Williams raises objections over Webb's run

In another unexpected twist in the Apalachicola city election, on August 4 Anderson Williams hand delivered a letter to city hall objecting to Valentina Webb reentering the Seat 4 city commission race.

After duly qualifying on Friday, July 24, Webb submitted a letter to city administrator Betty Taylor-Webb withdrawing her bid to seek a second turn. In her letter, Webb expressed concerns over remaining in the race with Williams. Both Williams and Webb are related and Webb was concerned that a schism would develop should the two remain in pursuit of the same seat on the Apalachicola Board of City Commissioners.

Nonetheless, on Monday July 27 after the qualifying period was over, Webb submitted another letter stating that she was desirous to stay in the race. In the letter, Webb offered no explanation as to the sudden change. However, a local publication quoted Webb as saying that she consulted with Williams and that Williams was okay with her decision.

However, the change in events prompted city attorney Pat Floyd to research the legality of Webb rejoining the Seat 4 race. Floyd researched the city charter and contacted both local and state election officials before concluding that nothing in the statues or charter prohibited Webb from reentering the race for which she had so duly qualified to run.

In his letter, Williams objected to Webb’s, “entering, withdrawing, and re-entering the race”, and stated, “it is my greatest hope that you, the City of Apalachicola’s elected officials, would correct this matter at this level immediately”.

Williams did attend the August 4 regular scheduled city meeting, but failed to bring up his letter or any matter surrounding Webb’s candidacy.

As of this post, city election officials have certified Webb to run and her name will appear on the ballot.

Click this link to read Williams letter in its entirety.