HOLMES BEACH – Rainy weather and a hole in the Anna Maria Island Bridge couldn’t stop the four city commission candidates from coming out to The Sun’s candidate forum or the public from coming to hear their answers to questions.
More than 40 people gathered at Holmes Beach City Hall on Aug. 28 to hear what candidates Dan Diggins, Steve Oelfke, Bill Romberger and Carol Whitmore had to say. Candidates answered questions from the community ranging from what they think about the city’s budget and millage rate to consolidation, parking garages and Manatee County tourist tax funding.
All four of the candidates agreed that the results of the Aug. 20 primary election changed the dynamic of the city’s relationship with county and state elected officials.
Both Oelfke and Whitmore said that a strength they bring to the table is being able to foster good relationships among people at all levels. Romberger said he feels the best thing to do is “to stand strong and foster some kind of mutual respect.”
Incumbent Commissioner Dan Diggins said he felt that a lot of the issues between the city and the county had to do with a single commissioner who lost in the primary race, which he said should help the relationship. One thing Diggins thinks would help remedy some of the relationship issues would be for some of the tourist development tax funds, also known as bed tax funds, to come back to the Anna Maria Island communities. City officials have long said that Holmes Beach is one of the largest contributors to the tax funds but sees the least amount in return. Whitmore noted that according to state law, the tax funds can only be used to fund something concerning tourism, such as improvements or advertising directly related to tourism.
Another thing they all agreed on is that none of them are in favor of a proposed parking garage at the county-owned Manatee Beach or the consolidation of the three Island cities. While Romberger said he’d be willing to look at consolidation of services if it would be beneficial to residents in all three cities, Diggins questioned at what cost consolidation of services would come to taxpayers. He also questioned whether the three Island mayors would be willing to give up any of their city’s services in order to consolidate services. He suggested having interlocal agreements for shared equipment or services. Oelfke said he agreed with Diggins that some items could be shared and that he would be open to looking outside the box to find different solutions to save taxpayers money.
Concerns among residents about stormwater were also addressed by the commission candidates.
Romberger said he sees the city trying to help with stormwater accumulation and flooding, but there’s only so much that can be done. Whitmore agreed that she would be in favor of raising elevation when building new homes or building higher sea wall caps to try and help keep water from flooding residences and businesses. Diggins said that he also believes in climate change but thinks a lot of the flooding on the Island is caused by too much impervious surface and the Island being very close to sea level. The combination of heavy rains and high tides causes a difficult problem to battle for the city and its residents. Oelfke said he’s very encouraged hearing the work that the city is doing to fix ailing infrastructure, but he said that rain on an ordinary day should never cause houses to flood. That is, he said, a priority issue to be addressed by city leaders, to make sure that the storm drains are working properly.
Visit The Sun’s Facebook page to watch the forum in its entirety.
HOLMES BEACH – The Nov. 2 election is almost upon us and Holmes Beach voters have to decide between five candidates to fill three seats on the city commission – incumbent Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek, newcomer Renee Ferguson and former commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton.
Continuing The Sun’s series on how the candidates feel about issues facing the city, this week the five commission candidates are answering the question, “How do you feel about a city manager in Holmes Beach?” in their own words.
Renee Ferguson
“I am aware that people have different perspectives on this issue; that is an essential part of democracy. At this time, I feel our city is in good hands. If the situation should change, I believe this would need to be put before the voters. As the city moves through many changes, we must always focus on what is best for the city at the time in this fluid situation.”
John Monetti
“I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.
I don’t feel we have a need for one at this point but every idea deserves a look.”
Pat Morton
“I have a lot of respect for the balance that the charter allows us. I would leave a change of this magnitude up to the charter review committee to consider. This is an elected board. If they feel a change is needed, it would be up to them to draft a referendum to be placed on the ballot. At this time, I think our mayor is doing a great job.”
Terry Schaefer
“I served on the city’s ad-hoc committee which studied the various forms of government in Florida. That experience resulted in a full understanding of the city manager form, strong mayor form, which our charter presently specifies, and the two other forms also allowed. I believe the city manager form has numerous benefits, especially in communities with little or no capable citizen interest and capabilities in serving occurs. City managers bring a specifically degreed person with municipal experience to manage the city’s operations. I believe when and if we reach a period where no qualified citizen with proper capabilities and commitment occurs, that the city manager form would be a viable option. I am not convinced that is the case presently for the following reasons: The balance between a non-voting mayor with veto power, combined with the five commissioners with legislative responsibilities, balances authority concerns. Mayors are elected by the people and serve two-year terms. City managers are hired by the consensus of five commissioners, have no veto power unless provided for by city charter, and can be extended or fired by a simple majority of the commission. For example, Manatee County’s decision by three new commissioners with the support of the chair who fired what the public and county staff considered to be a very loyal and effective county administrator. Presently, we have strong leadership at each department head position, all of whom report to the mayor for overall management. In my opinion, the city is operating effectively with specific expertise at each department and a community-oriented mayor. Discussion of the options is healthy and it would take the consensus vote of registered voters to ultimately decide with a structural change to our city charter.”
