Four Islamorada residents are expressing interest in a village council seat vacated by Buddy Pinder earlier in the month.
Pinder submitted a resignation letter on Jan. 10, just months after securing an Election Night victory for a third term in office. Pinder told Keys Weekly shortly after his resignation that he was ready for the next chapter in his life.
The four remaining council members must appoint someone to fill the remainder of Pinder’s two-year term before Jan. 30, according to Mayor Sharon Mahoney. To qualify and be considered, a person must be a registered voter of Florida and resident of Islamorada. If selected, the person must retain village residency through the two-year term.
Among those submitting a letter of interest and a candidate affidavit as of Jan. 21 are Van Cadenhead, Anna Richards, Stephanie Scuderi and Greg Dully. Interested residents have until Jan. 27 to submit their documentation.
A native resident who regularly attends council meetings, Cadenhead ran against Pinder in the 2024 election. An opponent to ongoing development, Cadenhead secured 35.28% of the vote on Election Night while Pinder gathered 64.72% for the win.
“My main reason is this could be a pivotal time in Islamorada as far as development goes,” Cadenhead said. “We’re getting a new comprehensive plan through Able City East, and we’re also getting them to do our land development regulations.”
Cadenhead added the “Concrete Coalition,” a term he and other 2024 village candidates gave to their opponents they deemed “pro-development,” want to make it “easier to build Islamorada out to the property lines.”
“I want to help Steve Friedman out,” said Cadenhead. Friedman has stated his opposition to overdevelopment in the village.
Dully, a commercial real estate agent with All Keys Real Estate Re/Max, is chairman of the village’s Land Acquisition Advisory Committee and a member of the Achievable Housing Committee. Dully told Keys Weekly he wants to use his experience in leadership and community service.
“My goal is to protect our waters and environment, improve affordable housing options, and maintain the unique character of our village,” he said. “Additionally, my service as a deacon and board member at the First Baptist Church of Islamorada has strengthened my leadership abilities and commitment to our community.”
Richards is co-owner of Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping, a certified floodplain manager and a licensed real estate agent. Richards ran against Friedman last election cycle. She secured 46.57% of the vote while Friedman received 53.43% for the win.
“I want to bring my knowledge and make a positive difference in the community,” RIchards said.
A village resident of more than 20 years, Scuderi said she’s paid close attention to council meetings. She said the time is right for her to serve the community, having no professional obligations that previously held her back from considering a run.
“I’ve been approached a number of times by people about running for council,” she said. “Because of professional obligations at the time, it was impossible. But those obligations are no longer tying me down.
“I care and this is my opportunity to contribute and to be part of the process,” Scuderi said.
Council members are expected to make a selection during a special call meeting, which Mahoney said will be scheduled before Jan. 30.
