A pair of incumbent West Manatee Fire Rescue commissioners might have an easy time reclaiming their seats.
Only Commissioners Robert Bennett and Larry Jennis had filed with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office to declare their intentions to run for reelection as of June 7 — only days before the qualification window was to open.
The district includes all of Anna Maria Island, Cortez and areas of the west side of unincorporated Manatee County.
WMFR’s fire commission consists of five at-large representatives who reside in the district.
The qualification period to run in the Nov. 5 general election for two commission seats was to begin June 10, as The Islander went to press, and will end at noon Friday, June 14.
Current commissioners include Jennis in Seat 1, Derrick Warner in Seat 2, Billy Burke in Seat 3, David Bishop in Seat 4 and Bennett in Seat 5.
Bennett’s and Jennis’ terms expire in November.
Neither candidate had reported any contributions or expenditures, according to the SEO’s website, votemanatee.com.
West Manatee Fire Rescue District commissioners receive a $6,000 annual salary and serve a four-year term.
— Ryan Paice