Sheldon Rich Runs For Sarasota City Commission At-Large Seat

SARASOTA, FL — Sarasota voters will choose two city commission members in the upcoming elections.

The following six candidates are vying for two at-large commission seats:

• Jen Ahearn-Koch
• Dan Lobeck
• Sheldon Rich
• Terrill Salem
• Carl Shoffstall
• Debbie Trice

The top three candidates in the Aug. 23 primary will compete in a runoff on Nov. 8, when the two top vote getters will be elected. Early voting for the primaries starts Saturday.

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

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

Campaign website

https://SheldonRichForSarasota.com

City or town of residence

Sarasota

Office sought

City of Sarasota Commissioner, At Large

Education

I have a B.S. in pharmacy and a PhD. in ethics

Occupation

Health care consultant, lecturer (with more than) 30 years' experience

Family

Wife: Ellen Rich; Son: Kevin Rich; Stepdaughter: Dr. Lesleigh Redavid (Dr. Ryan Fincher), grandchildren Maddox and Caleb Fincher

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Age

64

Previous public office, appointive or elective

I was appointed for two terms by two different governors (one Republican, one Democrat) to the Michigan Board of Pharmacy which I became chairperson of. I have also been elected president of two different Florida homeowners’ associations, which is about as local as politics can get!

Why are you seeking this office?

After speaking in front of the city commission numerous times and not believing that my voice, or other citizens’ voices, were being heard, and finding this unacceptable for an elected body, I decided to run to give the citizens of Sarasota a voice at the table.

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

I am the only candidate that has an advanced degree in ethics, serves on the Sarasota Police Complaint Committee and is not accepting any commercial developer money into my campaign. I am also the only candidate that is endorsed by the Sarasota Police Officers Association.

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

There is only one incumbent running for election and two open positions. I support the incumbent and would like to join her on the city commission.

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

Public safety, traffic, water and sewer rates, affordable housing, green initiatives.

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

I have served as president of two Florida homeowners’ associations, one of 492 homes and one of 280 homes. I have always had a balanced budget and funding of reserves. I also served as vice president of a condo board.

In addition, while I was chairperson the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, I was asked to train the other board chairs in effective meeting management and use of Roberts Rules of Order, which dictates how city commission meeting should be run. I also currently serve as vice chair of the city of Sarasota Police Complaint Committee.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Treat others as you would like to be treated.

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

I am the only candidate currently practicing in the medical field. I believe that this would be very helpful to help guide the city as we continue to address issues with the COVID-19 pandemic, monkeypox and the upcoming influenza season, which appears to be coming back with a vengeance in other parts of the world.