Two charter amendments are on the ballot for Bradenton Beach voters in the Aug. 30 primary.
Voters have the opportunity to voice their opinions on two proposed charter amendments — one to remove term limits for elected officials and another to reduce the residency requirement for candidates for city commission from 24 to nine months.
Reducing the amount of time someone has to live in the city before running for elected office would bring the city’s candidate residency requirements more in line with those of the state.
Currently, the Bradenton Beach charter allows a commissioner or mayor to hold elected office for three consecutive two-year terms. If voters choose to remove the term limits, six-year Commissioner Ed Straight, who is terming out of his seat on the dais this year, would be eligible to run for re-election in November for a fourth term.
No candidates stepped up to oppose Straight during the June qualifying period for the Ward 2 seat and Straight qualified in the event the term limits were abolished in the August polling and he would be able to put his name on the ballot.
Early voting for the Aug. 30 primary continues through 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at the West Manatee Fire Rescue office, 6417 Third Ave. W., Bradenton, as well as other mainland locations.
Polls will be open to voters at 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 30, at the volunteer fire station, 201 Second St. N.
Here’s your opportunity…VOTE people! Limit time in office; we need new ideas and more often. When they stay in office too long they get comfy and their opinions and decisions are no longer for the residents or environments interests!