BRADENTON, FL — Voters in the Nov. 3 general election will decide between Kemp F. Schuessler and Thomas J. Schwarz in the race for the Bradenton City Council Ward 3 seat.
Ward 3 represents parts of central Bradenton, including the Village of the Arts and the downtown Main Street area.
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Patch sent a questionnaire to both candidates. Below are Schuessler's unedited responses.
- Name: Kemp F. Schuessler
- Office Sought: Bradenton City Council, Ward 3
- Political Party Affiliation: Nonpartisan
- Age: 60
- City or Town of Residence: Bradenton
- Education: B.A., Boston College
- Occupation: Independent Insurance Agent; Bradenton City Councilman, Ward 3
- Family Background: My wife, Laura, and I are the proud parents of five children in our blended family. Laura has called Bradenton home for more than 40 years and raised her children here. Together, we chose Wares Creek as our home because we love the neighborhood, Bradenton's history and character, and the strong sense of community that makes our city special. We are proud to call Bradenton home and believe deeply in its future. Our family has given us an even greater appreciation for the importance of strong neighborhoods, safe communities, and preserving the quality of life that makes Bradenton such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.
- Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No, other than my current service as Bradenton City Councilman, Ward 3.
- Previous public office, appointive or elective: Bradenton City Councilman, Ward 3- appointed July 2025; currently serving.
- Campaign website and social media: www.kempschuessler.com
- Why are you seeking this office? I'm running because I love Bradenton and I believe strongly in its future. When a vacancy opened in Ward 3 in 2025, I went through the City Council's selection process and was appointed to serve. I had never held public office and brought a fresh perspective along with more than 30 years of business and financial experience. Since joining the Council and now serving as Chair of the CRA, I've gained firsthand knowledge of our city's budget, infrastructure, public safety, economice development, and neighborhood needs. My business background has taught me to analyze problems carefully, understand the financial consequences of decisions, and focus on results. Most importantly, I believe good local government starts with showing up, listening to residents, asking the right questions, and doing the work. I'm seeking election to continue that service while keeping Bradenton strong, safe, financially responsible, and moving forward.
- What sets you apart from the other candidates seeking this post? I bring more than 30 years of business and financial experience to public service. During my career, I served as a managing director and co-head of equity trading, managed major business operations, and later built and operated my own businesses. Those experiences taught me financial discipline, how to manage people and resources, how to evaluate risk, and how to make difficult decisions with real consequences. I also bring the perspective of someone who has raised a family, owned homes, built businesses, and understands the everyday concerns of residents and taxpayers. Now, as a City Councilman and Chair of the CRA, I can combine that private-sector experience and financial acumen with firsthand knowledge of city government. I understand how decisions affect budgets, neighborhoods, public safety, infrastructure, businesses, and ultimately taxpayers. I believe that combination of real-world experience, financial knowledge, and current city experience distinguishes the perspective I bring to the Council.
- What issues do you intend to address during your campaign? My campaign is focused on three priorities: 1) Strong Neighborhoods, Essential Infrastructure and Responsible Growth. Preserve the character and quality of Bradenton's neighborhoods while prioritizing roads, drainage, utilities and other essential infrastructure. I support thoughtful growth and redevelopment that complements our neighborhoods and improves residents' quality of life. 2) Public Safety. Keep Bradenton safe by supporting our police, fire and first responders and ensuring they have the staffing, equipment, training and resources necessary to protect our residents, businesses and neighborhoods. 3) Economic Development and Fiscal Responsibility. Support small businesses, attract new investment, encourage job creation and pursue forward-thinking policies that strengthen Bradenton's economy. At the same time, I will remain a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars, invest wisely in essential city services and infrastructure, and work toward keeping Bradenton an affordable place to live, work and raise a family.
- What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? My professional career spans more than 30 years in business, finance, and leadership. As a Managing Director at bulge bracket investment banks, I managed significant business operations, led teams, made complex financial decisions, and was accountable for results. I have also successfully launched and operated my own businesses, giving me firsthand experience with entrepreneurship, managing budgets, controlling expenses, and understanding the challenges facing business owners.Since joining the Bradenton City Council, I have applied that experience to public service. As a Councilman and Chair of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), I have gained valuable firsthand experience with municipal budgeting, infrastructure, public safety, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization. These experiences have prepared me to evaluate complex issues, ask difficult questions, make sound financial decisions, and remain accountable to the residents and taxpayers of Bradenton.
- What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? The best advice I've ever received is simple: Listen, show up, do the work, and hold yourself accountable. Listen more than you speak, because you can learn something from everyone. Show up, especially when it's difficult or inconvenient, because being present matters. Do the work, because good intentions mean little without effort and results. And above all, hold yourself accountable. Take responsibility for your decisions, acknowledge your mistakes, and always strive to do better. Throughout my business career and now in public service, I've learned that leadership isn't about titles or recognition. It's about earning trust, following through on commitments, treating people with respect, and doing what you say you're going to do.
- Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I believe this is an exciting and pivotal time for Bradenton. Our city has a rich history, wonderful neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community that makes it a special place to call home. As we look toward the future, we must balance progress with preserving the character and quality of life that makes Bradenton unique. That means investing wisely in our infrastructure, supporting public safety, encouraging responsible growth, and being thoughtful stewards of taxpayer dollars. I also believe local government works best when it remains accessible, transparent, and responsive to the people it serves. Not every decision is easy, and reasonable people will sometimes disagree. What matters is listening, treating people with respect, and making decisions based on facts and what's best for our community. I'm proud to serve Bradenton and remain optimistic about our city's future.