A dropout in the Holmes Beach commission race is a win for two political hopefuls.
What was to be a three-way race for two seats was thought to be over when Commissioner Jayne Christenson announced her decision Oct. 11 to withdraw from the race.
Christenson withheld her letter of withdrawal more than two weeks, leaving speculation about her intent. The letter was received by the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Oct. 29.
Christenson, who was elected in 2020, said in her statement at an Oct. 11 commission meeting that the primary factor in her withdrawal was her “work/life balance,” which she said left her with limited time for the city.
Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett told The Islander Oct. 28 that a notice will be posted at the precinct 305 polling location, St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 Harbor Drive S., as well as included with mail-in ballots, to notify voters of Christenson’s withdrawal.
“A candidate in the race for office of Holmes Beach city commission has withdrawn, resulting in an unopposed candidate race,” the notice reads. “A vote cast in this race will not change the outcome as the remaining candidates are deemed by law to be elected for that race.”
In her absence — as well as that of Commissioner Kim Rash, who did not seek reelection — Daniel Diggins and Gregory Kerchner will take Christenson and Rash’s seats without a vote.
Diggins lost out on an appointment to a commission seat in 2016 but stayed engaged. He wrote in an email to The Islander Oct. 30: “I am honored to represent the citizens of this wonderful community.”
Kerchner is the chair of the city’s planning commission and has served on the board since 2019.
He emailed The Islander Oct. 30, stating, “Holmes Beach is fortunate to have so many truly dedicated employees on staff. I look forward to working with them along with our other elected officials, to help guide our city’s growth and preserve paradise!”
Mayor Judy Titsworth also will retain her seat as she alone qualified to run for mayor. Titsworth served as city commissioner 2012-18 and has served as mayor since 2018.
This will be her third two-year term as mayor.
Titsworth wrote in an Oct. 31 email to The Islander, “After hiring really qualified department heads to manage the day-to-day tasks, I am looking forward to this term being able to focus more on the community, the environment and projects that can improve quality of life.
The mayor is paid $27,120 annually, while commissioners receive a yearly stipend of $7,819.92.
Diggins, Kerchner and Titsworth will be sworn in prior to an organizational meeting at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at city hall, 5801 Marina Drive.
There still is an election in Holmes Beach for the up-ballot races, as early voting continues 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. daily until Sunday, Nov. 6.
Residents can vote 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, at St. Bernard Catholic Church.
There were 2,678 registered voters in Holmes Beach as of Oct. 28, according to the SEO.