- April 24, 2024
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The primary election will be held Sept. 13.
The Palm Coast City Council, with a 3-2 vote, went against the recommendation of the appointed Districting Commission at a June 14 special meeting and selected an option that will allow candidate Dennis Cross to run for a spot on the City Council later this year. The second reading of the ordinance will take place 9 a.m. June 21, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
Residents filled the Community Center for the meeting; the parking lot was over capacity. As attendees walked into the meeting, signs were planted outside reading “Bad commission report” and “Unfair to candidates.”
The Districting Commission last week approved what was is now called Alternative No. 1, which met all of the requirements laid out by the Palm Coast City Charter and fell within the population requirements of being within 5% of a targeted population of 18,795 per district.
However, following discussion from the public, City Council member Mary DiStefano made a motion to select Alternative No. 2, which also meets all of the requirements. Council members Bill Lewis and Holsey Moorman dissented in the 3-2 vote.
DiStefano commended the work the city has done and said the City Council isn’t on one particular side of the issue.
“We’re in one city, under God, working for the very best,” she said.
Because of the decision by City Council, Cross will be able to stay in this year’s election. A resident of District 3, Cross would have been moved to District 4 if the Districting Commission’s recommendation was adopted.
He said he wasn’t surprised by the decision.
“I’m pleased because I look forward for a chance to serve this city,” he said.
The deadline to certify candidates is July 1. The city’s primary election will take place Sept. 13, and the general election will be Nov. 8.
Contact Andrew O’Brien at [email protected].
