Vote Paves Way For Elections Change

The City Council voted unanimously Monday to change language in the city code that would allow it to call for a "designated election official" to handle city candidate filing duties.

But the council stopped short of specifying the Hernando County Supervisor of Elections as that official.

Council member Lara Bradburn had hoped the council would do both at the same meeting and was poised to ask for a vote on the second issue. But Mayor David Pugh Jr., who has said he was leaning toward supporting the switch to the county elections boss, said he wasn't ready to make a decision Monday night.

Pugh also said he wanted to give residents some notice in case they wanted to speak on the issue

Pugh's hesitation made Bradburn reconsider, despite her desire to approve the turnover for this election cycle. The city's filing period for this year's council election ends Aug. 29.

"I don't want to risk a negative vote," she said. "That's unfortunate, because I think it's a prime opportunity to do something good for our community, good for our staff and good for our taxpayers."

The council agreed to have the issue placed on the agenda for its Aug. 12 budget workshop.

Currently the city clerk keeps track of candidate paperwork. Bradburn, who first brought up the issue last month, contends that having the county elections supervisor handle the filings would eliminate any perception of bias on the part of city staff, reduce confusion and save money by cutting a duplication of services.

Bradburn was clearly frustrated by the delay.

"With all due respect, I've brought it up twice now," Bradburn said. "I guess we're on the track for the 2010 election cycle."

Elections Supervisor Annie Williams has said the service would not cost the city any more money. Williams said last week that she likely could handle the takeover in time for this cycle, but it's unclear if that will be the case by Aug. 12.

In other action, the council brought up to date its ordinance restricting adult entertainment businesses so that it aligns with state statue. The code had required adult businesses be at least 1,500 feet away from churches and schools. State law mandates 2,500 feet.