Golden announces that he is set to announce congressional bid

Former Bradenton city councilman James T. Golden, who has done everything but announce his candidacy to indicate that he is challenging U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan in next year's elections, announced Tuesday that he is ready to announce.

But you will have to wait until Nov. 5 to know for sure that his campaign is official.

Golden, a Democrat, sent out an e-mail to media and presumably presumptive supporters asking them to "save the date" for the kick-off of his campaign for the 13th Congressional District seat held by Buchanan, R-Sarasota, since 2007.

Details of where and exactly when will be announced later, according to the e-mail.

Cynics may conclude Golden is just trying to drag out his announcement for maximum publicity. But maybe he should be complimented for waiting until this year's election on Nov. 3 has passed before trying to get voters to pay attention to next year's campaign.

Golden may not yet be an announced candidate, but he already has collected at least $26,000 in contributions - a fraction of the almost $705,000 in cash Buchanan had on hand as of June 30, the latest available figure.

How much Golden and Buchanan have raised in the third quarter of the year will be released next month.

Buchanan to hold town hall Saturday in Parrish

U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan's office just sent out a last-minute reminder about his next town hall meeting.

This one - again focused on health care reform and the economy - will take place Saturday in Parrish, at the recently opened Parrish Community Center, 12214 U.S. 301 N.

It is set to run from 10 to 11 a.m.

Previous town halls, including in East Manatee and Sarasota, have drawn overflow crowds, so might be best to arrive early if you want to make sure you get in the room with the congressman.

Candidate Boyd to stump in Cortez

Jim Boyd next week will take his campaign for the Florida House to the fish docks of Cortez.

Star Fish Co. and the Bell family will host a meet-and-greet reception for Boyd from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at Star Fish Co., 12306 46th Ave., Cortez. The event will feature a question-and-answer session with the candidates. Light appetizers and refreshments will also be served.

Boyd, a Republican, so far is the only candidate running to succeed Rep. Bill Galvano as the District 68 representative in the Florida House. District 68 is comprised of western Manatee County, including Cortez.

Galvano, R-Bradenton, cannot run for re-election next year because of term limits, but he has announced that he will run for the Florida Senate in 2012. He has endorsed Boyd.

Graham headlines new speakers series

Just received word on a new speaker series coming to the area, starting in November.

Here's the news release:

Forum Truth, a Sarasota-based organization that provides relevant public programming on current topics that effect all Americans, is pleased to announce the beginning lineup of notable participants for its annual speaker series. Included on the list are a former Florida statesman and four Pulitzer Prize-winning journalists.

“We are very excited to make the first announcements about our scheduled speakers,” remarked Irene Bandy-Hedden, chair of Forum Truth. “Some names are well known, others might be less recognizable. All have led very exciting careers that have affected us in some way. Whether as a legislator making news, a journalist reporting the news or as a prime-time film maker telling a story, you will not want to miss any of these fascinating presentations. We hope to announce other names as we receive additional confirmations, but Forum Truth did not want to hold up the announcement of the important people already confirmed. It’s an impressive list and we think people will want to reserve the dates as soon as possible.”

Former Florida Governor and Senator Bob Graham leads the list and is scheduled to speak on Wednesday, November 18th. Mark Thompson, Time Magazine reporter since 1994 specializing in coverage of national security and military stories, as well as a 1985 Pulitzer-Prize winner when he was at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, will appear on Thursday, January 7, 2010. Pulitzer-Prize winning former New York Times correspondent, author and PBS host of over 20 prime-time specials and mini-series, Hedrick Smith, will take the stage on Thursday, February 4, 2010. On Wednesday, March 24th, Cynthia Tucker, 2007 Pulitzer Prize commentary winner, syndicated columnist, frequent commentator on Jim Lehrer’s NewsHour as well as other news shows and the first black woman to edit the editorial page of a major daily newspaper, the Atlanta Constitution, will speak. Linda Greenhouse, another Pulitzer Prize winner and New York Times Supreme Court correspondent for nearly 30 consecutive years, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 14th.

Forum Truth is a membership organization with members receiving advance speaker information and discount ticket prices. Program events are open to all, members and non-members. Further details about these events will be released as the appearance dates get closer.

Bandy-Hedden continued, “Forum Truth is dedicated to bringing interesting and knowledgeable experts to our community in order to involve the public in meaningful discussions about some of the most important issues facing our society. Past speakers have included an exciting array of people in the national spotlight including Gwen Ifill, Amy Goodman, and David Broder. Join us for another year as we present this exciting array of speakers to who will surely enlighten us with fascinating insight and information as we continue discussions important to us all.”

