Bradenton resident Matthew J. Bower to challenge Commissioner John Chappie for Manatee County District 3 seat

MANATEE -- Manatee County District 3 Commissioner John Chappie has a challenger in 2016.

Matthew James Bower, 41, of Bradenton, officially filed Thursday for the District 3 seat, which covers the areas of West Bradenton and all of Anna Maria Island.

"I don't think there is a voice in that seat," Bower said Thursday evening. "I want to fill that void."

Bower, who has served on the Manatee County Planning Commission since December 2013, said he'd like to keep Manatee County beautiful.

"Especially West Manatee, which is where I grew up -- born and raised right here," he said. "I spent 7 years in the Army away -- other than that, this is where I've lived all my life. I want to take care of it and I want to take care of the people, actually listen to the people and hear what they have to say."

Bower said his top concern is the environment.

"Our coastline is the main part of what makes Manatee County, Manatee County," he said. "I know we are going to develop, but I think we need to make sure we're developing in a smart way that's not going to change Manatee County so drastic that we become like everybody else. We're special."

Bower said he's also concerned about traffic.

"Traffic is a big issue," he said, adding the county is behind on keeping up with traffic infrastructure in light of all the recent development,.

Asked if he knows Bower personally, Chappie said yes. The county commissioner declined to comment further, saying: "This is Matt's story."

"I am looking forward to the campaign and looking forward to continuing to represent the District 3 and residents of Manatee County," Chappie said when reached by phone Thursday evening.

According to Bower's LinkedIn profile, he works as a financial adviser with Edward Jones financial services. Bower previously worked as firm administrator for Sarasota-based Luhrsen Law Group for more than 14 years.

A press release announcing Bower's run lists some other goals: revitalizing west Manatee County through incentives to attract new and expanding businesses and collaborating more effectively with the Manatee County School Board to find better solutions for school construction needs.

Bower holds a degree in business management from Saint Leo University.

Bower's interests include fishing, golf, volleyball and participating activities with his family, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter@AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 11:34 PM with the headline "Bradenton resident Matthew J. Bower to challenge Commissioner John Chappie for Manatee County District 3 seat ."