Fort Myers Beach Election Returns
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22.8%, or 1,152 of the island's 5,052 registered voters went to the polls this yesterday, fighting through thick season traffic to participate in the the Town of Fort Myers Beach's election for two seats on the council. Candidates Larry Kiker, seeking re-election, and long-time LPA member Alan Mandel won against Joe Kosinski who, despite being a relative political newcomer, managed to pick up 25% of the vote. Total election results are as follows:
Alan Mandel: 837 votes (39%)
Larry Kiker: 784 votes (36%)
Joe Kosinski: 534 votes (25%)
A large crowd of members and supporters attended a post-election party hosted by Mandel and Kiker upstairs at Junkanoo's to hear the election results, which were phoned in by Interim Town Manager Terry Stewart who was keeping watch downtown at the elections office. At 7:20, Paula Kiker took the microphone and announced the winners.
"Well, Mr. Kiker,” she said to her husband Larry, "You've got another three years on the council!” After the applause died down, Paula made the second announcement that Mandel had actually received 53 more votes than Kiker. A visibly stunned but happy Mandel then told the crowd that he was pleased with the vote and couldn't wait to begin serving the citizens of Fort Myers Beach.
"Congratulations to you, Larry, and a big thanks to Joe Kosinski,” he said. "And to the people of the beach, thank you all so much. I couldn't be happier, and I promise to do my best to do right by this town that I love so much.”
Kiker said that he was glad he was going to be able to complete the work he'd begun during his first term, and thanked everyone for giving him another three years to serve.
"My turn!” he said, laughing as he took the microphone from Mandel. "I just can't begin to thank all the folks that have supported me and voted for me again. This is a great council, and I'm looking forward to working with Alan.”
After the announcements, the happy crowd danced to songs sung by Councilwoman Jo List, and Terry Stewart, returning to the island from his dowtown post, surprised everyone by showing off his vocal skills with a couple of tunes of his own.
County Commissioner Ray Judah was one of the attendees at the party, and he told us that he was pleased with the outcome and looked forward to continuing his relationship with Kiker and working with Mandel.
"This is such a great little town, it really is like no place else,” he said. "The people here all have such positive attitudes, and I'm thrilled to work with the council to continue making this town a better place.”
The newly elected councilmembers will be sworn in at Monday morning's council meeting. Once seated, the council will then select a Mayor and Vice-Mayor. Island residents are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place at 9:00am at Town Hall, 2523 Estero Boulevard.
Keri Hendry