Forum Truth is a voluntary, not-for-profit organization that provides public forums on important issues without the influence of special interest groups. The meetings presented by the group provide reliable, in-depth and easily accessible information on issues of national importance. All presentations are open to Forum members and non-members alike. Since its inception in 2003, the membership group has brought over 70 nationally acclaimed, professional speakers to the Sarasota/Manatee area. To become a member or for more information on Forum Truth, visit the website, www.forumtruth.org or call 359-8350. You may also become a fan on Facebook or follow Forum Truth on Twitter. Links to these social media groups are also accessible through the website.

Bradenton City Council election ballot set

Three members of the Bradenton City Council are being challenged in their bids for re-election in November.

The qualifying period ended Tuesday with council members Marianne Barnebey, Patrick Roff and Bemis Smith drawing one opponent each. The election is Nov. 3.

The races shape up like this:

In Ward 2, which is comprised of neighborhoods in the west-central part of the city extending from the Manatee River to south of Cortez Road, Barnebey is being challenged by Lori Melton, who currently is unemployed. Barnebey was first elected to the council in 1997, and is seeking a fourth term on the council.

Barnebey said she has worked hard to be accessible and responsive to her constituents. She touted her work on homeless issues, and as the city's representative on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, which sets transportation priorities for the region. Recently, the city won $1 million for the construction of a new Ninth Avenue West bridge at Wares Creek.

Melton, who previously has worked in the accounting field, including for construction companies, said she doesn't have a particular problem with Barnebey. They just live in the same ward.

Still, "I think people can get complacent," Melton said. "We've got new challenges today in our city."

In Ward 3, which is made up of neighborhoods in central Bradenton, including Wares Creek and Ballard Park, Roff is being challenged by Richard O’Brien, a political science instructor at University of South Florida. Roff was first elected to the council in 2005, and is seeking a second term.

Roff said two priorities of his have been the planned dredging of Wares Creek and the revitalization of Tamiami Trail. Progress has been made in both areas, he said.

“When I ran for office my first term I was into city-building," Roff said. "Little did I know we were heading into an economic disaster. I’m a natural problem solver, so I had to switch gears into crisis control and on to economic recovery. I can get us there.”

O'Brien's were some of the first campaign signs to appear on local lawns, as he has been busy knocking on doors in the ward. He said residents are worried about crime and the down economy.

"I'm running against decent people, but they are not doing enough when it comes to crime and jobs," O'Brien said.

O'Brien said he thinks the city should consolidate some positions at City Hall and shift the spending to the police department. The city also needs to ensure that local companies benefit from spending on federal stimulus projects.

In Ward 4, which covers neighborhoods along the Manatee River east of U.S. 301 and along the Braden River, Smith is being challenged by retired city employee Joel C. “Joe” Henry. Smith was first elected in 2001, and is seeking a third term on the council.

Smith said he wants to continue working on redevelopment efforts in his ward, which have been hit hard by the recession. For example, several condominium projects planned for along the Manatee River have stalled as the real estate market collapsed.

"In running for re-election, I feel like there is more I need to do," Smith said.

Henry retired from the city parks and building department in July 2008, and would like to bring some of that experience to the council.

"I would like to pay attention to our roads and streets," Henry said. "I want to ensure good employees are compensated for their work and loyalty."

Incumbency has not been a guarantor of re-election in recent local political campaigns. In the 2007 elections, current council member Harold Byrd Jr. ousted incumbent James Golden, and it took a runoff for Mayor Wayne Poston to put away a challenge from former mayor Bill Evers.

And last year, two Manatee County commissioners, Jane von Hahmann and Amy Stein, were ousted after they lost their Republican primary races.

Bradenton City Council members hold nonpartisan positions, and are paid an annual salary of $27,834.

In the Bradenton election, the candidates have to be a resident of their respective ward, but all city residents can vote in each race.

3 Bradenton City Council members face election challenges

With a half day to go before the end of the qualifying period, the three Bradenton City Council members up for re-election in November each face a challenger, according to the Manatee County elections office.

In Ward 2, Marianne Barnebey is being challenged by construction executive Lori Melton.

In Ward 3, Patrick Roff is being challenged by businessman Richard O'Brien.

And in Ward 4, Bemis Smith is being challenged by retired city employee Joel V. (Joe) Henry Sr.

The qualifying period ends at noon Tuesday.

The election is Nov. 3.

Noon Tuesday also is the qualifying deadline for the city council election in Anna Maria. Five candidates are currently qualified to run.

