Florida early voting information: St. Lucie County, Indian River County, Martin County

ST. LUCIE COUNTY

Early voting in St. Lucie County to start Oct. 27

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election begins Saturday and Treasure Coast elections supervisors urge voters to take advantage of the eight-day period to avoid long lines at the polls next month.

With a two-page ballot that includes multiple races and 11 constitutional amendments filling both sides, voters in St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties are encouraged to mark the sample ballot they received in the mail and bring it as a guide to reduce the time it takes to vote.

Reading through the 11 amendments appearing on the record-length ballot is expected to slow the voting process on Election Day. The 96-hour early voting period gives voters more time to study the issues and constitutional amendments at home, election officials said, and helps voters cast an informed ballot.

Early voting runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 and includes Sunday.

Here's a look at what you need to know:

EARLY VOTING

Bring a valid photo identification with a signature or complete a provisional ballot at these locations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27 through Nov. 3, including Sunday. Voters also can wait until Election Day, Nov. 6, when polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

PORT ST. LUCIE

Port St. Lucie Community Center, 2195 S.E. Airoso Blvd.

Morningside Branch Library, 2410 S.E. Morningside Blvd.

FORT PIERCE

Zora Neale Hurston Library, 3008 Avenue D

Supervisor of Elections, 4132 Okeechobee Road

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 18

Candidates: U.S. Rep . Allen West , 51, Republican, Palm Beach Gardens, retired lieutenant colonel; Patrick Murphy , 29, Democrat, Jupiter, accountant; Marilyn Davis Holloman, 60, write-in candidate, Democrat, Port St. Lucie, nurse practitioner

Voters: Registered voters in District 18, which includes Martin and St. Lucie counties and northern Palm Beach County

At stake: Two-year term; $174,000 annual salary

Issue: West supports a Medicare overhaul plan offering insurance premium vouchers or traditional Medicare to recipients 55 and younger. He also wants to repeal almost all of the provisions in President Obama's federal health care act. Murphy wants to keep Medicare a fee-for-service system and supports the health care act. Holloman also supports the health care act, and said job creation is necessary to keep Medicare in tact. Murphy wants to end Bush-era tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. West advocates a flat tax, and Holloman also supports a flat tax.

Next step: Winner takes office Jan. 3 as part of the 113th U.S. Congress.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 83

Candidates: Rep. Gayle Harrell , 69, a Stuart Republican incumbent, served for eight years in the House before being term limited out in 2008; Dana Conaway, a Port St. Lucie write-in candidate who works at Sleek Services laser hair removal/makeup.

Voters: All registered voters among 99,018 St. Lucie County residents in two-county district that includes central Martin

At stake: Two-year term, $31,932 annual salary

Issue: Harrell supports the use of E-Verify as part of immigration reform and has advocated for women's health care and reforms to the definition of child abuse. Conaway could not be reached for comment.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 55

Candidates: Democrat Crystal Drake, 53, Moore Haven, rancher and school teacher; Republican Cary Pigman, 53, Avon Park, sheep farmer and emergency room doctor

Voters: All registered voters among 4,216 St. Lucie County residents in four-county district that includes Glades, Highlands, Okeechobee

At stake: Two-year term; $29,697 annual salary

Issues: Both agree the priority is maintaining agriculture and protecting jobs. Drake said education and water distribution are her key issues. Pigman said having more skilled workers and fewer regulations are important.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 84

Candidates: Larry Lee Jr., 58, Democrat, Port St. Lucie, insurance agent; Michelle Miller, 46, Republican, Port St. Lucie, insurance agent, Army veteran

Voters: All registered voters among 156,530 St. Lucie County residents in this new one-county district, which encompasses the northeast, southeast and central part of the county

At stake: Two-year term; $31,932 annual salary

Issue: Lee wants to rework how Citizens Property Insurance Corp. functions to stir up more competition among private insurers. Miller said she believes in property insurance reform and advocates luring more property insurance firms back into doing business in Florida.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 32

Candidates: Joe Negron, 50, Stuart, Republican; Ray D'Amiano, 54, Sewall's Point, Democrat;

Voters: Open to all registered voters in the district, which includes east St. Lucie and Martin counties, most of east Indian River County and part of north Palm Beach County

At stake: Four-year

term; $29,697 annual salary

Issue: Negron, who has represented the old District 28 in the Florida Senate before redistricting, supported an amendment that required senators to pay the same health insurance premiums as state employees and helped secure state dollars for various local projects. D'Amiano, who owns Interstate Self Storage in Palm City and is making his first run at public office, has said he would focus on job creation and policies that will help take pressure off middle-class families.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 21

Candidates: Republican Denise Grimsley, 53, Sebring, registered nurse, State Rep. District 77, small business owner; Democrat Stacy McCland, 40, St. Cloud, attorney, a corporate director for Marcal Growers and Constructors Inc. and a small business owner.

