Roberto Gonzalez wants to bring Latino voice to Palmetto City Commission

PALMETTO -- A member of Palmetto's Community Redevelopment Agency Advisory Board has filed to run against At-Large Commissioner Tamara Cornwell, who has held the seat for more than 20 years.

Gonzalez, 45, owns an automotive repair business and is a pastor with his online church ministries. He has run his business in Palmetto for more than two years and has been a resident in the city for about 18 months.

"When I look at the needs in Palmetto, I see a growing Latino population and I want to have a Latino voice represented in the community," said Gonzalez. "I want to have that input as a leader, from my faith and as a business owner."

Gonzalez said he didn't know a lot about his opponent, "but I figure the community can help me jump right in and put my vision

of what's in my heart."

Gonzalez said Mayor Shirley Groover Bryant has forged a great relationship with Palmetto's immigrant population and he wants to help further that effort.

"The biggest challenge we face right now is that we have a big immigrant population and they need a voice," he said. "The mayor is doing a great job but I could jump right in and help with that effort with a fresh mind, as a business owner and as a Christian leader. I'm one of those guys that don't just drive by. I like to get out of the car and talk to people."

Cornwell earlier announced she would run for re-election in the Nov. 8 vote.

True to his word, At-Large Commissioner Jonathan Davis withdrew his bid to run for the Manatee County Commission in late April and officially filed Wednesday to run for re-election to the Palmetto City Commission.

Lawrence Andress had filed to run for Davis' seat, but only if Davis pursued a county commission seat. Andress has withdrawn, according to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website and Davis is now the only active candidate.

"Being a county commissioner is a full-time job," said Davis. "There are health issues in my family that I need to deal with. That and Palmetto is my first focus. I can't do those things from the county commission."

Mark Young, Bradenton Herald urban affairs reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7041 or follow him on Twitter @urbanmark2014.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 11:15 PM with the headline "Roberto Gonzalez wants to bring Latino voice to Palmetto City Commission ."