Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
July 28, 2016 6:15 p.m.
In all the publicity over county, state and Federal elections, Fernandina Beach residents should not lose sight of the fact that there is one seat on the city commission also up for election this November. And the final deadline for qualification is August 5, 2016 at 5:00 p.m.
The Group 1 seat, currently held by John A. Miller (currently also serving as Mayor), is up for election. Whoever wins the November election will be the first city commissioner to serve a 4-year term as a result of the voter-approved Charter change last year.
While it is too early to see campaigning for this slot, city residents who might be interested in seeking a seat on the City Commission need to understand that the deadline for qualifying for the election by paying a fee is next week. The deadline for qualifying by petition has already passed. No candidates qualified by petition.
According to Fernandina Beach City Clerk Caroline Best, there are currently two announced candidates: former commissioner Eric Childers and incumbent commissioner John Miller. These individuals have executed all the paperwork to officially begin their campaigns, but they are not yet qualified.
The qualifying dates for City Commission Candidates will begin August 1, 2016 at 8:00 am and end on August 5, 2016 at 5:00 pm. For more information on becoming a candidate, visit the city website fbfl.us or contact City Clerk Caroline Best (904) 310-3115 or [email protected].