Voters: Most of St. Lucie and Martin counties west of Florida's Turnpike or Interstate 95; all of Okeechobee; part of Highlands, Polk and Osceola counties

At stake: Two-year term; $29,697 annual salary

Issues: Grimsley says job creation is the biggest issue and McCland says she believes legislators are making decisions based on special interests instead of the families and small businesses in Florida.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

CLERK OF COURTS

Candidates: One-term incumbent Joe Smith, 35, Democrat, second vice president of the Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers and former St. Lucie County commissioner; Bill Hardman, 56, Republican, St. Lucie County sheriff's deputy.

Voters: Open to all county voters

At stake: Four-year term; $128,650 annual salary, $1.6 million budget

Issue: Both are campaigning to keep the clerk's office financially accountable, while promoting transparency in government.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

ELECTIONS SUPERVISOR

Candidates: 32-year incumbent Gertrude Walker, 63, Democrat, director of community betterment for the county’s Chamber of Commerce; Stephanie Morgan, 52, Republican, small business owner, chair of the county’s planning and zoning commission, member of the county’s Citizens Budget Committee and president-elect of the county’s Boys & Girls Club.

Voters: Open to all county voters

At stake: Four-year term; $110,203 annual salary; $2.3 million budget

Issues: Both candidates agree there needs to be upgrades to the reporting election software. Walker is reviewing the budget and considering a relocation. Morgan’s platform involves modernizing the office and getting more people registered to vote and casting ballots.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

COUNTY COMMISSION: DISTRICT 1

Candidates: Bob Benton, 55, Republican, Fort Pierce mayor and business owner; one-term incumbent Chris Dzadovsky, 51, Democrat, former airline safety professional

Voters: Open to all county voters

At stake: Four-year term; $72,431 annual salary; $496 million budget

Issue: Benton said the office needs honesty and integrity, and he understands the county and both cities better and brings the most experience to the table. Dzadovsky said he wants to complete his 4-year-old platform of pursuing renewable energies, achieving sustainable government, reducing the county's budget and decreasing the county's millage rate.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3

Candidates: 16-year incumbent Paula Lewis, 62, Democrat, former business owner; Debra Swanson, 59, Republican, Realtor

Voters: Open to all county voters

At stake: Four-year term; $72,431 annual salary; $496 million budget

Issue: Neither candidate cites a specific issue, but Lewis said stability is needed because the economy is starting to recover while Swanson said change is needed because the economy isn't getting better yet.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20.

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 5

Candidates: Bobby Hopkins, 55, Republican, plastering contractor; Kim Johnson, 41, Democrat, motivational speaker

Voters: Open to all county voters

At stake: Four-year term; $72,431 annual salary; $496 million budget

Issue: Hopkins said he's running to make changes in the community, and his business experience sets him apart. Johnson said he's running to solve problems in the community, and his background in social work sets him apart.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20

FORT PIERCE CITY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1

Candidates: R. "Duke" Nelson, 77, former Fort Pierce commissioner and retired Army lieutenant colonel; Reggie Sessions, 47, incumbent and attorney

Voters: Open only to Fort Pierce District 1 voters

At stake: Four-year term; $23,000 annual salary; $32 million budget

Issue: Nelson said he has the experience, knowledge and time for the job and wants to do it as a service, not to hold a title. Sessions said he wants to keep the momentum going to develop the city's seaport and feels he's more in tune with what's going on in the community.

Next step: Winner will take

office Dec. 3.

FORT PIERCE MAYOR

Candidates: Vince Gaskin, 44, bail bondsman; Linda Hudson, 68, retired nurse

Voters: Open to all Fort Pierce voters

At stake: Four-year term; $30,000 annual salary; $32 million budget; winner will be city's first black or first female mayor.

Issue: Gaskin said diversity sets him apart while Hudson said knowledge of city finances sets her apart. Gaskin said he's running because the city needs to move in a new direction while Hudson said she's running because the city needs strong financial leadership.

