DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dunedin residents got a chance Thursday night to meet candidates running in the upcoming general municipal election.

Voters will decide on a new mayor and two commissioner seats.

Candidates for mayor are:
Maureen “Moe” Freaney
John Tornga
John Shine

Commission Seat 1 candidates are:
Tom Dugard
Shane Warth

Commission Seat 3 candidates are:
Steven Sandbergen
Kate Spangler

Several issues face Dunedin residents, including the proposal to develop state parks, recent sound and outdoor dining ordinances, parking and managing growth.

“You have two entities here, you have Dunedin as a whole city and then you have downtown Dunedin,” said Jody Pucello, Owner of Wild Iris Cafe, who says he’s seen a lot of change over the last 25 years.

“There’s people that want this to be that quaint little Dunedin that it used to be, but it’s not,” said Pucello.

Jason Seibert, who owns Rosie’s Tavern and Flanagan’s downtown, wants candidates with the right balance for everyone.

“I would like to see a candidate that will bring a vision that will cater not just to the businesses, but to the residents as well,” said Seibert.

“Parking has been an issue for a really long time and the money that we’re spending on other things should be focused on downtown parking,” said Seibert.

From managing growth in a variety of ways, to finding balance, the businessman says he hopes the future of the city continues to be built on synergy.