The race for Islamorada Village Council saw four seats up for grabs. Results from Election Night show incumbent Buddy Pinder prevailing over challenger Van Cadenhead, Capt. Steve Friedman beating Anna Richards, former village mayor Deb Gillis winning against challenger Mary Barley and former building official Don Horton beating Tom Raffanello.
The four new council members will join current Vice Mayor Sharon Mahoney, who went unopposed following the conclusion of an August qualifying period. The council is set to convene for its first regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 19 inside the Founders Park Community Center. A workshop is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7 to provide the new council an orientation.
Islamorada Council, Seat 1
The incumbent and current village mayor, Pinder received 2,588 votes (64.72%) while Islamorada native Cadenhead secured 1,411 votes, 35.28%.
“Thank you so much to all the residents and businesses that supported me in getting re-elected. I am looking forward to working with our new council members, protecting our fragile environment and preserving our community character,” Pinder said.
Islamorada Council, Seat 2
Fishing Capt. Steve Friedman garnered 2,145 votes (53.44%) while Richards, co-owner of Massey-Richards Surveying & Mapping, gathered 1,869 votes (45.56%).
“As a backcountry fishing guide, I am incredibly honored and humbled to have earned the support of Islamorada’s voters to serve on the village council. My goal will be to listen and learn while protecting our waters and guarding against overdevelopment. I will be counting on your input to help guide us in these decisions moving forward,” Friedman said.
Islamorada Council, Seat 3
Former mayor Deb Gillis won the seat with 2,274 votes (58.11%). She beat challenger Mary Barley, Everglades Foundation board member, who secured 1,639 votes (41.89%).
“Thank you, Islamorada! Your support means the world to me. I’m honored to serve and fully committed to making decisions that benefit everyone in our beautiful Village. I look forward to working together to shape our future,” Gillis said.
Islamorada Council, Seat 4
Former village building official and longtime resident Don Horton prevailed with 2,416 votes (60.95%). Horton beat former DEA agent Tom Raffanello, who gathered, 1,548 votes (39.05%).
“I am thankful and humbled by the outpouring of support from our community. The voters of Islamorada have spoken and now it is time to get to work for them. I am proud to be able to serve the residents of Islamorada,” Horton said. “My hope is that we can bring back unity, civility, and respect to the council and make Islamorada the Village of inspiration once again.”
Islamorada Charter referendum to increase council compensation from $1,000 to $1,500
A voter majority said “no” to the idea of upping the monthly pay of council members. A total of 2,733 voters, of 63.83% rejected the increase and 1,549 voters, 36.17% approved.
Islamorada Charter referendum for term limits of 8 cumulative years
Voters approved term limits of eight total years beginning with the newly-elected council. In total, 2,764 voters approved of the term limits while 1,518 voters disapproved of the term limit measure.
