Residents of Inverness are blessed to have two stellar candidates for mayor in 19-year incumbent Robert “Bob” Plaisted and political newcomer Michael “Max” Schulman with both having the best interests of their city at heart.
Plaisted, a resident of Inverness since 1990, is a Navy veteran, a successful real estate investor and past Inverness councilman. A Rotarian for decades, as well as a member of other nonprofit charitable organizations, his track record of good works epitomizes the credo of “Service above self.”
An aviator, Schulman retired from the Air Force as a colonel, followed by a second career as a senior Department of Defense civilian. A 10-year resident of Citrus County who is a passionate preservationist, he is a director with the Friends of the Withlachoochee State Trail and author of “Treasures of the Trails – Citrus County Trilogy.”
Plaisted’s post-secondary education includes an associate degree. Schulman’s extensive education includes a bachelor’s degree and Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Community Leadership. He is also a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College and Air War College.
Focused on his community’s quality of life, Plaisted’s top campaign priorities seek to create an atmosphere to attract quality industry to help keep local graduating students from seeking employment elsewhere; develop a higher degree of recreation opportunities for residents; and raise the community’s cultural bar through the arts.
Schulman’s top campaign priorities of institutionalizing a “top shelf” election process; refining the city’s outdated city charter and structure to promote greater efficiency and transparency; and updating the city’s strategic plan are more process oriented.
With a well-regarded council and the city’s day-to-day operations running smoothly under the able hands of City Manager Eric Williams, Plaisted wants to keep the current weak mayor-council structure with the mayor’s role being primarily ceremonial. Schulman, however, prefers a strong mayor-council where the mayor acts as the city’s chief executive with the power to veto actions of the council.
Both candidates are affable and accessible. However, Plaisted’s outgoing personality and ability to connect with people have enabled him to shine as the city’s ambassador for the benefit of the city by establishing and nurturing longstanding relationships throughout the Inverness community, as well as the county.
While “Mayor Bob” is the perfect fit for the mayor’s ceremonial role, Schulman’s interest in government processes, extensive education and senior level experience make him an invaluable asset to the city as a council member or engaged resident.
