by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
City Council member Jim Overton doesn’t want to reinvent the wheel at the Property Appraiser’s Office, but he does want the job.
For several months now, Overton has considered a run at the job currently held by Ernie Mastroianni. Last week, he filed paperwork with the Supervisor of Elections Office to open a campaign account.
“I’ll officially announce my candidacy at a function in the future,” he said.
Overton is one of five Council members serving the last of two terms and will have to step down July 1. Although he’s employed full-time by PRC Digital Media, Overton said real estate has always intrigued him and he’ll leave PRC if elected.
“I’ve done some real estate dealings over the years and my mother is a real estate agent,” said Overton. “I’ve always liked it and I like to pore over real estate maps for hours. It’s just something I like to do. And I like the appraisal aspect. I like to examine facts and do research; it’s sort of like zoning. Once you come to an appraised value, you have to sort of defend yourself. I want the office to be fair and an open process. When you get to an end number, you should have to explain the end number with clarity and fairness.”
Although he hasn’t decided yet, thanks to a Florida Supreme Court decision abolishing term limits for constitutional officers Mastroianni may seek reelection. Elected in 1987, Mastroianni has enjoyed 15 relatively controversy-free years. Overton believes that’s enough.
“My feeling is that it’s time for someone else to step in and take the job,” said Overton. “He [Mastroianni] hasn’t said he’ll run and until he does, I’ll assume he’s not in the race. We’ll find out at qualifying in February.”
Overton said it doesn’t matter if Mastroianni seeks another term or not, he’s still going to run.
“He’s done a good job, but I believe turnover is good. It will be a fair contest if Mr. Mastroianni gets in the race. I think I have some different things to offer. I’m a little younger and I have some good ideas about government,” said Overton. “I don’t want to reinvent the wheel, but it can benefit bureaucracy to shake things up. I’ve had the opportunity to work with this mayor [John Delaney] and I’d like to work with the next mayor.”