Martin Hughes, who had announced his candidacy, did not qualify but endorsed two of the candidates.

CLEARWATER – Four candidates have qualified to run for the Clearwater City Council in next the municipal election next March.

David Allbritton and Tom Edward Keller qualified to run for Seat 4. The seat is currently held by Bill Jonson, who is terming out of office. Incumbent Hoyt Paul Hamilton will face challenger John Funk for Seat 5 on the council. Hamilton, who served on the council from 2001-2006, was elected again in 2014. He is seeking another term.

Computer software analyst Martin Hughes, who had announced his candidacy for Seat 4, did not qualify.

“As much as I’d like to serve on the city council, my present work schedule prevents waging the full-time campaign effort that our city deserves,” Hughes said.

Although he is not running, Hughes has endorsed candidates for both Seats 4 and 5.

“In reviewing the two candidates, I fully endorse Tom Keller,” Hughes said. “I want someone on the city council like Tom who is independent-minded, a new voice, and not a part of the old thinking that has run Clearwater’s affairs for far too long.”

Hughes also is throwing his support behind Funk in the race for Seat 5.

“We need Tom and John on the council because they’re not tied to the status quo,” Hughes said. “Our great city deserves new thinking and open-minded voices for a change in order to put the interests of citizens first.”

Clearwater is governed by a council-manager form of government. The Clearwater City Council is comprised of the mayor and four councilmembers, who each serve four-year terms. The council is the legislative and policymaking body of the city, responsible for approving the budget and determining the ad valorem tax rate on all real and personal property within the corporate limits of the city.

In addition, the council members evaluate the job performance of the city manager and the city attorney, attend city council meetings, special workshops/meetings, schedule and attend community meetings to address various topics and initiatives, serve as the city liaison for various areawide boards, and represent the city at ribbon cuttings, opening day festivities, and organizational welcomes and events.

Council members are paid about $21,892 a year. They are elected at large in a non-partisan election. The election is March 13.

For information about Clearwater, go to myclearwater.com.

Photo shows, from left, David Allbritton, Hoyt Hamilton, and John Funk. Not shown, Tom Keller.

Clearwater | Clearwater Council | Politics | Election | David Allbritton | Hoyt Hamilton | John Funk | Tom Keller | Tampabay News

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