BRADENTON — Diana Shoemaker, former president and CEO of Manatee Habitat for Humanity, has filed to seek the Democratic nomination for the Manatee County Commission District 3 seat currently held by Republican Kevin Van Ostenbridge.
"Earlier this morning I filed paperwork with the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections office to run for District 3 County Commission," said Shoemaker in a press release issued by the Manatee County Democratic Party. "The decision to get involved comes as a result of countless conversations I’ve had with friends, family, neighbors and District 3 residents who are seriously concerned about the direction the current Manatee County leadership is taking our community. Our voices aren’t being heard and I’m looking to restore confidence in local elected officials."
Shoemaker has been a District 3 resident for the past 24 years. In 2022, she stepped down as President/CEO of Manatee County Habitat for Humanity after working 12 years with the organization, serving as Family Services Manager, Executive Director, and eventually President and CEO. She went on to become the Executive Director of the Elders Action Network, a non-profit organization that works to create greater social and environmental justice in society.
Shoemaker previously served as the first director for Family Promise of Manatee County, a non-profit providing shelter and resources to homeless families. During Shoemaker's tenure leading the organization, it helped over 35 families achieve affordable home ownership and has laid the groundwork for 20 more homes to be built. Programs addressing the critical repair needs of the existing affordable housing stock expanded, while services to local veterans seeking homeownership and needed home repairs were also expanded following a partnership with the nonprofit Our Next Mission.
“There are many residents in District 3 and throughout Manatee County who care deeply for this community and have made a long-term investment here," said Shoemaker. “It's time that we have leadership that understands their responsibility to listen to their voices.
Shoemaker holds an M.S.W. in Policy and Program Development from Columbia University. She earned her B.A. in Social Work/Business from Ohio University.
"Diana draws upon a rich background of community involvement and a deep understanding of the needs and concerns of our residents," said MCDP Chair Evelyn Almodóvar. "She is a dedicated leader and I know she will foster an open and participatory government that prioritizes the voices and aspirations of every citizen."
Shoemaker will be up against a well-funded incumbent in Van Ostenbridge, a developer-backed candidate who put up a record $170,000 in campaign contributions in his first report for this cycle. Van Ostenbridge was elected in 2020, when he again enjoyed enormous financial support from developers, including dark money PACs that sent out vicious attack ads regarding his opponent, Matt Bower.
However, Van Ostenbridge has also built a dubious record thus far, making many enemies among those who follow county government. District 3 includes Anna Maria Island, and the commissioner's feud with Holmes Beach over parking and his role in forcing an unwanted parking garage has many island residents up in arms.
The chair has also proven himself to have been a good investment for developers who have benefited from his leadership on issues such as gutting the county's wetland protection policies and pushing for policies that allow increased density east of the county's future development boundary and within critical watersheds, including our reservoir at Lake Manatee. For a commissioner whose district includes nearly all of the county's coastal communities, that could prove to be a major hurdle in getting reelected, even with all of that money at his disposal.
Before the general election, however, Van Ostenbridge will have to successfully fend off a challenge from Republican Tal Siddique, who filed to seek the Republican nomination for the District 3 seat earlier this week.
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WTF
Anybody but KVO
Sunday, September 24, 2023 Report this
Dianna
A vote for either Siddique or Shoemaker will be a win for Manatee County! In less than 3 years Van Ostenbridge and his cohorts have brought this county to its knees- to the likes of which citizens have never seen before. The destruction by this board along (with the behind-the-scenes direction of the Chair- KVO) will cost taxpayers, both current and future, millions of dollars and years to overcome and rebuild. Just when you think this board can’t possibly ruin anything else -they find something new to blow up. Next on the agenda is the Tunnels to Towers project which the foundation fully funds after the donation of the Cortez Road property. Instead we- the taxpayers of Manatee County, are now “going into the business” of Veterans housing without funding or expertise on a piece of unsuitable wetland property that we will be unable to provide wrap around services or transportation. Of course, this is just another “illusion” or “delusion” by Bearden because as soon as the developer gets the Cortez Road utility department, they will never discuss veterans housing again. Anything printed on a glossy flier will be a lie. A big “no” vote for: Van Ostenbridge- Satcher-Turner in 2024!
Sunday, September 24, 2023 Report this
ruthlawler
Please take the nine+ minutes to view Diana's Tedx Talk on the link above. You will hear an intelligent, articulate, knowledgeable, and concerned leader who has dedicated her career to making a difference! As a resident for 24 years in District 3 in Manatee County, she has the insight and awareness to know what is going on and how to take positive steps for making things better. I have personally known Diana for many years and have always found her to be a person of integrity and committed to helping others. Ruth Lawler
Sunday, September 24, 2023 Report this