What this campaign has taught me

The impact of Hurricane Milton on our community has taught me things that I will never forget. After sheltering in place, if these past two weeks have taught me anything, it has reinforced three things: Every one of you possesses a passionate spirit of survival, works fiercely to protect your homes and families, and truly believes that “we will all recover from this together!”

Because of this experience, I am truly humbled and grateful to live in District 5 and have had the privilege to get to know so many of you during my last year on the campaign trail for the upcoming election on November 5. Unfortunately, it also became clear to me that the current BOCC has not fulfilled its obligation to communicate and educate all citizens on its purpose and role it plays to represent the best interests of each of our citizens.

Why do I say this? To begin with, I estimate that 50% of the people I spoke with did not know what district they lived in and the name of their countycommissioner. They were not aware of the responsibility a commissioner holds that affects their home, property and lives in Manatee. I felt it was extremely important to explain that practically everything we experience during our day-to-day lives has some connection to the BOCC. I am referring to clean drinking water, traffic, over-development, flooding, taxes, insurance, stormwater, garbage, disaster response, etc.

Our fundamental rights and protections under our Constitution that every citizen holds, but which, through their vote, they place in the hands of a commissioner and trust that these rights will be protected and held sacred. In this election, please educate yourself on our issues and vote for the most qualified candidate, regardless of their party.

Joseph DiBartolomeo
NPA Candidate for D5 Manatee County Commission