Gene Gallo is retiring from City Council. Bradenton realtor wants to take his place
Councilman Gene Gallo has announced that he isn’t running for re-election to the Bradenton City Council, and a Bradenton realtor says she’s ready to guide the city in his stead.
Jayne Kocher has been a realtor for 20 years, but her key experience comes from more than a decade on the Bradenton Downtown Development Authority, a Community Redevelopment Agency advisory board that was instrumental in several projects, including the Riverwalk Park, Old Main Street revitalization and beautifying Old Main Street.
“I’m new to the political arena, but I’ve been living here and I’m excited to hear from and represent our community,” said Kocher, who filed for the seat Tuesday afternoon.
Kocher, 56, says she’s noticed change in Bradenton over the years, and says that for the most part, it’s been welcome. If elected, she hopes to steer that growth in the right way, while maintaining the small-town feel that attracts residents and visitors alike.
“I love our city and want to preserve that tradition of the friendly city. I want to keep an eye on the past and continue to build a vibrant city,” Kocher said in an interview with the Bradenton Herald.
The decision to run for the seat Gallo held for 29 years comes after the rumors swirling around his departure were confirmed, Kocher said.
“I have the utmost respect for Councilman Gallo. He has a whole life of service to the city of Bradenton,” she said. “That kind of dedication to be well-respected and lauded.”
Gallo, who spent more than 30 years working with the Bradenton Fire Department, is known as a strong voice of reason on the board. First elected in 1991, he has the most tenure on among councilmen, as well.
“I face reality. I’m 81, and I’m not going to live forever,” Gallo told the Bradenton Herald. “There was a big change in my life three years ago when my wife passed, and my heart has not been in things like it was in the past. It’s time I stepped down and let some younger blood in.”
Some of Kocher’s priorities on the board include improving infrastructure, fixing traffic congestion and protecting local water quality. So far, she is the only candidate for the Ward 1 seat, which represents neighborhoods between 75th Street and 51st Street West, as well as some homes along Manatee Avenue West, east of Palma Sola Bay.
“It will be an honor to serve on the Bradenton City Council, and I plan to put my passion, work ethic and never-say-no attitude to work for our city,” Kocher said in a prepared statement.
This story was originally published February 12, 2020 at 4:25 PM with the headline "Gene Gallo is retiring from City Council. Bradenton realtor wants to take his place."
