CRAWFORDVILLE, FL (WTXL) -- A Wakulla County commissioner will seek a fourth term in office -- but this time, he'll run against a fellow commissioner.
Howard Kessler has served Districts 3 and 4, but has turned his attention to District 1, which was uncontested before his official announcement Monday.
Three commission spots are up for grabs, including District 1 -- held by current commission chair Ralph Thomas. Now, Kessler has thrown his hat in the race for that spot. He will be running in his third different district.
Voters in Wakulla County get to elect any candidate representing any district. Kessler says this election provided him with a unique opportunity to stay on the commission.
"There were no other candidates running, and I felt that the citizens of Wakulla County -- the voters -- deserve to have a choice," Kessler said. "I differ from the chairman on many issues."
Commissioner Thomas says he welcomes Kessler's bid for the position -- two incumbents vying for the same role.
"I don't have a problem with that," Thomas said. "He's not breaking any laws, breaking any rules. Maybe the people will like that and appreciate that. Maybe the people will not like that, but that's going to be up to them. They're going to decide that."
In order to represent a certain district, a candidate must reside in that district. Kessler says even though he currently serves District 3, he's already established a place of residency in District 1, if he is elected.
The two are set to face off in November, unless another candidate joins the race. In that case, a primary in August would narrow the field to the final two.
