By Barbara Haiss Martin
2023 Elections 3 cities 7 seats Here is what you need to know – Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, and Oviedo all have seats up for re-election. Qualifying dates last anywhere from four to eight days and candidates can generally pick up a qualifying packet a month prior to the qualifying period but can call the city to see when the city clerks have them ready.
Forms and documentation must be filled out prior to submitting an application or affidavit to the city. Most city commissioners/mayors will serve a 2-year term, although, some mayors serve a 3-year term. See specific city information below.
Unfortunately, municipal non-partisan elections give the Democrats an advantage as Dems generally put up only one candidate and put all their support behind them. Republicans don’t restrict anyone who wishes to run for office. Support can then be diluted for the Republicans.
I did list the party affiliation of current seat holders so Republicans can determine which seats they want to run for, but it doesn’t mean a Republican can’t run if there is an (R) behind someone’s name.
I can tell you from covering the City of Altamonte Springs meetings as I did for almost a year as a member of Grassroots for America, it is difficult to tell where an existing commissioner stands on a topic unless they make some sort of comment or you can catch them to ask a question. I was seven months into covering the Commission when a minor controversy arose about the City’s graffiti ordinance and how many hours property owners/homeowners had to clean it up before the Code Enforcement penalties would start accruing.
While the two Republican City Commissioners said nothing, the lone Libertarian, Jim Turney, was having none of it. He felt the proposed update to the City Ordinance did not provide adequate due process for the homeowner/property owner and asked that it be rewritten.
Turney said the City had a lot of absentee property owners who rented their property and may not even get the Code Enforcement notice before the clock runs out. Even after the rewrite, Turney opposed the ordinance, but on Oct. 5, 2021, it passed 4 to 1. At the time, I was hoping the two Republican Commissioners would join Turney in opposing the amendment to the ordinance as he bought up some valid points, but they did not.
Unless you attend city meetings, watch them online or read the minutes, you won’t know who is acting on your behalf or standing up for your rights. I was always glad to see Turney show up at SCREC meetings to speak in the Candidate’s Corner when campaigning for his non-partisan seat and I expect we will see him again this year.
2023 Elections 3 cities 7 seats Here is what you need to know – written by Barbara Haiss Martin
Altamonte Springs
Qualifying Dates: Noon on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023
Positions up for Re-election:
- Mayor (3-year term) Currently held by Mayor Patricia Bates (D) – Served since 1997 as a commissioner and since 2008 as Mayor
- Commissioner District 1 – Jim Turney (Libertarian Party of Florida – LPF) – Served since 2017
- Commissioner District 3 – Sarah Reece (D) – Served since 1997
The City does not have term limits for these offices. Interested candidates should contact the City Clerk Angie Apperson at 407-571-8122. Appointments are requested.
2023 Elections 3 cities 7 seats Here is what you need to know – written by Barbara Haiss Martin
Lake Mary
Qualifying Dates: Noon on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 to Noon on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023
Positions up for Re-election:
- City Commissioner Seat 2 – George Duryea(R) – Served since 1987
- City Commissioner Seat 4 – Justin York (R) – Served since 2019
Lake Mary does not have term limits and Duryea is one of the longest serving city commissioners in Florida. Candidates can pick up a qualifying packet from City Clerk Michelle McCurdy’s office approximately one month prior to the beginning of qualifying week. McCurdy suggests calling her for an appointment at 407-585-1423 so she can go over the packet with you and answer any questions you may have.
Oviedo
Qualifying Dates: Monday, Aug. 7, 2023 to Noon, Friday, Aug. 11, 2023
Positions up for Re-election:
- Mayor – Megan Sladek (R)
- Councilmember Group 1 Natalie Teuchert (D)
The City of Oviedo does not have term limits and both candidates up for re-election have served one term. A Candidate’s Packet with more information may be picked up at the City Clerk Elianne Rivera’s office or call her at 407-971-5504.
Thanks for reading the article written by Republican Barbara Martin on “2023 Elections 3 cities 7 seats Here is what you need to know” Remember to follow us on Facebook!
Barbara Haiss Martin is an award-winning journalist/editor who has lived in Seminole County with her husband, John, since 1972.
