Bradenton City Council elections closed Sept. 15

BRADENTON - Qualifying has ended for elections to the Bradenton City Council, and the three councilmembers whose wards are holding elections have drawn challengers.

The election will be held on Nov. 3. Information on all local elections for 2009 and 2010 is at the Web site of the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections. Qualifying ended on Sept. 15.

In Ward 2, incumbent Marianne Barnebey has drawn a challenge from Lori Melton, who works in management positions in the construction industry. While Melton has so far reported no contributions or spending, Barnebey has loaned $100 to her campaign.

In Ward 3, incumbent Patrick Roff is being challenged by Richard O'Brien, an entrepreneur and small business owner whose signs have been seen around town. Roff has raised $1,100, $500 that he loaned to his campaign and the rest in donations, including $100 from fellow councilman Gene Gallo, but has spent nothing so far. O'Brien has not raised or spent any money yet.

In Ward 4, Bemis Smith is being challenged by Joel V. Henry Sr., a retired city employee with 31 years of service. Smith has raised $400 so far, $50 from a loan he made to his campaign and $350 in donations, $250 from MBK Construction (he's the president of the company), and $100 from Gallo. So far, Smith has spent $12.80 on campaign checks. Henry has raised $700 from individual donations, and spent $143.11 on campaign supplies and postage.

In the next few weeks, The Bradenton Times will be meeting with the councilmembers and their challengers, and reporting their views on the issues facing Bradenton.

And we'll also be watching the money race on the Supervisor of Elections Web site, and keeping you up to date on that.