Hayes to Step Down From County Commission in 2012

Donna Hayes will not seek re-election in 2012, the Manatee County District 5 Commissioner announced in a statement Monday.

Hayes, a Republican originally elected in 2004, said she intends to spend more time with her family, travel, golf and enjoy her social life.

"My original commitment to supporters was to serve a minimum of eight years and, with God’s Blessing, I will complete my eighth year as Commissioner," Hayes wrote. "I will not be a candidate in 2012."

Hayes, 69, served as board chair in 2010. She filed for re-election in February but said Monday all campaign contributions would be fully refunded.

"My purpose in announcing my intentions early is to allow a proven qualified community leader to seek the County Commissioner seat in District 5," Hayes said. "I will support a conservative candidate with a strong record of community involvement and genuine roots in Manatee County. Manatee County deserves the best."

Businesswoman Vanessa Baugh had already filed to oppose Hayes for the seat in District 5, which covers Lakewood Ranch.

Jounralist JoAnne Klement, a former Bradenton Herald employee and a part-time contributor to Bradenton Patch, issued a statement Monday saying she was also considering a run for the Republican nomination in 2012.

"Manatee County needs a full-time commissioner who knows the community and its people," Klement said in a statement. "I am that person."

Klement said she would make a final decision on her candidacy in the near future.

Klement is married to David Klement, executive director of at St. Petersburg College. He is the former editorial page editor of the Bradenton Herald and also served as Manatee County's organizational development manager.

Below is a statement issued by Hayes on Monday:

It has been my great honor and privilege to serve as Manatee County Commissioner.  During the past 31 years, I have enjoyed community involvement on numerous committees and I hope that will continue.  In 1992, I was a vocal supporter of “Eight Is Enough” legislation which limited Legislative House terms to eight years.  I plan to impose those limits on myself.  My original commitment to supporters was to serve a minimum of eight years and, with God’s Blessing, I will complete my eighth year as Commissioner.  I will not be a candidate in 2012.   

Many folks leave public office to pursue a business opportunity but I have already had a business.  My intent is to spend more time with my family, travel, golf, enjoy my social life and other personal endeavors. Special thanks is extended to all of my family, friends and supporters who have encouraged me to serve another 4 years, but I must confess that my personal commitments have prevailed.  

My purpose in announcing my intentions early is to allow a proven qualified community leader to seek the County Commissioner seat in District 5.  I will support a conservative candidate with a strong record of community involvement and genuine roots in Manatee County. Manatee County deserves the best.

Thank you for the outstanding privilege of serving as Manatee County Commissioner.  Campaign contributions (2012) will be fully refunded.

DONNA  G. HAYES

Manatee County Commissioner

District 5