Former primary rival Sullivan endorses Parker in Brevard School Board race

Brevard School Board District 2 candidate Charles Parker has picked up the endorsement of one of his recent primary opponents, Frank Sullivan.

In the nonpartisan Aug. 28 primary for Brevard School Board District 2, Cheryl McDougall led with 42.26 percent of the vote, compared with 36.77 percent for Parker and 20.97 percent for Sullivan. Because no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two vote-getters — McDougall and Parker — will face off in a runoff election on Nov. 6, while Sullivan is eliminated.

McDougall is a licensed clinical social worker from Merritt Island who spent 11 years working in public education.

Parker, a Merritt Island resident, is a high school teacher and choice program director at Merritt Island High School. He has been a teacher since 2004.

Incumbent John Craig is not seeking re-election.

More:Meet the candidates: Brevard County School Board District 2

More:Where Brevard School Board candidates stand on guns, arming staff

Sullivan, who is a Cocoa businessman and former Canaveral Port Authority commissioner, said he is supporting Parker and has been asking those who voted for him in August to vote for Parker in November. 

Among other recent endorsements Parker has received:

• Business Voice Political Committee, which said: “We believe that Mr. Parker’s extensive experience within the district and community makes him the right choice for District 2. Mr. Parker has led the district in efforts to partner with the business community to ensure students today are learning the skills they need to be successful tomorrow.”

• Cocoa Beach City Commissioner Ed Martinez, who said: “I want my friends to know that I endorse Charles Parker for Brevard School District 2. Everyone knows how passionate I am about vocational programs and integration of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) into our classrooms. Charles truly understands this need. He has run a successful Career and Technical Education engineering program at Merritt Island High School for six years, so he knows firsthand what it takes. Charles has had meetings with vocational staff at Eastern Florida State College to see how Brevard schools can better partner with EFSC on vocational dual enrollment. As well, Charles has met with Jeff Arnott at Brevard Public Schools' Adult Education to discuss the feasibility of opening a vocational center.”

Parker previously received endorsements from U.S. Rep. Bill Posey of Rockledge, former Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli of Merritt Island and the Space Coast Association of Realtors.

One of McDougall's key endorsements is from the Brevard Federation of Teachers.

Among McDougall's other endorsements are from the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Brevard, Equity Florida Action PAC, the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Minority Empowerment Committee and the National Association of Social Workers-Florida.

Brevard School Board District 2 includes Merritt Island, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, and parts of Cocoa and Rockledge.

County Commission candidates get endorsements

The two candidates running for Brevard County Commission in District 2 — Republican Bryan Lober and Democrat Victoria Mitchner — also recently picked up endorsements.

Lober defeated Chuck Nelson in an Aug. 28 Republican primary, while Mitchner defeated Jack Smink in a Democratic primary.

Lober is an attorney and mediator from Rockledge.

Mitchner is a human resources consultant and former county employee from Rockledge.

More:Republican Lober, Democrat Mitchner win in District 2 County Commission primaries

More:Meet the candidates: County Commission District 2

Incumbent District 2 County Commissioner Jim Barfield is not seeking re-election.

Among Lober's most recent endorsements is one from former Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos and Canaveral Port Authority Chairman Wayne Justice.

In his endorsement, Haridopolos said: “I know Bryan to be a true fiscal conservative who will advocate for his constituents while, simultaneously, looking out for taxpayers. Bryan’s refusal to tolerate waste and dishonesty will serve him well as a county commissioner. It should come as no surprise that Bryan has secured a number of noteworthy endorsements, given his diligent work and methodical approach to problem-solving. Bryan is well-equipped for the position, and he is ready to hit the ground running.”

In endorsing Lober, Justice said: "He has the experience, and has demonstrated the competency and commitment to be a dynamic force for Brevard County. I look forward to working alongside Bryan, as we strive to make both Brevard County and Port Canaveral as productive as possible."

Among Lober's other recent endorsements were these:

Former Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli: Bryan is not someone that is looking for a title. He is someone that is focused on bringing his real-life experiences to the decision-making process of Brevard County's government. Bryan understands that each decision that he will make on behalf of his constituents will be one that stands on its own merits and not that of a preconceived notion. Because of his business-style approach to the job, I am supporting his candidacy for the Brevard County Commission, District 2."

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey: "I’ve known Bryan for the better part of a decade, having worked with him when he served as president of the Brevard County Bar Association. Bryan is a straight shooter who loves his community and has unwavering support for public safety. Bryan has the background, training and experience necessary to serve as an excellent county commissioner."

Brevard County Clerk of Courts Scott Ellis: "Bryan Lober will bring a fresh set of eyes and an inquisitive mind to the county. Bryan is beholden to no political or financial interests and will challenge status-quo government."

Also endorsing Lober are Brevard County Commission Vice Chair Kristine Isnardi and Canaveral Port Authority Commissioner Bob Harvey.

Mitchner, meanwhile has picked up the endorsement of the Business Voice Political Committee, which previously endorsed Nelson, who lost to Lober in the Aug. 28 primary.

“Victoria Mitchner demonstrated a wealth of knowledge as to the challenges facing our county budget and the management of the over 2,500 employees,” Business Voice Executive Director Kathryn Rudloff said. “She is committed to bringing people together to find real solutions to restore the Indian River Lagoon, grow our economy, and make sure Brevard remains a great place to live, work and do business for all residents.” 
 
Rudloff said Mitchner "impressed our entire group with her thoughtful approach to balancing the needs of the county, while respecting taxpayers and local job-creators. Her ability to bring people together will make her an effective leader for the county.” 

Among the other endorsements Mitchner has received are ones from the AFL-CIO,  the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Brevard, the Florida Puerto Rican/Hispanic Minority Empowerment Committee and Young Democrats of Brevard.

In announcing the endorsement of Mitchner, Space Coast AFL-CIO Labor Council President Claudie Pouncey said: "The council views endorsement as a commitment to candidates who demonstrate an understanding of the values, issues and concerns of working women and men. We are certain you will base your campaign on these qualities, and once elected, allow these concerns to guide your decision-making."

County Commission District 2 includes Avon by the Sea, Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral and Snug Harbor, as well as most of Merritt Island, and portions of Cocoa, Rockledge and Patrick Air Force Base.

Dave Berman is government editor at FLORIDA TODAY.

His Political Spin column appears Sundays in FLORIDA TODAY.

Contact Berman at 321-242-3649

or dberman@floridatoday.com.

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