PANAMA CITY — The candidates for the April 21 municipal elections are set and there are already some winners.
Panama City Mayor Greg Brudnicki had no opposition and was re-elected, along with Commissioner Billy Rader. Panama City Commissioner Kenneth Brown faces challenger Bruce Taylor.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to spend any more time campaigning and I can continue on making Panama City a better place to live, work and play,” Brudnicki said.
Brudnicki said one of his goals will be to focus on ways to redevelop Millville, especially around U.S. Business 98, since it is one of the main entryways into the city.
Commissioner Antonius Barnes will serve another term in Lynn Haven on Seat 2, although two other members of the Lynn Haven Commission face challengers. Mayor Walter Kelley is up against Margo Anderson and Rodney Friend faces Robert Schultz.
“I’m excited to spend four more years in office. It’s a testament to the people that they have confidence in their commission,” Barnes said. “I want to continue to focus on economic development, especially being able to grow the Highway 77 corridor.”
Mexico Beach will not have an election but will see change in two council positions. Tom Bailey will take over for Mayor Al Cathey and Linda Mae Albrecht assumes Jack Mullin’s seat. Neither incumbent filed for re-election. Mary Blackburn was re-elected unopposed.
“I was very surprised,” Blackburn said.
Albrecht is a former school principal from Chicago who retired with her husband to Mexico Beach back in 2005. She also served on the Citizens Advisory Committee.
“I’m not in any loop,” she said. “I thought Jack Mullin would run for mayor.”
Mullin said he has served on one board or another for 15 years and he wants to take time off to travel. He’s hoping Ireland will be the first destination.
One of Albrecht’s goals is to continue the lines of discussion on the council.
“I want to really listen to what the citizens are saying,” she said. “There are five votes that make decisions, but there are not just five people that live in town.”
In Springfield, Mayor Ralph Hammond will serve another term as mayor. Ward 4, though, will be filled by a newcomer, Topeka Humphries, replacing John Gipson, who did not file. Commissioner Jack Kennington faces challenger Anthony Clark.
Parker Mayor Rich Musgrave also has been re-elected. He said two of the goals for his next term will be to encourage more uses for the city’s parks and improve the U.S. Business 98 corridor.
“It’s a relief on one hand,” Musgrave said. “I can spend time focusing on things we can get accomplished over the next couple years.”
Councilmen Michael Miller and Ron Chaple will be engaged in a three-way battle with former mayor Tonya Barrow. Parker will be unique in that voters will have three options for two seats.
The deadline to register to vote is March 23. Early voting begins April 13.
2015 candidates
Lynn Haven
- Mayor: Walter Kelley
- Mayor: Margo Anderson
- Commissioner seat 1: Rodney Friend
- Commissioner seat 1: Robert Schultz
- Commissioner seat 2: Antonius Barnes*
Mexico Beach
- Mayor: Tom Bailey*
- Council Group 2: Mary Blackburn*
- Council Group 3: Linda Albrecht*
Panama City
- Mayor: Greg Brudnicki*
- Commissioner Ward 2: Kenneth Brown
- Commissioner Ward 2: Bruce Taylor
- Commissioner Ward 3: Billy Rader*
Parker
- Mayor: Rich Musgrave*
- Council: Tonya Barrow
- Council: Michael Miller
- Council: Ron Chaple
Springfield
- Mayor: Ralph Hammond*
- Commission Ward 3: Jack Kennington
- Commission Ward 3: Anthony Clark
- Commission Ward 4: Topeka Humphries*
* denotes re-election because candidate is unopposed