by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
With less than two weeks before the City Council elects a new president, all is quiet. But don’t expect that to last for much longer.
While outgoing president Matt Carlucci coasted to an easy win a year ago, getting 16 of 19 votes — Council members Jim Overton and Elaine Brown voted for themselves (under the direction of local Republican party leaders) and Faye Rustin abstained — this year’s election may come down to the last minute and more than one vote.
At this point, Council member Jerry Holland has 10 signed pledges supporting him for president. Should those pledges hold true, Holland would defeat current Vice President Suzanne Jenkins and pull off an upset that hasn’t happened since Don Davis won the seat over John Crescimbeni in 1997.
The laid back beach guy in Holland — he’s a Fletcher grad and his District 3 comprises the beach and San Pablo area — plans to spend the next two weeks counting on the word of his pledges and doing very little to openly politic for the position.
“Amazingly enough, I’ll stay consistent,” said Holland. “I have not pushed hard since day one and I am not out to change minds. I have put out that I’m running and I’ve put out what I want to do differently. I’m going to let them make their decisions.”
And, true to form, Jenkins vows to battle to what may be a bitter end.
“Historically, the last two weeks can be wild and woolly,” said Jenkins. “I am prepared for whatever happens or doesn’t happen.”
Jenkins is right in her assessment of the weeks leading to the election and much can happen. Two races immediately come to mind: Eric Smith beating Max Leggett in 1996 and Ginger Soud’s attempt to beat Alberta Hipps — and repeat as president — three years ago. In both races, plenty of accusations flew and plenty of back room politics occurred.
While this year’s race probably won’t get particularly ugly in nature, Jenkins promises to campaign for the job with her usual fervor. She believes her work last year speaks for itself and plans to pursue the job until the last minute. If that means taking the vote to the Council floor on May 28, so be it.
“I did not get this far by sitting back and letting things come to me,” said Jenkins. “Am I going to say what my game plan is? No, but I will work hard. I hope it gets resolved before the vote; I know Mr. Holland would. Going to the floor is not a fun thing. At this point I’m going to work as hard for president as I did for vice president. I spent a year in the fish bowl.”
Holland agreed with Jenkins about the vote going to the floor.
“I think the potential is that will happen unless some that haven’t signed, sign for either person,” he said, adding he will rely on his 10 signed pledges but understands the Council members can certainly vote however they choose.