VOTE IN THE GENERAL ELECTION ON NOVEMBER 5th!
Welcome to Take Back Manatee, a group of concerned citizens, from every background and political party, dedicated to defeating candidates funded by special interests who prioritize their own agendas over the well-being of Manatee County residents.
Over the past decade, special interests have manipulated our political landscape, hiring a notorious political strategist to run smear campaigns against local leaders and install their own puppets. These decisions have led to:
- Hiring a County Administrator now facing multiple felony charges
- Removing wetlands protections, increasing flooding risks and decreasing quality of life
- Wastefully spending our tax dollars
Now, these forces are attempting to re-elect their allies and place more minions in office, threatening to drown out our voices entirely. It's time to say NO to their schemes and TAKE BACK MANATEE!
Join us in our fight to restore integrity and accountability in our local government. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that our community thrives.
1. Puppet for Special Interests: Kevin Van Ostenbridge has consistently aligned himself with special interest groups, often at the expense of the broader public interest. His decisions and policies reflect more concern for developers and other influential entities than for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
2. Self-Serving Actions: Througho
1. Puppet for Special Interests: Kevin Van Ostenbridge has consistently aligned himself with special interest groups, often at the expense of the broader public interest. His decisions and policies reflect more concern for developers and other influential entities than for the welfare of ordinary citizens.
2. Self-Serving Actions: Throughout his tenure, Van Ostenbridge has been embroiled in controversies that highlight self-serving behavior. His actions, such as the alleged misuse of public funds for personal gain or questionable dealings with lobbyists, underscore a lack of integrity and ethical judgment.
3. History of Ethical Lapses: From ethics and criminal investigations, to allegations of misconduct, Van Ostenbridge's record is marred by instances where he has failed to uphold the standards expected of an elected official. These lapses erode trust and integrity in local governance.
4. Limited Accountability to Constituents: Despite holding a position meant to serve the public interest, Van Ostenbridge has shown a pattern of limited accountability and transparency. Important decisions often lack sufficient public input or scrutiny, raising concerns about democratic principles.
5. Failure to Prioritize Public Needs: Critical issues such as environmental conservation, growth issues, and the overall well-being of the community, have often taken a backseat under Van Ostenbridge's leadership. His policies and initiatives tend to favor short-term gains over long-term economic viability.
1. Financial Mismanagement: James Satcher's history of personal financial instability raises questions about his ability to manage public funds. Notably, he bounced a $10 check upon taking office and was evicted from his home after falling behind on rent. His personal financial missteps suggest a lack of fiscal responsibility that we don'
1. Financial Mismanagement: James Satcher's history of personal financial instability raises questions about his ability to manage public funds. Notably, he bounced a $10 check upon taking office and was evicted from his home after falling behind on rent. His personal financial missteps suggest a lack of fiscal responsibility that we don't need.
2. Puppet for Special Interests: Satcher has consistently shown a preference for serving the interests of developers and special interest groups over the needs of the general public. His decisions often align with the agendas of influential entities rather than focusing on the welfare of his constituents.
3. Lack of Endorsement from Key Official: Satcher was not the choice of the previous Supervisor of Elections for the Supervisor of Elections seat. This lack of endorsement from an experienced official indicates doubts about his suitability for the position.
4. Inadequate Experience: Satcher's opponent, Scott Farrington, has years of experience and is much better suited for the role. Voters should consider the value of expertise and a proven track record when choosing their representative.
5. Controversial Budget Views: Satcher's approach to the county budget is concerning. He voted to use taxpayer dollars for private agency funding for an organization in which is wife is a board member, with no accountability. His financial decisions could jeopardize the county's long-term fiscal health. We don't need someone with poor judgement leading our elections office
1. Disciplinary History in Law Enforcement: While Culbreath's campaign highlights her law enforcement background, it omits a serious history of disciplinary issues. This lack of transparency raises questions about her integrity and suitability for public office .
2. Financial Mismanagement: Under Culbreath's leadership, the Manatee County
1. Disciplinary History in Law Enforcement: While Culbreath's campaign highlights her law enforcement background, it omits a serious history of disciplinary issues. This lack of transparency raises questions about her integrity and suitability for public office .