Next step: Winner will take office Dec. 3.

PORT ST. LUCIE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Candidates: Two-term incumbent Michelle Berger, 44, licensed optometrist; Lawrence Cohen, 75, retired citrus grower and Publix assistant produce manager

Voters: Open to all city voters

At stake: Four-year term; $30,930 annual salary, $478.3 million budget

Issue: Berger said she will continue to offer political stability and keep city regulations as low as possible to allow for job creation and growth. Cohen said economic stability is as important as civility among the council members, and he's running to restore that.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 19.

PORT ST. LUCIE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 4

Candidates: Ron Bowen, 63, life insurance and retirement agent, county Chamber of Commerce member, The Salvation Army of St. Lucie County advisory board member; Robert Bluestone, 59, retired bank executive and former Fort Pierce city commissioner

Voters: Open to all city voters

At stake: Four-year term; $30.930 annual salary; $478.3 million budget

Issue: Bowen said code enforcement small business crackdown is unnecessary; the city must do more to help them to help create local jobs. Bluestone said he will tackle economic development by giving local small businesses preference in bidding for city projects, services and goods. He also wants to ensure there's enough potable water for the city's future population and to make sure police staffing levels remain constant to ensure safety.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 19.

ST. LUCIE WEST SERVICES DISTRICT: DISTRICT 4

Candidates: Sal Mancuso, 90, retired from Department of Defense as Chief Quality Assurance Division agent at Grumman Aircraft, involved in district affairs since 1995; incumbent Gregg Ney, 64, retired information technology director, district resident since 2004

Voters: All registered voters among St. Lucie West's 20,0000 residents

At stake: Oversees $2 million budget; four-year term; paid $200 per meeting, not to exceed $4,800 annually

Issue: Both agree flooding is the main issue. Mancuso said he would ensure proper preventive measures are being taken to eliminate flooding. Ney said he would finish stormwater projects and cost-saving irrigations projects started during his tenure.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20.

ST. LUCIE WEST SERVICES DISTRICT: DISTRICT 5

Candidates: Tony Stachewicz, 69, four years Marine Corps transportation division, 21 years General Motors, attended board meetings since 1997; two-term incumbent Charles Altwein, 69, former member various government boards Jupiter, Port St. Lucie, moved here 1988

Voters: All registered voters among St. Lucie West's 20,0000 residents

At stake: Oversees $2 million budget; four-year term; paid $200 per meeting, not to exceed $4,800 annually

Issue: Stachewicz said he'll ensure accountability, lower base water rate and convert vehicles to cheaper natural gas. Altwein said he'll complete water and wastewater treatment and anti-flooding stormwater projects already in the works.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20.

ELECTED IN PRIMARY UNOPPOSED

State Attorney Bruce Colton

Public Defender Diamond Litty

Sheriff Ken Mascara

Property Appraiser Ken Pruitt

School Board District 2 member Carol Hilson

School Board District 4 member Kathryn Hensley

Fort Pierce District 2 Seat 2 Commissioner Ed Becht

ELECTED IN PRIMARY WITH NO GENERAL ELECTION OPPONENT

Tax Collector Chris Craft

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MARTIN COUNTY

Early voting in Martin County to start Oct. 27

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election begins Saturday and Treasure Coast elections supervisors urge voters to take advantage of the eight-day period to avoid long lines at the polls next month.

With a two-page ballot that includes multiple races and 11 constitutional amendments filling both sides, voters in St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties are encouraged to mark the sample ballot they received in the mail and bring it as a guide to reduce the time it takes to vote.

Reading through the 11 amendments appearing on the record-length ballot is expected to slow the voting process on Election Day. The 96-hour early voting period gives voters more time to study the issues and constitutional amendments at home, election officials said, and helps voters cast an informed ballot.

Early voting

runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 and includes Sunday.

