After extensive talk about transparency in the redistricting process, the private discussions have rankled some community members. 0:57. Sarasota County commissioners chose a map for their revised district boundary lines on Monday that is largely similar to the map they approved in 2019. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Its the concept, not the map, Detert said. During the process of considering new district maps for county elections Tuesday, the County Commission defended its controversial decision to redistrict ahead of the 2020 census and criticized the single-member district election system, which voters approved in 2018. Commissioners are elected by qualified voters in the district in which they reside. Property Appraiser But adjudication was withheld in the felony case and Waechter only was convicted of a misdemeanor. He represents the Commission on the boards of the Economic Development Council of Sarasota County, Sarasota-Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization, West Coast Inland Navigation District, Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy, and Visit Sarasota. He was sentenced to three months of house arrest,two years of probation, 100 hours of community service and $5,000 infinesfor making campaign contributions to Democrats on behalf ofRepublican Lourdes Ramirez a slow-growth activist who has challenged developmentproposals. The adopted 2019 map was based on a submission from resident Bob Waechter, former chairman of the Republican Party of Sarasota County another aspect of the previous redistricting effort that drew criticism. Buthe later sent an email admitting he drew the map. Commissioners will review them and offer input during a public meeting Wednesday. Single-member districts brought this contentious nature about, Moran said. MakingZieglersdistrict instead of Morans district the Democratic-leaning one likely would ensure total GOP control of the commissionuntil Ziegler is up for election in2022, buying time to get rid of single-member districts. Ashland: David Meany (R) Barron: Brian . Meeting agendas and complete agenda packets are available prior to, during, and after the meeting . Spitzer is using Waechters map as a template for creating a fourth map showing alternative district boundaries. Detert suggested creating a hybrid of the maps that were submitted by the public. Sarasota County. Under the new system, commissioners say there is an urgent need to rebalance the districts so they have roughly the same number of residents. Former Venice City Council member Joe Neunder and home remodeling contractor Mark Hawkins. But under Waechters proposed map, it appears that District 1 would become solidly Republican and Moran would have a safe seat. On Nov. 8, Sarasota citizens will get to choose their next two at-large city commissioners. He is a white, non hispanic male registered to vote in Sarasota County, Florida. Sarasota County Schools is a public school district serving all of Sarasota County, Florida. Although the county received 11 submissions from residents, the commission dismissed all but two submissions. Ron Turner, Supervisor of Elections, Sarasota County EMAIL: [email protected] OFFICE HOURS: M-F, 8:30 AM - 5 PM MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. But he said his motivation was not to protect incumbents, but instead to increase the odds of a Democrat winning a seat on the commission for the first time since 1966. He also disputed that there was any attempt to punish Ziegler. According to information presented at todays meeting, census data shows a 14.2% spread between the populations of the smallest and largest districts in the county a gap in excess of the 10% benchmark used to determine whether a map is generally legally defensible. ft; HOA dues 654/mo; Active; Beds 2. The goal of the maps is to create balance, Goodrich said. At a special meeting Oct. 20, the commission eliminated nine of the 11 citizen proposals, advancing only the Goodrich maps for further consideration. Mark Smith was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in November 2022. That email address [email protected] also was used to alert Sarasota County Assistant Administrator Brad Johnson to the maps submission. ESPAOL: (833) 912-1316, PHONE: (941) 861-3760 Downtown Sarasota. As Sarasota County embarks upon an effort to redraw the map outlining district boundaries for commission elections, some officials are expressing hope the process will be more straightforward than it was in 2019. Sarasota, FL 34236 The Democrat will challenge incumbent Commissioner and GOP leader Christian Ziegler. It turns out that its not the republicans at all that are the biggest utilizers of PACs in Sarasota, not by a long shot, wrote the individual, who identified himself as John even though Gmail also identified him as Adam Smith in that email. Their options include an incumbent (Jen Ahearn-Koch), a former president of the Rosemary District. Detert pushed back on the suggestion that Waechters involvement tainted the proposal and the entire redistricting process. FAX: (941) 423-9256 Return to full list >> Back to Top. [email protected] : . If you do not want your email address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Waechter commented on an article on heraldtribune.comroughly two years ago. [email protected] The Board of Sarasota County Commissioners may be reached at [email protected], Commission Meeting - Human Services Workshop. 