BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Qualifying for Starke’s August election is taking place this week, with candidates running for one of two city commission seats as well as the office of city clerk.
A referendum seeking to remove the clerk as an elected official from the charter failed in April, making way for the two candidates who have thrown their hat in the ring so far.
The first is Lisa Heeder, a fixture in the clerk’s office since Ricky Thompson held the position. She continued to work as deputy clerk for Jimmy Crosby and fulfills those duties now in the absence of a full-time clerk.
Running against her is Chrissy Thompson. Owner of The Downtown Grill and other businesses over the years, she is known for her work on behalf of the Downtown Merchants and many other organizations, and she once held a seat on the city commission. She is now married to the former clerk Ricky Thompson.
Commissioner Janice Mortimer has filed to run again in District 2 and has no challenger at this time. In District 4, however, Commissioner Scott Roberts has two.
The first is Dimple Overstreet. Overstreet was a downtown business owner for many years but has equally been celebrated for her work on behalf of the Bradford County Education Foundation, Communities for Schools, Altrusa and her church.
Fred Flaherty, the second candidate, retired from the U.S. Navy after nearly 30 years with experience in managing facilities and operations. He owns a lawncare business, SunCat, named after his daughters. His wife, Heather, owns Magnolia Engraved Gifts.
Roberts is in his fourth year on the commission. He owns and operates Roberts Insurance. His community work includes the chamber of commerce, The Arc of Bradford, Communities for Schools the Keystone Airport Authority and Masonic Lodge No. 35.
Qualification continues through Friday at noon. Supervisor of Elections Amanda Seyfang is conducting the election, which will take place on Aug. 19 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting will take place Monday, Aug. 11, to Friday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Individuals interested in becoming a candidate should contact the elections office for qualifying information and requirements. For more details, please call 904-966-6266. For information on voter registration or to request a vote-by-mail ballot, call the office or visit www.votebradfordfl.gov.