Here's a look at what you need to know:

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27 to Nov. 3, except in Indiantown, which will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Voters need to bring a valid photo identification with a signature or complete a provisional ballot. Voters also can wait until Election Day, Nov. 6, when polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Elections Center, 135 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Stuart

Peter & Julie Cummings Library, 2551 S.W. Matheson Ave., Palm City

Elisabeth Lahti Library, 15200 S.W. Adams Ave., Indiantown

Hobe Sound Library, 10595 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound

Hoke Library, 1150 N.W. Jack Williams Way, Jensen Beach

Robert Morgade Library, 5851 S.E. Community Drive, Port Salerno

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 18

Candidates: U.S. Rep . Allen West , 51, Republican, Palm Beach Gardens, retired lieutenant colonel; Patrick Murphy , 29, Democrat, Jupiter, accountant; Marilyn Davis Holloman, 60, write-in candidate, Democrat, Port St. Lucie, nurse practitioner

Voters: Registered voters in District 18, which includes Martin and St. Lucie counties and northern Palm Beach County

At stake: Two-year term; $174,000 annual salary

Issue: West supports a Medicare overhaul plan offering insurance premium vouchers or traditional Medicare to recipients 55 and younger. He also wants to repeal almost all of the provisions in President Obama's federal health care act. Murphy wants to keep Medicare a fee-for-service system and supports the health care act. Holloman also supports the health care act, and said job creation is necessary to keep Medicare in tact. Murphy wants to end Bush-era tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. West advocates a flat tax, and Holloman also supports a flat tax.

Next step: Winner takes office Jan. 3 as part of the 113th U.S. Congress.

STUART CITY COMMISSION, GROUP 1

Candidates: Mayor James Christie Jr., 72, retired; Michael Mortell, 47, attorney, former Stuart Commissioner

Voters: Open to all voters citywide

At stake: Two-year term with a salary of $11,628

Issues: Both candidates are running on a stance to preserve Stuart residents' quality of life. Christie also notes the importance of protecting the environment and fiscal responsibility.

Next step: Winner will take office Dec. 10

STUART CITY COMMISSION, GROUP 5

Candidates: Incumbent Eula Clarke, 55, attorney; Drew Pittman, 37, owner of real estate firm, auctioneer

Voters: Open to all voters citywide

At stake: Two-year term with a salary of $11,628

Issues: Both candidates are in favor of bringing Amtrak service to Stuart, keeping some of Martin County's constitutional offices in the downtown area and improving the relationship between officials in the city and county. Both oppose increasing the debt of the Community Redevelopment Area.

Next step: Winner will take office Dec. 10

MARTIN COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2

Candidates: Tony George, 50, attorney; Marsha Powers, 45, special project coordinator at Martin Health System and small business owner

Voters: Open to all voters countywide

At stake: 4-year term with a salary of $32,194

Issue: Both candidates have stressed the need to return to focusing on the classroom by bringing civility to the school board.

Next step: Winner will take office Nov. 20

MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1

Candidates: Doug Smith, Republican, 50, county commissioner; Alex Majka, Republican, 24, restaurant worker, Republican, write-in candidate

Voters: Open to all 100,969 registered voters in Martin County

At stake: Four-year term, $57,650 annual salary

Issue: Incumbent Smith has campaigned on his long-standing record of support for economic development and job creation. Majka has no campaign record and has never voted.

Next step: The winner will be sworn into office at the commission's Nov. 20 reorganization meeting.

MARTIN COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3

Candidates: Anne Scott, Republican, 64, Jupiter Island, town commissioner, retired judge; Craig Woll, no party affiliation, 59, soccer coach.

Voters: Open to all 100,969 registered voters in Martin County

At stake: Four-year term, $57,650 annual salary

Issue: Scott has portrayed herself as a defender of the county's growth plan, urban service boundary and quality of life. Woll campaigns with similar viewpoints, but supports growth in community redevelopment areas.

Next step: The winner will be sworn into office at the commission's Nov. 20 reorganization meeting.

SHERIFF

Candidates: William Snyder, 60, Republican, state representative; write-in candidate Trent Wetherald, Hobe Sound resident and Iraq War veteran

Voters: Open to all registered voters in Martin County

At stake: Four-year term and $126,379 annual salary

Issue: The

key issue is operating on a tight budget without it impacting the level service. Snyder, who is almost guaranteed victory in heavily Republican Martin County, has said he would focus on reducing health care expenses for employees and bolster technology in the agency by having computer software that would allow residents to file reports online for lost or stolen items. That change would allow the office to have more deputies on patrol. Wetherald, who has said the purpose of his candidacy was to close the primary race to Republicans only, could not be reached for comment.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 3.

