Howle enters race for city council

Alliance for Better Florida Communities, a Vero Beach based electioneering communications organization, mailed out a slick post card last fall supporting city council candidates Harry Howle and Pilar Turner. The organization received significant funding from Florida Power & Light.

MARK SCHUMANN

Vero Beach City Council candidate Harry Howle

In a press release issued today by a Tallahassee-based communications consulting firm, Harry Howle announced he will try again for a seat on the Vero Beach City Council.

In prepared remarks, Howle attacked the city’s plan to amend its wholesale power agreement with the Orland Utilities Commission. Howle described the proposed deal as a “boondoggle” that, he said, will ultimately lead to higher rates. According to city officials, the deal with save the city’s electric customers an average of $750,000 a month.

During a candidate’s forum last year, Howle said that in any and every budget cycle spending should be cut. In his announcement today, the second-time candidate again asserted that the city’s spending is out of control. “We must stop spending money we don’t have to grow the size of our local government,” said Howle.

As he did last fall, Howle again hired Front Line Strategies to advise his campaign. For the firm’s assistance with his 2014 campaign, Howle paid Front Line Strategies, which has also done work for All Aboard Florida, some $18,000. The work was described as “strategic council.” (See: Birds of a feather flock together)

During last fall’s campaign, Howle mailed out a postcard advertising his party affiliation. He was later fined by the Florida Elections Commission for violating Florida’s campaign low prohibiting partisan advertising in non-partisan elections.

More than half of Howle’s campaign contributions last fall came from out-of-city residents and businesses. He was also supported by an electioneering communications organization that received significant funding from FPL.

For advertising his party affiliation in a non-partisan municipal election, Harry Howle was fined by the Florida Elections Commission.

One comment

Mr Howle must explain how reducing electric rates by $750,000 each month will raise our electric rates. He must also try and justify his claim that city spending is out of control. Be specific, please .He owes all residents an explanation for this statement. Lastly, he must explain why he campaigned last year with the All Aboard Florida lobbyist.