Second candidate files for city commission

Historic City News was informed by the Office of Vicky Oakes, Supervisor of Elections, that next year’s elections in the City of St Augustine have already drawn two announced candidates — six weeks ago, we reported that Todd Neville had filed for Seat 4, and yesterday, Grant Misterly filed for Seat 5.

The election is more than a year away; however, Misterly told Historic City News editor Michael Gold, as he prepares himself for the office, he will be visiting with citizens around the city and their neighborhood associations. He believes that people will take him seriously if he is an announced candidate — even though he says he won’t be in “campaign mode” until next year.

The candidate, 37-year-old Grant Alan Misterly, lives in north city with his wife Jessica and their three and a half year old daughter, Mabel. Misterly grew up in Florida and has lived at 3 Alfred Street in St Augustine since September, 2000.

Misterly graduated with honors from the University of Florida’s Environmental Engineering Department. For nearly 15 years, he reports having helped communities similar to St. Augustine properly plan for, fund, and improve their infrastructure.

Misterly is a professional engineer with a focus on municipal infrastructure. He has been the Project Manager for many important projects in the city — such as the West Augustine Water and Sewer Master Plan, the city’s Mooring Field and Marina Breakwater permitting, and improvements to the city’s wastewater treatment plant.

During his time as Chairman of the Planning and Zoning Board and the Entrance Corridor Committee, he told reporters that he helped “balance the challenges of zoning laws, property rights, and the associated legal liabilities of the City while protecting St. Augustine’s history and culture”. After serving two terms on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, Misterly has “termed-out”. He told Historic City News that he sees a seat on the city commission as a way that he can continue his service to the community.

When asked about his goals as a city commissioner, he says he wants to use his personal and professional experience to help St Augustine remain a vibrant city. He hopes to balance a high quality of life for residents, a friendly and attractive environment for business, and continue to improve the city’s infrastructure — in a sustainable and fiscally responsible manner.

In addition to his service on St. Augustine’s citizen boards, he is also a Board Member for the ARC of St. Johns, a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine, a Steering Committee Member for the First Coast Chapter of the Florida Water Environment Association, and an active member of the Ancient City Road Runners.

“St. Augustine is an amazing city and a wonderful place to raise a family,” Misterly said. He and his wife can often be seen biking around downtown or jogging through the city’s wonderful neighborhoods.