Indialantic’s qualification period for candidates to fill three open spots – mayor and two town council seats – ended at noon on Aug. 24. Three people qualified, and three seats were filled.
Running unopposed, Mayor Dave Berkman and Vice Mayor Stuart Glass will each serve another term, and newcomer Simon Kemp will take the seat previously held by Mary Jo Kilcullen.
“Thank you for your trust in me as I will remain mayor for one more term,” Berkman said in a Facebook post. “I enjoy doing this and helping our town.”
He also expressed excitement at serving two more years with Glass, who he said has done “a fantastic job,” and congratulated Kemp. “Extremely happy to have Simon’s enthusiasm and new views on the council,” said Berkman. “I am confident he will be a great addition to your town leadership.”
Kemp made an unsuccessful bid for a council seat in 2017.
At age 37, he’s now the youngest member of the Indialantic Town Council, but his interest in town politics began at just 23 years old when he was elected to the Micanopy Town Commission, located just outside Gainesville.
Kemp moved to Indialantic five years ago. He is married and a proud stay-at-home dad for their two young children.
With a B.S. in Environmental Management, Kemp’s platform includes stewardship of the environment, the beaches and the Indian River Lagoon.
“I’m happy and honored to serve this community,” Kemp said.
“I’m environmentally minded and I want to guide the town towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.”
Article by: Jennifer Torres, correspondent
