Michael Carleton wants a chance to inform the public about what he calls an unbelievable amount of wasteful spending by the West Manatee Fire Rescue district.
And he’s asking to be voted in as a WMFR commissioner Nov. 2 so he can begin to turn around a problem with public safety that he said has “become a huge and expensive disease that needs to be corrected.”
Carleton, a 49-year-old Holmes Beach resident and businessman, wants to consolidate government. His motto is, “Lowering tax burdens, but not lowering quality of service.”
Carleton said he does not want to lay off firefighters, but he would like to consolidate Manatee County fire departments and implement a spending freeze.
“When we’re in this economic downturn and you see what these (WMFR employees) are making, it’s an unbelievable amount of money,” he said.
Carleton said he would like to see more volunteer firefighters.
“Ten years ago we had that,” he said. “And what was wrong with that?”
Carleton owns Commercial Communication, a Holmes Beach company that installs communications equipment such as two-way radios.
“All the fire departments and police departments all use commercial equipment,” he said. “My whole life I’ve dealt with police departments, sheriff departments, EMS, putting commercial communications in, and I know the money side of how this operates. And I know plenty of ways to save money, money than can be cut.”
Carleton said he is not a former firefighter. But what the WMFR commission needs, he said, is a professional businessman who knows how to handle a budget.
On another matter, someone who speaks at a WMFR public meeting is allowed 3 minutes during public comments. Carleton said it is not fair to limit speaking time. If he is elected, he said he would be willing to stay at a meeting for as long as it takes to give each speaker at least 15 minutes.
“If a citizen wants to come in and speak with us, they should be allowed to be heard,” he said.
Carleton said it is crucial for voters to make a change at WMFR.
“It might take 5-10 years to turn this around,” Carleton said. “We’re we’re going to turn it around.”
Biography:
RESIDENCY: Nine years.
OCCUPATION: Self-employed.
OFFICE SOUGHT: West Manatee Fire District commission seat.
FAMILY: Wife, daughter.
INTERESTS: Offshore fishing, hunting and camping.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: None yet.
CAMPAIGN MONETARY CONTRIBUTIONS (as of Sept. 15): None.
QUOTE TO LIVE BY: NA
CAMPAIGN MOTTO: “Lower taxes, but maintain quality service.”
Questions:
An Islander Q&A with Michael Carleton, seeking election to the West Manatee Fire Rescue District commission in the Nov. 2 general election.
The Islander: Why did you decide to run for office in November?
Michael Carlton: A good friend is running and suggested I do the same. I feel the same way about runaway spending and taxes.
The Islander: What are your qualifications for this office?
MC: NA
The Islander: What are the three top goals/positions in your platform?
MC: To stop spending, lower tax burdens, maintain quality service.
The Islander: What is your understanding of Florida’s Sunshine/Public Records laws?
MC: To keep everything open. No closed doors.
The Islander: From time to time there is talk of consolidating local governments and/or local services. How do you feel about consolidation?
MC: One-hundred percent for consolidation.
The Islander: Characterize the direction of the district. Right track? Off-track? Wrong track? Explain.
MC: NA
The Islander: Why should voters cast their ballot for you over your opponent?
MC: NA
The Islander: What is the most significant issue facing the electorate at this time? How will you handle that issue?
MC: The economy. Lower the tax burden on all citizens.
The Islander: Local governments are beginning a new fiscal year. What is your view of the local budget/tax situation? And how do you approach government finances?
MC: I think we need to consolidate all local governments and go back to when volunteerism was the best and most efficient way to do things. Public safety has become a huge and expensive disease that needs to be corrected.
The Islander: Is there a promise you want to make to voters?
MC: I will do my honest best to lower your tax burdens and promote cost-effective ways to continue quality service.
If Mr. Carlton would ask questions of WMFD he would find out that they are one of the only departments with Volunteers in the county! Most of them have other jobs and cannot commit to protecting the district on a daily basis. In years past there were more volunteers on the department however, back then rent was only $400 a month for a two bedrooom two bath duplex and not over $1000 as it is now. As for being paid to much, WMFD employees are paid average in the county. They are not the highest and not the lowest, but are required to have the most education in the county. They are also not just the island but the west end of the Manatee County. I am only left with one question. Is it that difficult to obtain correct information?