Thursday, November 8, 2012
Dunedin's latest City Commissioner-elect, Heather Gracy, has tried to serve as a positive female role model for her three daughters, ages 14, 11 and 5.
Jillian Gracy's eyes welled with joyful tears when she talked about her mother Tuesday night. "I'm so proud of her," she said, cupping both hands over her mouth and nose. Jillian, 14, is a freshman at Clearwater Central Catholic and the eldest daughter of Heather Gracy, a newcomer to the Dunedin political scene. Her mom just ran a seven-month campaign and unseated an established incumbent for Seat 3 on the Dunedin City Commission — a feat long considered by political experts to be a statistical David vs. Goliath. "I just think it's so cool. ... She'll be overseeing everything," Jillian explained. "Like going to those (city) meetings, but she's going to be in a high seat now." Heather Gracy spoke frequently and openly on the campaign trail …
28.012007
-82.78942
Kelly's
319 Main St, Dunedin, FL
/articles/gracy-children-proud-of-their-commissioner-elect-mother
943891
/locations/8115059
Wondering when Mayor Dave Eggers and Commissioner-elect Heather Gracy get sworn in as the next city leaders?
You elected them. So when do they get to start their new jobs? According to the City Charter, basically Dunedin's Constitution, there's a process for handing over a public seat to an elected official. The City Charter says: The candidates so elected shall assume their offices at the time of the second regular City Commission meeting following the election. (§ 3.04) That means that according to the City Charter, Mayor Dave Eggers, Commissioner-elect Heather Gracy, both winners in Tuesday's General Election, and Commissioner Julie Scales, who automatically retains her seat because she was unopposed, will not be sworn in at the next regular commission meeting at City Hall on Nov. 15. According to the City Charter, that means Eggers, Gracy …
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers edged out his challenger, Bob Hackworth, and political newcomer Heather Gracy ousts Commissioner David Carson, according to election results.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Eggers celebrated his narrow victory over former Mayor Bob Hackworth at an intimate gathering at a downtown restaurant on Tuesday night. The results from the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office show less than 1,000 votes split Eggers and his opponent. Eggers said he was honored and happy about the results of his race. "The residents of the city recognize that all of our improvements are done respectfully," he said. "We've improved the city incrementally and respectfully." Eggers celebrated with a small, quiet gathering of 10 to 20 friends in a room at Sea Sea Riders Restaurant, where Commissioner Julie Ward Bujalski was also in attendance when the results were announced. Commissioner Dave Carson, who ran …
Here's everything you need to know to catch up on the City of Dunedin races for Mayor and Commission, Seat 3.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Early voting for Pinellas County voters in the Nov. 6 General Election ends at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3.
- ELECTIONS
-
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Early voting for Pinellas County voters in the Nov. 6 General Election ends at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3. A state law last year changed the dates for early voting, which now begins 10 days prior to and ends three days prior to an election. Early voting is conducted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Nov. 3 at all Supervisor of Elections offices. “To avoid lines, voters can request a mail ballot and vote in the comfort of their homes. The ballot is four pages (two ballot cards) and includes 11 proposed constitutional amendments and a Pinellas School District referendum.” Deborah Clark, Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections, said in a news releae. “On average it is taking voters 20 minutes just to read through the ballot questions.” To …
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
In a letter to the editor, a concerned Dunedin resident calls for unity after being disappointed over apparent division at the center of recent Dunedin Fine Art Center fundraising efforts.
Dear Editor: You can see it coming, you can hear it, and you can almost smell it. The line in the sand has been drawn. I’m talking about the Dunedin Fine Art Center and the politics of an election. It's really too bad. Feeling and egos are damaged and healing will be slow. Yes, it's well known the art center is aggressive in their fundraising. Nothing really wrong with that. They have come a long way and do a good job. Dunedin, its citizens and the centers reputation are far better off having a bulldog like attitude. Asking the City to put up (invest) half a million dollars does take some attitude. If the City and Art Center cannot come to terms; it's my feeling the Dunedin Art Center will gather its forces and secure the needed funds. …
28.037789
-82.773056
Dunedin Fine Art Center
1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin, FL
/articles/letter-to-the-editor-don-t-let-small-town-politics-divide-us
943976
/locations/8083643
Mayoral candidate Bob Hackworth has raised more than double incumbent Dave Eggers. Who's donating to who? Find out here.
