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Politics

Lawyer, activist replaces Bryan

By AARON SHAROCKMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published October 19, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT James R. Kennedy was chosen over four other applicants.

James R. Kennedy Jr. was chosen on the first ballot over four other applicants. Kennedy, 50, will complete Bryan's term, which expires in January 2010.

"I'm going to have less dinners with my wife," Kennedy said after his selection Thursday. "But I'm looking forward to the challenge of the council."

A three-time president of the group Community Action Stops Abuse, Kennedy received four of the seven votes. Sean C. Kelly, a 27-year-old wealth management specialist for Raymond James, received three votes.

In the end, the vote for the nonpartisan position had a partisan flavor.

Chairman Jamie Bennett, Vice Chairman Earnest Williams and members Rene Flowers and Herb Polson - all Democrats - supported Kennedy, a Democrat.

Republicans Leslie Curran and Bill Foster backed Kelly, a Republican. Jeff Danner, who has no party affiliation, supported Kelly.

Williams cast his vote for Kennedy from Africa, where he on a trade mission with Enterprise Florida. At one point, when his phone connection cut out, both Curran and Foster suggested proceeding without him. But Williams was able to reconnect.

Kennedy, who runs his own law practice downtown, will represent District 2, the northernmost part of the city.

He'll be sworn into office Monday, and said he would likely seek a full term in 2009.

[Last modified October 19, 2007, 02:04:16]