After a heated and sometimes nasty Republican primary this year, the November contest for the open District 4 seat on the Sarasota County Commission has proven comparatively tame, and candidates still in contention don't seem interested in changing that. But all the contenders—a Republican, a Democrat and a no-party candidate—are hopeful of victory on Tuesday night. 

Alan Maio, former Sarasota County Planning Commissioner, won the Republican primary in August but hasn't slowed down the campaign leading to the general election, he said. But his message, maximizing on an improving economy, remains the same. "We've held onto the same playbook from the beginning," he said. "We hope for a big turnout and across-the-board Republican victories."

Democrat Ray Porter, former journalist and current Sarasota Association of Realtors spokesman, likewise hopes his party's successes across the board carry him to victory. Porter advocated smart growth, and promises if elected to be a voice of rationale to moderate development policies. "I don't see myself as anti-growth, but you need someone rational that says these voices of dissent, from CONA [Council of Neighborhood Associations] or from Sarasota Citizens for Sensible Government, have valid points. They have read consultants from around the country and have tested models showing this is not a good proceeding we are on."

John Minder, of Minder and Associates Engineering, chose to run without a party affiliation, though he is a registered Republican, because he feels county contests should be nonpartisan. Minder has called for an end to fiscal neutrality requirements on growth, which he said make it impossible to finance development in the county. "I believe you should run government like a corporation," he said, suggesting if there is no growth the county will fall undo further economic doldrums. Right now, he said, Sarasota's policies are preventing a rebound like that seen in Manatee County. 

The Sarasota County Commission District 4 election will be held Tuesday. All registered voters in Sarasota County can participate in the election.