MELBOURNE BEACH, Fla. – Jay Gurecki, who has been on one side of bickering factions in Melbourne Beach, is slated to be sworn in Wednesday as the town's mayor, Local 6 news partner Florida Today reports.
Gurecki, along with two existing town commission members, also could appoint one other member to the board at Wednesday's commission meeting, making it a temporary four-person body — two elected and two appointed.
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"I hope we can get some business done," he said.
The town has had its difficulties over the years, with employee resignations, and most recently with the resignation of commission members. The two latest were Donnie Price, who is running for mayor, and Rocco Maglio, who is moving away from town.
Gurecki said some of the contention in town has stemmed from two different factions, one that wants the town to remain as it is and another that wants to make changes.
"I imagine that's going to be around for a while," he said.
Commissioner Jean Marshall, a 33-year resident of the town who served on the commission from 1986 to 1992 and returned in 2009, said she hoped the resignations and controversies can end soon so they can all get to work for the community.
"A year ago, it used to be employees and now it's the commission," she said of the resignations. "Let's hope November brings people that can stay and fulfill their commitment. It is a commitment."
All seats on the commission, except Marshall's, will be up for election in November. She has two years remaining on her current three-year term.