Qualifying results for Nassau County 2014 elections

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
June 23, 2014 1:00 a.m.

The Nassau County Qualifying Period for the 2014 election cycle closed Friday, June 20, 2014.  The only two contested elections in the county this cycle will involve County Commissioner races for Districts 2 and 4 that pit incumbents against challengers.  Most other potential races did not materialize because only one candidate qualified for each position. Judge Wesley R. Poole was also unopposed in seeking election to County Court Circuit Judge, Group 1.  There were no constitutional offices up for election this cycle.

According to the Supervisor of Elections website, the primary election date is August 26, 2014.  Early voting will be held August 15-23, 2014.

Qualifying for Fernandina Beach City Commission seats will not take place until July.  Those elections are non-partisan and will take place in November.

Nassau County Commission Races 

Qualifying for the District 2 Nassau County Commission contest are incumbent Steve Kelley and former District 2 Commissioner Mike Boyle.  Late in the game a write in candidate—Eugene Edward Alley—joined this race.  Had Alley not entered the race, all registered Nassau County voters would have been eligible to vote in the contest between the two other men, both Republicans.  But with Alley’s entry, there will be a primary limited to registered Republicans to decide between Boyle and Kelley.  Whoever wins the primary will go on to face Alley in the general election in November.

The District 4 Nassau County Commission race will be between two Republicans:  incumbent Barry V. Holloway and challenger George V. Spicer.  Avery “Junior” Green, no party affiliation, had initially filed to run in this race but withdrew.  All registered Nassau County voters are eligible to vote in this race, regardless of their party affiliation.

When it comes to war chests, District 2 Commissioner Steve Kelley has far outpaced any other candidate in either race.  According to the latest financial reports for the District 2 race, Steve Kelley has $52,699.09  on hand, compared to Mike Boyle’s $13,675.  However, $50,000 of Kelley’s money is his loan to his campaign.  In his campaign mailings, Kelley has indicated that he will not accept contributions from individuals or businesses in excess of $100.  To date, Boyle has only loaned his campaign $1,000.  Eugene Edward Alley lists no contributions.

In the District 4 race, incumbent Barry Holloway has raised $5,825, while his challenger, George Spicer, has raised $23,350.  Holloway had made in  kind contributions to his campaign, but no loans to date.  Spicer has loaned his campaign $20,000.

Nassau County School Board

While Amanda Young, incumbent District 3 School Board Member, filed to run, she did not qualify, meaning that newcomer Jamie Deonas will take over that seat.  School Board races are non-partisan.

Ocean, Highway and Port Authority

Incumbents qualified for 2 seats with no opposition.  The only change on that board will be the District 3 Seat, currently held by Brian Reeves, who also chairs the board.  Reeves did not file for re-election, since as a result of redistricting, he now lives outside this district.   His seat will be taken by newcomer Adam D. Salzburg. The Port Authority races are partisan races, and all people qualifying for seats this cycle are Republican.

Those candidates who qualified with no opposition for elected positions in Nassau County are listed in the table below.

For further information on voter registration, polling places and times, as well as absentee balloting, consult the Supervisor’s website:  www.votenassau.com.

Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.