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 32

Candidates: Joe Negron, 50, Stuart, Republican; Ray D'Amiano, 54, Sewall's Point, Democrat;

Voters: Open to all registered voters in the district, which includes east St. Lucie and Martin counties, most of east Indian River County and part of north Palm Beach County

At stake: Four-year term; $29,697 annual salary

Issue: Negron, who has represented the old District 28 in the Florida Senate before redistricting, supported an amendment that required senators to pay the same health insurance premiums as state employees and helped secure state dollars for various local projects. D'Amiano, who owns Interstate Self Storage in Palm City and is making his first run at public office, has said he would focus on job creation and policies that will help take pressure off middle-class families.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8

FLORIDA HOUSE DISTRICT 82

Candidates: MaryLynn Magar, Republican, 49, general manager, HealthCare Imaging Inc.; Beverly Hires, independent, 58, write-in candidate, registered nurse.

Voters: Open to all voters in District 82, which includes most of Martin County and parts of Palm Beach County.

At stake: Two-year term, $31,932 a year.

Issue: Magar has said the main issue is stimulating job growth by keeping taxes low and making regulations predictable. Hires said she also thinks job creation is important, but an integral part of her campaign is fiscal responsibility.

Next step: The winner will take office Nov. 20

STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 83

Candidates: Rep. Gayle Harrell, 69, a Stuart Republican incumbent, served for eight years in the House before being term limited out in 2008; Dana Conaway, a Port St. Lucie write-in candidate who works at Sleek Services laser hair removal/makeup.

Voters: All registered voters among 99,018 St. Lucie County residents in two-county district that includes central Martin

At stake: Two-year term, $31,932 annual salary

Issue: Harrell supports the use of E-Verify as part of immigration reform and has advocated for women's health care and reforms to the definition of child abuse. Conaway could not be reached for comment.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 21

Candidates: Republican Denise Grimsley, 53, Sebring, registered nurse, State Rep. District 77, small business owner; Democrat Stacy McCland, 40, St. Cloud, attorney, a corporate director for Marcal Growers and Constructors Inc. and a small business owner.

Voters: Most of St. Lucie and Martin counties west of Florida's Turnpike or Interstate 95; all of Okeechobee; part of Highlands, Polk and Osceola counties

At stake: Two-year term; $29,697 annual salary

Issues: Grimsley says job creation is the biggest issue and McCland says she believes legislators are making decisions based on special interests instead of the families and small businesses in Florida.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8.

UNOPPOSED

Here is a look at the candidates who are unopposed in the general election:

Sherwood Bauer Jr., Circuit 19 Judge, Group 3 Robert Belanger, Circuit 19 Judge, Group 12

Gordon Boggie, Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, Area 1

Bruce Colton, State Attorney, Circuit 19

Vicki Davis, Martin County Supervisor of Elections

Michael DiTerlizzi, Martin County School Board, District 5

Laurie Gaylord, Martin County Schools Superintendent

John Haddox, Martin County Commission, District 5

Robert Hawley, Circuit 19 Judge, Group 8

Paul Kanarek, Circuit 19 Judge, Group 5

Laurel Kelly, Martin County Property Appraiser

Mark Klingensmith, Circuit 19 Judge, Group 9

Diamond Litty, Public Defender, Circuit 19

Troy McDonald, Stuart City Commission, Group III

Rebecca Negron, Martin County School Board, District 3

Bob Pegg, Circuit 19 Judge, Group 19

Ruth Pietruszewski, Martin County Tax Collector

Steve Rockoff, Loxahatchee River Environmental Control District, Area 5

Carol Timmann, Martin County Clerk of the Circuit Court

Vinny Barile, Sewall's Point Commission*

Paul Luger, Sewall's Point Commission*

Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Sewall's Point Commission*

*The fourth candidate, Wendy Werb, dropped out of the race Oct. 12. That means all three of these

candidates are elected unopposed.

--------------------------

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

Early voting in Indian River County to start Oct. 27

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election begins Saturday and Treasure Coast elections supervisors urge voters to take advantage of the eight-day period to avoid long lines at the polls next month.

With a two-page ballot that includes multiple races and 11 constitutional amendments filling both sides, voters in St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties are encouraged to mark the sample ballot they received in the mail and bring it as a guide to reduce the time it takes to vote.

Reading through the 11 amendments appearing on the record-length ballot is expected to slow the voting process on Election Day. The 96-hour early voting period gives voters more time to study the issues and constitutional amendments at home, election officials said, and helps voters cast an informed ballot.

Early voting runs from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3 and includes Sunday.

