Jonathan Davis to run for Manatee County Commission seat
MANATEE -- Palmetto City Commissioner Jonathan Davis has filed to run for the District 1 seat on Manatee County Commission.
Davis, an at-large city commissioner, was elected to the Palmetto City Commission in 2012. Davis is the fourth Republican candidate who has filed to run for the District 1 seat in 2016.
The District 1 commissioner represents Palmetto, Parrish, Duette, Terra Ceia, Rubonia, Palm View, Gillette and parts of Myakka City.
In a press release announcing his candidacy, Davis said he is "an advocate of smart growth (who) is concerned with traffic congestion, efficient government services, protecting our pristine environment and economic development."
"There is a balance between the natural beauty that Manatee County affords us and its continued growth and economic development," Davis said the release. "As a city commissioner, I helped develop that balance. Palmetto has new businesses, redeveloped parks, a new commitment to the environment, one of the best local police response times, new civic partnerships and opportunities on the horizon."
The three other candidates are Corie Holmes, a former Manatee County sheriff's deputy and a former Democrat; Nathaniel Leonard, a Parrish resident and counter-terrorism expert; and former Florida state Rep. Ron Reagan.
Larry Bustle, who currently serves as District 1 commissioner, withdrew his name from the 2016 election in September.
According to Davis' biography on the city of Palmetto website, Davis was born in Manatee County and has lived in the city of Palmetto his entire life. Since 1986, Davis has been the sole owner and operator of Captain JL Davis Charter Fishing.
During his time on the city commission, Davis was elected vice mayor, according to the release. Davis also serves on the Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council and the Palmetto Historic Commission.
When reached by phone Monday afternoon, Davis said he wants to provide representation for the north side of the Manatee River.
"Being younger and being active in the community, I think I can do a lot more," Davis said.
The three other Manatee County Commission seats up for re-election in 2016 are:
District 3, which represents West Bradenton and Anna Maria Island, held by John Chappie, who has filed for re-election.
District 5, which represents Lakewood Ranch, Myakka City and other parts of East Manatee, held by Vanessa Baugh, who has filed for re-election. Tom Batchelor and Kathleen Grant have also filed.
District 7, which is an at-large seat, held by Betsy Benac, who has announced her plans to run for re-election but has yet to file. Candace Luther has filed for the seat.
Claire Aronson, Manatee County reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7024. Follow her on Twitter@Claire_Aronson.
This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 4:20 PM with the headline "Jonathan Davis to run for Manatee County Commission seat ."