Mark Schumann

Jack Shupe’s candidacy was a game changer

COMMENTARY

MARK SCHUMANN

Jack Shupe with two of his best friends.
Jack Shupe with two of his best friends.

Though he came in sixth in a field of seven candidates in the Vero Beach City Council election, Jack Shupe’s candidacy may have been all that prevented Harry Howle, III and Charlie Wilson from joining Pilar Turner in a new three-person majority largely funded by outside special interests.

Howle, who raised just over $20,000, much of it from outside the city, receive 2093 votes, 154 more than Shupe. (Howle’s campaign was run buy a Tallahassee communications firm also working for All Aboard Florida.) Wilson, who took in $9,000, mostly from out-of-city contributors and special interests, and who loaned his campaign another $3,000, received 1983 votes, besting Shupe by just 44 votes.

Spending one fourth of what Howle invested in his campaign, Shupe won the support of 1939 voters. If the votes cast for Shupe had gone evenly to Howle and Wilson, their vote totals would have been 3062 and 2952 respectively, enough to put them ahead of both Kramer and Old.

Shupe will not be taking a seat on the Council this year. Still, his campaign, at least for those who care about keeping Vero Vero, can be seen as a monumental success.

Jay Kramer – 2746

Randy Old – 2716

Pilar Turner – 2637

Harry Howle – 2093

Charlie Wilson – 1983

Jack Shupe – 1939

Brian Heady – 1434

6 comments

  1. Jack lost to Wilson by just 44 votes and to Howell by 154 votes. He ran a clean, hard campaign, no mud slinging, name calling, or character assassinations… unlike Wilson. Jack had a family tragedy during this time, losing his brother-in-law which took his campaign partner (his wife) to leave and attend her brothers funeral without Jack.

    It would have been a feather in the cap of the city voters if they would have realized the potential of this man on our council…but sometimes you just can’t change a stupid mindset.

    Thanks Jack for stepping up and running for office. Your love and commitment to this city is greatly appreciated. Next time……..

  2. We have a lot of respect for Jack Shupe and his ability to help keep Vero special as well as make it more efficient.. So sorry for his loss–both of family member and election.. I wonder if Brian Heady was also a game changer–if his votes had gone to Jack, it would have put Jack in the top three. We’ll never know. Yes, we’re relieved that certain individuals were ‘also-rans’. Jack is a gentleman.

  4. I believe a game changer was also the PJ which did not report a lot of the shenanigans that went on with Turner Wilson and Howle.
    I am sorry that Jack did not win a seat, he is a good man and would have bought something good to the council. Thanks for stepping up. I am sorry for your loss Mrs. Shupe.

  5. Jack Shupe has integrity, character, and intelligence. He also has the type of mindset that’s required to take on the minutia that will be required to finally resolve the “boondoggle/mess” that has become of the sale of COVB utility to FPL. He could have (collectively, with other council members) accomplished what the high $$ attorneys have yet to see through. The difference?
    Jack has NO agenda, hidden or otherwise. His loss in this election is a loss to the utility customers of COVB (a.k.a.the “captive audience) and the citizens of this community as a whole.
    Maybe someday we’ll all get to see what a difference the above qualities can make in an elected official. One can always hope. Shine on, Shupe!

Comment - Please use your first and last name. Comments of up to 350 words are welcome.