‘Trump Republican’ says he’s running for Manatee commission seat at ‘crucial’ time for county
A local businessman is the first candidate to file for a seat representing West Bradenton and Anna Maria Island on the Manatee Board of County Commissioners in the 2020 election.
Native Bradenton resident Kevin Van Ostenbridge filed Thursday morning to run for District 3, currently held by Commissioner Stephen Jonsson, who was elected in 2016. In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, the 39-year-old Van Ostenbridge said his run was inspired by a love for the community he grew up in.
“There’s a tremendous amount of growth going on and it’s a crucial time in the county’s history. I want to be a part of determining the future of Manatee County,” said Van Ostenbridge.
“I’ve lived in West Bradenton my entire life,” he added. “We’re in need of some revitalization and energy, and I don’t want to see us left behind.”
Some of the ways Van Ostenbridge plans to push for to revitalize that area include streetscaping, new bridges, intersection improvements to improve traffic flow and more. Positioning himself as a “Trump Republican,” he also hopes to bring a strong conservative voice to the board.
“For too long, conservative values have not been prioritized in our local government’s decision making. Bloated budgets need to be pared back and existing resources need to be directed toward District 3’s aging infrastructure,” Van Ostenbridge said in a prepared statement. “Residents deserve proactive solutions to issues like water quality, traffic, growth and taxes.”
If elected, the candidate says he will advocate for better water quality improvement techniques by fighting for policies that better manage stormwater runoff and studying the amount of nutrients in the county’s water systems. Those techniques could lessen the impact of red tide, he said.
“Red tide is a statewide problem, and Manatee’s board can only do its part, but everyone — every county — has to contribute. I want to ensure we’re doing everything we can,” said Van Ostenbridge.
Incumbent Commissioner Jonsson, 68, has not filed for re-election. If Jonsson decides to join the race, the candidates will face off in the Republican primary on Aug. 18. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election, if there is a Democrat or no-party candidate.
Jonsson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Van Ostenbridge started his career in real estate on Anna Maria Island and still works with Boyd Realty. He founded his own business, Be Easy Tours, a Bradenton-based excursion company, in 2015.
“Manatee County residents deserve a commissioner who is a principled conservative and Trump Republican. First and foremost, I will protect our wallets and our quality of life,” he said in a statement.
In addition to participating in local organizations such as the Manatee County Republican Club, Manatee County Chamber of Commerce and the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, Ostenbridge has also served on the city of Bradenton’s Planning Commission.
This story was originally published January 2, 2020 at 10:59 AM.
