CALLAWAY — The race for Callaway’s Ward 3 seat isn’t a battle between two candidates as much as it is two people running to shift the balance of power in the city.
Both candidates, John J. Malone and Robert Pelletier, are running for the recently vacated seat of Commissioner David Otano, who forfeited the seat by moving out of Callaway city limits. Both candidates want to shift the power of establishing policy from the city manager to the elected commission, and both have pledged to serve without benefits.
But neither is reticent in admitting little difference exists politically between them.
“It doesn’t matter who gets in,” Malone said. “We’re fighting for the same thing.”
Both candidates are part of a resurgence of Callaway political activists who campaigned heavily on the part of former Mayor Robert Thompson, who died 30 days into his term. Thompson, along with two commissioners, was swept into office during an election characterized by anti-incumbent sentiment and campaigning.
“We’re trying to establish proper control put up by Florida statute because you’ll find in our commission nobody opens their mouth,” Malone said. “So, consequently, I’m running to pull back from the city manager the power he’s been given.”
However, each candidate knows the importance of the next two years’ decisions involving a nearly $25 million debt and correcting issues with the Cherry Street lift station.
“Ultimately, it is going to be a decision of the City Commission and it is not going to be an easy decision to make,” Pelletier said. “In next two years a lot of crucial decisions need to be made, and I think I just have a fresh approach.”
Otano defeated Pelletier for the seat in the 2012 election, though Pelletier outraised his opponent in contributions. The money is favoring Pelletier in this election, with Malone not accepting contributions. Cash and in-kind contributions total $3,115 for Pelletier’s camp, while Malone had $500 in contributions from himself as of Monday. Pelletier also has a $100 cash backing from Commissioner Ralph Hollister, elected into office with Thompson.
Differences touted by the candidates come in the form of experience. Malone is running on his former experience as an elected official, and Pelletier is running on a platform of bringing a fresh perspective to the office.
Both candidates also said they wanted to expand transparency in the city and extend public commentary during commission meetings so everyone has a say in the city’s policies.
“We all want to move the city forward ultimately,” Pelletier said. “The commission needs to be able to work together as a body to do that.”
