Write-in candidates challenge incumbent Manatee commissioner. You may know their names

Two-term Manatee County Commissioner Vanessa Baugh sailed unopposed to a Republican primary win on Aug. 18. She still faces two write-in challengers during the general election on Nov. 3.

Originally, Baugh had a well-funded primary opponent, former county administrator Ed Hunzeker. But when at-large county commissioner Betsy Benac announced she would not be seeking re-election, Hunzeker dropped his bid to unseat Baugh and put his hat into the ring for the at-large seat, only to be defeated by newcomer George Kruse.

It would take an upset of near unprecedented proportions for Baugh to fail to to win re-election in November to represent the district covering much of southeast Manatee, including Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City and a portion of east Bradenton. After all, her opponents’ names appear nowhere on the ballot.

Still, the write-in candidates have some name recognition.

Carol Ann Felts of Myakka City participated in the Cracker Trail Ride for 15 years, and served as a former trail boss. Over the years, she quietly became involved in several causes, including concerns about Florida Power & Light’s Bobwhite-Manatee Transmission Line along County Road 675, and county storm water fees.

She decided to run as a write-in candidate, citing communications issues with the county government and the people.

“We have gotten mired in bureaucracy and nothing gets done,” Felts said.

But she has no illusions about defeating Baugh.

“It’s a toe in the water for me,” Felts said. “If I can get one person to vote who hasn’t voted before, it will be a success. I am not anti-growth. I am a realist.”

Chris Gilbert, an environmentalist, a Democrat, and former chairman of the city of Bradenton Tree and Land Preservation Board, is also running as a write-in.

“The Democrat Party scrambled to get the $5,100 filing fee. We fell a few hundred dollars short,” Gilbert said of his write-in candidacy. “I am looking at this as if I have an equal chance. Voters do have an opportunity. I am well positioned, I am excited and my values are Democratic values. My platform is aligned with what voters are concerned about in Manatee County: infrastructure, environment, development. I will represent all citizens, not just the interests of a few.”

Originally from Louisville, Ky., Gilbert earned a B.A. in American studies from Eckerd College in 1997 with a concentration in environmental history.

For her part, Baugh is focused on her next term and working with a new dynamic on the county commission.

“I am very excited about the new term and am concentrating on how we can help citizens achieve a better quality of life. What we can do about the roads to alleviate some of the traffic congestion,” said Baugh, a Lakewood Ranch resident.

“I want to see how we could lower the millage rate and how we can make life better for citizens. How we can take Manatee County to the next level,” Baugh said.

Taking nothing for granted, Baugh said she will continue talking to residents and going door to door.

“I am very protective of Manatee County. I am honored to serve the citizens. I want to see Manatee County grow in the right direction. I am more excited about the new term than the first two. I think we are going to see wonderful things,” Baugh said.

Baugh has contributions of $77,620.20, plus in-kind donations of $509. She has expenditures of $20,890, according to the Supervisor of Elections web site.

Gilbert has $500 in contributions and $184.68 of in-kind donations. He has spent $50.70 on his campaign.

Felts reported no contributions or expenditures.

This story was originally published September 10, 2020 at 5:00 AM.