Last week the Herald invited the candidates for Bradenton’s City Council who did not receive the Editorial Board’s recommendation for election to write a response to the editorials.
The board’s support went to Marianne Barnebey, Ward 2; Patrick Roff, Ward 3, and Bemis Smith, Ward 4. Since these are citywide races, registered voters will see all three on their ballots on Nov. 3.
Here are the candidates’ responses:
Lori Fullerton Melton Ward 2
Most citizens are comfortable with stability and consistency. As for leadership, citizens may be leery of taking a chance on a political “newcomer.” You are not necessarily taking a risk, but you may be actually moving forward. I believe imagination = innovation; innovation + effort = accomplishments. Einstein stated: “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
We need innovation and imagination in this city to provide smart growth and adding revenue without raising taxes. Due diligence must be pursued, and action followed up on, continually so as not to lose opportunities.
Metaphorically speaking, I look around and see many beautiful trees. Some trees have very deep roots. And some trees need the dead branch’s cut out, or have the tree removed altogether to make room to plant new trees. I feel that my candidacy represents this metaphor, as I am the new tree.
My experience and skills in the private sector parallel that of public service. You must be a proactive listener and participative leader. I have been tenacious about public safety. I will collaborate with the citizens and organizations that have worked so diligently in planning to move this city forward. To actually bring a project to fruition, it takes discipline and experience along with knowledge of the critical path. In the construction world, a perfect project is completed before projected finish date and comes in under budget. I know this equation well.
I want to thank the Herald for its support in my novice attempt at running for public office. It is my duty and intention to campaign until the polls are closed Nov. 3.
I want to thank all of my supporters in advance for all their efforts.
God bless America and vote on Nov. 3. It is our citizens’ voice that needs to be heard.
Richard O’Brien Ward 3
Crime is not a problem? Jobs are not a problem? Many local residents think they are. Surprisingly, some on the City Council don’t agree.
Crime has remained high in Bradenton for years. In 2008 we were rated fourth highest for aggravated assault and motor vehicle theft, fifth for violent crime and robbery among Florida cities of our size (www.fbi.gov/ucr/cius2008/data/table_08_fl.html). In the 10/11/09 statistics, murder, rape, burglaries and call-volume are up since last year.
While our police have done an admirable job reducing larcenies, they need support. My opponent, some on City Council and the Bradenton Herald believe that crime is not a valid issue and that my concern about crime and neighborhood safety is “playing politics.” They are just plain wrong.
In our televised debate my opponent claimed “There is a perception that there is crime on 14th Street. It is not there. There used to be drugs and prostitution, but its not there anymore.” (METV 10/14)
I know there is crime on 14th Street and I will be a tireless advocate on crime, jobs and the safety of our children.
We urgently need to execute a plan to attract more jobs, business and visitors and make Bradenton a destination again. My opponent believes, “It is not the job of the city government to be a job service. The federal government, it’s their job.” (Bradenton Times 10/18).
If my opponent doesn’t know there is a problem or thinks someone else should solve it, it’s time for new leadership.
Ours is a grassroots campaign based on issues that come from local residents — not special interest groups. If “business as usual” is not working for you, if jobs and community safety are your concerns and you feel you are not heard, then support me on Nov. 3.
Joel V. (Joe) Henry, Sr. Ward 4
There is no gainsaying your opinion. That is just what it is, an opinion.
I continue to rely on my reputation as being honest and trustworthy to win this election. I am counting on those whom I have served faithfully over time to support me in my effort to sit on City Council.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to “sound off.”
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