Three Candidates Emerge for Woodbine Mayor's Vacant Seat

Former City Council member Pat Kelley and two newcomers, Joseph Jackson and Stephen Parrot, have qualified to run for the vacant mayor's seat in Woodbine following the unexpected resignation of Mayor Burford Clark in December. The three candidates will face each other in a special election on March 16, with the winner completing the remaining 21 months of Clark's term. Clark, a four-term mayor, announced his resignation on December 30, citing a decision that had been in the works for "quite a while." He will not attend future council meetings unless important issues are discussed.

Key Takeaways:

• Joseph Jackson, a lifelong Woodbine resident, has filed to run for mayor after being laid off from his job in security.
• Pat Kelley, owner of a towing business in Woodbine, served on the City Council from 2000 to 2004 and previously ran for mayor, losing to Burford Clark.
• Stephen Parrot, whose background is unknown, has also filed to run for mayor.
• The winner of the special election will complete the remaining 21 months of Burford Clark's term.
• Clark was first elected to the City Council in 1970 and served as mayor from 1973-1981 and again from 1989 until his resignation in December.
• Clark has stated that he has no plans to attend future council meetings unless important issues are discussed.

Statistics:

• The deadline for filing candidacy was 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
• The special election will take place on March 16.
• There are 21 months remaining in Burford Clark's term.
• Pat Kelley served on the City Council from 2000 to 2004.
• Burford Clark was first elected to the City Council in 1970.
• Clark served as mayor from 1973-1981 and again from 1989-2009.
• Clark has been serving on the City Council for a total of 41 years.

Sources:

• "Byline: Gordon Jackson Feb. 13--WOODBINE --"
• The Florida Times-Union
• McClatchy-Tribune Information Services