Finished second to Scott Stiltner among field of four in Aug. 26 primary
Photos for Headline Surfer® /PORT ORANGE, Fla. -- Larry McKinney, former president and CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, who finished second in a crowded field in the Aug. 26 primary for a seat on the Port Orange City Council, has withdrawn his candidacy with less than three weeks to go before the general election.
"Today, I am withdrawing from the race for District 4 City Council in Port Orange," McKinney said in a prepared statement emailed to Headline Surfer® and other media outlets late Friday night.
"Unfortunately, I anticipate moving out of District 4 within the next sixty days," McKinney continued, adding, "In fact, just this past week, I had to miss both a Friday night debate, as well as the televised debate (on Port Orange government access Brighthouse cable channel) at City Hall for business meetings out of town. In fairness to the citizens, and to my opponent, Scott Stiltner, it is only appropriate to withdraw sooner rather than later."
"Unfortunately, I anticipate moving out of District 4 within the next sixty days," McKinney continued, adding, "In fact, just this past week, I had to miss both a Friday night debate, as well as the televised debate (on Port Orange government access Brighthouse cable channel) at City Hall for business meetings out of town. In fairness to the citizens, and to my opponent, Scott Stiltner, it is only appropriate to withdraw sooner rather than later."
McKinney described his candidacy for the open seat on the dais as a "dream come true to campaign in my home city on the issues important to the citizens," adding he believed he "tried to increase awareness of impending issues and challenge the status quo."
Having finished second among four candidates in the primary to force a run-off with Stiltner, McKinney sad he believed his message of “jobs, investment and families first” resonated with the voters and that he had a real shot at winning in the general election.
"I received the endorsement of former candidates John Junco and Jim Meadows, among others, and felt like momentum was taking mycampaign to victory on Nov. 4," McKinney said. "This was a very difficult decision, but unavoidable, even if unpopular. It would have been unconscionable to stay in the race and pull out after a potentialNovember victory, which would have been costly to Volusia County taxpayers for a special election."
Headline Surfer® graphic / McKinney said although he's "disappointed to be exiting at this juncture, Mr. Stiltner did in fact have a strong showing in the primary with 40 percent of the vote and has worked diligently since then."
He added, "We have differences for sure, namely concerning the development of Riverwalk and pension reform, but he is a gentleman and respected leader in the community and will represent all the citizens fairly.I congratulate him and wish him well."
McKinney did not indicate where he was moving to and his announcement came as a surprise to the internet newspape. It was a week ago that McKinney took out paid political advertising that began Friday and was to run the duration of the campaign.
The banner ad was posted at 1:43 p.m. With his withdrawal from the race, Headline Surfer® removed the paid political advertisement just before midnight. There is no refund.
Because of the lateness of McKinney's announcement -- emailed at 10:18 p.m. Friday -- the internet newspaper did not reach out to Scott Stiltner for reaction.
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Larry McKinney out as head of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce