Election 2012 Miner Brings Momentum into School Board Run-off with Moates

Dave Watchdog Miner

BRADENTON – Dave "Watchdog" Miner and Robert Moates were the favorites to take the two top spots in the District 2 Manatee County School Board race; however, Miner surprised everyone by nearly winning the seat outright, coming up just short of the majority of votes needed to avoid a runoff. The local attorney and long-time education activist earned 48.5 percent of the vote to Moates' 30.9 in a 4-way race.

Despite not campaigning for the seat, Early Learning Coalition Director Paul Sharff managed to come in third, while Palmetto High teacher William Chaltis brought up the rear. Miner and Moates, a Government and Economics teacher at Lakewood Ranch High, will face off for the seat on the November 6 ballot.

                                Votes     Percent      Funds Raised
Dave Miner           19,211    (48.5%)      $20,345.00
Robert Moates    12,234    (30.9%)      $26,541.27   
Paul A. Sharff       4,396      (11.1%)      $1,550.00
William Chaltis    3,738      (9.44%)      $3,020.00

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