The political race in St. Johns County is finally heating up.
Randy Brunson, who was running for the District 3 Commission seat, officially announced last week that he will no longer be seeking the District 3 seat and will concentrate his efforts on the District 5 seat.
The current District 5 Commissioner, Jim Bryant, announced last week that he would no longer participate in the race to maintain his seat on the board.
Bryant has held the District 5 seat for the past 12 years and will step down from the role at the conclusion of this term.
With the switch, Brunson leaves the District 3 battle to the incumbent, Ben Rich and his opponent, Mark Minor. He joins Ken Bryan and Gary McMahon in District 5.
“[District 5] was my first choice,” said Brunson. “I had decided not to run against [Jim Bryant]. Now that he’s not going to run, I’ve gone back to my first choice. District 5 is where I would long term like to live.”
In a formal statement, Brunson listed several key issues for his campaign. These include attracting clean industry that will promote intelligent economic growth and at the same time preserve the natural environment.
Additionally, he said he will promote and support public safety. Brunson said he believes the board must “always set the highest example of responsibility and respect.”
His opponent, Ken Bryan, said that Brunson’s switch was not a threat to his campaign.
“I think it’s interesting,” said Bryan. “It might be a case of being opportunistic and taking the path of least resistance.”
At The Recorder’s press time, Bryan was the only District 5 candidate who had qualified with the Supervisor of Elections Office. According to Penny Halyburton, Brunson will have to pay the qualifying fee by the deadline.
“All of his signatures were for District 3, so they are all null and void,” said Halyburton.
June 20th 2008 - 9:09AM