Bradenton mayoral candidate Warren Merriman says he'll drop out if city re-hires him

BRADENTON -- Bradenton mayoral candidate Warren Merriman, who last year was fired from the police department after he was charged with theft, says he will end his campaign if the city re-hires him to be the administrative services and fiscal services supervisor for the police department.

Merriman, who was deputy chief when he was fired, on Feb. 10 was found guilty on one count of petit theft. He says in his application to the city that he understands he would have to drop out of the mayoral race if hired.

"I am currently a candidate for public office within the city of Bradenton, and in accordance with ... rules and regulations, if hired I would withdraw my candidacy," he wrote. "I believe this position will still allow me to make the city of Bradenton a better place to live, visit and conduct business."

Merriman sent an email to Mayor Wayne Poston the day before his application that only read, "Please contact me."

Poston believes Merriman's application is a sign

that he is not serious about being mayor.

"I think it shows his integrity and just how serious he really is about wanting to be mayor," said Poston.

Poston confirmed the police department is seeking a qualified candidate. He said Monday Police Chief Melanie Bevan would be doing the hiring.

"The department is in the process of looking for a good candidate and the police chief has that well in hand," Poston said.

Merriman submitted a statement via email to the Bradenton Herald in response.

"My only goal, whether it be with the police department or as mayor of Bradenton, is to improve the quality of life within the city of Bradenton, and make it a desirable place for people to both visit and live," said Merriman. "With that said, it should be understood that I have never paused my campaign, I continue to go door-to-door and also meet with local neighborhood organizations. This is the only true way of learning what their concerns and ideas are, and in turn, I can tell them how I will address those matters, and produce the desired results."

Merriman was fired in January 2015 after the Manatee County Sheriff's Office conducted an investigation that found Merriman submitted hours he did not work. Initially, he was charged with three counts of theft. One was dropped prior to his February trial and he was found not guilty on a second count. Merriman was sentenced to three months probation, which expires in May.

The Manatee County Supervisor of Elections website updates political contributions monthly and while March contributions have not yet been posted, Poston is outpacing Merriman and Eluetero Salazar Jr. in campaign fundraising. As of the end of February, Poston has raised more than $14,000. Salazar's contributions total $830 in the same time period while Merriman has raised $850. Merriman contributed $500 to his own campaign with the law offices of Brett McIntosh contributing $250.

McIntosh was Merriman's defense attorney during his trial.

Salazar's biggest contributor is Mr. Tequila Restaurant, which donated $500. Poston's biggest contributors thus far include Sunbright Rentals, $1,000, two Federal Discount Beverage locations for a total of $4,000 and multiple $1,000 donations from business owners and two real estate companies.

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

This story was originally published March 28, 2016 at 11:21 PM with the headline "Bradenton mayoral candidate Warren Merriman says he'll drop out if city re-hires him ."