MARK SCHUMANN

Unlike many political candidates, who promise to promote specific agendas, Vero Beach native, Sharon Shelton Gorry, says she is running for a seat on the City Council because “Vero Beach is home.”

Candidate Gorry, who is married to current Finance Commission Chairman, Peter Gorry, says she wants to give back to her community by helping ensure the City Council meets its obligation to address the Lagoon crisis, properly maintain the City’s infrastructure, make the most of valuable assets such as the City-owned marina, and respect City employees.

As a Council member, Gorry said she would seek to move beyond the “fractiousness” that now characterizes many Council meetings. “My desire is to be non-confrontational,” Gorry said, adding that in a relatively small community like Vero Beach it is especially important for people to find a way to work together. (City Hall rumor has it that at least two current Council members are not on speaking terms.)

Gorry’s father, Orval Shelton, established Shelton Construction in Vero Beach in 1947. His daughter, Sharon, was born in the old hospital at the World War II era Navel training center.

Voters will be choosing three Council members in November. Mayor Jay Kramer is running for the Indian River County Commission. Vice Mayor Randy Old is up for reelection. Councilwoman Pilar Turner has yet to publicly announce her plans.