TBT's 2014 Endorsements

For Governor, We Make No Recommendation
While we acknowledge that this year's gubernatorial election is indeed consequential, we cannot in good conscience recommend any of the candidates as being best qualified.





For U.S. Congress District 16, We Recommend Vern Buchanan
Through four terms in Congress, Vern Buchanan has proven himself a marked improvement over his predecessor, Katherine Harris. While we do not agree with the Congressman on many issues, he has nonetheless been a responsive representative who has addressed the largest concerns of his constituency.




For Commissioner of Agriculture, We Recommend Adam Putnam
Over the last four years, former Congressman Adam Putnam has built perhaps the strongest record of all cabinet level officials. His ambitious agenda for the department has, without question, transformed it into a much more vital component of the state's administration.




For CFO, We Recommend Jeff Atwater
We endorse Jeff Atwater for reelection as CFO of Florida. The former Florida Rep. and State Senate President, who won the office when Alex Sink left to run for Governor in 2010, took over a successful operation and raised the bar on fighting fraud in a state that has for too long been seen as a soft target in that criminal arena.



For AG, We Recommend Bill Wohlsifer
Without question, there is no member of the state cabinet who gives us as much pause as incumbent AG Pam Bondi, who we feel has politicized an important statewide position in order to draw attention to herself and serve her own political ambitions with little regard for the constituents in her state.




For Manatee County Commission District 6, We Recommend Terri Wonder
The Manatee County Commission has for too long been dominated by a majority that favors special interests over the concerns of its citizens. Far too often, incumbent District 6 Commissioner Carol Whitmore has been part of that voting bloc, and we feel it is time for a change.




For Manatee County School Board, We Recommend Julie Aranibar
First-term school board member Julie Aranibar earned a great deal of credibility in her first two years, doggedly pursuing answers to a suspect budget which later proved to be papering over a financial crisis that the district is only now beginning to recover from.




For Bradenton City Council, We Recommend Patrick Roff
The City of Bradenton has recently made major investments in what it hopes will be the start of a major period of urban renewal. Ward 3 Councilman Patrick Roff has been at the center of these initiatives. It remains too early to critique their results, but we feel that Roff's efforts warrant him another term and endorse him for reelection.

For Palmetto City Commission, We Recommend Brian Williams
All things considered, the City of Palmetto has been making commendable progress in recent years. Economic activity is up, there is a revitalized historic district and the CRA that has managed to lure businesses into the city limits despite stiff competition from other parts of the county. Ward 3 Commissioner Brian Williams has been instrumental in the city's governance, and we endorse him for reelection.