Charles B. Smith Runs For Manatee County Commission District 2 Seat

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — In the Aug. 23 primary election, Democratic voters will choose between two candidates for the Democratic nomination in the Manatee County Commission District 2 race.

Reggie Bellamy and Charles B. Smith are both vying for the role.

The top vote getter will go up against the Republican candidate, Amanda Ballard, on Nov. 8.

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

Smith responded to our survey and his responses are posted below.

City or town of residence

Palmetto

Office sought

Manatee County Commission, District 2

Education

Palmetto High School/Manatee High school, Bethune-Cookman University/University of Central Florida.

Occupation

Business owner Manatee Harvesting Co family in business over 50 years, Smith Global Enterprises Inc. over seven years, and we own several other businesses.

Family

I have a lovely family

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Palmetto city commissioner, Harold L. Smith is my brother. He has also served as vice mayor

Age

58

Previous public office, appointive or elective

First ever elected to the Palmetto City Council, at the age of 26, former vice mayor of Palmetto. Former chairman of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) board, past state president of the (FBC-LEO) Florida Black Caucus of Elected Officials, with over 400 elected officials across the state of Florida. First Black male ever elected to the Manatee County Commission.

Why are you seeking this office?
We must at this time have individuals that have compassion for people. Since I left the commission, in 1998, I’ve seen my opponent lose over a hundred million dollars in projects and economic development within District 2 that had already been voted on, and approved in the (CIP) capital improvement projects. I fought hard for these projects, sidewalks, infrastructure. My interest is people, not a pay check.

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

As a commissioner I would return emails and phone call, be a patient listener, and understand the budget process. My family has several businesses. If we weren’t successful, we didn’t eat. I want to be held accountable. My opponent has excepted almost $l00,000 from developers, over 90 (percent) from Republicans. I’m for business, however, the public should not be footing the infrastructure cost. My opponent has supported every development that came before the commission, destroying the quality of life, and making it very difficult to establish decent housing opportunities.

If you are challenging an incumbent, in what way has the current officeholder failed the community?

In four years, my opponent has only called one community meeting, during redistricting we lost a safe Blue seat, He has failed the people and has worked against the underserved, and the issues that are important to the urban core. The entire economic opportunity department was basically disbanded, and he supported it , taking away millions of dollars away from revitalization of our community.

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

How important it is for all of us to vote in this election, and make the right choice, I’m the only candidate that can defeat the republican candidate in November, for the first time in 30 years we have a Republican candidate that could actually win if I’m not the Democratic nominee, making the entire commission Republican.

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

I’m the only brother to work outside the family businesses. We have employed hundreds of employees, so I have a better understanding of their concerns and needs, working in the private sector and overseeing large non-profits. I’m the only candidate properly trained and recognized as a state-certified county commissioner, and advanced county commissioner, becoming only the second to do so, in the history of Manatee County government.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Practice what you preach. Lead by example. Treat people as you want them to treat you.

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

We need strong bold leadership that can stand up to the nonsense, and public corruption, that has engulfed manatee county government and destroyed the morale of our employees, causing hundreds to retire or leave. I’m not a politician I’m a public servant.