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Headline Surfer photo by Sera Frederick / Adam Barringer, shown here on the dais at New Smyrna Beach City Hall, is seeking re-election.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Adam Barringer, the charismatic first-term mayor who gave himself with an assist from his elected commissioners a third year in office when the city switched from odd-year elections, is running again.
The announcement of his intention to seek re-election for another two-year term in the 2012 elections was announced by City Manager Pam Brangaccio in a department-head meeting earlier today, Headline Surfer has learned from a source in municipal government who asked for anonymity.
Barringer did not return an e-mail message for comment, but an e-mail receipt showed he received the inquiry (see editor's note and e-mails below).
Brangaccio sent Headline Surfer a return e-mail on the announcement, stating: "Henry, the Mayors' plans are just that (Mayor Barringers and certainly no business of City staff) as for notes (there are no notes, texts or emails on anything regarding the Mayor)...no further comment from me will be forthcoming. Pam"
At the close of the business day, the only announced candidate listed on the city's website seeking to qualify to run is Jason McGuirk, chairman of the planning and zoning board who, is trying for the city commission seat held by Jim Hathaway, who is seeking a seat on the Volusia County Council. The third seat up for grabs is held by Lynne Plaskette, who has not yet announced whether she'll run again.
Barringer has trumpeted the slate of city projects either finished, in the works or on the drawing board as his mantra for economic development. Most of those projects, within the heart of the city's Community Redevelopment Agency, have been supported by tens of millions in CRA tax dollars.
The CRA, like the Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority, have been wracked by scandal, with Barringer and the commissioners opting to take over its governing board last month. Barringer found himself dead center in the controversy over community redevelopment grants awarded to two CRA board members who had to either pay back or rescind loans.
Barringer's family construction company benefited directly from a sizable award given to former CRA board member Chad Schilsky for his beachside restaurant.
Barringer has refused to discuss his financial stake in the $20,000 grant approved for Schilsky's eatery with Schilsky ending up paying Barringer's construction company out of his own pocket, a sum that was not disclosed by either party.
Editor's Note: At left is e-mail confirmation that Mayor Adam Barringer opened an e-mail request from Headline Surfer (NSBNews.net) asking about his re-election bid. The initial inquiry is below.