1660 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota Countyincorporated in 1921 and adopted a Home Rule Charter in 1971 in accordance with the state constitution and Floridalaw. TTY: 7-1-1or 1-800-955-8771. This division is notable for two reasons. PHONE: (941) 861-8600 The Commission appoints the County Administrator, who serves as the county's chief administrative officer, and the County Attorney, who serves as legal adviser to the Commission. Regular meetings of the Sarasota County Commission are cablecast live on Access Sarasota, and may be viewed live below. But its also notable that Ziegler is not up for re-election until 2022, so the boundaries for that district could be changed again after the 2020 Census to make it more Republican. Thats a 12.26 percentage point spread between the least-populated and most-populated districts, as factored by looking at how many percentage points each district deviates from the ideal district. Requestingmail ballots through the end of 2024 only takes a few moments. But Waechter insists that the map is a good product. Commissioner Mike Moran said the only reason the county had to redistrict was because of the switch to single-member districts following the 2018 election. The commissions last redistricting effort occurred two years ago, adopting a new map despite vocal objections from some residents. As Sarasota County embarks upon an effort to redraw the map outlining district boundaries for commission elections, some officials are expressing hope the process will be more. But Anjenys Gonzalez-Eilert, executive director of the good government advocacy group Common Cause Florida, said that Sarasota County commissioners are inviting suspicion about their redistricting process just by accepting anonymous maps. With all 31 precincts reporting according to unofficial results from the supervisor of elections, Atkins edged fellow Democrat Hagen Brody by 110 votes, garnering 3,720 votes or 35% to Brody's 3,610 votes or 34% of the 10,577 total votes cast. Sarasota Countys natural wonder and pristine beauty are what brought him to the area, and one of his top priorities will be to always safeguard our treasured environment assets. Its the concept of having clearer lines. Hines lamented that redistricting has become so contentious, saying the controversy is overblown.. A third map based on a proposal from Spitzer largely seeks to adhere to the 2019 boundaries, while the Goodrich maps make more significant changes to the existing map. The map I came up with is balanced, fair and, with some minor adjustments, meets the criteria set out by commissioners, Waechter wrote. 0000005077 00000 n [5] District Court of Appeal Workload and Jurisdiction Assessment Committee, Final Report and . An active water sports enthusiast, Cutsinger enjoys scuba diving, fishing, boating and kayaking. The headquarters for the two district courts were also flipped, with the Second District court headquarters now being situated in Pinellas County, and the headquarters for the Sixth District being in Lakeland, Polk County. Sorry for my initial denial but you caught me off guard, Waechter wrote, adding: I did craft the map submitted as the Smith map.. Sarasota, Florida Peter C Ginivan (age 68) is listed at 370 Bearded Oaks Cir Sarasota, Fl 34232 and is affiliated with the Democratic Party. Under Florida law, email addresses are public records. I dont want to put words in your mouth, are you suggesting that that bottom middle one would be the easiest I dont want to put words in your mouth on this are you suggesting that bottom middle one is the easiest one to get to zero or as close to zero? Moran said, referencing the Smith map and Spitzers assertion that it did the best job of evening out the population in each district. There is no basis to say otherwise, and it is an insult to the voters to tell us we made a mistake., Copyright 2023 Observer Media Group Inc., All Rights Reserved, Sarasota County redistricting sparks questions, concern, Sarasota County leaders hear criticisms of redrawn maps, Sarasota County Commission moves ahead with two redistricting maps, County selects redistricting map, targets repeal of single-member districts, Sarasota County commissioners settle on three redistricting maps, New district maps coming for Sarasota County, Despite public objections, county picks new district map, Commission considers redistricting, repealing single-member districts. Precinct Finder Some observers have speculated that the person behind the Smith map was trying to punish Ziegler for voting against redistricting. County District Attorney Adams: Tania M. Bonnett (Ind.) Waechter submitted proposed new boundaries for County Commission districts dubbed the "Smith map" anonymously through Sarasota County's online redistricting survey portal, and last. Commissioner Christian Ziegler said he didnt think the change was well thought out. He has also served on the Sarasota County Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and was recognized by the Friends of The Legacy Trail for his support of the successful referendum to extend the trail. Learn more and submit a new request. Some have speculated that a credible opponent from North Port could give Detert a tough race if the lines of her district dont change. Spitzer then noted that some of the publicmaps have wildly different populations in each commission district and said the Smith version is one that would be easier to work with.. LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Speaking from Reedy Creek Fire Station #4 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, on Monday morning, Gov. (Commissioners Christian Ziegler and Charles Hines voted against the Waechter map). He served as Vice Chair in 2022 and is serving as Chair for 2023. Cutsinger loves and is committed to Sarasota County and has served as a member of civic and nonprofit community service organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, and the Rotary Club of Sarasota. District State's Attorney Ansonia/Milford Margaret E. Kelley Danbury . Spitzer drew a map that seeks to largely maintain the general scope of the districts the county adopted in 2019. Areal estate investor, Waechter has long been highly active in local politics and remains influential despite beingarrested in 2012 for a political dirty trick. He has three grandsons and three granddaughters who are the pride and joy of his life. READ MORE: See the latest local and state politics news. District 1: Vice Mayor Alice White District 2: Mayor Barbara Langdon District 3: Commissioner Debbie McDowell District 4: Commissioner Pete Emrich District 5: Commissioner