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Safety Harbor Commission Members Seated

By Mark Schantz | The Suncoast News

Published: February 9, 2008

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. - SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. - The Safety Harbor City Commission has a new look.

Monday night two newly elected commissioners took the oath of office during a City Hall ceremony that included cake for all who attended.

Mary Lynda Williams, who ran unopposed for the one-year remaining on the commission seat vacated by former Commissioner Kathleen Earle, took the oath of office from Deputy City Clerk Karen Sammons.

Williams was also named to the ceremonial post of vice mayor by Mayor Andy Steingold. The mayor ran unopposed Jan. 29 and won a 3-year term.

Steingold, then a city commissioner, was appointed to the mayor's job in July 2006, following the resignation of former Mayor Pam Corbino. Steingold was elected mayor for one year in March 2007.

The other commission newcomer sworn in Monday emerged from the most hotly contested Safety Harbor race of 2008. Nina Bandoni beat opponent Robin Fornino by 18 votes. The close finish triggered an automatic recount last Saturday by the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Bandoni said before the recount she was nervous but knew she did all she could and it was out of her hands. She said she was relieved when declared the winner and is excited about serving all the people.

Bandoni won a 3-year term in Seat 4. Incumbent Commissioner Nadine Nickeson had chosen to forgo seeking re-election to Seat 4.

Instead, Nickeson successfully ran for the one year remaining on the seat vacated by former Commissioner James McCormick, who moved to Pasco County. Former Commissioner Keith Zayac had held that seat on an interim basis since McCormick's resignation in 2007.

Nickeson only wanted to serve one more year in office, she said Monday.

Next year, the commission seats held by Nickeson, Williams and Commissioner Joseph Ayoub will be on the ballot.

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