Former Holmes Beach Commissioner Marvin Grossman wouldn’t have faced opposition in the Nov. 8 election had he qualified to run, but he will be challenged for reappointment to his seat on the dais.
Grossman lost his seat by failing to meet the requirements for re-election during the June qualifying period. After the deadline passed and without time to correct his mistake, Grossman learned he should have paid his candidate fees with a campaign check rather than the personal check he submitted.
The challenge comes in the form of five-year Holmes Beach resident Dan Diggins, who has expressed interest in the vacant commission seat.
Diggins said in a Nov. 22 interview with The Islander that he spoke with the sitting commissioners and Mayor Bob Johnson about his interest. He said they offered advice and “some things to think about.”
“I like this island, I like its people,” Diggins said. “I think the city could use someone with my knowledge and skill set.”
Diggins retired from federal service in 2011 and, earlier in 2016, from work as a consultant. After traveling extensively for business, he said he hopes to become more involved in the Holmes Beach community in his retirement.
Grossman said he welcomes the challenge, though he hopes commissioners will appoint him.
“I think we have a good thing going,” Grossman said Nov. 22. “I don’t see any point in rocking the boat now.”
Had he qualified, Grossman would have been automatically re-elected to another two-year term.
The appointed commissioner will serve a one-year term, expiring in 2017. The seat would open for the next general election, then again in 2018, to put it in the correct rotation in the election cycle.
During a Nov. 21 organizational meeting, commission Chair Judy Titsworth announced anyone interested in the vacant commission seat should attend the Dec. 13 city meeting for an introduction.
“We want anyone who wants to be considered for the seat on the commission to feel welcome to speak up,” Titsworth said.
Commissioners will meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, followed by a work session at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.