Developer dominance in local politics triggers pushback.
By Dawn Kitterman
The Bradenton Times
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.
The group’s official statement read in part, “Our coalition is driven by a diverse group of donors — yesterday alone, we accepted donations from six Republicans, three Democrats, one No-Party-Affiliated voter, and an out-of-town supporter — who all recognize the urgent need for change in our county.
“This diversity of support underscores a common sentiment: amidst a divisive national political climate, residents in Manatee County agree on one thing—the detrimental impact of special interests on our local politics has got to stop,” Benac said through the press release.
The coalition’s mission “is clear,” states the release, “to challenge the status quo and ensure that local government prioritizes the needs of its people over the special interests who have grown increasingly bold and powerful.”
While PAC-funded political advertisements and electioneering materials aren’t a new sight on the landscape of Manatee County elections, this may be the first time a PAC has emerged claiming to be spearheaded by area residents and funded by grassroots donors.
“This coalition represents a historic moment in modern Manatee County politics,” Benac said in the release. “While other PACs are funded by big-money special interest groups, Citizens for Cleaner Government stands as a true grassroots movement—the people are rising up like David against Goliath. It’s an ambitious endeavor, but we are steadfast in our commitment to Take Back Manatee.”
Public records available through the Florida Department of State report Benac, a registered Republican voter, as the registered agent of the Citizens for Cleaner Government PAC. Benac resides in southern Manatee County. The PAC’s treasurer is reported as Patsy Ugarte, a registered Democrat voter and a resident of Palmetto.
DOS records report the PAC’s chairperson as Laurence Arnold, a registered Republican residing in Parrish. A representative of Take Back Manatee and the Citizens for Cleaner Government PAC told our publication that a registration correction has been submitted to the state. The source stated that the group anticipates the DOS website to display the PAC’s updated registration and agents in the coming days—Benac is both the registered agent and chairperson with Ugarte serving as treasurer.
Dawn Kitterman is a staff reporter and investigative journalist for The Bradenton Times covering local government news. She can be reached at dawn.kitterman@thebradentontimes.com.