HOLMES BEACH – Commissioner Pat Morton has been on the city’s dais for 17 years and he’s hoping that voters give him two more when they cast their ballots in the Nov. 3 election.
Morton, a 26-year resident of Holmes Beach along with his wife, Gailene, was first elected to the city commission in November 2003. He and his wife are members of CrossPointe Fellowship. If you haven’t been to a commission meeting but Morton looks familiar, you might have also seen him working at the local ACE Hardware.
On the commission, Morton serves as the city’s liaison to Waste Pro, the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center and the Holmes Beach Police Pension Board. He’s also a member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and has been certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute.
With two seats on the city commission up for grabs in the Nov. 3 election, Morton faces off against incumbent Commissioner Kim Rash and former commissioner Rick Hurst along with fellow Holmes Beach resident Jayne Christenson. To help voters get to know each candidate a little better, The Sun asked each candidate to answer the same four questions. Here are Morton’s answers.
What do voters need to know about your involvement in the community?
Having served as a commissioner for 17 years and currently as vice chair, I think I am most proud of my commitment in enacting legislation in helping to restore balance in our residential neighborhoods. Retaining our residents is crucial as we try to keep our churches, schools, professional offices and small mom-and-pop stores and our Community Center.
I have participated in the adoption of land area ration, strengthened the definition of what constitutes a duplex and helped create a more effective noise control ordinance. I strongly recommended increasing setbacks for polls, the implementation of the vacation rental ordinance and the regulation of front yard encroachments. I helped in the implementation of the formula business ordinance, low speed vehicle ordinance and electronic scooter ordinance. I supported the regulation in earth moving and fertilizers, including the addition of the international property maintenance code in our city. I am currently working on changes to our landscaping/native tree ordinance and adding a permit parking ordinance to our city.
Staying safe through the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our residents and business owners. I have fully supported all directives in response to this crisis and fully support the face mask mandates.
Why are you running for Holmes Beach City Commission?
I have a strong regard for the city of Holmes Beach and a commitment to civic duty. Having served in both the military and now in office, it has allowed me the opportunity to make a difference. I would like to continue to give back and be the voice of the citizens, of whom I have the privilege of speaking to every single day.
If elected, what would be your priority to work on with your fellow commissioners?
I would continue to improve our city amenities, which include resiliency in all our continued capital improvements.
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing the city today?
Resiliency. We must all do our part.
