Ford's election leaves vacancy on city council
BY VICI PAPAJOHN Gulf Breeze News Vici@gulfbreezenews.com

When Gulf Breeze City Councilman Clay Ford was elected to represent District 3 in the Florida House of Representatives, he left an empty seat behind on the City Council. Upon his resignation, the City Council and the Mayor announced the open position and invited residents of Gulf Breeze to apply to serve their community.

"I have made my thoughts known to them that I would like to be considered for the position," says Joe Henderson. Henderson ran for the Seat C position on the city council in the fall, and remains committed to serve. "I hope they will keep in mind that it was a close election and that I already have numerous supporters out there. I walked 50 miles during my campaign, listening to what the voters desire, and I remain committed. It was a close election."

Other names have swirled around at Rotary Clubs, happy hours and neighborhood barbecues, including George Scarborough, Dick Fulford, Ed Gray, Deborah Roche, David Davidson, Bob Cleveland and Bill Clark.

Fulford and Roche are confirmed applicants, but Gray chuckled when asked if he was interested, saying "I've done that job." With a serious tone, he clarified that he would stay right where he was on the School Board. "I have a very real obligation to fill out my term. I was elected in the Fall and people are counting on me."

"We have not received any resumes as of now," City Clerk Marita Rhodes said. "We are hearing of a lot of interest. The individual chosen will be appointed until the next general election in two years."

Those interested should submit a letter of interest and resume to the City Clerk's office no later than Monday, March 12. The letters and resumes will be provided to Council Members at their Executive Session on Wednesday, March 14. The Council will consider the letters and resumes and discuss the applicants at that time. A decision will be made at the March 19 Regular Council meeting.

To be eligible, an applicant must reside in the City of Gulf Breeze and be a registered voter. Pay is $1 at the end of each one-year term.

"It is extremely important now that they need to get the widest applicant group that show interest in serving," affirms Ford. "It is not done for pay certainly, it is something that you do as part of your public service. We hear of a large group of interested individuals, so I'm sure the council will take the time to select the right one. The next general election is in less than two years, and the appointee will have to run. The electorate will have the opportunity to review the work and dedication of the appointee, and they will determine how long they ultimately serve."

Gray affirmed the importance of selecting the right man or woman for the job. "This is not the first time we have had to fill a vacated position. When I was Mayor, we appointed the first female city council member, Brenda Pollack. This presents a real opportunity."