Anne Lindberg
The Pinellas Realtor Organization has issued recommendations in three upcoming elections.
In Safety Harbor, the group recommends Joe Ayoub for mayor and Damon Lister for Seat 1 on the City Commission.
In St. Pete Beach, Realtors recommend Alan Johnson for mayor.
The member-only candidate screening committee reviewed questionnaires and interviewed candidates before making recommendations. The group says that there are thoughtful, qualified candidates running, but each race had a candidate stand out for overall commitment to the community, understanding of economic issues, and advocacy for private property rights.
Ayoub, a former Safety Harbor mayor and commission member, is running against Janet Hooper, who holds Seat 1 on the commission.
Ayoub has said that, if elected, he will lead with a positive tone and inclusive style, focus on making our downtown more vibrant, add amenities to the city’s waterfront park, protect property rights and values, reduce the height and scale of the proposed seven-story condo building in Safety Harbor’s downtown. Ayoub has said he believes in responsible budgeting.
Hooper has resigned her seat to run for mayor. Lister is one of four candidates for the position. The others are Nancy J. Besore, Cameron Boozarjomehri and Scott Long.
In the St. Pete Beach mayor’s race, Johnson is facing incumbent Deborah Schechner and John-Michael Fleig.
Both elections are March 14.
