Republican Kruse faces Democrat Lindroos-Valimaki for countywide Manatee County seat
Incumbent Republican Manatee County Commissioner George Kruse is seeking reelection against Democratic challenger Sari Lindroos-Valimaki in Tuesday’s general election.
The candidates will compete for the District 7 seat, an at-large seat representing all of Manatee County.
Kruse was elected in 2020. He defeated Republican rival Kevin Van Ostenbridge in the August primary with over 58% of the vote. Kruse’s campaign points include a return to a board that listens to citizens and the rollback of unpopular cuts to local wetland protections. Kruse says he would seek to reign in rapid development and tighten the county’s budget.
Lindroos-Valimaki, a Finnish IT and cybersecurity professional who has lived in Florida since 1983, is seeking her first election to local government. Lindroos-Valimaki says she would “end the chaos in Manatee County government” with leadership that represents residents of all political parties. Lindroos-Valimaki’s campaign points include environmental protection, sustainable growth and development and government transparency and integrity.
Who is George Kruse?
Background: George Kruse grew up in Sarasota County and works in commercial real estate finance. He was first elected in 2020 and previously served as chairman of the Manatee County Port Authority.
Top priorities: Kruse says top priorities for a second term on the commission include tightening the county’s budget and focusing on “smart growth” and “sustainable development.”
Kruse said he would oppose more building east of the county’s Future Development Area Boundary. Instead, he says he would prioritize redevelopment and building in areas already connected to infrastructure to prevent traffic congestion, sprawl and negative environmental impacts.
Kruse said he would also continue efforts to expand diverse transportation options, including the county’s long-planned recreational trail system.
Kruse said he would focus on returning transparency and “open dialogue” to the Manatee County Government and continue to host town hall listening forums.
Why vote for Kruse?: “I will continue to bring a common sense conservative voice to our Board of County Commissioners,” Kruse said in his campaign bio. “We will focus on a small government, limited tax agenda that will protect both the personal rights and the personal capital of the citizens of Manatee County. I will ensure that diverse, free market views are heard and enacted for the benefit of the overall community in order to lower your cost of living while raising your quality of life.”
Who is Sari Lindroos-Valimaki?
Background: Lindroos-Valimaki has lived in Manatee County since 2018 and works in cybersecurity and technology, according to her campaign bio.
Top priorities: Lindroos-Valimaki says top priorities include environmental protection and a technology-focused approach to “smart growth” in Manatee County.
Upgrades Lindroos-Valimaki would focus on include “smart” synchronized traffic light systems to reduce congestion, expanding access to high-speed internet and promoting the use of “durable, eco-friendly materials” in new infrastructure projects.
On the environment, Lindroos-Valimaki said she would focus on protecting wetlands, ensuring that phosphate mining is not leaving behind contamination and implementing security upgrades to protect Manatee County’s water supply from digital threats.
Lindroos-Valimaki said her approach to governing is defined by “transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness.”
Why vote for Lindroos-Valimaki?: “It’s time for a new leadership that brings Democrats, Republicans, and Independents together to end the chaos in Manatee County Government and deliver real results for all Manatee County residents,” Lindroos-Valimaki said in her campaign bio.
Lindroos-Valimaki says she is “Here to represent all residents of Manatee County, not just developers and special interests. Here to listen, learn and lead with integrity.”