By CRAIG GARRETT
STAFF WRITER
NORTH PORT — Jacqueline Moore, a former North Port city commissioner, and David Iannotti, a political novice, finished in the top spots in Tuesday’s primary runoff for North Port city commission seats.
Because neither candidate won a seat with a majority vote, Moore and Iannotti face runners-up in November.
Moore faces off with former North Port Commissioner Cheryl Cook; and Iannotti faces Richard G. Suggs.
The runoffs are on Election Day, Nov. 3.
North Port Mayor Debbie McDowell faces Jerry Nicastro in the District 3 race that day as well.
Cook couldn’t be reached for comment.
“It’s humbling,” Iannotti said. “And I’d like to think it was a reflection of how I ran my race — no empty promises and campaign slogans.”
Moore ran a campaign on “which people and the
natural environment thrive.” She was grateful for capturing nearly 40% of the vote in a tight three-way race.
As North Port veers toward 80,000 residents, Sarasota County’s largest city, it has gained in diversity in age and culture, she said.
It has also added West Villages and Wellen Park, with its residents having a say in the Tuesday night vote.
A vibrant North Port “has always been our message,” Moore said.
While voter turnout in North Port on Tuesday was moderate, write-in voting was doubled from 2016. Email: craig.garrett@yoursun.com