Candidates in 2023 municipal election to speak at upcoming Bay County Chamber meeting

PANAMA CITY − More than a dozen candidates competing in 2023 municipal elections are scheduled to give pitches on why they are best suited for office at an upcoming Bay County Chamber of Commerce meeting. Here's what we know.

What is the meeting's purpose and where will it be held?

Candidates will speak at the chamber's First Friday meeting at the Alfred P and Mamie V Holley Academic Center at Florida State University's Panama City Location. The meeting will be Friday from 7:30 to 9 a.m.

According to Aimee Bright, vice president of governmental and military affairs for the chamber, the group holds First Friday meetings every month as a way for chamber members to network with each other. Friday will mark the only meeting this year where election candidates will have the opportunity to speak.

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"It's meant to be kind of a fun, light-hearted opportunity for candidates to tell chamber members why they are the best candidate," Bright said. "We all have an appreciation for people who step up and want to serve our community, and so it's important for us to get to know them better, where they stand and what they would do in the leadership position if they are election."

She noted all registered candidates were invited, but only 17 RSVP'd to speak at the meeting. They all will be given about one minute to give "stump speeches," or brief speeches on their goals and why they are best suited for positions.

Why is the meeting important?

Along with being a chance for chamber members to interact, Bright said this meeting is important because residents will have the opportunity to learn more about each candidate before the election, which will occur April 18.

The meeting is open to current chamber members, as well as those interested in becoming future members.

While Bright did not list which candidates will attend, she said some from Lynn Haven, Panama City and Parker will speak.

What offices are up for election and who is running?

• Panama City − mayor, Ward 2 commissioner and Ward 3 commissioner.

• Lynn Haven − mayor, Seat 1 commissioner, Seat 2 commissioner and Seat 4 commissioner.

• Mexico Beach − mayor, Group 2 city council member and Group 3 city council member.

• Parker − mayor, Seat 2 city council member and Seat 4 city council member.

In Panama City, incumbent Greg Brudnicki, Brenda Williams and Michael Rohan are running for mayor; Michelle Bryant and Janice Lucas are running for Ward 2 commissioner; and incumbent Billy Rader, Brian Grainger and Bruce Lang are running for Ward 3 commissioner.

In Lynn Haven, incumbent Jesse Nelson and Judy Tinder are running for mayor; Joe Brown, Brian Gray and Sam Peebles are running for Seat 1 commissioner; incumbent Pat Perno and Richard Walker are running for Seat 2 commissioner; and Judy Vandergrift and Ellyne Fiends are running for Seat 4 commissioner. Vandergrift was appointed to the commission earlier this year to temporarily fill Seat 4, which became vacant after Tinder resigned from the position Jan. 31 with about two years left in her second four-year term.

In Mexico Beach, incumbent Al Cathy and Michele Miller are running for mayor; incumbent Jerry Smith, Lisa Logan and Gary Cox are running for Group 2 city council member; and incumbent Bobby Pollock and Linda Hamilton are running for Group 3 city council member.

In Parker, incumbent Andrew Kelly and Patricia Fousek are running for mayor; incumbent Tony Barrow and Cameron Fuqua are running for Seat 2 council member; and Stacie Galbreath is running unopposed for Seat 4 council member.

"We don't allow any negativity, and we'll have a couple of our board members (dressed) as Uncle Same (and) George Washington," Bright said "It's a serious event, but it's meant to be fun too."

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Candidates in 2023 Bay municipal elections to speak at First Friday