Former mayor endorses Graves and Winger
MARK SCHUMANN
Former Vero Beach mayor Warren Winchester announced today he is withdrawing from the City Council race because of health concerns. “Sadly my cancer has returned and with that I am back on chemotherapy. I find that I must withdraw from the race,” Winchester wrote in a letter to City Clerk Tammy Vock.
Winchester, 81, served on the Council for one two-year term in the 1980s, and again from 1994 to 1996, serving as mayor from 1995-1996. He also served as chairman of the Finance Commission and in 2005 chaired the Charter Revision Commission.
“Because of my love for the City I certainly would prefer to stay in the race, but I know that it would not be fair to those who have supported me in the past and would again,” Winchester added.
“I love Vero Beach and I entered the race because I believe it is an honor to serve. When you don’t try to improve on what you have, there is always a chance it will go down hill,” Winchester said, explaining what he thinks is at stake in the election.
The former mayor said that out of the remaining five candidates, he sees Amelia Graves and Winger as the best to serve the city going forward. Winchester has long supported Councilman Dick Winger, whom he describes as, “one of the best city councilmen Vero Beach has ever had, bar none.”
“It is also in the city’s best interest to endorse Amelia, She has grown three feet during the campaign,” Winchester said, adding, “She has shown herself to be knowledgeable and a quick study. As a fifth-generation resident of Vero Beach Amelia cares about what is important to Vero Beach, and I am hoping the people who have supported me will support her.”
Indian River Guardian 
Much respect to Mr. Winchester. Thank you for your service, sir.
Mr Winchester would have been a great asset to our city and council. I applaud him for his honesty and convictions . I hope he remains active in all civic affairs. We will need his help.
Mr. Winchester has done so much for our city. He is hard-working, knowledgeable, and earnestly cares about Vero Beach. I am sad to see him bow out, but want him to take care of his health as his #1 priority. I know that Dick and Amelia will seek his knowledge and wisdom going forward. My best to the incomparable Warren Winchester!
Mr. Winchester is greatly admired by myself and many many city residents. I am glad to see that he is finally putting his health before this council race. I believe with his endorsement of Winger and Graves and his help to further their campaign, this city will be able to steer itself in a better direction with people who are for an improved city and not people who are in it for themselves. My best wishes to you Warren and for your improved health. Thank you for all of your services through the years. Thank you for your endorsements.
All Phil and I can do is “ditto” all that Anthony, Frank, Vicky, and Linda have already said so well. Thank you, Mr. Winchester, for being willing to serve once again…and for stepping aside, knowing that both the path to election day and to recovery from cancer are arduous ones. Wishing you well.