Eleuterio 'Junior' Salazar files to run for mayor of Bradenton

BRADENTON -- Eleuterio "Junior" Salazar, 28, has filed for the November mayoral election.

"I believe it's time for a change," said Salazar. "It's a different period in history where change is needed, and I believe the community has too much potential for growth and development. I want to bring the community closer and provide a safe haven and at the same time bring quality education and job growth."

Salazar delved into several facets of the community over the past decade, serving as a board member for the Family Partnership Center, Manatee County Financial Advisory Council, National Youth Council and more.

He is the founder of the Multicultural Manateens, Multicultural Council and Manateen Multicultural Council.

He received the President's Volunteer Service Award from former President George W. Bush at the White House in 2005 and remains the youngest person to have ever received the award.

He's been involved in the Big Brothers organization and the Congressional Student Leadership Conference and most recently founded United Nations Organization, an organization that helps young adults with resources and tools to thrive within the community. He's served on the Manatee County School District Budget Advisory Committee and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

"I look forward to doing this and to bridge a lot of gaps that are missing in the community," said Salazar. "It's an important time in history, locally and nationally, and it's a perfect time for change because we've been stuck in an old way for a long time."

Mayor Wayne Poston has not yet officially announced whether he will run for re-election next year to a fifth term.

Salazar said he is not yet ready to discuss Poston's performance as mayor.

"I'll make more of an official announcement Jan. 26 and discuss a lot of proposals as part of my campaign at that time," said Salazar. "I'll post my bio to the elections website by the end of this week. As of right now, I just want people to know what I'm doing and who I am."

Salazar said the driving force in life to help others began at the age of 9 when he lost his father.

"Since his passing, I've always felt the need to do this and have had a calling to help others and the community," he said. "I've been involved in the community for 14 years since I was a young kid. I've grown and see the exceeding potential for this community to grow and prosper."

Poston, 71, said he is not ready to announce his plans.

"When we decide to get up and running and filed, we'll let you know," said Poston. "All I'll say right now is that we have a plan and a strategy in place."

Poston was elected to his fourth term in 2012.

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

This story was originally published December 30, 2015 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Eleuterio 'Junior' Salazar files to run for mayor of Bradenton ."