Attorney to Run for Countywide Commission Seat

BRADENTON – Palmetto-based attorney Paul Finer has filed to run for the Manatee County Commission District 7 seat. One of the commission's two "at-large" seats, it is contested countywide. Two-term Republican incumbent Betsy Benac has not yet filed to seek a third term.

Finer, who is also a Republican, is so far the only candidate to enter the race on either side. One of Finer's major running points has been a call for Manatee to have its own Office of Inspector General (OIG).

"Manatee County desperately needs an independent Office of Inspector General," said Finer. "OIGs ferret out waste, fraud, abuse, mismanagement, conflicts of interest and more. Many Florida counties have Inspectors General. The comptroller's function is not the same as that of an Inspector General. If elected, I plan to advocate for the establishment of an OIG, and until an OIG is established, I will use my OIG background as a commissioner as much as is feasible."

Finer says he has practiced law in the areas of real estate, divorce, taxes, criminal tax, criminal prosecution and defense, labor law, internal affairs, employment law, and grant funding. He worked in government for 26 years and has practiced law and done PI work for two decades.

"I originally became interested in running for a commissioner's seat in 2018, in district 2, and I filed," said Finer, when asked what inspired him to run in 2020. "Once I became familiar with the Supervisor of Elections databases, my analysis of the electorate and results of prior elections and issues indicated that Reggie Bellamy would win district 2, and he did. The district 6 at large seat was then available, however, an analysis indicated that incumbent Carol Whitmore would win, and she did. As a candidate, I became familiar with the public record keeping requirements of contributions and financial statements, which are revealing."

Finer is not anti-growth but believes that thoughtful and sustainable growth practices are key to protecting quality of life for those who live here.

"Development must be brought into line with quality of life issues," said Finer. "That is an oversimplification but unless brought under control, we will become Manhattanatee County. I could recite a laundry list but the metaphor says a lot and includes traffic, pollution, affordable housing, jobs, crime and much more. I urge anyone interested to look at my background at the local candidates tab of the Supervisor of Elections site. I have done OIG and Criminal Investigative work on many projects that dwarf anything in Manatee County with major significant results regarding criminal and civil accountability and efficiency. 'Follow the money' is a buzz phrase for federal investigators."