Florida voters to elect a new mayor

FLORIDA — Village of Florida Mayor James Pawliczek announced back in November that after 16 years in office he would not seek re-election. Now, there are two candidates looking to succeed him on March 20: Daniel Harter Jr. and Robert Schreibeis Sr.
Both men were born and raised in the village, graduated from S.S. Seward Institute and are new to politics.
Harter, 33, said he is a concerned citizen wanting to do his part to make sure the village he grew up in stays as welcoming as it always has been.
“I’ve lived in the village my entire life. I own a home here. I just want to do my part to keep Florida a place where people want to live and open a business,” said Harter, the grandson of longtime former Florida mayor Jake Harter.
That is something Harter has just done – open a business. Littlebigdan Taxidermy is “just getting off the ground,” said Harter. “It is my dream to have this business in the village.”
Harter said he believes his lack of political experience and endorsements are an advantage.
“I think it shows I'm beholden to no one but the residents of Florida,” he said, adding he is for smart residential and commercial growth where possible in the village to help the taxpayers.
“A whole new generation has moved in to Florida and grown up here,” Harter said. “I want people to know it takes the whole community to make Florida succeed.”
Schreibeis, 68, is the owner/operator of Schreibeis Trucking and excavating as well as Schreibeis Enterprises, Inc. He is the chairman of the Florida Fire District Board of Fire Commissioners and a member of the village’s Zoning Board of Appeals
Schreibeis has received endorsements from county officials, an assemblyman, Pawliczek and all four members of the village board of trustees.
“I believe I have earned the support from so many because of my long-standing commitment to public service coupled with my business and financial experience,” said Schreibeis in a statement. “This experience will ensure that the village is run by someone who has the experience and knowledge to lead such an incredible village. I promise to run the village with integrity, transparency and I promise to keep a policy of accessibility to all residents of the village of Florida.”
Two trustees running unopposed
In addition to the mayoral race, two trustee seats are also on the ballot. Incumbents Thomas Fuller and Craig Olejniczak are seeking re-election and face no opposition.
All three of the positions are for two-year terms.
Voting details
Voting will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at the senior center behind the village hall at 3 Cohen Circle from noon to 9 p.m.
- Linda Smith Hancharick