MANATEE COUNTY—Campaigns are in full swing, with candidate messages reaching voters through mailboxes, text messages, television and internet advertisements, but a new "voice" hopes to reach local voters through similar means with its message about special interest influence.
Soon, voters might receive messaging not from any candidate campaign or special interest-funded PAC but from a bipartisan group of area residents who hope to counter special interest influence in local government and elections.
According to its website, Take Back Manatee is a coalition "of people from all walks of life and all party affiliations. While we may not agree on many issues, we all agree on one thing: greedy special interests have taken over Manatee County government, and we've had enough!"
A disclaimer displayed on the Take Back Manatee website discloses that Take Back Manatee is supported by the Citizens for Cleaner Government political committee (PC/PAC). A “donate now” button also informs supporters that their contributions will go to the associated PAC.
Betsy Benac, a longtime Republican and former Manatee County Commissioner and engaged citizen, is reported as the PAC's registered agent.
"Our community is tired of the corruption and lack of accountability," reads a message on the Take Back Manatee website. "It's time we did something about it!"
The group's Facebook page features a cover photo featuring the faces of four local candidates who will appear on Republican voters' primary ballots in August; Manatee County Commission At-Large candidate Kevin Van Ostenbrige, Manatee County Supervisor of Elections candidate James Satcher, Manatee County Commission District 3 candidate April Culbreath, and Manatee County Commission District 5 candidate Ray Turner.
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crcoryea
I’m supporting this movement because people approach, call and text me daily desperate to have their voices heard again. They want to have their freedom of speech renewed here in Manatee County and to be able to share their knowledge and opinions at Board meetings and other public venues. This movement is for them.
Wednesday, July 17 Report this
patsyugarte
Great article Dawn! However, I would like to make one correction, I am a registered Republican. I changed my party affiliation so I could vote in the August 20, 2024, Primary for some very important races! Deadline to register to vote or change your party affiliation is July 22, 2024. Cheri, thanks for your support!
Wednesday, July 17 Report this
David Daniels
I applaud this grass roots group for fighting for the public good. Thank you. But what is the saying? You can’t wrestle a pig without getting dirty? Wth apologies to pigs, Pedicini is as dirty as they come.
Wednesday, July 17 Report this
Islandman
I received my Manatee County RNC “Voter Guide” in the mail today.
They must have held their noses and sent it out.
Or Carlos pain for it.
All the usual Beruff/Pedicni suspects are on there
How could you endorse KVO, the architect of The Holmes Beach Parking garage? A Scott Hopes clone without the brain.!
Or James Satcher, as Supervisor of Elections. This guy has never “Supervised” anything! Nor could he, other than his blatant money grab.
Thank you Manatee RNC for giving this Republican a roadmap of who NOT to vote for.
I only hope and pray that others are not duped by these blatant hypocrites!
Wednesday, July 17 Report this
mklimek
I'm glad to see a group such as this. If we really want to reduce the Republican/developer stranglehold on our commission, then I hope you will be encouraging and promoting and contributing to the Democrats and NPA candidates who are running this year. There is hope.
Thursday, July 18 Report this