When Election Day rolls around Nov. 2, Anna Maria’s 1,027 registered voters can stay home.
Carter
At the Aug. 27 conclusion of a two-week qualifying period, there were only two confirmed candidates.
Incumbent Commissioners Carol Carter and Jonathan Crane will be sworn in for new two-year terms of office after Nov. 11, in accordance with Manatee County election laws that state candidates cannot be sworn into office before the second Thursday after Election Day.
A third unknown person picked up qualifying materials Aug. 26, Anna Maria City Clerk LeAnne Addy told The Islander, but that person did not return the documents.
With a third commission seat up for grabs and no candidate vying for the office, Mayor Dan Murphy said the four commissioners will have to appoint a qualified person in November or December.
The process leaves the voters with no say.
Of the three two-year terms that came up for the odd-year election, one had been held by Joe Muscatello, who resigned June 24.
Crane
Former Commissioner Doug Copeland was the only applicant for the vacancy and was appointed in July to fill the remainder of Muscatello’s term on the commission.
Copeland said he would not run in the election to retain the seat.
— Amy V.T. Moriarty