Challenger wins in 2nd try for Longboat Commission
In his second attempt to be elected to the Longboat Key commission, challenger, Gene Jaleski was successful in ousting incumbent Randall Clair, who had served two terms as a commissioner. With a 35% turnout of registered voters, Jaleski was able to prevail over Clair by a margin of 200 votes, more specifically, 1,241 to 1,043. This was the first time in six years that a challenger was able to defeat an incumbent sitting on the Commission. There were many issues involved in the campaign included a proposed improvement of the Longboat Key Club. The cost of the improvements are estimated to cost $400,000,000.00. Improvments to the Club include expansions to the facilities. Jaleski had been instrumental in the presentation of the proposal regarding the improvement and expansion of the Club. Clair, on the other hand, was not committal on the issue.
Another factor that played heavily in the election was an issue regarding cell phone towers on the north end of the island. As Jaleski was opposed to the erection of the towers, it is reasonable to believe that the anti-tower group supported Jaleski in the election.
The final issue that in all likelihood had a large impact on the outcome of the election was the fact that Clair had suggested cuts to the pensions of city employees. This shifted the votes of Longboat Key’s firefighters and paramedics from Clair to Jaleski.
When asked about his success in the election, Gene Jaleski attributed much of his success to having had the opportunity to run, albeit unsuccessfully previously and having a better understanding as to how to run a campaign.
