Roland no longer County Commission candidate

With the passing of today’s high twelve deadline, the greatly contested District 2 race for St. Johns County Commissioner lost its non-party-affiliated candidate, Merrill Paul Roland, who failed to qualify.

A spokesperson for Supervisor of Elections Penny Halyburton confirmed that Roland, who had already missed the deadline for submitting voter petitions as a method for qualifying, did not exercise either remaining option open to him — he did not pay the $2,500.00 qualifying fee or elect to run as a “write-in” candidate.

Because Roland has not qualified, and because all candidates who did qualify are registered Republicans, their contest will be “open” or “universal” which means that Democrats and Republicans, as well as independents and other party affiliates, will have the opportunity to vote during the Primary Election on August 24th.

There will be no run-off in the District 2 County Commission race — the highest vote getter wins the race.

The following candidates qualified to run for the seat:

Ben W. Adams, Jr.
Date Qualified: 6/17/2010

Randy Brunson
Date Qualified: 6/18/2010

Ron Sanchez
Date Qualified: 6/14/2010

Karen R. Stern
Date Qualified: 6/18/2010

Photo credit: © 2010 Historic City News staff photographer