Commissioners, neighborhood activists laud Getman's service

A version of this story will appear in Tuesday's print editions of the Bradenton Herald

By MARC R. MASFERRER and VIN MANNIX
Herald Staff Writers

MANATEE - County Commissioner Ron Getman is not running for re-election next year, but he is not sailing into retirement.

First elected in 2002, Getman, 65, announced Monday he would not seek a third term on the commission representing southern Manatee so that he could devote more time to his at-home travel agency, which specializes in cruise vacations.

“It truly has been an honor and a privilege to have served,” Getman told reporters gathered in his 9th floor corner office in the county administration building. “My interest is in serving this community, and I did that.”

Already, two candidates — Robin DiSabatino, a Republican, and Roger Galle, a Democrat — have filed for the District 4 seat.

Getman, a Republican, said the prospect of being challenged for the job in a year when incumbents might be held accountable for the down economy and other problems, did not influence his decision.

Last year, two former commissioners, Jane von Hahmann and Amy Stein, lost their seats when they were defeated in the GOP primary by two candidates, John Chappie and Larry Bustle, respectively, who were backed by several business interests. The philosophical shift, especially on development matters, was perceived to have left Getman in the minority.

“It’s more pro-business, and his philosophy was government does it best,” said Commissioner Donna Hayes, a member of the majority bloc. “The commission has changed.”

Getman said he was proud of the work the commission has done to set standards for future growth in the county. As an example, he said past commissions had not acquired the right-of-way needed for widening of major roads like Manatee Avenue and 53rd Avenue, but now such factors are taken into consideration when the commission approves development.

Under Getman’s tenure as commission chairman, the county and local municipalities in 2002 signed the “Accord,” which set a framework for how local officials approach growth issues with some uniformity.

“Ron was his own person, interested in doing the right things for the county,” said Commissioner Joe McClash, who was first elected to the commission in 1992. “He was a good steward, not a rubber stamp for developers, and I respected that.”

Getman said he also was proud of his efforts to win approval of ordinances banning panhandling, setting safety standards for ice cream vending trucks and restricting when and where fireworks could be sold.

Most recently, the preservation of the Bayshore Gardens area captured Getman’s attention as residents there began to express concerns that properties in the neighborhood were not being kept up. Bayshore Gardens Homeowners Association President Suzanna Young said Getman’s interest in the neighborhood has put some teeth behind efforts to begin stricter code enforcement in the area.

“He just conducted a great meeting for us. He really added impetus to what we are trying to do here,” she said.

Another neighborhood activist, Whitfield Estates resident Norman Luppino, was particularly sensitive about Getman’s decision. Getman also resides in Whitfield Estates.

“I hope whoever represents our district isn’t paid for by the developers,” said Luppino, a former county planner. “The commission needs better balance than it has right now.”

Another Whitfield Estates activist, Mike Holderness Sr., said Getman was “such an asset in the position.”

“The amount of time he puts in is over and above what anybody can imagine,” said Holderness, a longtime Realtor. “He was involved in so many things. It’s a great loss, but it was just time.”
Getman said depending on who runs, he may make an endorsement in the campaign to succeed him.

“It is easy for a candidate to make promises which they may or may not be capable of fulfilling,” Getman said. “We need to look to the history of the person who makes those types of remarks to discover their true abilities.”

DiSabatino, who launched her campaign last week, said she had heard various rumors about Getman’s plans, but that did not play a factor in her decision to run.

“Ron is a patriot,” DiSabatino said. “We appreciate his service.”

Getman’s final 16 months on the commission will put a cap on a 48-year public service career. Before being elected, Getman had spent 33 years with the Florida Highway Patrol, two years as a Sanford, Fla., police officer and four years in the military.

Commissioner Carol Whitmore, who next year is running for re-election to an at-large seat on the commission, said the board will miss Getman’s rapport with law enforcement.

“It was a real benefit to the county,” Whitmore said. “We need to keep that communication open.”

Getman said he will remain active in the community, including as president of the Gold Star Club of Manatee County, which provides rewards for information about serious crimes in the county. He also will work to grow his 4-year-old travel agency, Getman Cruise & Travel.

Getman’s colleagues on the commission did not begrudge his decision to leave the board.

“As you get older, do you want to come in and do this every day?” Whitmore said. “After eight years, this is hard. He deserves a life.”

Commissioner Hayes agreed.

“He has other things to do with his life,” she said. “I’m sure his wife and family are delighted.”

McClash saluted Getman as a devoted public servant.

“From the highway patrol to county commissioner, I applaud his time,” he said. “You don’t find people like him every day who serve on county commission. He was a friend of Manatee County.”

Herald Staff Writer Robert Napper contributed to this story.