by J. Brooks Terry
Staff Writer
Several term-limited politicians may be lusting after the newly-vacated Supervisor of Elections job. However, only those willing to sacrifice those jobs will be the candidates able to run for it.
According to Florida Statues, apart from having to pay a near-$7,000 qualifying fee, elected and appointed officers must resign at least 10 days prior to the qualifying deadline.
And though City Council member Jerry Holland remains the only hopeful to make public his intentions to run for supervisor, the rumored list is much longer, including current second-term Council members Suzanne Jenkins, Faye Rustin and Lad Daniels as well as state representatives Stan Jordan and Dick Kravitz.
“According to what we have on the books, they would each have to resign if they seriously wanted to pursue the job,” said Jason Teal, a City attorney specializing in election laws. “In my opinion, the idea of having to do that would be a lot scarier to some than to others. Some might not think it’s worth it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you saw more than one job on the ballot during that election.”
The job is open due to the resignation of John Stafford, who is in poor health. Attorney Bill Scheu was appointed as the interim supervisor and says he won’t run for the position.
Elections spokesperson Erin Moody said neither the qualifying deadline nor the special election needed to elect a new supervisor has been set. The City Council will ultimately have to to establish both dates.
“At this time we do not have that information,” said Moody. “Right now, we’re obviously more focused on the election taking place on Nov. 3.”