City Commission incumbents keep spots in Dunedin races

By Megan Reeves

Times Staff Writer

DUNEDIN — Mayor Julie Ward Bujalski edged over challenger Bruce Livingston with 59 percent of the vote, keeping her place in the city's top spot.

Soon after hearing the results of the contentious race, she called herself thankful.

"I am just humbled by this," said Bujalski, 50. "I am very excited that our team was picked to be the face of Dunedin and the everyday voice of our residents."

She says she plans to continue fighting against paid parking in downtown and toward keeping the city's relationship with the Toronto Blue Jays strong without jeopardizing residents' finances.

Maureen "Moe" Freaney, 60, rose over competitor Mike Jones with about 60 percent of the vote to secure Seat 3. Freaney did not immediately return calls for comment, put has said she plans to use her connections at the county and state levels to get things done in the city.

She has also suggested the city hold a visioning process, where residents and city leaders will work together to come up with new development codes tailored to fit the feel of each corridor in town.

Seat 3 incumbent Heather Gracy, 45, was reelected to the seat over challenger Reuben C. Hepburn with 56 percent of the vote.

Gracy did not return calls for comment, but has said she plans to work on making city operations and materials more transparent and readily available to residents. She has suggested citizens academy classes and neighborhood meetings to give residents more access to local leaders.

She is also in favor of paid parking but says she will work to make the program cheaper for residents.

Contact Megan Reeves at (727) 445-4153 or mreeves@tampabay.com. Follow mreeves_tbt.