’” he said.
With more than a decade of experience as a commissioner, Woodland has a unique plan for the final week of the campaign. While the others knock on doors, he’s heading to North Carolina for a vacation.
“This is a small community and everyone knows me enough by now,” he said. “People know what they’re going to get. You either like me or you don’t.”
While Woodland goes on reputation, Damato has made the news. The day the election-qualifying period closed, an anonymous complaint from a “concerned citizen” arrived at Anna Maria City Hall, 10005 Gulf Drive.
The letter alleged Damato didn’t meet the residency qualifications for a city commissioner. To be eligible, according to the city charter, the candidate must be a resident of the city for at least two years.
Though Damato owned a home in Bradenton, he met the qualifications by renting in 2013 in Anna Maria.
He cleared up his residency with Mayor Dan Murphy before another allegation was lodged, again from an unnamed “concerned citizen” about his homestead exemption. Damato learned he lost his exemption and had to pay a fine and back taxes — and his house reportedly sold within the past few weeks.
Voting will be open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 3 at Roser Memorial Community Church, 512 Pine Ave.
Commissioners serve a two-year term and take office at the first regular commission meeting after the election.
Commissioners are paid a $450 monthly stipend.
While serving, commissioners must continue to live in the city full-time.