Phil Stokes The North Port City Commission approved the creation of five districts within the City of North Port. Although some commissioners have stood by the decision to adopt a new map in 2019, critics said the population imbalance reflected poorly on the choice to redistrict without detailed Census information. Home facts updated by county records on Jan 25, 2023 . Learn more and apply. Green Map; Neighborhood Projects; Water Atlas; Bike and Walking Routes; Neighborhood Services. An ad blocker has likely prevented this video content from loading. in writing. For nearly 30 years, Cutsinger has been a financial advisor and is the owner and managing director of Waypoint Wealth Management, a full-service financial services firm. The most significant change may be a revision to two of the maps that removes a portion of Venice from District 3 so that the district consists entirely of North Port and some nearby unincorporated neighborhoods, an apparent nod to the desire among some in North Port for a district more likely to elect a North Port resident to the seat. Ron Cutsinger was elected to the Sarasota County Commission in November 2020. Its notable that Waechters map would give Democrats a commission district that they would have a good chance of winning, thereby undercutting the argument that the exercise is a Republican gerrymander. Both Detert and Moran pressed last week to have the Smith map included as an option for commissioners to consider going forward. The county intends to finalize the maps it will consider for adoption at the Oct. 26 commission meeting. On Monday, commissioners approved the creation of a new Future Land Use Map classification called "Urban Mixed-Use." The category would apply to many of the properties on the city's main. Moran and Maio did not respond to messages. All commissioners except Commissioner Mike Moran spoke with the consultant about the maps. Waechters involvement likely will lead to further suspicion that the redistricting process is being hijacked for various purposes, such as protecting the GOP's grip onthe commission, ensuring powerful individuals and business interests continue to have influence on commissioners and helping incumbent board members keep their seats. After selling Rons, Cutsinger completed formal training in Bible and Ministry, returned to pastor a local congregation for 12 years, and founded Suncoast Christian School. some officials have expressed displeasure with single-member districts, County selects redistricting map, targets repeal of single-member districts, Lawsuit challenging county's redistricting plan denied in federal court, County finalizes redistricting map options, Sarasota County narrows list of redistricting maps, Commission considers redistricting, repealing single-member districts, Sarasota County redistricting sparks questions, concern, Sarasota County commissioners settle on three redistricting maps, Despite public objections, county picks new district map. Commissioners began pushing to redraw the district boundaries after voters last November approved the single-member districts amendment to the county charter last year. Critics of the 2019 redistricting effort argued the available population data was not reliable enough to justify a new map, and that adjusting district boundaries twice in two years would unnecessarily prevent some voters from participating in both the 2020 and 2022 elections. If I worried about the appearance of everything this is why we have a frozen government, she said. The three maps each have two commission districts (Districts 1 and 2) entirely in the north part of the county, one districtin the central part of the county (District 4) and two districtsin south county (Districts 3 and 5). He was one of the first people to fill out the countys online redistricting survey on Sept. 20, giving his real name, email account and phone number. Everything we do in regards to major projects, anything, we meet one-on-one with those folks to get some information, get some background before we go up to the dais, Hines said. Commissioner Christian Ziegler said he also steered clear of giving recommendations on how the districts should look. Sarasota County. DeSoto, Manatee, Sarasota: Ed Brodsky (R) 13th Hillsborough: Susan Lopez 14th Bay, Calhoun, Gulf, Holmes, Jackson, Washington: . County staff estimated thatgap at9.1%. The University of Floridas Bureau of Economic and Business Research pegged Sarasota Countys 2018 population total at 417,442. Now, only voters who live within a district can cast ballots in that race. Detert said she had no input on the Smith map and did not know Waechter was behind it. Previously, all commissioners were elected by voters in the entire county. Spitzers proposed maps do not make the populations in each district identical, but instead cut the difference between the most-populated and least-populated districts so it is less than three percentage points. 311 or 941-861-5000, Sarasota County How much are these districts really going to change?. For the latest redistricting effort, the county solicited online map submissions from the public from Oct. 1-11. We need to do it again, but in a much more minor way.. Two seemingly small proposed changes to Sarasota County School District policies caused a stir at Tuesday's School Board meeting, with several people opposing the changes because of safety concerns. The schemecould haveundermined Ramirez in a GOP primary by making it look like she supported Democrats. He is a past board member of the Siesta Key Association, Siesta Key Village Association, Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Siesta Key Presidents' Council, Sheriffs Advisory Board,All Faiths Food Bank, and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. zambelli hydraulic . Instead, contact this office by phone or Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Meanwhile, it appears that District 2 would move from a Republican tilt under the current configuration to a Democratic tilt. 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