by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
Property Appraiser Ernie Mastrioanni has indicated that he may seek reelection next spring.
“I’m giving it very serious consideration,” said Mastrioanni last week. “I’m leaning toward running at this time. Let’s put it this way: if the election was next week [this week], I’d run. But it’s not and there’s still a long way to go until qualifying.”
Last spring, the Florida Supreme Court abolished voter-mandated term limits for constitutional officers, meaning local elected positions such as Property Appraiser, Sheriff, Clerk of the Court and Supervisor of Elections are no longer bound by term limits. That has opened the door for Mastrioanni and Sheriff Nat Glover to seek reelection, if they so choose. Glover has indicated he will not seek reelection and may consider a run at mayor, but Mastrioanni, who was elected in 1987, said he never thought terms limits should have applied to constitutional officers in the first place.
“When I was elected that was way before City Council decided to go with term limits,” he said. “I’m not bound by that [anymore]. I’m a staunch supporter of term limits for legislative and administrative officers because it helps keep them from building a power base. What power base can I serve as property appraiser?
“I don’t think there’s any reason for term limits for constitutional officers. Unless anything radical happens, I’ll be running in April.”
Although Mastrioanni won’t make a formal decision for another month or two, the fact he’s considering another term has sparked City Council member Dr. Gwen Chandler to reconsider her bid for Mastrioanni’s job. She’s turned her attention to the Duval County Supervisor of Elections position, currently held by John Stafford. Given the problems with the 2000 Presidential election and this fall’s primaries, Chandler may be one of many lining up for the job (Stafford has already filed paperwork seeking reelection).
Chandler said she will decide this week about running and added tomorrow’s election, regardless of its outcome or how smoothly its run, will have no bearing on her decision.
“I’m giving that careful, careful consideration,” said Chandler, who will have to step down as a Council member because of term limits. “I’m going to meet with my political friends, residents and political allies, conduct an informal poll and meet with people to discuss the feasibility of running. Then, I’ll make a decision a couple of days after the election.”
Chandler also said her decision to change her pursuit from property appraiser to supervisor of elections was based on the records of Mastrioanni and Stafford. With 15 years of relatively controversy-free experience, Mastrioanni, according to Chandler, represents a much tougher foe.
“An incumbent running for property appraiser, and let’s face the facts: with 15 years on his record like Ernie has would be tough to beat. His record speaks for itself,” said Chandler. “When I put my papers in with the elections office, the Supreme Court had not returned its decision.”
Chandler stopped just short of saying she will run and is seeking political advice for the purpose of reassuring herself that she’s making the right choice.
“Let’s put it this way, I’ve pretty much made my mind up,” she said. “But, I need to get the sincere pulse of the community. The election [tomorrow] will not play a major role. The facts are there.”