By Debbie Carson, Online Editor
SEBASTIAN – The Sebastian City Clerk’s Office has reported that eight residents, including two incumbents, have qualified for the Sebastian City Council election on Nov. 3. Notably missing from the list is Councilwoman Dale Simchick who was up for re-election but did not file to run. Three seats are up for grabs, including Simchick’s. Council members Andrea Coy and Eugene Wolff have filed for re-election.Joining them on the ballot are six residents, including two former council members and others involved in the community. The candidate list includes residents David DeVirgilio, Alex Paternoster, Bob McPartlan, Lisanne Monier Robinson, Joseph Scozzari and Donald Wright.Paternoster has run before for Sebastian City Council, in 2008 and 2006 and won a seat in the 2006 election.
Robinson is a former Sebastian City Councilwoman, having won a seat in 2004 and losing a bid for re-election in 2006.
Scozzari’s wife, Julia Scozzari, has run unsuccessfully for Sebastian City Council at least twice, in 2007 and 2008.
Wright is a member of the city’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, whose term ends May 31, 2010. His status on the committee might change if elected to the council.
So far, this year’s municipal election has not drawn the largest pool of candidates. That was last year and in 2005 when nine residents ran for council. In 2008, just two seats were available. In 2005, there were three.
Historically, the city sees between 20 and 25 percent voter participation in municipal elections, said City Clerk Sally Maio. Last year was higher, however, due to the presidential election.
Council members serve 2-year terms and there are no term limits. Council seats are at-large and are non-partisan.