Developers back Republican Steve Jonsson in District 3 commission race
MANATEE -- Local developers -- including the developer of one of the largest developments in West Bradenton -- have thrown their support behind Steve Jonsson for the District 3 seat on the Manatee County Commission.
The Republican, who is running for the seat that covers West Bradenton and the islands, received $55,350 in campaign contributions in April, increasing his total to $56,200.
Companies associated with Carlos Beruff's Medallion Home contributed a total of $10,000 to Jonsson's campaign. Beruff, a longtime Manatee County homebuilder and candidate for U.S. Senate, is a developer of Long Bar Pointe.
Jonsson, a businessman, received a total of $5,000 from the Benderson family and $3,000 from companies associated with Schroeder-Manatee Ranch.
"I'm flattered," Jonsson said. "It comes from a lot of different areas, a lot of people I have known for years. I think it is a showing for my endeavor to get elected to the county commission."
When asked about the support from the local developers, Jonsson said he dealt with a lot of them in banking.
"Ultimately they respected me as a businessman and have given me the support to move on with the campaign," Jonsson said.
Two other candidates are running for the District 3 seat on the commission, which is currently held by John Chappie, who is not seeking re-election.
Manatee County Planning Commissioner Matt Bower, who is running without a party affiliation, has received the second-most in campaign contributions in the District 3 race so far. During the last reporting period, Bower received $5,950 of his $13,649 total. David Zaccagnino, a financial adviser who is also running without a party affiliation, has $2,040 in contributions to date.
Three other Manatee County Commission seats will be on the ballot in 2016.
In the District 1 race, which covers Parrish and north county, former state Rep. Ron Reagan, a Republican, leads the way in campaign contributions with $63,274 to date. Republican Priscilla Whisenant Trace, who along with her family developed Ellenton Nursery Growers, has received $21,600 in contributions. Republican Corie Holmes, former Manatee County sheriff's deputy and a former Democrat, has received $9,788.67 to date. Parrish resident Dustin Schaal, who is a Republican, has loaned his campaign $200, which is his only contribution to date. Former county employee Michael Hillesheim, a write-in candidate, also loaned his campaign $100, making that his only contribution to date.
In the District 5 race, which covers Lakewood Ranch and Myakka City, incumbent Vanessa Baugh, a Republican, is leading the way in campaign contributions in that race with $65,107.50 to date. Baugh, who was elected to the commission in 2012, has one challenger. Republican Kathleen Grant has $3,156.60 in contributions, which have come solely from herself.
In the District 7 at-large race, incumbent Betsy Benac, a Republican, has $7,075 in contributions to date. Benac has one challenger for the seat. Republican Candace Luther has loaned herself $100, which is her only contribution to date.
Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.
This story was originally published May 11, 2016 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Developers back Republican Steve Jonsson in District 3 commission race ."