Here's a look at what you need to know:

EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

All locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.:

• Indian River County Supervisor of Elections Office, 4375 43rd Ave., Unit 101, Vero Beach

• Indian River County Main Library, 1600 21st St., Vero Beach

• Sebastian City Hall Council Chambers, 1225 Main St., Sebastian

Voters need to bring a valid photo identification with a signature or complete a provisional ballot.

Voters also can wait until Election Day, Nov. 6, when polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

VERO BEACH CITY COUNCIL

Candidates: Craig Fletcher , 70, retired; Brian Heady , 65, retired; Karen Kozdra, 43, unemployed; Jay Kramer , 43, operations manager of Colostore datacenter; Daniel Stump, 65, attorney; Nick Thomas , 50, attorney; Pilar Turner , 58, retired. Fletcher, Kramer and Turner are incumbents.

Voters: Citywide

At stake: Three two-year terms: $10,800;mayor, $13,500

Issues: The possible sale of the city's electric system to Florida Power & Light Co. remains the top issue. Fletcher, Stamp and Turner have come out strongly in favor of the sale. Heady also said he remains committed to sale, but wants more scrutiny of documents related to deal and favors a referendum. Thomas is personally opposed to sale, but wants people to vote on issue. Kramer wants voters to decide once all details of sale and potential impact to city are known; Kozdra favors a referendum and stresses need to know what will be done with sales proceeds. Stump is not in favor of a referendum on the sale. Fletcher said he would support one once a final contract is prepared. Turner said she would support one if it is legally required.

Next step: After the newly elected members are sworn in Nov. 9, they will join the other two members in selecting a mayor and vice mayor.

SEBASTIAN CITY COUNCIL

Candidates: Jerome Adams, 44, supervisor in St. Lucie County's Information Technology Department; Damien Gilliams , 52, co-owner and operator of Mid-Florida Real Estate, Inc., and owner of No-Name Sports Bar in Sebastian; Jim Hill , 43, owner of Innovative Drain Technologies in Lutz; Tim Slaven, 39, child protection investigator supervisor for the Florida Department of Children and Families in Vero Beach. Hill is the incumbent.

Voters: Citywide

At stake: Two, two-year terms; $3,600 plus $3,600 stipend; mayor, $5,400 plus stipend.

Issues: The City Council raised the tax rate this year in the face of a continual decline in property tax values. Adams said the city should look at other revenue streams such as parking meters and boat ramp charges. He doesn't think there is anything more that can be cut in the budget. Gilliams opposes any tax increase. He wants to look at possible consolidation and staff reductions as well as revenue producing ventures, including some events that could be held at the parks, golf course or airport. Hill said the city has made severe cuts to the budget over the past four years, allowing it to be absorb revenue declines. He said raising tax rate should only be done after other options are exhausted. Slaven said the city's budget needs to be reviewed frequently so any issues can be addressed. He said it can become necessary to raise the tax rate to maintain the city's service level, but will scrutinize expenditures to make sure unnecessary spending isn't taking place.

Next step: After the newly elected members are sworn in at the Nov. 14 City Council meeting, they will join the other three members in selecting a mayor and vice mayor.

TAX COLLECTOR

Candidates: Carole Jean Jordan, 68, Republican, incumbent tax collector; Barry Barnard, 70, No Party Affiliation, retired certified public accountant

Voters: Indian River County voters

At stake: Four-year term, $116,925 salary;

authority to collect county property taxes, license drivers, hunters and fishermen, issue vehicle and vessel registrations and sell tax certificates.

Issue: Jordan cites her frugality in running the office since 2008. Barnard says he could do the same job even more frugally by giving some $20,000 of the salary to charity and returning a similar amount to county coffers.

Next step: Winner will be the new tax collector Jan. 8.

U.S. HOUSE DISTRICT 8

Candidates: Richard Gillmor, 65, of Sebastian, independent, currently a Sebastian councilman; Bill Posey, 64, of Rockledge, two-term Republican incumbent; Shannon Roberts, 65, of Cape Canaveral, Democrat, former NASA employee

Voters: All registered voters

At stake: Two-year term, $174,000 annual salary; District 8 includes all of Indian River and Brevard counties and a slice of Orange County.

Issue: Posey has said he supports repeal of the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Roberts said she supports the act. Gillmor has said he supports some reform components of the act and that a top priority is enacting a national energy policy that reduces dependency on foreign oil.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 3 as part of the 113th U.S. Congress.

FELLSMERE CITY COUNCIL

Candidates: Fernando R. Herrera, 57, incumbent councilman and lawn maintenance business owner; Joel Tyson, 74, incumbent councilman and retiree, Michael Barone, 49, property manager; Jessica Salgado, 21, retail employee.

