(This article was updted to correct an error.)
The dynamics keep changing in the District 2 race for Martin County Commission, according to the Supervisor of Elections Office.
On the Republican side, eight-year incumbent Stacey Hetherington — with just days until the June 12 qualifying deadline — has yet to say whether will seek reelection, but former Stuart Mayor Christopher Collins is in. Also running is Republican Althea Stoudemire, 60, a Realtor, chef and caterer.
So far, no Democrat has entered the race.
CASCO Tools owner Casey Cass formally filed to become a candidate May 19, but then withdrew June 3.
“CASCO and I have a long-standing history of supporting this community, quietly, consistently, and without expectation,” Cass said in his withdrawal letter posted June 3 on Facebook. “That history shaped my decision to run. I saw an environment that felt increasingly acidic and divisive, and I believed my experience in leadership and business could help bridge gaps through education, communication and constructive dialogue.
“As the process has unfolded, however, I have also taken seriously the questions and considerations raised regarding the broader impact of my candidacy, not only on myself, but on the CASCO family,” Cass wrote. “After careful and honest reflection, I have come to the conclusion that stepping back is the most responsible and respectful decision I can make for all involved.”
“I felt I could do good,” he said June 4. But he didn’t take into account all of the impacts to his family, employees and business, which he called “residual impacts.”
Stoudemire was born and raised in Martin County and is emphasizing respecting for one another.
“If I understand you and you understand me, we can work together and we can grow together,” she said. “Until I understand your way of thinking, we’re going to be combative.
“Once we respect (each other), then we can make sound decisions,” decisions for us all, she added.
Hetherington did not return a call seeking comment.
Save Our Salerno
Cass started the Save Our Salerno movement, which formed to control potential growth in Port Salerno, still a working fishing village.
Following Hurricane Milton in 2024, Save Our Salerno partnered with Project Lift, the Martin County Firefighters Benevolent Association and Elev8Hope to house residents affected by damaging tornadoes. The groups also cleared debris, provided supplies to residents and rebuilt homes.
Neither Collins nor Stoudemire has raised any money for their campaigns, according to election records.
Keith Burbank is TCPalm’s watchdog reporter covering Martin County. He can be reached at keith.burbank@tcpalm.com and at 720-288-6882.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Candidate field keeps changing in this County Commission race
Reporting by Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers / Treasure Coast Newspapers
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Keith Burbank, Treasure Coast Newspapers | USA TODAY Network
