ANNA MARIA – City Commissioner Doug Copeland will not next seek re-election in the upcoming city elections that will conclude on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Copeland made this announcement from the dais toward the end of the Thursday, July 25, City Commission meeting.
“Candidate qualifying is the middle of next month, and at this time I’d like to announce that I will not be seeking re-election. I would like to encourage some of our very talented citizens to seek that seat,” Copeland said.
Copeland’s surprise announcement produced a brief period of silence as his fellow commissioners and others in the room processed the news.
While giving his commissioner’s report a few minutes later, commission chair Brian Seymour turned to Copeland and said, “After that bombshell, thank you for your service. You’ve obviously made this decision and you served the city so well for so many years.”
Seymour said he was shocked but happy that Copeland made a decision he feels is right for him at this time.
“Same here, Doug,” Commissioner Carol Carter added.
In addition to serving multiple terms as a city commissioner, Copeland also represents Anna Maria Island on the Manatee County Tourist Development Council. Before becoming a commissioner, Copeland spent two decades as a member of the city’s Planning and Zoning Board.
Carter and Dale Woodland’s current two-year terms also expire in November. Both said they will seek re-election.
Qualifying info
Anna Maria’s two-week candidate qualifying period will open at noon on Monday, Aug. 19 and close at noon on Friday, Aug. 30. Those seeking office must pay a qualifying fee and submit the signatures of 10 registered city voters. They must also sign a candidate’s residency affidavit stating they have been a city resident for at least two years.
For more information, visit www.votemanatee.com, call 941-741-3823 or e-mail info@votemanatee.com.
