Bradenton Councilman Gene Gallo changes mind, decides to run for re-election

BRADENTON -- Bradenton City Councilman Gene Gallo will run for re-election for the seat he has held since 1991.

Gallo, 77, said he couldn't ignore the will of the people any longer, which is why he has reversed his previous decision to retire at the end of the year.

Gallo filed for re-election late Wednesday.

So far, he faces challenges from political newcomers Devon Davis and Tamara Goudy.

"If I have any negative feeling about this decision,

it's for my two opponents, who I know got into this race based on my retirement announcement," said Gallo. "I know both of them very well and I met with both of them before filing. I wished them both luck and even gave them some advice. I wanted them to know first that I had changed my mind and they have both been very gracious."

Gallo has served the city of Bradenton for 56 years. He became a firefighter in 1960, climbing to the rank of fire chief, a position he held for 11 years before running for office in 1991.

"Things are moving in the city of Bradenton with a new downtown hotel, a new company moving into the bank building and bringing 200 employees, we have people looking at vacant lots on 14th Street, the Twin Dolphin Marina redevelopment and an upcoming decision to build a four- or five-story parking garage to assist us and all of that development," said Gallo. "The city is in a pattern of growth and there are things that have to be resolved, including the First Street situation where the grocery store fell through. There is a lot of exciting and demanding things that need attention and I'm ready for it."

Gallo said he didn't take the decision lightly and was at first uncomfortable getting into the race after announcing his retirement. The reaction from his constituents and colleagues was something he couldn't ignore, he said.

"I have been overwhelmed by many friends who have asked me to reconsider," said Gallo. "I do know that in my heart of hearts, there is much unfinished business in the city. I want to be a part of that and continue my dedication to the people of this city. People I would run into told me they understood, but wished I wouldn't retire. I just kept hearing that everywhere I went."

Gallo said the city is blessed right now with great leadership and the immediate future is too important.

"In all the years I've been there, this is probably one of the greatest teams at the city council, mayor and department head levels this city has ever had," he said. "It's absolutely great and an enjoyable job. This is a team effort. It's not any one individual making things happen and doggone it, I want to be a part of that team."

The news did not come as a surprise to his wife of more than 50 years.

"My wife, Pat, is my lifelong partner," he said. "She could tell that I was not settled after I announced my retirement. She could see that. We talked and talked and she told me to do what your heart tells you to do and she's behind me 100 percent."

Gallo said it's been a privilege serving the people as a city councilman for a quarter century, "and I really mean a privilege. God works in my life and I've been praying on this decision and He has not put up a single block to say this is not what I should do."

Mark Young, Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published February 11, 2016 at 11:12 PM with the headline "Bradenton Councilman Gene Gallo changes mind, decides to run for re-election ."