Second candidate files for the Manatee County Commission District 4 seat

A second candidate has filed to run for the Manatee County Commission District 4 seat in 2018.

Republican Laurie Galle, a former small business owner of more than 30 years in Manatee County, filed to run for the seat, which covers southern Manatee County, on Monday, her 56th birthday.

“In my effort to bring a fresh perspective as the county commission District 4 representative in 2018, I need you to understand that my journey began years ago,” Galle said. “Over the last two years, I have attended all but a few Manatee County Commission meetings, Land Use meetings, Planning Commission meetings and board workshops, in order to expand my knowledge on the finer points of how our county works. ... District 4 needs a representative who is willing to work in coordination with other members of the commission to further the needs of the community.”

Commissioner Robin DiSabatino, a Republican who was first elected in 2010, currently holds the seat. Last month, DiSabatino filed to run for re-election.

“I have a lot of business I still want to accomplish,” DiSabatino said last month. “I think we’ve done a lot with District 4 and the county and still have a lot to do. I love my district. I love my constituents. I’m not finished.”

While this is Galle’s first try at elected office, her husband, Roger, ran against DiSabatino in 2010.

“One of our biggest issues is traffic, continued job expansion, hopefully something at the airport,” Galle said.

This story was originally published May 22, 2017 at 4:12 PM with the headline "Second candidate files for the Manatee County Commission District 4 seat."