By Chris Fish
cfish@hometownnewsol.com
MELBOURNE - Three candidates will vie to fill the District 2 seat on the Melbourne City Council in the upcoming election. Mike Fischer, Michael Montgomery and Betty Moore will appear on the Nov. 6 ballot.
Basic information about the candidates is as follows:
Mike Fischer
. Age: 56
. City: Melbourne
. Years as resident: Seven
. Occupation: P.A.V.C.O CONTRACTING Group, LLC
. Education: A Bachelor of Arts degree in Speech-Communications from Eastern Illinois University . Organizations affiliated with: Melbourne Airport Authority Board since 2005
. Marital status: married to wife, Gail
. Children: four children, five grandchildren
. In 100 words, explain what makes you the best candidate for this seat: "My experience, I believe, gives me a decided advantage. Since 2005, I have been a Melbourne Airport Authority board member. I also served two terms as a council member for the town of Indialantic. During my time on the Indialantic Council, we were charged with the responsibility of hiring a new town manager. I am proud to say Chris Chinault is the second most tenured city manager in Brevard County. I have also been involved in union negotiations. Finally, as a small business owner for over 25 years in Melbourne, we have created many jobs over these years."
Michael Montgomery
. Age: 25
. City: Melbourne
. Years as resident: 14
. Occupation: Customer relations representative with Bright House Networks
. Education: Studied political science at Brevard Community College
. Organizations affiliated with: Citizen's Advisory Board of Melbourne, Fl
. Marital status: Girlfriend of 3.5 years, Lisa
. Children: none
. In 100 words, explain what makes you the best candidate for this seat: "I am the best candidate for this office because I truly care about our city. As a working-class citizen, I feel the economic crunch that many of my neighbors are in. My experience on the Citizen's Advisory Board gives me the knowledge to lead in an effective manner. I will "Make People Powerful" through optimized citizen input and a true open-door policy. Our citizens deserve representatives, who make it their business to ensure that every voice is heard, and I am your man. I ask you to vote for and believe in me because I believe in the Harbor City."
Betty Moore
. City: Melbourne
. Years as resident: 22
. Occupation: Retired
. Education: Indiana University
. Organizations affiliated with: Melbourne Garden Club, In-Har-Bee Garden Club, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida Federation Garden Club, president of the Eau Gallie Crime Watch, volunteer for the Melbourne Police Department, chairman of the city of Melbourne Beautification and Environmental Advisory Board
. Marital status: widow
. Children: three
. In 100 words, explain what makes you the best candidate for this seat: "I have been involved with the city as a volunteer for many years, always having a good working relationship with the many city departments. It is important to me to keep our city fiscally responsible to the citizens. The economy is No. 1. We must bring in more businesses and well-paying jobs. Creating a business-friendly atmosphere is important. I have been endorsed by the Melbourne Firefighters Union, Police Benevolent Association, the Florida Professional Firefighters and Melbourne Garden Club. If elected, I will represent all the citizens of Melbourne to the best of my ability."
Voters may head to the polls in the General Election on Nov. 6.
For more information, visit www.votebrevard.com.