Candidate response: Dave Miner, School Board District 3

Editor’s note: The Bradenton Herald allows candidates who did not receive the Editorial Board’ recommendation the opportunity to respond.

Dave Miner, School Board Candidate, District 3

The Aug. 30 election is about choosing the candidate who brings to the school board the most proven dedication, ability and experience for serving children and taxpayers.

My history includes attending and participating in school board meetings advocating for children for over 10 years prior to my election four years ago. It also includes: drafting curriculum reform legislation and testifying before the Senate in support of the Truth in Testing —Parents Right to Know Act; going to Washington advocating local control of education; initiating Manatee’s first Child Abuse Prevention Program; chairman of Manatee’s Cable Television Advisory Board bringing together groups (including the school board) to initiate the televising of school board and county commission meetings.

When I joined the school board four years ago, our superintendent had just resigned, our financial operations were chaotic and deeply in debt, and employee morale was in the toilet. To right our finances, I was determined that we would create an auditing committee consisting of community C.P.A.’s charged with reviewing all district finances and financial procedures and that we would have an internal auditor who was not a district employee. I was instrumental in accomplishing this and our finances are now stable and our bond rating rising.

On the board I authored the resolution to end the 50 percent impact fee for developers and was instrumental in requiring elementary students being allowed at least 20 minutes of recess per day.

In recognition of my ability to successfully work with others, the Central Florida Public School Boards Coalition chose me to serve as its chairman.

To continue the progress of the past four years, please be sure to vote for Dave “Watchdog” Miner on Aug. 30.

This story was originally published August 16, 2016 at 4:43 PM with the headline "Candidate response: Dave Miner, School Board District 3."