Report Inappropriate Comments

Greetings Fellow Citizens of Manatee County

First, let me congratulate Mr. Green on his endorsement from TBT.

I am disappointed that no one from TBT reached out to me to discuss the information about me in this article. So, let’s quickly and succinctly set the record straight.

1. “The retired Air Force officer did little to distinguish himself on a minor board.”

• I invite my fellow citizens to read this article from Chris Anderson at the Sarasota Herald Tribune: “Opinion: The Manatee County School Board Actually Governs. Where is the fun in that?” This local journalist praises the board as a whole for being “a bunch of boring members…all they do is what they were elected to do.” In particular, of me, Mr. Anderson praises me for attending a meeting with him and other parents concerning arts funding cuts. Mr. Anderson said, “Tatem attended the meeting and did something quite shocking: He actually listened to everyone's concerns and took notes. He did exactly what an elected official is supposed to do: He was present for the people he represents…he couldn’t have been more genuine.” In fact, I worked with the superintendent to restore a significant amount of funding to the arts programs in Manatee County Schools – and not just in my district.

• “A minor board.” Apparently, TBT maybe forgot that the Manatee County School System is by far the largest employer in Manatee County with approximately 6,250 employees, almost three times more employees than Manatee County Government. The school system budget for FY 2024-2025 is $1.5 billion. The school system has over 50 facilities that it operates and runs a transportation operation with approximately 100 daily bus routes during the school year (and a lesser amount during the summer). The Manatee County School Board also oversees Manatee Technical College and its approximately 1,200 annual enrolled students.

• “There is nothing in his platform that distinguishes him from every other generic conservative already there claiming to do the same thing.” Apparently, whoever wrote this article did not watch the Tiger Bay debate, the link to watch is at the bottom of the article. In that debate, I made two specific and important proposals that none of my competitors – or anyone in the state house – is making. First, I stated that the skyrocketing cost of building schools must be stopped – and my proposal to do that is by reforming the SREF (state requirements for educational facilities) building code, which builders and architects tell me is too restrictive and drives up building costs. Charter schools are not bound by the SREF – and cost about half as much to build. Second, I stated that unfunded/partially funded mandates from the state on local governments must be stopped, especially on school systems. Last fiscal year, the Manatee School System had over $55 million in unfunded/partially funded mandates from the state. Paying for all of these extra building costs and inadequately funded state mandates have to come from the local tax base.

• “Candidates who choose party loyalty over the voters' right to choose their elected officials show a willingness to subvert democracy that we find troubling, to say the very least.” This statement is laced with innuendos of malfeasance that are not worthy of good journalists. First, as I said, no one from TBT spoke to me at all about this issue. Second, if I had resigned early, I would have left my constituents without representation for six months during the important budget development season. And third, the article insinuates that I did not resign so the local developers could get their person appointed. In fact, the developers are working hard to defeat me, as they see me as their primary threat; their political consultant told me I was “out of the family” because I am not aligned with him and the developers.

• The article states that I am a “longshot to win.” Well, based on the doors I am knocking on and the many people who have already voted for me – we’ll see. I am the only candidate in this race endorsed by a local elected official (Sheriff Wells), and I have other endorsements around the state, including the influential Florida Family Action organization.

I invite my fellow citizens to read the article I mention above and to learn more about me at my campaign website, richtatem.com. Thank you for taking the time to read my comments. Aim High Florida!