Carol Soustek
“Good and bad. Some city managers have done wonderful for their cities, just as some mayors have done wonderful things for their cities. I believe that if the person knows the city and brings their best talents to guide the city and community well, then it is the person, not the title, that the community needs.”
HOLMES BEACH – The November election is looming and there are five candidates seeking the support of voters to earn one of three seats on the city commission for the next two years.
The candidates include incumbent Commissioners Terry Schaefer and Carol Soustek, former commissioners John Monetti and Pat Morton and political newcomer Renee Ferguson.
The Sun reached out to each candidate and will feature their answers to some of the issues facing the city of Holmes Beach and its residents, beginning this week with the question, “Why should voters cast their ballots for you?”
Renee Ferguson
Regularly attends Holmes Beach city commission meetings, planning commission meetings, code compliance special magistrate hearings, parks and beautification committee meetings, Island Transportation Planning Organization meetings, Coalition of Barrier Island Elected Officials meetings, and Manatee County board of county commissioners’ meetings
Served on the Holmes Beach parking and congestion committee, code enforcement committee, form of government ad-hoc committee and dog park committee
Owned and operated an executive search firm for 28 years in Princeton, New Jersey, and as president of her professional personnel association
Volunteer work includes the Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Florida, Anna Maria Island Historical Society, Suncoast Waterkeeper, Friends of the Island Library and Roser Memorial Community Church
11-year resident of Holmes Beach
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“My civic responsibility to make our city the best coastal city in Florida is evident in my resume. For 11 years I have stepped up and served. I have been appointed to committees, volunteered at city functions, advocated for the city dog park, and attended and participated in commission meetings and work sessions. I have done hours of research in order to address areas that I felt needed resident input or clarification. I have committed myself to my city and its residents. I am a team player and a good listener. I strive to achieve fairness and compromise. My background is in Human Resources and this has taught me how to develop partnerships to bring people together for the betterment of all.”
John Monetti
John Monetti
Formerly served three terms as a Holmes Beach city commissioner and five years on the planning commission
Worked as the general manager of the Columbia Restaurant on St. Armands Circle for 27 years
Part of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association for 20 years, served three years as its president
Volunteer work includes The Center of Anna Maria Island, Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce and Anna Maria Elementary School Parent/Teacher Organization
26-year full-time resident of Holmes Beach
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“To elect a well-rounded individual who will try to offer a balanced approach to issues. I am a 26-year resident of Holmes Beach that can see perspectives as a family man with a wife and five children raised here, but also cognizant of our business community. They are not mutually exclusive.”
Pat Morton
Pat Morton
Formerly served for 17 years as a Holmes Beach city commissioner, was first elected in 2003
Formerly served with the United States military and currently works part-time at the Holmes Beach ACE Hardware
Member of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association and certified by FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute
Previously served as Holmes Beach city commission liaison to Waste Pro, Holmes Beach police pension board and Manatee County Emergency Operations Center
23-year Holmes Beach resident
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“Because I have a tremendous history and proven record in supporting our residents and business owners. Balance is key. Too much legislation to benefit only one aspect of the city will tip the scales in only one direction. I will continue to look at the entire picture. This, after all, is a wonderful place to visit but an even better place to live and raise a family.”
Terry Schaefer
Terry Schaefer
Incumbent commissioner, first elected in November 2019
Serves as city commission liaison to the Anna Maria Island Chamber of Commerce, Anna Maria Elementary School, The Center of Anna Maria Island, Holmes Beach police pension board. Alternate liaison for legislative matters and the Manatee County Emergency Operations Center
Worked for 35 years in banking and business management
Volunteer work includes 16 years as a public school board member in Belleville, Illinois and 12 years as a board member of the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority
Member of the Key Royale Club and served on the Holmes Beach Form of Government Ad-Hoc committee
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“I believe voters can have the confidence that my deliberations and opinions are based on solid research, fact-finding and the ultimate effect my decisions and vote will have on our community. My knowledge and experience of our city’s operations, gained over the past years’ service, provide the basis of evaluating each issue and deciding what the net benefit to our community will be. I also believe that it is vital to listen to my fellow commissioners’ statements concerning issues prior to my ultimate decision and vote. I have the time and desire to serve the city and will continue to invest the time in preparation for meetings in order to be fully prepared to discuss all agenda items. In addition, I have the lifelong desire to help when and where I can be effective.”
