PALM COAST, Fla. – With a motion to appoint Candace Stevens and then David Sullivan each drawing a tie of 2-2 with no second to support the third finalist David Ferguson, the Palm Coast City Council then motioned to reconsider Sullivan’s appointment after conferring with the city attorney.

The motion to reconsider Sullivan drew a 3-1 vote with Vice Mayor Pontieri, City Councilman Miller, and City Councilman Gambaro supporting the appointment. A motion to appoint Sullivan followed the same with a 3-1 vote, again, with the trio’s support.

In spite a half a dozen repetitive speakers during public comment advocating for their candidate of choice, the council chose experience to help guide the city as it takes on the task of hiring a new city manager and navigating a myriad of infrastructure and growth challenges.

Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast.

Sullivan, a two-time Flagler County Commissioner, with a solid network of relationships in Washington D.C. and Tallahassee, stepped up to offer his experience and pledged to do his best to serve the people of Palm Coast.

“I just wanted to say thank you. I know this wasn’t easy for the council to go through this process, but I do think that when you’re ready to serve, had the experience, it made sense for me to apply for this position,” said Sullivan.

“Now first, I wanted to say about Ray Stevens. I was on the canvassing board the last 3 elections including the one where Ray and Mr. Stancel came very close in the primary part of it to win. I remember sitting there with Ray and we got along just fine. I’ve known him along time. So I think that was important. I wanted to let you know I knew Ray, it’s very unfortunate he was not able to complete his term. So I’m here,” he continued.

“I absolutely guarantee to all of you on the board, all the citizens of Palm Coast, that I will do the job absolutely along the lines that I said I would do it. I look at the facts, and then I make a decision. I’m in nobody’s pocket, never have been, never will be, and I always make my decisions based on the facts represented. I look forward to my time on the council and look forward to working with all of you. Thank you very much.”

Sullivan replaces Ray Stevens who resigned due to health challenges on February 28, 2025 and will serve until November 2026.

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