James T. Golden Runs For Manatee County School Board District 5 Seat

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Manatee County voters will decide on the winner of the Manatee County School Board District 5 seat in the Aug. 23 primary election.

The following three candidates are vying for the position:

• James T. Golden
• Richard Tatem
• Chantal Wilford

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

Golden, the incumbent candidate, responded to our survey and his responses are posted below.

Campaign website

https://www.JamesTGolden.com

City or town of residence

Bradenton

Office sought

School Board - District 5

Education

BBA, JD, MDiv

Occupation

Attorney since 1975; minister since 1981

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

74

Previous public office, appointive or elective

Bradenton City Council 1997 to 2006, Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council 1999 to 2006 and current Manatee County School Board member since 2018.

Why are you seeking this office?

I seek reelection to the school board in an effort to continue in service to the Manatee County community.

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

I have four years of experience that has been enhanced by my service over the last two years as vice chair and now chair of the (school) board.

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

Insufficient personnel and the lack of funds to attract more applicants.

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

I have served on a number of non-profit boards in the community plus I have served as vice mayor of Bradenton and secretary-treasurer of the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The only good that comes from the mistakes you will make in life is that you get to learn from them. Because if you do not learn from them, you will repeat them. (Rev. James Carson Golden, my father.)