Manatee reacts to Coryea ouster effort. Some call foul. Others say ‘drain the swamp’
A new proposal to fire County Administrator Cheri Coryea has revealed a deep divide in the world of Manatee County politics.
Four commissioners voted to move forward with a discussion regarding Coryea’s contract at a board meeting last week, arguing that Coryea’s handling of a $32.5 million land deal on Lena Road was a “fireable offense.” Now, residents and community organizations are speaking up about the move.
In messages sent to commissioners, posted on social media and shared with the Bradenton Herald, residents are falling on either side of the issue. Some are calling for Manatee County government to “drain the swamp,’” while others call foul over the timing of the decision, which came just 50 hours after new commissioners were sworn-in.
Commissioners Kevin Van Ostenbridge, James Satcher, George Kruse and Vanessa Baugh voted in support of a motion that directed the County Attorney’s Office to give Coryea at least 15 days notice of the board’s discussion to fire her, as required by her contract. Commissioners Reggie Bellamy, Misty Servia and Carol Whitmore voted against the motion.
As of Tuesday morning, more than 1,000 people had signed an online petition in support of Coryea keeping her job. The petition, created by former commissioner Joe McClash, has been signed by several former county commissioners, county staff and other local leaders.
“As a County Commissioner for 22 years from 1990 to 2012, I have worked directly with Cheri on many county issues. She is a dedicated employee, tackles every problem with a solution and is a great mentor,” McClash wrote. “It is the responsibility of every commissioner to work with the county administrator and to help them to be the best, so they can do the best for our community. Those voting to fire her for no cause show how they are not putting the needs of this community first.”
In an interview with the Bradenton Herald, McClash said he was impressed with the petition’s success. It shows that residents are paying attention to the situation and willing to speak out against it.
“I’m a big believer that if you remain silent, you accept the things that are taking place. There’s not a high percentage of people following county government unless it affects their backyard,” said McClash. “To get 1,000 people motivated in two days is pretty good. It sends a message to the commission that there’s a good majority asking them to rethink what they’re doing.”
Commissioners have also been sent a number of emails on the subject, voicing both support and opposition of the decision.
“Such an arbitrary action on your part, as representatives of the voters of Manatee County, requires thorough study, consideration and discussion,” Richard Correnti, a Bradenton resident, wrote in a Monday email to the board. “Removing a person of this stature, quality, experience and loyalty from this highly critical position will have ramifications for years for this county.”
“As a 19-year citizen of Manatee County, I am appalled by the majority vote to give notice of intent to fire Administrator Coryea,” said Kathleen Grant, a Lakewood Ranch resident who previously challenged Baugh for the District 5 seat. “The start of this new board could not be less auspicious for the next four years in Manatee County. But this is what comes with developer (money) and public apathy.”
Local conservatives have also circulated an email applauding the decision and urging the commissioners who voted in favor to “hang in there.” The message echoes concerns that Van Ostenbridge and Satcher raised about Coryea’s 30 years of service to the county, which they said has led to an inefficient bureaucracy.
“We are thrilled that the newly elected county commissioners are beginning to start draining the Deep State out of the Manatee Swamp!! The less power given to un-elected bureaucrats — the better!” the email reads. “When it was proposed that Cheri Coryea be removed from her position, WE WERE PROUD that the newly elected commissioners had that kind of fortitude!”
Baugh posted a similar message on social media, tweeting “Is ‘deep state’ strictly DC or local as well?! I say drain the swamp!” just hours after last week’s vote.
Some local leaders responded to last week’s vote with official correspondence to the Board of County Commissioners, urging the newly sworn-in commissioners to exercise patience before voting to terminate Coryea.
“This action was taken without notice on an agenda in advance of the action, which would have allowed for public input prior to the decision about the notice. It further appears this was an action done in haste without time to investigate whether the assertions made had merit,” Supervisor of Elections Michael Bennett, who also serves as chairman of the Gulf Coast Builders Xchange, wrote in a Nov. 21 letter to the board.
“It is particularly concerning that three new board members would act so hastily,” Bennett added.
Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth also weighed in on the decision last week, writing of her “deep concern for the future of this county.”
“My only ask at this most critical period is for the board to pause and take the time to become familiar with the operations of the county government and its many facets, and the vast experiences of the department heads, employees and your many stakeholders,” she wrote. “Out of respect for your Comprehensive Plan and the magnitude at stake, if you continue on this destructive path, it is your duty in the commitment you made under oath as our county leaders.”
The Manatee County Commission is set to host a special meeting on Jan. 6 to determine the future of Coryea’s employment. The meeting is scheduled to run from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. If a decision hasn’t been made by then, the meeting will continue on Jan. 7 at 5 p.m.
In preparation for the January meeting, Commissioner Misty Servia asked county staff to add an item to the meeting agenda on Dec. 15. If Coryea is to lose her job, she said, commissioners should begin planning who might replace her “so that county business continues with limited interruptions.“
This story was originally published November 24, 2020 at 1:22 PM.
