One of three incumbent Anna Maria city commissioners is hoping someone else steps to the plate in November.
Commissioner Robert Kingan told The Islander Aug. 3 that he would allow his term to expire in November and not seek reelection.
Kingan was appointed to a two-year term in November 2021 to succeed Doug Copeland, who served as commissioner 2013-19 and then was reappointed to the board in July 2021 after Joe Muscatello vacated his seat to move to West Virginia.
Kingan said he had made an agreement with his wife when he first joined the commission: he’d only spend two years on the board.
“I said, ‘They really need somebody. I think I can really help the process here, especially to do with Pine Avenue.’ And I really wanted to see the Mote (Education and Outreach Center on the pier) open,” he said.
In the meantime, Kingan said they purchased a property in Sarasota and plan to spend more time there, while maintaining their primary residence in Anna Maria.
Kingan added he will continue to participate in public meetings after his term expires and might consider running for a commission seat again in the future.
The other two incumbents in this year’s election are Jonathan Crane and Charlie Salem.
Crane has told The Islander that he would “probably” run for reelection but has yet to make up his mind.
Salem has submitted candidacy forms to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office and announced to The Islander that he will run for his first full two-year term.
City commissioners receive a $4,800 annual salary.
The window to qualify in the city’s election will open at noon Monday, Aug. 14, and close at noon Friday, Aug. 25.
The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is Tuesday, Oct. 10, and voters can request vote-by-mail ballots until 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26.
The general election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 7.