published: Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Schuler, Hinson will face opposition for re-election

By ED BALDRIDGE

ed.baldridge@newssun.com

AVON PARK -- Four candidates are competing for two open seats on the Avon Park City Council this November.

The qualification period took place for just two weeks from Aug. 16-27, since the city seats are nonpartisan and do not participate in the primary process.

Current council members Mayor Sharon Schuler and Al Joe Hinson both turned in qualification packets by last Friday's deadline in order to seek re-election, but so did Avon Park attorney Parke Sutherland and Zoning Board of Adjustment member Ed Dickerson.

Dickerson, who unsuccessfully sought council seats in 2006 and 2007, will throw his hat into the ring again, seeking the mayoral position.

Lifelong Avon Park resident Sutherland, who will be running against Hinson, is currently serving as the city's Special Magistrate and his wife, Maria Sutherland, was selected as "temporary" city manager in April after serving as interim for six months in order to meet a charter deadline. She will step back into the project manager position in October when James F. Coleman is supposed to come on board as city manager.

Schuler is attempting to extend her stay as mayor on the council after replacing ex-Mayor Tom Macklin, who resigned to try for a lieutenant governor position with the Independent party in 2008.

Hinson is wrapping up his first term as council member, is currently the president of the local NAACP, and is a retired teacher.