Port St. Lucie Mayor Gregory Oravec had a message for citizens gathered last week for the City Council’s reorganization meeting.
“Thank you for keeping our team intact.”
For the first time in the city’s history, Oravec was returned to the dais without opposition. Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan also faced no challengers for her seat.
Vice Mayor Shannon Martin, though, did have one challenger, which necessitated an election.
Oravec said the lack of challengers for the three seats is evidence of “unprecedented support” of the City Council. Instead of resting easy or taking it for granted, though, Oravec said the council would use the voters’ support as inspiration and work even harder.
“It’s true, one person can make a difference,” he said. “But, to me, it seems like all of life’s great accomplishments and victories are a result of a group of like-minded people working hard, smart and together. And that’s what this City Council, this team, and really this city is all about.”
As part of the reorganization meeting, the council decides who will serve as vice mayor and mayor pro tem; the mayor is elected by the residents.
In an attempt to maintain continuity within the team, Oravec recommended that Martin continue as vice mayor and Councilwoman Jolien Caraballo remain mayor pro tem. As mayor, it is up to Oravec to nominate, but the council votes to either affirm or deny the nomination.
The mayor pro tem is tasked with leading the council and other official meetings in the event that neither the mayor nor the vice mayor is able to attend. So long as three of the five council members are seated, a meeting may be held.
Addressing the public, Martin expressed appreciation for his return to the dais. “Thank you all, very much,” she said. “I love this team.” Trying to not get emotional, Martin thanked the voters and her family and friends who supported her through the campaign and election. “We have a great team, the best employees,” she said. “The sky’s the limit for what Port St. Lucie can be.”
Morgan, meanwhile, also expressed gratitude and said she believes the lack of a challenger speaks to the public’s support for what she accomplished during her first council term.
At the St. Lucie County Commission, newly-elected Commissioner Sean Mitchell and re-elected Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson were sworn in and seated at the dais. Outgoing Commissioner Anthony Bonna expressed gratitude for having had the opportunity to serve and pledged his support and assistance to Mitchell.
“I’m rooting for you and I’m available as a resource to help you succeed,” Bonna said, addressing Mitchell sitting in the audience. In response, Mitchell mouthed, “Thank you.”
Bonna was appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to serve the remainder of Commissioner Tod Mowery’s term and faced off against Mitchell in the general election.
“Although my service on the dais ends today, my service to the community does not,” Bonna said. “I’ll continue to run my small business and work in our community.”
Bonna added that he suspects he will be at future County Commission meetings from time to time, and will continue his membership in such organizations as Rotary and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Following the official swearing-in, commissioners chose new leadership, naming Commissioner Linda Bartz the new chair. Bartz is a former Port St. Lucie City councilwoman. Hutchinson, who had most recently been the chair, presented Bartz with a gavel of her own. “I’ll be keeping mine,” Hutchinson said with a chuckle.
Commissioner Cathy Townsend was named vice chair.
