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Mayoral and Group 4 commissioner candidates make brief pitches ahead of April 8 election
Summary
Three candidates — Tim Martin (mayor), Donald Long (commissioner Group 4), and Steve Panaggi (commissioner Group 4) — delivered two‑minute introductions to the commission on March 10 outlining platforms that emphasized growth management, schools, infrastructure and transparency.
Three candidates who will appear on the April 8 ballot introduced themselves to the City Commission and attendees on March 10, each given roughly two minutes. Tim Martin (mayoral candidate and incumbent commissioner) highlighted his record on local services and leadership experience. Donald Long and Steve Panaggi introduced themselves as candidates for Commissioner Group 4 and outlined priorities including measured development, support for schools and infrastructure improvements.
Tim Martin described several items he cited from his record in local government, including city infrastructure projects and actions he says he took while a commissioner. "I am leadership ready, commitment ready, experience ready. I am day 1 ready," Martin said, closing his remarks with, "Please vote for me on April 8."
Donald Long said he has served on the planning and zoning board and emphasized development that balances growth and community character, and he encouraged voter outreach via his campaign website, which he gave as "votedonaldloan.com." Steve Panaggi said he moved to Newberry in 2012, endorsed more infrastructure work before additional development, said he supported lower electricity rates for ratepayers, an enforceable ethics policy and term limits, and urged turnout on April 8.
The candidate presentations were followed by the commission’s scheduled agenda items; no formal commission action or endorsement followed the introductions.
Speakers quoted or referenced in this article are listed at the end.
