Last week I announced that I was a candidate for the Vero Beach City Council and would be running this year in the November 2017 election. There are two seats to be filled, and no one else has registered to run, but it is very early. The two City Council members whose terms have expired are Dick Winger and Harry Howle.

I am running again because I enjoyed the challenge of maintaining the Vero Beach we cherish, while trying to improve how it functions. The issues that are in front of us are the same: the health of the lagoon, the Fast Train, and the sale of Vero Electric. Surprisingly, the sale of Vero Electric looks to be imminent, as the transaction’s price seems achievable because the exit price from FMPA has dropped dramatically. The council’s next concern will be minimizing the effect of the sale on Vero Beach taxpayers. The good news is that the City Council will be able to spend time with its Vision Plan, with long-range planning, with determining the best use of Big Blue and the property at the west end of 17th street bridge. Further, initiatives for job growth and training programs could be developed that no one had time to consider during the electric debates. Being part of a City Council that can concentrate on managing the city would be wonderful, and I feel my banking, finance and planning experience would be helpful in these efforts.

Obviously, I would love to have your vote.