MANATEE COUNTY — John B. Calovich announced his campaign for the Manatee County Commission District 6 seat this week. Running as a Republican, Calovich says he wants to bring "a fresh, results-driven perspective to the Board, focusing on sustainable growth, disciplined budgeting, and protecting the core values that make Manatee County a premier place to live and work."
Calovich, a resident of the Savanna Community in Lakewood Ranch, has a background in business. He was a lead Sales Manager for Primary Color, a nationwide printing company, and later served as a board member for ASP Pools.
"Manatee County is at a critical juncture," said Calovich in a press release announcing his campaign. "In this election, we have the opportunity to return Manatee County to the people. The rapid growth we are experiencing demands thoughtful, responsible leadership that respects both our taxpayers and our unique natural environment. My campaign is centered on a clear commitment: to ensure our county government operates with the utmost fiscal discipline, to manage growth proactively rather than reactively, and to prioritize the infrastructure and quality of life for our current residents."
Some of the issues Calovich says are among his top concerns include restoring home rule, promoting managed and sustainable growth, investing in adequate infrastructure, advocating for a reduction in wasteful spending, and opposing unnecessary tax increases.
"I believe in accessible government where commissioners are true representatives of the people," Calovich stated. "I am not running to be a career politician. I am running to serve my community and restore common-sense governance. I look forward to meeting with voters across Manatee County to listen to their concerns and share my vision for a prosperous and responsibly managed Manatee County."
The Manatee County Commission District 6 seat is currently held by Republican Jason Bearden, who is serving his first term. It is one of two countywide "at-large" districts. The Republican primary for the 2026 race will be held next August.
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David Daniels
Thank you Mr. Calovich, for taking the time, effort and expense to offer a choice away from the current commissioner who is often rude, uncivil, and thinks whoever is loudest wins. Commissioner Bearden has yet to acknowledge that he voted to approve so much of what we are now seeing as thousand-acre clear cut, soot producing, flood causing, wildlife killing, barren wastelands of future development. He often refers to "the previous board" as if he wasn't one of the six Beruff-controlled, Pedicini-managed rubber stamps that voted to eliminate wetland buffers and to keep impact fees at a minimum. His frequent claims of having Constitutional support for his positions reveal a fundamental Constitutional ignorance. Mr. Bearden wore his Pedicini mask for two years because he thought that was how to stay on the public payroll. On the day after the August 20, 2024 election, he changed masks for the same reason - to stay on the public payroll. I don't yet know enough about Mr. Calovich, but I am looking to support someone who will not take money from developers, the ability to present their position firmly but civilly, without increasing the volume.Someone that decides based on principle, not self-preservation.
Saturday, October 11 Report this
sandy
Despite Commissioner Bearden's 180 in his votes, I still don't trust him because he was just basically a yes man to anything KVO wanted. I also hate the way he constantly preaches from the dais. I will read with great interest Calovich or anyone else who chooses to run on their views on the local issues affecting our county and vote accordingly.
Tuesday, October 14 Report this