They’ve debated, advertised, and showed up at events. Now it’s time for citizens to cast their votes (if they haven’t already).
If you are still undecided, here’s one final look at the race.
Incumbent Scott Newton is being challenged by city newcomer Mark Beigay and realtor and attorney Mike Sansevero.
The race has been chippy for months. Questions of Newton’s residency were raised, investigated and, essentially, deemed a non-story. Sansevero has used social media and public comment periods during city commission meetings to assert and contrast his vision for the city.
Sansevero has also created flyers and online ads that imply endorsements he never received. Despite being told not to, he created a flier with his image and logos atop the Dolphin Democrats’ endorsements and logo. The organization endorsed Newton.
Over the summer, he posted an image of him next to commissioners Chris Caputo and Mike Bracchi, suggesting some sort of unified ticket. Both Caputo and Bracchi, as well as the entire commission, endorsed Newton and have reiterated that throughout the campaign.
(Caputo and Bracchi, who ran unopposed, were automatically re-elected)
Sansevero insists the promotional materials are legally sound campaign ads.
Beigay and Sansevero are essentially self-funding their campaigns. Newton has raised about $10,000.
An OutSFL survey of 132 self-identified residents of Wilton Manors from Sept. 30 to Oct. 6 SurveyMonkey found Newton with 52% support. Sansevero drew the support of 24% and Beigay garnered 5%. Twenty percent were undecided.
Beigay has been touting a flashy vision of the city, including a “water circuit” and aggressive developments. Newton, who says this is his final race, wants to use a final term to oversee the next phase of long-term projects.
Sansevero is primarily campaigning as a “change agent,” and frequently points to Newton being in office for more than 20 years.
Election day is Nov. 5. Early voting runs through Sunday, Nov. 3. Mail-in ballots must be received by election officials by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5.
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