Bradenton City Council welcomes 2 new members as a long-serving official departs
The Bradenton City Council welcomed two new elected officials and said goodbye to two others as part of the board’s traditional swearing-in ceremony.
More than 75 people filled the City Hall chambers to witness the swearing-in of three elected officials. Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey continues her position on the board, while Councilman Josh Cramer and Councilwoman Lisa Gonzalez Moore join the board as political newcomers.
Departing the Bradenton City Council are Councilmen Patrick Roff and Bill Sanders. Roff decided not to seek re-election, allowing an uncontested race for Cramer. Moore defeated Sanders in November’s general election.
Council members congratulated their newly elected colleagues following a brief ceremony that saw Barnebey, Cramer and Moore take the oath of office surrounded by their spouses and children.
“Going forward, it’s going to be a great day for the city,” said Mayor Gene Brown. “We’re looking forward to the positive.”
Council members are elected to four-year terms.
Bradenton’s new officials pledge leadership
In brief remarks at the end of Tuesday’s meeting, the board’s newest members thanked voters for supporting their campaigns and pledged to keep Bradenton’s best interest in mind.
“I commit to you that I will do my very best and that I will work as hard as I possibly can to make sure that we are all looking to creating a bright, vibrant future for the city that we all call home,” said Moore, who was elected to represent Ward 4, which includes downtown and East Bradenton along the Manatee River.
Moore, who works as a local transactional attorney, campaigned on a promise to improve Bradenton’s aging infrastructure and create a long-term plan that allows the city to attract and retain young adults.
“We’re all partners. We need to remember who we’re working for but also who we’re working with,” said Cramer, who now represents Ward 3, which includes parts of downtown, Wares Creek and the Village of the Arts.
Before retiring from the Bradenton Police Department as assistant chief in 2022, Cramer served 27 years with the law enforcement agency.
While his election to the board went uncontested, Cramer said he plans to prioritize paying the city’s workers a competitive wage, protecting residents from crime and restoring infrastructure.
Bradenton recognizes Roff’s 17 years of service
City leaders, including City Administrator Rob Perry and Brown, honored Roff’s dedication to the city of Bradenton as part of Tuesday’s meeting. Roff served for 17 years after being elected to represent Ward 3 in 2005.
The mayor and Perry presented Roff with separate plaques before board members took turns praising Roff for his commitment to improving the city for nearly 20 years.
“You’re a gentleman and a great ambassador for the city. Really what you’ve demonstrated is a stick-to-it-ness through tough times and good times — and honor, integrity and grace in doing your job,” Perry told Roff. “In today’s government service, that isn’t always the case. We are so proud to have you and so hopeful for your future.”
Due to his tenure as the longest-serving member of the board, council members said they learned from Roff’s example over the past few years.
“We have always known that the heart of every decision you made was in the best interest of the city,” Barnebey said.
“It’s only been two years with you on the dais, but it’s been wonderful, thoughtful and instructional because you have a ton of history,” added Councilwoman Pamela Coachman, who was first elected in 2020. “I owe you. We all owe you. You can say that you came, you saw and you conquered. All the best.”
In a short speech, Roff thanked the city for the awards and left the council with advice on how to be a productive board that does what’s best for city residents.
“Thank you all for being willing to serve. I always tried to remind people that I’m a public servant. I serve the public,” Roff said. “I believe in a Jewish carpenter who was a public servant, and that’s where I get my faith from.”
This story was originally published January 3, 2023 at 1:28 PM.
