Mike Cosentino Runs For Sarasota County Commission District 2 Seat

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

Fredd “Glossie” Atkins, Hagen Brody and Mike Cosentino are vying for the role.

The top vote getter will go up against the Republican nominee on Nov. 8.

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

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

Campaign website

https://ilikemikesrq.com

City or town of residence

Sarasota

Office sought

Sarasota County Commissioner, District 2

Education

Locally, I attended Phillippi Shores, Brookside and and Riverview (class of '82). My parents wisely pulled the plug after several sophomore years at the University of Florida. My relevant education came from researching, writing legal briefs, and arguing before our local and appellate courts regarding local land-use violations by our current commissioners.

Occupation

I’m a carpenter by trade, but I’ve been a licensed general contractor since the ‘80s. I specialize in the remodeling of existing homes. I design and build eco-friendly projects, and work closely with my clients to bring their visions to life. However, since 2016, my main focus has been as a public advocate regarding local land-use issues.

Family

My folks are deceased, but they're with me every day. Their love, devotion, work ethic and civic spirit shaped me into the man l’ve become. My dad began Cosentino Construction, the company I run today, in 1956. Long before government mandates, he was the area’s first builder to provide worker’s compensation, health insurance and profit sharing to his employees. When it was his turn to say grace, my dad would always conclude with, “And keep us ever mindful of the needs of others.” That’s my calling.

My mom was a pharmacist before setting that aside to raise us kids and help my dad’s business. Later in life, she was a volunteer pharmacist at The Pines. For decades, she delivered Meals on Wheels, and was active in the Junior League and the League of Women Voters.

My brother and sister both live in Sarasota. My sister Katherine (Kat) lives on wooded acreage she chooses to keep in its natural state. She's remarkable in every manner possible. Her business is "Inside Out Fitness and Trim." My brother Sam, his wife Lori and their two kids live in the house we grew up in on Phillippi Creek. Sam and his guys do the best carpentry finish work in town for the most discerning of contractors and clients. He's still an avid surfer.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Age

58

Previous public office, appointive or elective

No.

Why are you seeking this office?

I’m running for office to give a voice to the residents who love Sarasota who don’t like our hurry to become the next Miami Beach.

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

There are stark differences between me and my opponents. One is a career politician whose policy decisions helped create today’s affordable housing crisis and environmental problems. The other aspires to be a career politician and has put my other opponent’s problems on steroids. Both are known for their cozy relationships with developers. I’m known for fighting the government they’re part of, fighting developers in court, and for writing and passing the most sweeping environmentally protective charter amendment in Sarasota’s history.

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

Mr. Brody is a city incumbent, not the county position we seek. He has failed the community in every possible manner except his advocacy for LBGTQIA+ rights, for which he has done very well. He’s worked against the community to favor developers regarding the Lido Pavillion, Selby Gardens, Doctor’s Hospital, Bobby Jones Golf Club, the Van Wezel, the proposed performing arts hall, affordable housing and the environment. He recently replaced a longtime Democratic female Newtown community leader on the Housing Authority with his largest campaign donor, a Republican developer. His vote against providing showers for our houseless citizens was the single “no” vote on the commission. His record belies the “D” in front of his name.

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

Our problematic symptoms emanate from a single source- overdevelopment. Whether it’s affordable housing, traffic, crime, pollution, or taxes, they’re all directly related to the influence a small group of developers and land-use attorneys wield over our commissioners. My job will be to set my personal agenda aside and advocate for the people. I intend to focus on the broad bipartisan issues that will prepare our community for a better future.

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

I was awarded both the Governor’s and President’s “Point of Light” awards for post-disaster relief efforts fixing folks’ houses after Hurricanes Charlie and Katrina. Heaven forbid, but if disaster strikes here, I’m the guy you’ll want at the Emergency Operations Center.

I saved the Turtle Beach Campground from becoming a parking lot in 2004. It remains today as Sarasota’s only public Gulf front campground.

I fought the County in court protecting taxpayer owned parks, preserves, beach and water accesses. I bought the most iconic piece of beach property on Siesta Key to ensure its continued access by the public. I host a flag ceremony there twice daily to honor our troops.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

You learn with your ears and your eyes, not your mouth.

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

Sarasota is my hometown and I love it with all my heart. My goal is to preserve our town’s character and charm for its residents, and to protect its natural spaces and places for the equal and equitable enjoyment of our future generations. I promise to continue to fight for individual bodily autonomy and equal rights for EVERYONE.