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Anna Maria Elections Carter Wins

Incumbents sweep Anna Maria elections

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria voters want incumbent City Commissioners Carol Carter, Doug Copeland and Dale Woodland to serve additional two-year terms in office, as first-time candidate Laurie Jo Higgins fell short in her bid to claim one of the three open commission seats.

Carter was the leading vote getter, receiving 331 votes and 29.45 percent of the votes cast in the city election that began with mail voting in early October and ended at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Those who did not vote by mail voted in person Tuesday at the Roser Memorial Community Church.

Woodland finished second with 317 votes and 28.20 percent of the vote. Copeland finished third with 305 votes and 27.14 percent of the vote.

In her first run for elected office, Higgins received 171 votes and 15.21 percent of the votes cast.

Carter said she is “thrilled that the voters realize that I am their champion for the peaceful enjoyment of their homes and will work to ensure Home Rule will dominate.”

Carter and Copeland were elected to their third terms in office. Woodland was elected to his seventh.

The commission is rounded out by Brian Seymour and Nancy Yetter. Their current terms expire in 2018, along with two-term mayor Dan Murphy.

City Clerk LeAnne Addy said on Tuesday she was still in the process of determining a date and time for the swearing-in ceremonies that will be held at Anna Maria City Hall.

Carol Carter will serve a third term on the Anna Maria Commission. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Carol Carter will serve a third term on the Anna Maria Commission. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

First challenger Laurie Jo Higgins fell short in her first bid for public office. - Submitted

First challenger Laurie Jo Higgins fell short in her first bid for public office. - Submitted

Dale Woodland was elected to serve a seventh term in office. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Dale Woodland was elected to serve a seventh term in office. - Joe Hendricks | Sun

Doug Copeland was re-elected in Anna Maria.

Doug Copeland was re-elected in Anna Maria.

Four qualify in Anna Maria election

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Anna Maria, Community News.

ANNA MARIA – Anna Maria’s two-week period to qualify for the city election ended at noon Friday and four candidates will run in the city elections this fall.

Carol Carter, Doug Copeland, Laurie Jo Higgins and Dale Woodland will compete for three commission seats in the election that will conclude Tuesday, Nov. 7. Vote by mail ballots will go out in early October.

Carter is seeking her third term in office. The ongoing battle with state legislators regarding local vacation rental regulations remains a priority.

Carol Carter
Carter

“I’m running for reelection to continue to support our residents and our way of life,” Carter said. “Through our recent efforts, we made a mark in the state in establishing that residents have rights too. We’ve gained some ground, but I must keep working on behalf of our residents and their quality of life.”

Copeland is seeking his third, full two-year term in office. He began his commission service in 2013 when he served the final five months of John Quam’s term after Quam resigned.

Doug Copeland
Copeland

“I want to see City Pier Park finished, the pier at least under construction and the Bert Harris claims resolved,” Copeland said. He added that he and the commission have unfinished business.

Higgins, a first-time candidate, is looking for change.

“Many people out here, including myself, feel like they haven’t been heard by our current commission,” she said. “I’m not in favor of many of the

Laurie Jo Higgins
Higgins

decisions that have been put forth and before any more are made I want to be a part of it. Instead of complaining, I’d like to be an active part of the solution.”

Woodland is seeking his eighth term in office.

Dale Woodland
Woodland

“I love this job. I love the people and the community. They seem happy with me, and being a public servant is the best job I’ve ever had. I don’t have an agenda. I’m going to continue to do the things I’ve been doing and I don’t see the need to change any strategy,” he said.

Tuesday, Oct. 10 is the last day to register to vote in the fall elections.