In the showdown between past and present Dunedin mayors, candidate Bob Hackworth leads Dave Eggers in the money race. With about seven days to go before the election, Hackworth has raised more than double that of incumbent Eggers. He's also outspent him by a wide margin. Hackworth used nearly all of his $35,000 in contributions to launch a massive mailing campaign against the current mayor. A large chunk of his contributions came from more than $17,000 in loans to himself and several downtown investors and property owners near the Marina making the maximum contribution allowed under Florida law. The city is planning significant pedestrian improvements to the Marina waterfront. Eggers has raised nearly $15,000 in campaign contributions, …
Bob Hackworth amassed a nearly $35,000 war chest in his campaign against Mayor Dave Eggers. He has raised and spent more than any other candidate in the 2012 Dunedin city elections on Nov. 6.
Mayoral candidate Bob Hackworth has spent almost all of the donations mounted in his war chest. Of roughly $34,840 he's received from campaign contributors, including more than $17,700 in loans and contributions to himself, Hackworth has spent $31,030 against Mayor Dave Eggers. On Oct. 17, Hackworth had just $3,805 left. A large chunk was spent on printing, polling and mailing. Hackworth, former Dunedin mayor, received sizable contributions from Commissioner Julie Scales' husband David Scales ($500); well-known developer Joe Kokolakis ($500), who owns vacant downtown land; and four Dunedin companies tied to established restaurateur Peter Kreuziger of Bon Appetit and Cafe Alfresco ($2,500), which includes a direct donation from his wife, …
Mayor Dave Eggers has raised and spent the least of any candidate in the 2012 city elections.
Mayor Dave Eggers has raised the least of any candidate in the 2012 city elections. With just $14,950 in his campaign piggy bank, he's used about $9,100 toward signs, printing and mailing costs. Some of his top contributors include himself; his father; Sarah W. Guthrie, a chairwoman on the board of a Clearwater manufacturing company; and Donald S. Jones, a longtime Dunedin mover-and-shaker at Mease Manor, where Eggers sits on the board. He also received financial backing from owners of several family-owned businesses in the area. Top Contributors: Contributions From Businesses or Organizations: Top contributing businesses to Eggers' campaign were Salon Suites on Main ($250), Prelude Construction ($250) and Wolstein Chiropractic & Wellness …
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Dunedin Patch has created a guide to help you decipher the City Charter amendments and what yes votes will mean on each one.
On Nov. 6, you'll be asked to vote on Dunedin's next mayor and commissioner for seat 3, as well as six amendments to the City Charter. Dunedin Patch has created a guide to help you decipher the City Charter amendments and what yes votes will mean on each one. Explore each amendment by clicking the links below: Dunedin Charter Amendment 1: What a Yes Vote Means Dunedin Charter Amendment 2: What a Yes Vote Means Dunedin Charter Amendment 3: What a Yes Vote Means Dunedin Charter Amendment 4: What a Yes Vote Means Dunedin Charter Amendment 5: What a Yes Vote Means Dunedin Charter Amendment 6: What a Yes Vote Means
Katie Dolac
9:09 am on Thursday, November 8, 2012
Suzanne Henslee wished to comment on this story but had some technical difficulties at 8:33 a.m. Here is her comment: "What a beautiful story and a great campaign she ran as a business woman and a wonderful mother. Thank you for always keeping a smile on your face Heather especially when I didn't want you to go in the dunk tank at the Fall Festival... you are truly a great sport and you will be a… more ›