Voters: All city residents

At stake: Three four-year terms with an annual salary of $4,800.

Issues: Herrera wants to see natural gas expanded in the city and improved relations between police and residents. Tyson is concerned about managing growth. Barone wants to make business development smoother in Fellsmere. Salgado's goals are to increasing tourism and events in the city.

Next step: Winners will take office after the Nov. 6 election

MOSQUITO CONTROL: SEAT 1

Candidates: David Foster, 40, incumbent, director of landscape operations for John's Island Club; Thomas Lureau, 71, retired business analyst/IT specialist and restaurant owner; Charles Sembler II, 47, businessman/aquaculturist

Voters: All Indian River County voters

What's at stake: Four year term, $4,800 per year

Top issue: For Foster, it's matching the need for public health and safety from mosquito-borne diseases with financial constraints needed to protect citizens of Indian River County. For Lureau, it's investigating if the board that runs the Mosquito Control District can be dissolved. Sembler's top issue is to reduce the budget without negatively affecting public safety and mosquito control operations.

MOSQUITO CONTROL: SEAT 3

Candidates: Janice Broda, incumbent, 54, teacher/technical writer, Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory; Scott Stradley, 56, certified public accountant

Voters: All Indian River County voters

What's at stake: Four year term, $4,800 per year

Top issue: For Broda, it's continuing to protect the public's health; Stradley said the district is financially out of control.

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 16

Candidates: Thad Altman, 57, Republican, contractor; Dominic A. Fallo II, 42, Democrat, occupation unavailable

Voters: Open to all voters in Senate District 16 — most of Indian River County except for the Vero Beach and Indian River Shores areas, and all of Brevard County from Cocoa Beach south

At stake: Four-year term, $29,697 salary; chance to succeed Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Melbourne

Issue: Neither Altman nor Fallo could be reached for comment.

Next step: Winner will be the District 16 senator starting Jan. 8.

FLORIDA SENATE DISTRICT 32

Candidates: Joe Negron, 50, Stuart, Republican; Ray D'Amiano, 54, Sewall's Point, Democrat;

Voters: Open to all registered voters in the district, which includes east St. Lucie and Martin counties, most of east Indian River County and part of north Palm Beach County

At stake: Four-year term; $29,697 annual salary

Issue: Negron, who has represented the old District 28 in the Florida Senate before redistricting, supported an amendment that required senators to pay the same health insurance premiums as state employees and helped secure state dollars for various local projects. D'Amiano, who owns Interstate Self Storage in Palm City and is making his first run at public office, has said he would focus on job creation and policies that will help take pressure off middle-class families.

Next step: Winner will take office Jan. 8

SEBASTIAN INLET TAX DISTRICT: SEAT 3

Candidates: Michael Rowland, 55, certified financial planner for UBS Financial Services, former commissioner from 1992-1996, appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush in 2004 to complete a term; Jeannette Westlake, incumbent, 46, acupuncturist,

elected in 2008

Voters: Part of Indian River, eastern boundary from Brevard County line on barrier island to County Road 510 and Wabasso Causeway, west to county line. South Brevard County

At stake: Four-year term, $3,600 annual salary

Issue: Rowland said he wants to see those who pay taxes to the district get free or reduced admission to the state park. He also wants to see if district resources can be used to replant seagrass in the inlet, providing vegetation for shrimp, bait fish and sealife. Westlake said her goal is to ensure the inlet management is scientifically sound and fiscally responsible. She said she felt the district has been responsible for the taxpayers and is in the process of enhancing the district.

Next step: Winner will take office after the Nov. 6 election

UNOPPOSED

The following is a list of races where the candidates were unopposed:

State House District 54: Debbie Mayfield

Judicial Circuit 19 State Attorney: Bruce Colton

Judicial Circuit 19 Public Defender: Diamond Litty

Indian River Clerk of Circuit Court: Jeff Smith

Indian River County Commissioner District 1: Wesley Davis

Indian River Republican Party State Committeewoman: Elly Manov

Indian River County School Board: District 3: Matt McCain; District 5: Claudia Jimenez

Indian River County Hospital District: Seat 1: Thomas Spackman; Seat 3: Harry Bolwell*; Seat 5: Harris Webber; Seat 7: Michael Weiss

Soil and Water Conservation District, Seat 2: David Gunter