Government Digest: Jan. 7 - Jan. 13

Candidates list grows for city offices

TAMPA — It seems we're just never quite done with elections.

There are least six candidates for the mayor's seat and another 30 for the seven council seats. City council members earn $40,250 a year, and the mayor's salary is $150,000. Qualifying by fee ends at noon Friday, Jan. 14. Early voting begins Feb. 19. Runoffs are set for March 22.

Term limits proposed for elected officials

TALLAHASSEE — State senators, state representatives and elected county and city officials could serve for up to 12 years under a proposed Senate resolution to amend the state constitution — which would require voter approval. The measure would also change the terms of office for Senate members from four years to six, and increase the terms for House members from two to four years. The resolution does not change the terms for local government officials, which the constitution does not currently limit.The Senate joint resolution (SJR 300) is sponsored by Sen. President Pro-tempore Mike Bennett, R-Bradenton.

Rep. Buchanan heads Panama Caucus

WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Longboat Key, is the new Republican chairman of the Friends of Panama Caucus, succeeding Rep. Connie Mack, R-Cape Coral. Buchanan has been a member of the caucus since 2009. In a press release, Buchanan says, “As the chairman of the Friends of Panama Caucus, I will work to create Florida jobs by promoting new trade opportunities and positioning Port Manatee to benefit from the expansion of the Panama Canal.” By 2014, the Panama Canal will have doubled its capacity and be able to handle the largest ships through its system of locks. Buchanan was recently appointed to the House ways and means committee, which oversees international trade policy.

MEETINGS

CHARLOTTE COUNTY

The Charlotte Harbor Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
meeting is at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the Administration Center, Room #119, 18500 Murdock Circle, Port Charlotte.

The Murdock Village Community Redevelopment Area Advisory Committee
meeting is at 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at the SunTrust Bank Building, 18501 Murdock Circle, suite 502, economic development conference room, Port Charlotte. For more information, call Kathy Knee at (941) 627-3023.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY

The Planning Commission regular meeting is at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10, at County Center, 18th floor boardroom, County Center, 601 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. The executive committee will meet at noon at the same location. For more information, call Grace Sanders at (813) 272-5940.

PINELLAS COUNTY

The Tourist Development Council dba Visit St. Petersburg Clearwater will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at the Pinellas County Courthouse, 5th floor assembly room, 315 Court St., Clearwater. For more information, call (727) 464-6633.