Bill Read was re-elected to the Lakeland City Commission today with 70.18%. But on Dec. 3 a runoff is likely between Chad McLeod and Carole Philipson because no candidate has received a majority in the race for an at-large commission seat.
Amendment 1, passes which was sold as a housekeeping package that updates languages and makes minor changes. The margin was 51.9% in favor and 48.1% opposed.
Amendment 2, which tightens term limits for the mayor and commission, was approved by a margin of 65.4 to 34.6%.
Amendment 3, which would have lessened the barriers to selling Lakeland Electric or water utilities, failed by a margin of 64.98% to 35.02%
The runoff will compel candidates McLeod and Philipson to differentiate themselves. Both took similar positions on major issues.
McLeod, 37, owner of a small public relations firm, positioned himself as a father with a young family positioning Lakeland for economic growth.
Philipson, 71, emphasized her experience as a health-care executive who has served on several city boards over the years and wants to build a community that young people will want to return to.
Both McLeod and Philipson are seeking the at-large seat vacated by Justin Troller, who was forced out by term limits after serving 12 years.