remain on city council

Staff report

There were three seats open in the city of Ocala government this election cycle: two are on the city council and the mayoral seat. The qualifying period ended at noon July 14, and two of those seats are now decided because the candidates drew no opposition. Only one person, Ben Marciano, filed to run for mayor. Kent Guinn, who has served as the city’s mayor for 12 years, had announced in April that he would not be seeking reelection.

Marciano drew considerable support. At least 82 individuals or businesses, some related, contributed the maximum amount of $1,000 to his campaign. Combined with another 100 contributors, Marciano brought in a total of $110,200, according to the last financial report filed with the supervisor of elections.

Marciano also drew endorsements from the Professional Fire Fighters of Ocala as well as for Marion County, and Ocala’s Fraternal Order of Police. “I’m blown away. It’s humbling after all I’ve been through in life to embark on this next chapter,” Marciano said.

Marciano told the “Gazette” that he recently sat down to talk about the mayoral role with Guinn, and they made a commitment to work together through the transition.

The “Gazette” asked Guinn if he had any advice for the city’s incoming mayor, and Guinn offered the same advice he says he received from former Mayor Ergle. “Don’t think you’re as important as others think you are.”

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