Candidate Profile: Scott Whitaker

Local business owner Scott Whitaker is running for the Palmetto City Commission, challenging incumbent Sheldon Jones for an At-Large seat in the November 5 general election.

Whitaker is a lifelong resident and has been the CEO of Arctic Air Services, an air conditioning company, since 2008. He also served in the U.S. Army for several years. He is a member of the Manatee County Sheriff's Advisory Board and Manatee Hundred Club, an organization supporting local law enforcement. Through his business, he has provided sponsorships for several projects at his alma mater, Palmetto High School, along with programs at the Manatee County Fair and other community events. Whitaker has also served on the committees of several community athletic and agricultural organizations. He attends the annual Manatee County Law Enforcement Memorial Service to honor fallen officers and the service of his parents, grandfather, and the law enforcement community as a whole.

Whitaker is a graduate of Palmetto High School. He is married with four children and three grandchildren.

This is Mr. Whitaker’s first foray into politics, citing prior business and family obligations that had previously filled his time. After attending Palmetto City Commission meetings, he felt his “experience with management, budgeting, and working with the public” would benefit the City. He initially felt that his lack of political experience would hamper his ability to effectively serve, but he later decided it would be a strength. Rather than “the same politicians with the same agenda,” he sees himself as “someone that truly understands business and how to use those abilities for the advancement of our city and our future.” Whitaker mentioned his understanding and experience with budgets, vendors, customers, and employees as valuable assets in his potential role as Commissioner, along with the ability to make adjustments during economic downturns.

“My decision to run for commissioner was more of a realization than a decision,” Whitaker continued. “I love Palmetto. It has been, and always will be, my home. It is my past and I want it to be my future – not only mine, but my children and my grandchildren’s as well. I want them to know and appreciate all of what Palmetto has to offer. I came to the realization that I could not do that by sitting on the sidelines and watching. I knew that I needed to do more. I had to actively play a role in keeping Palmetto the city that I grew up in and that I loved.”

Whitaker has gained the endorsements of Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse, Manatee Fraternal Order of Police, and Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells.

Whitaker’s goals, should he be elected, include preserving what he believes to be Palmetto’s “small-town charm,” providing the “residents and businesses of Palmetto with the highest quality of living through public safety, fighting for top-rated education, supporting infrastructure and helping to promote recreational opportunities. I believe that with fiscally responsible growth and development, Palmetto can provide these things to its residents.”

While many Palmetto residents cite the city’s small-town, historic feel as its strength, Whitaker concedes that “if a community ceases to grow, it will die… As a community, we need to work together to allow for reasonable, measured growth to ensure we support the heart and culture of Palmetto. We need to make Palmetto a city where families want to raise their children and then retire. To do this we must ensure the proper infrastructure is established and maintained.”

Growth is happening at a rapid pace in Manatee County, but Palmetto is often left behind. When asked to share his vision for the City, Whitaker shared, “I envision a revitalization of Palmetto’s downtown area. We must encourage local businesses to grow and flourish in Palmetto. There are several vacant buildings that could be prime locations for businesses. This would not only provide jobs for the residents of Palmetto but would also provide revenue to the city. These renovations would enhance the culture of the city and encourage growth and stability for the residents of Palmetto. In saying that, I believe that the first step would be to encourage an established business to open a location in downtown Palmetto. As the established business draws in residents, then local businesses, with the assistance of the Community Redevelopment Agency, would be encouraged to open businesses in the same area. The traffic generated by the established business would offer a greater opportunity for success of the local business. Again, reasonable, measured growth will be the key to allowing the growth that is needed without compromising the culture of the city.”

Government often seems to move at a painfully slow pace, causing frustration for residents wanting change. Whitaker is aware of this perception. “I completely understand that the government does seem to have a lot of red tape, but we cannot always use that as our excuse. Other communities/municipalities get projects accomplished. One problem I've seen from our commision is the inability to make a decision. Is that lack of experience or lack of knowledge? [It] makes the process drag out longer and longer which in return causes the citizens of Palmetto to never see results. Now, I do feel you have to be informed before you can make a quality decision. [B]ut once you have had your workshops and feel informed and you're engaged with the pulse of the citizens of Palmetto, it's time to make a decision.”

At the time of this reporting, Whitaker has raised almost $30,000 compared to Jones' $15,000. While he has earned the support of several local businesses, including Conley Buick and members of law enforcement, he has also received a donation from influential developer Michael Neal. He is also a client of the controversial local marketing firm Top Lobster, LLC, which is well-known for recent campaigns against wetland buffers and housing for homeless veterans. Whitaker's campaign treasurer is Eric Robinson, known as the “prince of dark money.” Whitaker was asked about his choice to use Top Lobster. He stated that he was not aware of the firm’s reputation and popularity with Manatee County Commission candidates who lost their primary in August, and he hired them based on a recommendation.

“Even if I do not agree with the job that my opponent is doing, you have not seen any smear tactics from my side, nor will you, because, at the end of the day, me publicly criticizing my opponent will not make me a better fit for this position," said Whitaker. "I was born and raised here and plan on living here the rest of my days and my reputation is very important to me.”

When asked how these associations, along with donations from those in the building industry, may influence his agenda on the Commission, Whitaker replied, “I believe that fundraising is a key indicator of the support that a candidate has behind him. There are many qualified individuals that would not have been able to run for a position, and get elected, had they not had the monetary support provided through fundraising. I have been in the residential construction industry for over 20 years.…during my time in the industry, I have made several friends. There are also several individuals that I grew up with that are now in the building industry. I do not believe that our friendships or their donations are a conflict of interest, nor do they influence my vision for Palmetto. Their donations to my campaign are based on the friendships we have developed, and their belief that I am the best candidate for this position. Should I be elected City Commissioner, neither my friendship with them, nor their donation to my campaign would influence my actions and or vote.”

Whitaker was asked directly about concerns that a new commission may mean developers will have an undue influence in Palmetto.

“I can't speak for anyone else, but I can promise you I cannot be bought! I'm only looking to give back to the community that gave me so much growing up," said Whitaker. Palmetto has a special charm that surrounding communities don't have and I will work extremely hard to keep that alive. When you drive down 8th Ave and 10th Ave in Palmetto, there is so much revitalization that can and needs to be done, and when this can become a reality it will strictly be for the benefit of the residents of Palmetto.”