With Commissioner Ed Straight running unopposed on Nov. 4, Bradenton Beach has only two candidates vying for the Ward 4 commission seat in the Nov. 4 municipal election. And their campaign coffers differ as dramatically as their views on how the city should be run.
According to the Manatee County Supervisor of Elections Office, Ward 4 commission candidate Tjet Martin reported $330 in her treasury, with $80 coming from her own pocket. Lee Ann Metz of Bradenton Beach contributed $250.
Martin’s only expense thus far is the $48 qualifying fee.
In contrast, incumbent Jan Vosburgh reported contributions of $3,998, including $348 of her own money. She spent $2,515.70.
Contributors to Vosburgh’s campaign include: Laurie Higgins of Anna Maria, $100; Karen Clarke of Bradenton, $500; Doreen Flynn of Holmes Beach, $300; and David Teitelbaum, $500; Island Time Lodge, $500; Silver Surf Beach Resort, $500; Bridgewalk Partners, $1,000; and BridgeTender Inn, $250, all of Bradenton Beach.
Vosburgh’s expenses through Oct. 4, according to the SOE, in addition to the $48 filing fee, are $100 for campaign website; $705 for T-shirts; $686 for postage; $25.40 for labels; $34 for bank checks, and $913.30 for signage.
Based upon the support for her campaign, it seems clear that Ms. Vosburgh will work to advance the best interests of the businesses that contributed, and not the citizens of Bradenton Beach.
Bingo!