Former Holmes Beach Commissioner Marvin Grossman faced off against a challenger Dec. 13 for his seat on the city commission and won another year at the dais.
Commissioners unanimously voted to appoint Grossman to the commission for a one-year term that expires in November 2017.
The vacancy occurred when Grossman failed to qualify as a candidate in June. He paid his fees using a personal check when a campaign check is required, disqualifying him from the general election.
With no challengers emerging during the qualifying period, it was up to the remaining four commissioners to fill the vacancy.
In recent weeks, Dan Diggins expressed interest in the commission seat and his name was added as a nominee.
Prior to the vote, both Diggins and Grossman addressed commissioners.
“I would like to offer my services to serve the city,” Diggins said. “I think I’d be a great asset to the city.”
“It’s been my pleasure to work with each of you,” Grossman said, adding that he would like the opportunity to continue the work he began two years ago with the current commission.
Ongoing projects for the commission include trying to find solutions for traffic congestion, improving the city’s infrastructure and regulating vacation rentals.
Now that Grossman’s back on the commission, he said he wants to begin pursuing a project with beachfront property owners to plant beach flowers, beautifying the landscape and helping control dune erosion.
When asked about the vote, Grossman said he was happy for the competition but was confident the commission would vote in his favor.
“I’m just happy with the way things worked out,” he said.
“I think it’s wonderful that someone wants to be on this commission other than us,” Commissioner Jean Peelen said, commending Diggins for expressing interest in the vacant seat.
“I think his heart is in the right place,” Titsworth said of Diggins, adding she hopes he runs for office in the next municipal election.
Commissioner Carol Soustek nominated Grossman for the vacancy, a motion seconded by Commissioner Pat Morton.
After the vote, city clerk Stacey Johnston swore Grossman in for a one-year term expiring in November 2017.
The charter dictates the vacancy be for one year, thus the seat now held by Grossman must go on the 2017 and 2018 ballots to retain the proper rotation.
Commissioners will next meet at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.