Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/329100
The vacancies throw a real wrench into the plans of anyone thinking of starting a campaign to run for the two district seats. Normally, campaigning for City Commission seats begins after Christmas, which tallies nicely with the timeline Nadalini has outlined. But serious candidates begin running sooner, holding fundraisers and campaign events in the late fall. Any individuals nominated to fill the vacancies would enjoy the advantages of incumbency without carrying the baggage of prior votes and stands on issues. But should they announce their candidacies before the Nov. 18 resignation dates? The city has not experienced a double-va- cancy before on its commission. U.S. 41 ROUNDABOUTS ROLLING FORWARD On Monday, the city commissioners also will hear a briefing from the Florida Department of Transportation about the roundabouts planned for 10th Street and 14th Street. Construction is expected to begin in April 2017. Before then, the state must acquire addi- tional rights of way on 12 different parcels with seven different property owners. Four of the pieces of property are owned by the city. Plans are now about 60-percent complete. Designs for the two are quite different because they will serve different needs and users. The 10th Street roundabout must handle not only normal traffic but also boaters in both the Chris Lyons retired last year after 26 years of service with the City of Sarasota. Photo by Stan Zimmerman Sarasota News Leader June 13, 2014 Page 55