Earlier this week, I reported on an argument between Manatee County Commissioner Jason Bearden and County Administrator Charlie Bishop that looked like it might come to blows. Cooler heads seemed to prevail until Friday, when Bishop's executive assistant, Leslie Silverstein, was summarily dismissed and escorted from the Manatee County Administrative Building.
That was apparently the final straw for Bearden, who took to social media and livestreamed an explanation for his profanity-laced outburst while questioning Bishop’s process for hiring a deputy county administrator during Tuesday's meeting. During the exchange, Bearden alleged that Bishop had been AWOL for much of the summer. Sources within the administration speculated that Silverstein had been suspected of leaking Bishop’s alleged prolonged absence to Bearden.
Bearden, who’s deeply religious—to say the least—and quite conservative, described a spiritual battle that needs to transcend partisan politics. The commissioner, who is not seeking reelection, implored Republicans and NPAs to “get away from your partisan politics” when it comes to the upcoming Manatee County Commission races.
“When does partisan politics have to do with roads, with infrastructure, with water? What’s happening in this county is wrong, and I’m gonna call it out.”
An increasingly emotional Bearden seemed to put Big Development on notice, as well.
“The corruption in this county has to stop,” said Bearden. “And yes, I’m putting myself out there, because I know who my god is, and I fear no man. The corruption in this county has got to stop. And special interests, I hope you’re hearing this, because I’m coming. Your days of fooling the people are done, and they’re done right now. Thus saith the Lord.”
Bearden said that despite his commitment to conservative values, he would vote for two Democrats this fall: Reggie Bellamy in District 6 and Charles Smith in District 2 because he’d spoken to them and knew where their hearts were.
Smith is running against incumbent Republican Amanda Ballard, while Bellamy is vying for Bearden’s seat against Republican Tara Poulton. Bearden also alleged that Poulton did not accept his invitation to meet with him because the Republican nominee’s “handlers” had told her not to. He also criticized his fellow commissioners, saying that all but Bob McCann lacked backbone.
“So, I'm asking my fellow Republicans ... in the county commission races to vote Democrat. And if you're a Christian, there is no partisan politics in the Kingdom of God. It's righteous vs. the unrighteous; it's moral vs. immoral."
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Manatee Watch
at least this poor guy is TRYING TO TELL YOU WHAT HE SEES in the cesspool that KRUSE and company perpetuate . BEING SLAVES TO THE DEVELOPERS AND TRYING TO HIDE IT. these commissioners except for Bob Mccann and the new lady that took Carolanns place are FILTHY LYING CHEATING BRIBE TAKING PIGS. kruse ,bow tie, that angela crook, mike rahn. ALL CROOKS. PAID OFF STOOGES. BY THE DEVELOPERS. RUINING WHATS LEFT OF OUR COUNTY. He's right whether you hate Chrisitans or not (I am one) - Gods judgement is coming. for the clintons, the obamas the bidens and FOR ALL THESE DEVELOPERS AND CROOKS who have wrecked Manatee County. Think about it all of you. Eternity is a long time!
Friday, September 4 Report this
Islandman
WOW! A prophet amongst us!
Friday, September 4 Report this
teamj1009
Talk about retaliation from King Clown Bishop. I think she has a great case for whistleblower protections. So when guilty get nervous they jettison potential problems. So definitely screwing the pooch for the summer.
MCG is so disgusting........we all hope that everyone involved in this clown show get indicted and off to their elegant new cement wall accommodations.
Jason go after them all and release all that you know!
Friday, September 4 Report this
David Daniels
I don’t care for Mr. Bearden, but he is showing us what leadership can do to affect change. He is backing up his words with his actions (he’s also made several other FB posts). Compare that to Commissioners Kruse and Siddique, who made a big deal pretending to be so upset at SB180. Kruse threatened to push through wetland protection, then chickened out when he thought he might be suspended. Siddique cussed and made a big show ripping up a state letter. Kruse blamed the public for not doing enough to replace our state reps. Yet when their leadership could have made a difference in defeating developer owned Conerly and Varnadore, they did nothing. That’s cowardice, not leadership. Kudos to Bearden. .
Sunday, September 6 Report this