By:  Emily G. Pierce

On November 13th, the City Commission for the City of Atlantic Beach approved Ordinance 33-17-23 which provides for the appearance of a Charter Amendment on the next ballot to move the City’s elections to even years, consistent with the City of Jacksonville and numerous other northeast Florida cities and counties.  Commissioner Stinson spoke in support of the Ordinance stating that when general elections are held, the City generally has a turn-out of 6,000 to 8,000 voters, yet when the Atlantic Beach elections are held, the turn-out is usually 2,000 to 3,000 voters.  He stated that it is important that all elections in the City reflect the will of the people.  He also noted that moving the elections will save the City money and will help the Supervisor of Elections avoid canvasing issues that have occurred in the past.  Commissioner Hill spoke in support of the Ordinance as did Mayor Reeves.  Mayor Reeves stated that he had been asked why he would support extending the term of the individual who beat him in the most recent election and he stated “because it is the right thing to do.”  He said it is time to move forward and do what is right for the City.  The Ordinance passed unanimously.  The proposed change to the City’s Charter will appear on the next ballot.