PALM COAST - Kathy Austrino, a one-time candidate for Palm Coast Mayor, has officially filed to run for the Palm Coast City Council in 2024. She will pursue the District 1 seat which is being vacated by an outgoing Ed Danko, who this week announced his run for Flagler County Commission instead of seeking re-election.
Austrino's first run for office was in 2021, when she ran to fill out a partial term as Palm Coast Mayor, left open by Milissa Holland's resignation. Out of six candidates who ran Austrino placed fifth, behind winner David Alfin and runners-up Alan Lowe, Cornelia Manfre, and Doug Courtney. She placed ahead of sixth-place candidate Carol 'Mother Elizabeth' Bacha.
Outside of her life in politics, Austrino is a realtor with TAG Ventures Real Estate and the founder and director of the TAG V. Bear Foundation, a role for which she has received multiple commendations. It's an experience she says has helped prepare her for the role of City Councilwoman. "As the Founder of an organization that has been supporting the needs of individuals & organizations in our community for the past 8 years, I've developed relationships with many of our service providers and individuals alike," she said.
In her sophomore campaign, Austrino brings a mixed review of the current City Council. She praised the mostly effective collaboration over the last few years, as well as the quality of the discussion. But Austrino did, as did some other residents, criticize the Council's implementation of a self-enacted pay raise last year. "I don't disagree with the raise," she said. "What I would have done differently is to not allow it to take effect for any voting Council person until after the next election cycle of each seat."
Austrino said her top priorities if elected are managing the city's growth, maintaining quality of life, and revisiting the comprehensive plan. As of now she is filed against Jamaris Dornan, a fellow realtor, in the race for the District 1 seat on the Palm Coast City Council.
Also of note if Austrino is elected: the City Council could, for the first time in its history, have a majority of women on the dais. Austrino would be joined in the feat by sitting councilwomen Theresa Carli Pontieri and Cathy Heighter.
