Dimitrie Denis files to run for Manatee Commission District 2 seat in 2018

MANATEE -- A 28-year-old Bradenton resident has filed to run for the Manatee County Commission District 2 seat in the 2018 election.

Dimitrie Denis, a Republican, filed for the seat, which covers areas north and south of the Manatee River, including parts of Palmetto and Bradenton.

"I'm a parent of three kids," Denis said. "Every time I look at my kids, I have greater aspirations and greater purpose, which is to make Manatee County a better place for them."

While the election is more than two years away, Denis said he wanted to file because "that's the part of being young."

"You don't let time or anything be a barrier of what you are trying to get accomplished," he said.

Commissioner Charles Smith, the sitting District 2 commissioner, said he has 31 months left in his term and has not thought about the 2018 election yet.

Crime, unemployment and the heroin/opioid epidemic are among the main issues of importance to Denis.

"Not enough is being done," he said.

"I think it is a rat race because the citizens of the community put hope into politicians into remedying some situations and it doesn't work. You elect politicians and it is just the same old, same old."

Denis, who has never held elected office, is a youth development specialist for at-risk children at Family Resources, which allows him to "see everything going on in the lowest level."

"That gives you a sense of motivation and purpose to serve in the community that you are in," Denis said.

Within the next week or two, Denis said his campaign will be in full steam.

"I'll be knocking on doors, grassroots movement," he said.

With millennials complaining about lack of housing affordability in Manatee County, Denis said he will connect with those who need affordable housing.

"Some people may be out of touch because a lot of career politicians are on the board," he said.

"We are the future. If we are not building the future for ourselves, then who is? A lot of young people in Manatee County have no hope. I can bring that for sure."

Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.

This story was originally published April 6, 2016 at 11:04 PM with the headline "Dimitrie Denis files to run for Manatee Commission District 2 seat in 2018 ."