Three in running for two contested Melbourne Beach Town Commission seats

Three candidates will be running for two available seats on the Melbourne Beach Town Commission in the Nov. 8 election.

They are incumbents Joyce Barton and Corey Runte, as well as Steve Walters, a former town commissioner and police chief. The top two vote-getters will win three-year terms.

Another incumbent commissioner, Marivi Walker, is unopposed for her seat, which has two years remaining on her term, following her appointment to the seat.

The two other members of the Town Commission — Mayor Wyatt Hoover and Commissioner Sherri Quarrie — are not up for reelection this year.

Town commissioners are paid $3,100 a year.

Walters chose not to submit answers to a candidate questionnaire. Here are details about the other two candidates in the contested election:

Joyce Barton

Age: 66

Occupation: ​I'm currently the vice mayor in the town of Melbourne Beach, but it is not my "occupation," although sometimes it feels like it is.

The pay is very minimal, so my income comes from being a self-employed entrepreneur. I am a real estate owner/landlady for single-family homes in Brevard County; an Airbnb host in my home; and a certified holistic health coach and women's retreat leader.

Education: While I do not have a formal degree from a college, my 25-plus years of experience in working in various family businesses, including restaurant and construction, provided me with a real-world, hands-on education.

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I consider myself to be a lifelong learner and don't believe education only comes from a university.

However, I have received certification from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York as a health coach.

I also am a recent Level I graduate of the Institute for Elected Municipal Official.

Political/government/civic experience: Currently serving on the commission in the town of Melbourne Beach as the vice mayor, elected in 2020.

I also serve on the Space Coast League of Cities board of directors as a voting delegate; the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Governing Board as a voting delegate; and the Florida League of Cities Legislative Policy Committee.

I am the presiding officer of the South Beaches Coalition for Transportation Planning.

I was awarded the Home Rule Hero certificate of recognition in 2022 from the Florida League of Cities.

I am also the president of the South Brevard Garden Club Association, serving six garden clubs in the Greater Melbourne area, including the Beach Gardeners of Melbourne Beach, where I am also serving as president.

I am actively involved with the efforts of the Marine Resource Council and low-impact development.

I have served as a past ambassador of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce.

Campaign email: My official town email is: jbarton@melbournebeachfl.org. My personal email is: joycedbarton@gmail.com

Campaign phone number: 321-914-4311

Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links: 

http://www.JDBMelBeach.com

http://www.facebook.com/jdbmelbeach 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycedbarton/

What are the top two to three issues in Melbourne Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?

​If reelected to the commission, I will continue to proudly serve our beachside community to ensure that we retain our peaceful charm and quality of life.

My vision for the town is to raise the level of professionalism, not the height of buildings; to be proactive in infrastructure planning, park maintenance, and resident safety and accessibility to our streets and businesses.

I will continue to support environmental concerns that affect our lagoon and beaches through outreach programs.

I will work toward an updated comprehensive plan and reexamine the code of ordinances to be accurate, fair and effective.

Corey Runte

Age: 31

Occupation: Vice president, Certified General Contractors Inc.

Education: Bachelor of Science in construction management, University of Florida, minor in sustainability

Political/government/civic experience:

Political:

Commissioner at large (town of Melbourne Beach): two terms since 2018

Chairman, Historic & Architectural Review Board (city of Melbourne, 2015-2018), appointed position

Civic:

Board chairman, Melbourne Main Street (nonprofit)

Chairman, Economic Restructuring/Vitality Committee (Downtown Melbourne Mainstreet)

Board member, Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast

Board member, Melbourne Regional Chamber of Commerce

Board member, Melbourne Central Catholic High School

Board member, Junior Achievement of the Space Coast

Board member, Space Coast Gator Club

Board member, Home Builders & Contractors Association of Brevard

Member/volunteer, 321 Millennials nonprofit group

Member/volunteer, Eau Gallie Arts District Mainstreet Program

Member/volunteer, Marine Resources Council/Save Our Indian River Lagoon

Member/volunteer, Big Brothers & Big Sisters Central Florida

Campaign email: coreyrunte@gmail.com

Website, Facebook, other social media pages/links

Website: http://corey4commissioner.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Corey4Commissioner/

What are the top two to three issues in Melbourne Beach, and what specific actions will you take to address them if elected?

Having spent my childhood surfing and fishing in Melbourne Beach, I am blessed to raise my growing family here, and finish strong with my third/final term.

Protect our town’s charm: Launched our “SEA Project Initiative”

Champion sustainability and infrastructure improvements: Created a proactive CIP, saving residents significant tax dollars.

Support local business: Served as a voice for thriving Ocean Avenue business owners.

Advocate for lagoon, parks and beaches: Received numerous awards/recognitions for our new stormwater projects.

Promote family-friendly and safe environment: Beautified parks, legalized golf carts, supported police/fire.

Maintain balanced budget with fiscal responsibility: Maintained lowest millage rate beachside.

Christina LaFortune is the Entertainment and TgIF Editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/christinalafortune, on Twitter at @lafortunec, or send her an email at clafortune@floridatoday.com. 

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne Beach has three candidates seeking two Town Commission seats