The three applicants include a former council member, longtime city business owner and a board member of the Golden Beach Association
VENICE – Three candidates have applied for the vacant Venice City Council Seat 1, which became available when Joan Farrell resigned this spring. The new member will be appointed and sworn in at the end of Tuesday’s meeting.
The vacancy occurred after Farrell stepped down on April 11, following the council’s decision against a citizen appeal regarding a shopping center’s site plan in Northeast Venice.
Mitzie Fiedler, who previously held the position for two terms before losing to Farrell in 2023, has applied along with Christopher Derbak and Lloyd Weed. While two others with Venice mailing addresses showed interest, they reside in unincorporated Sarasota County.
The current council members – Mayor Nick Pachota, Vice Mayor Jim Boldt, and council members Rachel Frank, Kevin Engleke, Rick Howard, and Smith – will vote on the appointment.
As per the City Charter, the seat will be given to the candidate who secures a plurality of votes – a minimum of three votes. In case of a tie, where two candidates receive three votes, the winner will be determined by a drawing, allowing for a quick appointment.
The council could have opted to fill the entire term through a special election, but chose instead to appoint a candidate to complete the term until November 2026, as part of a 4-1 decision.
Venice Democrats question appointment process
On May 6, Frank Mowery, president of the Venice Area Democratic Club, criticized the appointment plan in an email, urging actions against the council’s decision.
Although the council is officially nonpartisan, both local parties have historically endorsed candidates. With Farrell’s resignation, Smith remains the only Democrat on the board.
Mowery stated, “The Republican council members intend to appoint a pro-development candidate, thereby strengthening their majority instead of holding a special election.” He further suggested that candidates should present their qualifications and objectives for serving on the City Council.
Who are the applicants?
Among the applicants is a veteran who served over two decades as an Air Force and Coast Guard Special Operations officer. He highlighted his leadership experience in his application, emphasizing a collaborative approach toward structured growth and public safety for Venice.
- Fiedler, a former non-party affiliate turned Republican, noted her six-year tenure’s focus on fiscal responsibility and transparent governance.
- Weed, a longtime Venice resident and current chairman of the Venice Citizen Advisory Board, expressed his commitment to protecting the community.
The council meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. at Venice City Hall, 401 W. Venice Ave.
Key Information
- The Venice City Council Seat 1 became vacant after Joan Farrell’s resignation on April 11.
- Three applicants for the position are Mitzie Fiedler, Christopher Derbak, and Lloyd Weed.
- The council will vote on the appointment during the meeting on Tuesday.
- The council decision is influenced by a recent charter amendment favoring a complete term appointment instead of a special election.
- Democratic Club president Frank Mowery criticized the appointment process, claiming it might further the Republican majority.
Article original publish date: 2025-05-12 07:00:00
Article source: www.heraldtribune.com
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