Carol Soustek
Carol Soustek
Incumbent commissioner, first elected in November 2014
City commission liaison to code compliance, Grassy Point Preserve, Manatee County Emergency Operations Center, planning commission and parks and beautification committee
Worked as a corporate accountant for more than 50 years
Volunteer work includes Anna Maria Island Turtle Watch and Shorebird Monitoring, Serving Anna Maria and Friends of the Island Library
Served as chair of the Holmes Beach Island Congestion Committee in 2013
Q: Why should voters cast their ballots for you?
“Much depends on your commissioners taking the right path for you. Please look at my voting record and you will see the ordinances I have voted on. Limited bedrooms in structures to four, larger setbacks between properties, house sizes to lot ratios, noise restrictions, safety on our roads and in our homes, protection of wildlife, dunes and sea oats, reduced parking in our residential areas, better site plans, mask regulations, vacation rental regulations. These are just a few of hundreds.”
HOLMES BEACH – With the Nov. 3 election nearly upon us, mail-in voting already begun and early in-person voting beginning Oct. 19, voters have a limited amount of time to finish making their selections for local and federal offices before casting their ballots.
In Holmes Beach, there are four candidates vying for two commission seats – Jayne Christenson, former commissioner Rick Hurst, Commissioner Pat Morton and Commissioner Kim Rash. Voters can select two candidates when casting their ballots. Whoever the top two vote-getters are will get the two-year commission terms.
With the final weeks of the campaign looming, The Sun has given each candidate the opportunity to address the public one final time to give their message to voters in their own words.
Jayne Christenson
Christenson
When I moved to Holmes Beach with my family in 1989, I knew this was the community where we belonged. In 2007, my husband and I became permanent residents of Holmes Beach and still live in the same home my parents bought in 1989. It has been a wonderful community to raise our family in.
If I am elected as your city commissioner, I will work to be more proactive at positive engagement with residents and businesses. Citizens expect transparency, accountability and better communication from city government and I am willing to deliver.
Suggestion: I would love to see our police officers get to know our community residents and businesses by being more engaged with those who live in Holmes Beach. Roll down the Ford Expedition window and say hello when you are driving by.
I am concerned when I hear of residents leaving Holmes Beach due in part from the growth of short-term vacation rental homes continuing to pop up in our neighborhoods, primarily in the R-2 zone near the beach. The weekly turnover of renters every seven days has brought increased traffic, noise, and affected the peaceful enjoyment and quality of life for residents. Aligning our priorities of balance between residential properties and vacation rentals in our neighborhoods is critical to maintaining our Island character.
Anna Maria Island can benefit from better collaboration and partnership between the three Island cities. I will work together with all city representatives as one voice when interacting with state and county officials. This is especially important when trying to communicate the negative impact that the Tourist Development Council (TDC) advertising is having on Anna Maria Island and Holmes Beach. On average, 10,000 people annually are moving to Manatee County. Holmes Beach cannot support the parking requirements for all the people who want to go to the beach. I will look for opportunities to include county officials in these discussions especially since they are the recipient of the 5% tourism tax.
With my career experience in corporate business, I will provide budget oversight to
achieve smart financial decisions. Holmes Beach is not a traditional city with traditional expenses. If elected, I will be watchful of the spending and when asked to approve a project or an expense outside of the normal operating budget, I will question, “Is this good for residents and our Island character?”.
In closing, I am asking for your vote for Holmes Beach City Commissioner. I would be honored to represent the residents and businesses of Holmes Beach. Please visit my website and/or follow my Facebook page.
Rick Hurst
Hurst
I earned an engineering degree from the University of Michigan. I accepted a doctorate fellowship at Northwestern University, however, I changed my path and decided to pursue a career in software development. I developed a software product that, to this day, is the leading product in its industry. I later was part of a start-up automation company in the automotive industry which grew quickly. The company’s success and subsequent sale provided me the opportunity to serve as the president of a multi-national corporation. I believe I am well-qualified for the job of commissioner.
My family and I moved to Holmes Beach because it appeared to be a wonderful and a welcoming beach community. We attended many events at city field. We loved it. We were living in paradise with a great community.
