County Commission Candidate Sundae Knight Shows Support for Amendment 4

Sundae Lynn Knight

My name is Sundae Lynn Knight and I’m a Professional Engineer, not a professional politician. I feel strongly that developers have too much influence on some commissioners and I’m as tired of the ”pay to play“ politics that have taken over our county government as the rest of my friends and supporters. 

Citizens want people in office who are willing to listen to their concerns and take appropriate action, not people who seem to cater to the chief financiers of their political campaigns. I want to be a voice for citizens, the hard working average folks, not the mouthpiece of some land-rich supporter. Over 25 percent (almost $20,000) of my opponent’s campaign is paid for by developers and special interest parties. One hundred percent of my campaign funds come from citizens and groups that simply want their government back. Our message is loud and clear -- Manatee County is not for sale!

Many people have expressed concerns that their voice in the community planning process has been bought out by special interest. The process of the comprehensive plan was developed to determine the goals and aspirations of the whole community and create a long-term strategy -- with their full involvement. As a fan of new urbanism, I would like Manatee County to move toward a comprehensive plan that addresses walker and bicycle friendly neighborhoods that contain a range of housing and business types, while encouraging the revitalization of our urban core. 

A close working relationship with the planning department is the first step toward implementing this philosophy -- the last step shouldn’t be asking the people what they think. Toward that end, I support Amendment 4. Amendment 4 won’t stop past or future changes to the comprehensive plan, but it will guarantee voters the final say on future comprehensive plan amendments. 

Opponents of Amendment 4 have used a mile-long sample ballot that includes zoning and other amendment changes that have nothing to do with the comprehensive plan document in an effort to confuse voters. These scare tactics speak volumes to their lack of general integrity. True comprehensive plan amendments are but a few each year, generally numbering from three to seven items annually.

I plan to bring a unique set of skills and knowledge to the Board of County Commissioners that my opponent does not possess. In addition to believing in the Air Force Core Values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all that I do, I have the analytical skills of a professional engineer, the passion for the environment of a certified energy manager, the discipline of an Air Force veteran, and a desire to see Manatee County become the sustainable star of the South!

I want to see the comprehensive greening of Manatee County government. This will include the promotion of green industry jobs, a more efficient and responsive local government, preserving our natural resources, and safer neighborhoods. Remember: on election Tuesday -- vote for Sundae!

Sundae Lynn Knight, PE, CEM

Candidate for Manatee County Commission, District 6