Candidate response: Kathleen Grant, Manatee County Commission, District 5

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

Kathleen Grant, Manatee County Commission Candidate, District 5

I would like to thank the Bradenton Herald staff for their time and consideration during the vetting and interviewing process. Being new to the political arena, the experience has been both challenging and enlightening.

I’ve learned that it requires considerable stamina, fortitude and courage to take on the entrenched special interests, to stand up for oneself and for the citizens of Manatee County.

The editors, of course, have every right to endorse the candidate of their choice. But it is truly puzzling to me why you would attack me in such an obviously mean-spirited manner, so as to not draw attention to what is really going on.

Perhaps the objective was to discourage me, and in that sense, it was successful — for about five minutes. To the contrary, this has motivated me to try my hardest, do my best, all the way to the finish. The residents in District 5, and indeed, throughout the county, want to be heard and want a representative who will fight for them against the status quo.

I have the education, experience and tenacity to challenge the wrongs of our local government. Above all, no matter how the Herald or my opponent try to misrepresent me, I have my integrity, which will always define me.

I am Kathleen Grant, candidate for County Commission, District 5, and I am asking everyone in the district — Republican, Democrat and independent, to vote for change, to bring the government back to the people.

Thank you.

This story was originally published August 19, 2016 at 9:04 AM with the headline "Candidate response: Kathleen Grant, Manatee County Commission, District 5."