CRESTVIEW — Mayor David Cadle has announced his bid for a third term in office.
Cadle was first elected in 2007 and was reelected in 2011. In that time, the city has seen unprecedented growth and weathered what Cadle termed, “a crisis of confidence by our citizens in the police department.”
By provision of the city charter, the mayor oversees Crestview’s public safety departments. After allegations against former Crestview Police Department leadership were issued, Cadle replaced former Chief Brian Mitchell with current Chief Tony Taylor and oversaw a cultural restructuring of the department.
Former police Maj. Joseph Floyd was sentenced in 2013 to 12 years in prison on charges of racketeering, while Mitchell faces charges of official misconduct.
“The rigorous standards an officer faces today are vastly different than those under the former police leadership,” Cadle said.
The police department has begun what Cadle termed “the arduous task” of applying for police department accreditation, “which will result in even more scrutiny of our local law enforcement.”
The Crestview Fire Department has acquired advanced communications technology under Cadle’s tenure, including using satellite positioning systems to identify fire locations and track response vehicles.
Among his achievements, Cadle touted in a news release, is “the recruitment of advanced educational institutions” that are attracted to Crestview, including the Florida A&M University pharmacy school. “Our location in the panhandle has caused several schools with professional degree programs along with a four-year university to take a closer look at us,” Cadle stated.
Cadle also cited Crestview’s improving business climate, which has seen the arrival of several national retailers as well as local stores and restaurants open in recent years.
“We will continue those efforts which help diversify and strengthen the local economy,” Cadle said.
Also seeking election as mayor are City Councilman Tom Gordon, who pre-filed in August, and resident Landrum Edwards, who announced his candidacy in September.
Municipal elections will be March 10, 2015. Early voting starts Feb. 23.
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This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Cadle seeks third term as mayor