Write-in candidate files for District 1 seat on Manatee County Commission

MANATEE -- The first non-Republican candidate has filed for the Manatee County Commission District 1 seat in the 2016 election.

Parrish resident Michael Hilleshiem, a write-in candidate, filed Friday.

"I'm kind of new to this," he said. "I'm trying to get my feet wet. I'm a write-in candidate because it's less expensive for me to do it this way to get my feet wet."

Hilleshiem, who worked for the county as a traffic signs and markings supervisor from 1989 through July 6, 2012, owns and operates transport vehicles. He was awarded Employee of the Month for the county in May 2008.

Hilleshiem said it is a learning opportunity for him.

"As being a write-in, I'm sure I will get some votes," he said.

When asked to name the major issues facing the county, Hilleshiem said there are a lot.

"I don't want to touch base with that right now," he said. "I'm sure as time goes on there are more issues that I will reveal as time progresses."

Hilleshiem is the sixth candidate to file for the District 1 commission seat, which represents Palmetto, Parrish, Duette, Terra Ceia, Rubonia, Palm View, Gillette and parts of Myakka City.

The other five candidates: Palmetto City Commissioner Jonathan Davis; Corie Holmes, former Manatee County sheriff's deputy and a former Democrat; Sheri Clinard, former co-owner of the Lucky Dog restaurant in downtown Bradenton; former state Rep. Ron Reagan; and Dustin Schaal, a Parrish resident.

Since a non-Republican candidate is running, it forces a November general election to decide the race. The primary is in August.

Larry Bustle, a Republican who serves as District 1 commissioner, withdrew his name from the 2016 election in September.

Nathaniel Leonard, a Parrish resident, withdrew his name earlier this month and endorsed Davis.

Three other Manatee County Commission seats are up for re-election:

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. Challengers Tom Batchelor and Kathleen Grant have also filed.

District 7, an at-large seat held by Betsy Benac, who has announced plans to run for re-election but has yet to file. Challenger 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 December 18, 2015 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Write-in candidate files for District 1 seat on Manatee County Commission ."