Carol Whitmore Runs For Manatee County Commission District 6 Seat

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — In the Aug. 23 primary election, Republican voters will choose between three candidates for the Republican nomination in the Manatee County Commission District 6 race.

• Jason Bearden
• Carol Ann Felts
• Carol Whitmore

The top vote getter will go up against write-in candidates Robert Lesher and Manuel Antonio Llamas.

Patch has asked all candidates to complete a questionnaire about their campaign and their priorities.

Whitmore, the incumbent candidate, responded to our survey and her responses are posted below.

Campaign website

https://www.carolwhitmore.com

City or town of residence

Holmes Beach

Office sought

Manatee County Commission, District 6

Education

State College of Florida, certified registered nurse

Occupation

Manatee County commissioner 2006 to current

Family

Dr. Andre Renard, retired plastic surgeon; daughter, Janae Rudacille; son, Laurent Renard, Valarie Renard and Alexandra Caruso

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

Women never tell, sorry

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Holmes Beach city commissioner, Holmes Beach mayor and Manatee County commissioner

Why are you seeking this office?
We need somebody that has knowledge and the temperament to deal with what is going on with the board of County Commission. We need somebody that can bring this commission back to work and stop the personal agendas. The most common concern I get from all the citizens is the lack of professionalism and ethics on our board.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have experience and knowledge of Manatee County. My opponent has only lived in Manatee County for four years and knows nothing about what our citizens of approximately 420,000 expect from their elected officials. I had a national elected official asked me who I was running against and didn’t recognize the name. I have the relationships and knowledge to keep a steady hand on our taxpayers dollars to get through this inflationary recession. My opponent said he took a class in college so he can manage a … $5 billion budget in a … $9 billion capital improvement plan. There is no need to be another inexperienced commissioner on the dais that wants to learn in the middle of a recession

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Keeping our foot on the pedal with Port Manatee which is our largest economic driver in Manatee County.

We have homeless and lack of housing which is very important.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Experience in government, experience and actually presenting budgets to my former board when I was mayor, former senate president Bill Galvano appointed me to the governmental efficiency task force last year to look at waste in government that was presented to the state and governor, experience in healthcare where we represent one of the largest employers in our county and good interpersonal relationships with our state and federal leaders as well as local leaders. I still return my own phone calls and answer my own emails. I’m a hands-on commissioner which is a trait that not many are good at. I spearheaded and passed animal welfare legislation that was recognized by the state, and I’ve worked with Congressman Buchanan on animal welfare issues that are very important to Manatee County residence.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

To keep fighting for what you believe in whether it’s popular or not. Be kind to those less fortunate I remember you represent the homeless man on the street and the millionaire at a local business. Be humble as you’re a public servant

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

As a 15-year-old, I was homeless and I worked my way from a cashier at a local Anna Maria Island grocery store into nursing. I wanted to get involved to help my community and join many organizations before deciding to run for city Council in my local city. I realize the only way that you can get things done and help other people is to be in a position to do that. That is why I also chose politics as I still worked as a registered nurse until last year. I’ve been very fortunate to do what I do believe that a true public servant doesn’t care about anything else but making your community better and helping