2. Financial Mismanagement: Under Culbreath's leadership, the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee has faced significant financial woes. Her handling of finances led to the resignation of two executive board members and caused a rift within the committee. These issues cast doubt on her ability to manage public funds responsibly.
3. Lack of Transparency and Accountability: Culbreath's failure to schedule necessary meetings for the Manatee REC until pressured by members shows a disregard for transparency and accountability. Her leadership style has been called into question, with members having to force a special meeting to address financial control policies.
4. Allegiance to Special Interests: All signs point to April Culbreath being a puppet for special interests, particularly developers. Her actions and affiliations suggest she will prioritize the needs of influential entities over the needs of the community.
5. Questionable Financial Decisions: The financial constraints imposed on the Manatee REC under her chairmanship highlight concerns about her decision-making capabilities. The committee had to take measures to curb spending by board members without committee approval, indicating poor financial oversight .
1. Puppet for Special Interests: Ray Turner has a clear alignment with special interest groups, particularly developers. His decisions consistently favor influential entities over the needs and welfare of the broader community.
2. Lack of Fiscal Conservatism: Despite claims of being a fiscal conservative, Turner's decisions suggest otherwi
1. Puppet for Special Interests: Ray Turner has a clear alignment with special interest groups, particularly developers. His decisions consistently favor influential entities over the needs and welfare of the broader community.
2. Lack of Fiscal Conservatism: Despite claims of being a fiscal conservative, Turner's decisions suggest otherwise. He has supported initiatives and policies that do not align with conservative fiscal principles, leading to questions about his financial stewardship.
3. Appointment Tied to Industry: Turner was appointed by Governor DeSantis to fill the remainder of a term for another commissioner, largely due to his ties with the building industry. This connection raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and his ability to serve the public impartially.
4. Campaign Financing Issues: A significant portion of Turner's campaign funding comes from developers and other special interest groups. This reliance on contributions from these entities further solidifies his image as a candidate who is likely to prioritizes the needs of his donors over those of his constituents.
5. Failure to Address Community Needs: Turner's track record shows a lack of initiative in addressing critical community issues such as infrastructure, environmental conservation, and equitable development. His policies often reflect short-term gains for developers rather than long-term benefits for the community.
6. Controversial Decisions: Throughout his short tenure, Turner has made several controversial decisions that have sparked public outcry. These decisions often lack transparency and do not align with the interests of the majority of residents.
1. Another Potential Puppet for Special Interests: Steven Metallo has strong ties to developers and special interest groups. Based on his fundraising, his candidacy appears to be driven by these influential entities rather than by a genuine commitment to serving the community.
2. Lack of Community Engagement: Metallo is an unknown figure i
1. Another Potential Puppet for Special Interests: Steven Metallo has strong ties to developers and special interest groups. Based on his fundraising, his candidacy appears to be driven by these influential entities rather than by a genuine commitment to serving the community.
2. Lack of Community Engagement: Metallo is an unknown figure in the community. His sudden appearance on the political scene raises questions about his understanding of and commitment to local issues.
3. Poor Voting Record: Despite claiming to be invested in the community, Metallo has not participated in recent primary elections at all. His lack of involvement in the electoral process suggests a disconnect from the political engagement expected of someone seeking public office. And leads back again to questions about who is really behind his motivation for running for office.
4. Insufficient Experience: With no notable public service or community involvement, Metallo lacks the experience needed to effectively represent District 1. Voters should be wary of electing someone with such an unproven track record.
5. Campaign Support from Developers: Metallo's campaign is heavily supported by developers, indicating that his policies and decisions may favor these special interests over the needs of the general public.
6. Questionable Commitment to Transparency: Given his ties to developers and lack of prior community involvement, there are concerns about Metallo's commitment to transparency and accountability in office.
Help us continue our mission to fight against special interest-backed candidates. Your donation will directly contribute to our efforts in raising awareness, organizing community actions, and supporting candidates who have the best interests of Manatee County at heart.
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