Soon after our arrival, these events dwindled away as did the welcoming beach community. We learned there was a small group of residents who were affecting this. This group felt the increase in visitors had ruined their private paradise. They were well-organized and started the process of getting candidates elected. I give them credit for the things they achieved early on. They stopped the excessive building and created the initial regulations for vacation rentals. However, their continued resentment and unrealistic zero-tolerance for visitors has resulted in an endless cycle of more laws, more fines, more code enforcement and higher budgets.
I’ve had many conversations with people, including residents seeking to make simple improvements to their property, regarding their interactions with our city and our policies. Too often I hear the phrase, “Holmes Beach is the worst.” I take tremendous pride in our community; however, I understand their frustration.
We can change this by taking a hard look at how we do things and why we do them. I believe we can achieve harmony between residents and visitors by developing smarter solutions that are more positive in nature, benefit a broad range of residents/stakeholders, work better and will be more cost-effective. These solutions will not come from a group of commissioners who emanate from the same inner circle, who want to perpetuate this endless cycle of more laws, fines and code enforcement. The development of new ideas and great solutions to complex problems will require input and brainstorming of ideas from more residents and stakeholders. This will only happen if we elect city officials who can think outside the box, who believe we need fresh ideas to solve our complex issues. I am that commissioner.
I have a five-point plan for a stronger Holmes Beach that can be summed up by “Seek input, ask hard questions and build a sense of community.” This plan is outlined in my ad in this edition of The Sun.
Please vote for Rick Hurst on Nov 3rd and start the process of challenging the status quo.
Pat Morton
Morton
I would like to once again ask for your continued support as your city commissioner. In my years as a commissioner, I have been able to listen to the concerns of our citizens, the business owners and our Island guests. It became very apparent that we were at risk of losing the quaint charm of our Island city.
Residential homes were being replaced by big party houses. The peaceful quality of life replaced by noise, trash and congestion. Our own tourism industry changed as the snowbirds that we embraced were being replaced by a completely different clientele.
As a commissioner, I took action. Legislation was passed to bring balance back to these neighborhoods. I am very pleased to say that people are once again moving back to our community. I supported improving the city park which will continue to play a role in bringing young families back. As a member of this community, I would like to thank all who contributed generously to this park as it is something we can all be proud of.
We have many great things planned for the coming years in our city. We will continue to sponsor stakeholder meetings and town halls for the benefit of our businesses and residents. Resiliency and clean water are very important to me and I will fully support the mayor in addressing these concerns.
I promise to continue to be the voice of the residents and of our business owners. Please continue to reach out and share any and all of your concerns. I work for you and, as a veteran, it is my honor to continue to serve you.
Kim Rash
Rash
I would like to thank all of the people who voted for me in my first election in 2018. I would also like to thank those of you who did not vote for me but gave me the opportunity to gain your vote during the last two years.
I have been the voice for many residents and businesses when needing assistance from city hall. Throughout my time on the commission, I believe I have made a difference with my common-sense approach. Some of my accomplishments over the last two years include:
I worked to strengthen the noise ordinance to give residents back the peaceful enjoyment of their homes. Now, we are working with Code Compliance and the Holmes Beach Police to ensure our ordinances are being enforced. I continue to advocate for the police officers to be more visible in our neighborhoods and get to know our residents.
I fought wasteful spending of taxpayer money by helping to steer the city from single-source contracting bids to pricing multiple bids for projects to ensure competitive prices.
I opposed the 300% stormwater tax increase. Through my efforts of teamwork and negotiation, the commission compromised on a stormwater increase at half the proposed rate.
I advocated and successfully worked with the commission to not increase the millage rate on our property taxes.
I tried to work with the other commissioners to get every residential household one free parking permit only to get defeated in a 3/2 vote.
I advocated to keep benches at the rear of the beach for all to have a spot to watch sunsets.
Many residents refer to me as a “boots-on-the-ground” commissioner. I may not have the traditional hobbies like golfing or fishing, but I get great satisfaction from helping people. I am a voice for the residents. I listen and advocate passionately. I am a team player and dedicated to effectively collaborating and negotiating for practical, efficient solutions for our residents. I bring common sense and a successful business background to the commission. If re-elected, I strongly believe I can do even more because there is so much more to do. I have a proven track record that demonstrates I lead with the best interest of our residents and our city in mind. I can’t do this without your vote! Help me represent you by voting Kim Rash on Tuesday, November 3rd! Thank you for your support.
Holmes Beach voters go to the polls Nov. 3 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 248 South Harbor Drive. Early voting takes place at several different locations across Manatee County Oct. 19 thru Nov. 1. Mail-in ballots have already been mailed and can be returned by mail with 70 cents postage by Oct. 24, dropped off at any early voting location or at the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office. For more information, visit the supervisor of elections website.
