by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Qualifying for the upcoming election ended at noon Tuesday, but not without a few surprises. Some candidates meeting the necessary requirements seemed to come of out nowhere at the last minute, while others who were thought to be strong contenders pulled out of the race . . . at the last minute.
Although originally thought to be nothing more than a rumor, former State Sen. Betty Holzendorf arrived at the Supervisor of Elections Office to announce her mayoral candidacy, and subsequently qualify, only 15 minutes before the deadline.
“As I have watched the debates and the advertising for the mayor’s race of Jacksonville, I see a void in that no one has stepped up to the plate to discuss those issues that will make Jacksonville greater.”
Holzendorf added that she was looking forward to raising the level of debate among the candidates and to really “talk about the issues.” She also denied that her last-minute campaign was not a personal vendetta against any of the candidates, including Sheriff Nat Glover.
“I hope my running hurts all of the other candidate’s campaigns,” she said. “This has nothing to do with me wanting to be Jacksonville’s Democratic mayor or Jacksonville’s black mayor. I just want to be Jacksonville’s mayor and I’m running to win.”
Holzendorf said she was somewhat concerned about having to make up for lost time, but that she also was looking forward to discussing the issues with the other six candidates in a debate or forum setting soon.
“When the seven of us get together,” she said, “I feel like we’ll all be at square one.”
Perhaps even more unexpected Tuesday was the announcement that City Council member Dr. Gwen Chandler, who qualified to run for supervisor of elections last week, asked for her money back at literally the same time Holzendorf was cutting a check.
“Lots of candidates who had intended to run didn’t qualify, but no one else who had already qualified decided to drop out,” said Frankie Knight, candidate records director for the Supervisor of Elections Office. “I’ve been here for 10 years and I’ve never seen that happen before.”
According to Knight, funds in Chandler’s campaign account would have to be given to charity, pro-rated and returned to those who contributed or given to the Republican Party. Refunds are only given while the qualifying period is still open.
Supervisor of Elections John Stafford said he was not caught off guard by Chandler’s exit.
“I knew that she was thinking about it,” said Stafford. “It wasn’t a surprise for me.”
Stafford was confident that Chandler would now be backing his campaign efforts for reelection.
“I know that she has her concerns,” he said. “And I’ll certainly listen to them if I’m reelected. It is a relief to be the only Republican candidate.”
Stafford is running against Kathy Finn and and former City Council member Terry Wood.
Calls to Dr. Chandler were not returned before deadline.