ECAR throws its weight behind Barker in race for Sansom's seat (UPDATE)

The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is endorsing Destin Mayor Craig Barker to the Florida House of Representatives for the House District 4.

A special district-wide screening panel of the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors and the Navarre Area Board of Realtors conducted interviews with candidates and concluded, following extensive questioning, that Barker was best qualified candidate.

"The Realtor is very concerned about property taxes, and Mayor Craig Barker has proven to be a fiscal conservative who worked hard every year to prevent increases," said Mary Anne Windes, ECAR president. "We feel that Barker's grasp of the issues, high level of integrity, and deep local support were the biggest factors in his receiving our Association's endorsement."

Candidates seeking election to the seat were interviewed and answered questions related to real estate and government from a regional perspective.

Interviews with the candidates were designed primarily to provide the association with the information as to which candidate seeking election was best qualified for the district post.

Barker is contending on the GOP ballot with attorney Matt Gaetz, Fort Walton Beach City Councilman Bill Garvie, former Rep. Jerry Melvin and local businessman Kabe Woods.

“Destin experienced almost $2.5 billion worth of new business and job growth over the last decade," Barker said in a written statement. "As a fiscal conservative, I am particularly honored that the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors took the time to diligently research my track record to see that the city listened to its citizens and invested the tax dollars it received from this growth wisely into capital improvements that enhanced the overall quality of life in our community.”

The Emerald Coast Association of Realtors is currently the largest trade organization in Northwest Florida.