An Important Runoff

Letters

Dennis Adams, Sarasota

Why is this runoff election important? In Sarasota, the City Commission is the decision-making body and sets the agenda for city government. During the next four years, there are many important issues facing the city. My top four would be the development boom and resulting stress on infrastructure (traffic, etc.), homelessness, development of the bayfront (42 acres from Boulevard of the Arts to the Van Wezel) and deficit spending (driven in large measure by employee fringe benefits). You may have others. How these issues are resolved or not will shape Sarasota for years to come.  

I attend many City Commission meetings and have noted a significant improvement in the functioning of the Commission since Eileen Normile (my representative from District 2) and Stan Zimmerman (District 3) were appointed in November. There is more discussion and critical thinking taking place before decisions are made. Additionally, Tom Barwin, the city manager, and other key officials including Police Chief [Bernadette] DiPino are now being given the support and freedom to do their jobs. A recent example is an eight-step plan to address homelessness in Sarasota that was presented to the City Commission earlier this week by Mr. Barwin. This plan is a major improvement over the Marbut proposal that would have placed a major county shelter in the city.  (Dr. [Robert] Marbut is a consultant hired jointly by the City and County some two years ago.)

Sarasota elections are supposed to be nonpartisan, political labels do not appear on the ballot. Unfortunately, some officials in our political parties have decided to make this election very partisan and are pushing a party line vote. I am as partisan as anyone but have found party labels are meaningless at the local level in Sarasota. In this election, you have Democrats who support the candidate who is a Republican and vice versa. Although this particular runoff election happens to be a Republican versus a Democrat, there could just as easily been two Democrats or two Republicans running against each other. It is the two candidates with the most votes in the initial election who are in the runoff, regardless of party affiliation. 

As I previously said, I have seen Ms. Normile in action at City Commission meetings, I have discussed city issues with her at length, and attended a debate including her and Ms. Alpert.  I believe Eileen Normile will be a more effective leader than Liz Alpert in maintaining and improving quality of life for all of us who live or work downtown and recommend her to you for consideration regardless of party affiliation. Please vote on May 12.

Dennis Adams, Sarasota

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