Mayoral race turbo charged: Adam Barringer gets endorsements of cops and fire unions, incumbent Sally Mackay touts experience and Marilee Walters appeals to disenfranchised voters

NSBNEWS.net photo by Sera Frederick. Mayor Sally Mackay (middle), and challengers Marilee Walters and Adam Barringer, are pictured here from the second of two NSB candidates debates sponsored by NSBNEWS.net and the Public Watch Committee. The three square off in today's big primary.

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- The city's police union pledged its support for Adam Barringer over Mayor Sally Mackay, on top of the might he gained from the firefighters' union and the Southeast Volusia Board of Realtors while the incumbent continued to tout her experience and Marilee Walters appealed to disenfranchised voters to give her the nod in today's hotly-contested primary for mayor and two city commission seats.

Teamsters Business Agent Jeff Candage said the rank-and-file cops were adamant of their support for Barringer, following the lead of the firefighters represented by the International Association of Firefighters and the Board of Realtors.

Barringer was ecstatic when he learned of the police union's endorsement late Monday. "I am proud to receive the formal support from the Board of Realtors and the International Association of Fire Fighters," said Barringer, 42, a principal in a beachside restaurant and in his family's construction business." Their announcement of support last week will certainly have a positive impact on voting in the Primary. Now with the incredible news about the police union's support, it is evident that these organizations decided that I exhibit the leadership skills and traits necessary to see that this city moves forward in the best way possible. I am honored to have gained such support."

The mayor declined comment Monday night on the police endorsement and after last week's firefighter support for Barringer, issued a statement to NSBNEWS.net, stating: "In my opinion they've chosen the wrong candidate. Adam Barringer freely admits that he has no experience in how local government works. He has not served on a board, committee or commission in either the city or the county. If he is serious about serving his community, he should take the time to do that first."

Barringer countered, "The fact that the incumbent mayor received none of the endorsements speaks volumes as to her leadership and experience throughout her first term."

Walters, a longtime Flagler Avenue merchant, said she's hoping disenfranchised voters will support her mantra against tax increases and not being beholden to "special interests" like her fellow challenger has received.

Walters said these same voters want true accountability over what she said the mayor has "failed to live up to"  in terms of costly land acquisitions and the removal of a city manager at a cost of nearly $300,000 in the midst of the recession "while hardworking taxpayers are struggling to hold onto their homes."