March 23, 2022 — On March 19 in Florence, gubernatorial candidates Bridget Barton and Marc Thielman spoke to more than 100 people about their candidacy in the May 19 primary election. The meeting was held at the Florence Municipal Airport in a hanger owned by local pilot Sam Spayd and planned by Citizens Making A Difference (CMAD).

During the event, Florence Mayor Joe Henry announced he will not seek reelection. As he spoke, he said he endorsed recent city council appointee Rob Ward for the position Henry will vacate at the end of the year.

Henry said he delayed the decision until he knew that there was someone who he felt could continue on with the political approach that he supported. 

“Rob has come to us with a  wealth of experience both on the Dunes City Council as a councilor for several years and as a mayor of Dunes City, also on the Florence City Council and mayor of Florence for two years back in the 1980s,” Henry said.

Ward also spoke on Saturday, addressing the make-up of the Florence City Council and his hopes to work together for the betterment of the community.

“We vote as a council, we are a democracy. I may be in the minority, but if the council votes to do something even if I am in the minority, I am going to do my very best to make whatever they voted for successful,” Ward said.

CMAD was formed in 2021 to provide a platform to discuss political issues. In addition to elections, issues of local, state and national concern are addressed by guest speakers.