Incumbent Brown Martin faces challenge from Gattle in Rockledge City Council election

Tyler Vazquez, Florida Today
·4 min read

Rockledge this year will see have one contested election on its City Council, pitting incumbent Sammie Brown Martin against Josiah Gattle for Seat 3.

As of Oct. 1 this year, council members earn $7,200 annually and mayor earns $8,400 annually.

Rockledge City Council terms are three years without term limits.

Rockledge City Hall will be one of five polling places for the contested election for Rockledge City Council Seat 3
Rockledge City Hall will be one of five polling places for the contested election for Rockledge City Council Seat 3

Mayor Thomas Price Jr. and Seat 4 Councilman Frank Forester are both unopposed for reelection this year.

Next year, Rockledge will hold elections for Seats 5 and 6, with elections being held in 2025 for Seats 1 and 2 before the cycle repeats the year after.

There will be five polling places in Rockledge, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 7. Voters must vote at their assigned polling place, based on the precinct in which they live. The polling places are:

  • Rockledge City Hall, 1600 Huntington Lane, for voters in Precincts 132 and 200.

  • McLarty Recreation Hall, 790 Barton Blvd., for voters in Precinct 211.

  • Cocoa/Rockledge Garden Club, 1493 S. Fiske Blvd., for voters in Precinct 219.

  • Hope United Church of Christ, 2555 S. Fiske Blvd., for voters in Precinct 224.

  • Cross Bridge Church, 651 Barnes Blvd., for voters in Precincts 242, 425 and 442.

New vote-by-mail rules: State law now requires voters to request vote-by-mail ballot every election cycle

Here are details about the Seat 3 candidates and what they said about the major issues:

CITY COUNCIL SEAT 3

Josiah Gattle

Age: 31Occupation: UPS store franchisee

Josiah Gattle
Josiah Gattle

Education:

Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration, Mercer University

Bachelor's degree in political science pre-law, with minors in economic policy and legal studies, University of Central Florida

Associate in Arts, Brevard Community College

How many years have you lived in Rockledge: I've lived in incorporated Rockledge for four years, 15 years off of Rockledge Drive, just across the city limit. I have spent my entire life in Brevard, with the exception of law and business school in Georgia.

Political/government/civic experience: I'm a dedicated conservative leader with significant involvement in the Brevard County Republican scene. As chair of the Republican Liberty Caucus of Brevard, former president of the Space Coast Young Republicans, and regional director of the Young Republicans National Federation, I have consistently promoted Republican candidates.

Volunteer efforts span six states, with significant on-the-ground initiatives in door-knocking and voter engagement.

Campaign email: Josiah@JosiahGattle.comCampaign phone number: 321-370-2871Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:

Website: www.JosiahGattle.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JosiahGattleFL/In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Rockledge, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?

Josiah aims to enhance Rockledge's public safety by fully funding emergency services and law enforcement; boosting cybersecurity, especially by eliminating China-based software from city computers; and ensuring public servants use only official devices for work.

For water management, he emphasizes collaborating on drainage and lagoon restoration, planning infrastructure for future growth, and exploring local water treatment facilities.

Additionally, Josiah advocates for transparent elections by introducing term limits, extending City Council terms to four years, and synchronizing elections with broader voting events.

These efforts aim to improve resident safety, water quality and democratic engagement in Rockledge.

Sample ballots retained: Funding for sample ballots remains after Brevard County budget passed in 5-0 vote

Sammie Brown Martin

Age: 62Occupation: Employed as a buyer in the aerospace industry over 30 years.

Sammie Brown Martin
Sammie Brown Martin

Education:

Bachelor of Arts degree in English, St. Augustine’s College

Graduate studies: Journalism and mass communications, Iowa State University

Brevard Community College/Eastern Florida State College: Paralegal studiesHow many years have you lived in Rockledge: Rockledge is birthplace, lifelong resident.Political/government/civic experience: First African American female elected to the Rockledge City Council on Nov. 7, 2017. Currently serving second term.

Forty-plus years of community service, including member of city’s Board of Adjustments and Code Enforcement Board; Space Coast League of Cities Scholarship Committee member; tutor and mentor for area youth programs; and member and supporter of numerous nonprofits.Campaign email: swbmartin@cfl.rr.comCampaign phone number: 321-543-2193Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links:

Facebook: Re-elect Sammie Brown Martin to Rockledge City Council Seat 3.

In 100 words or less, what are the top two to three issues in Rockledge, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?

As a reelected third-term councilperson, I will continue supporting the city’s police and fire departments' efforts to keep Rockledge a safe place to live.

In addition, support the city’s planned community development and redevelopment initiatives.

I will also remain committed to funding recreational programs and facilities which will enhance the quality of life for our residents.

And, will continue working as a team member of the council in a collaborative manner, with a high degree of respect and trust embracing the city’s goals.

Tyler Vazquez is the North Brevard and Brevard County Government Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-917-7491 or tvazquez@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @tyler_vazquez

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Gattle challenges Brown Martin in Rockledge City Council race.