SPRINGFIELD — With elections looming in April, Springfield’s elected officials are divided on loosening candidate requirements.
Commissioners moved forward Monday, hearing the first of two readings on a law giving potential candidates the opportunity to either gather 50 petition signatures or gather 15 signatures and pay 6 percent of the position’s salary for the qualifying fee — about $900 to $1,100.
Since the creation of the city’s charter, candidates have been required to gather the signatures from their respective wards and raise funds. The new law allows candidates an option other than paying the fees.
Removing the fees, however, would place the expense of holding elections on the city, argued Commissioner Carl Curti.
“We’re rushing into something that is going to affect the city,” Curti said. “It seems like it benefits us more than the city.”
Commissioner John Gipson sided with Curti in defending the qualifying fees.
“If the person has a hardship and can’t come up with the money, they shouldn’t run for office,” he said. “They should be able to find someone to support them.”
The ordinance more closely resembles state guidelines and other Panhandle cities. Springfield is the only city left in the Panhandle to require both a qualifying fee and petitions, and commissioners in support of the ordinance said it broadens potential candidate pools.
Former commissioner Gerry Lowther, who pursued overturning the qualifying fees before the state Supreme Court, spoke out against the fees and the requirement of proving financial hardship to opt out.
“It is very hard to prove financial hardships,” Lowther said. “And to serve on this dais should not be seen as a revenue source.”
Two incumbents, Curti and Phillip Dykes, are up for re-election April 22.
“It’s getting in line with the state, and that’s where we need to be,” Dykes said.
If the policy is accepted, commissioners also would be able to get petitions at-large instead of only from their respective wards. The majority of cities in Bay County do not require a qualifying fee, save for Panama City, Panama City Beach and Springfield.
A qualifying fee of 1 percent still would be required of all candidates for the supervisor of elections office to conduct elections. Commissioners also are considering changing the deadline for petition submission from 15 days to 28 days before the qualifying period begins.
Mayor Ralph Hammond got in the last word against the fees Monday night before discussions halted.
“I spent 22 years in the military fighting for our rights,” Hammond said. “And I’ll be doggone if I’m going to sit here and let my vote say someone doesn’t have the right to run for office.”
Commissioners will meet Jan. 21 at 5 p.m. in City Hall, 3529 E. 3rd Street, to have a final vote.
Commissioners Monday also:
— Extended a homeless shelter moratorium for six months.
— Renewed a contract with Real Estate Research Consultants Inc. and Ennead LLC for $42,536 in fees associated with special assessments levied on property owners for additional fire services.
Election qualification changes
» Previously: Commissioners — 15 petitions from the ward and 6 percent of the office’s annual income of $15,583 required to run for office. Mayor — 30 at-large petitions and 6 percent of the office’s annual income of $18,689.
» New requirements: Commissioners and mayor — 50 at-large petitions or 15 petitions and 6 percent of the office’s annual income in qualifying fees.