After running unopposed for his seat on the Manatee County Board of Commissioners in 2012, John Chappie will have competition in the November election.
Matt Bower, a member of the Manatee County Planning Commission, announced he will seek the District 3 seat.
According to a Feb. 5 news release from his campaign, Bower wants to help preserve the county’s “unique small town ambience by protecting its coastline from development.”
Chappie said he’s looking forward to a campaign and the chance to continue representing the people of Manatee County.
Chappie was first elected to the county commission in 2008. He is a Republican and Bower is running as an independent.
County commission elections are partisan contests.
Chappie, 64, served as a Bradenton Beach city commissioner 1997-2001 and mayor 2001-2007, and operated a lawn-care business.
Bower, 41, is a financial advisor and a seven-year U.S. Army veteran. He was born and raised in northwest Bradenton.
District 3 encompasses the western area of Bradenton and unincorporated Manatee County, including Anna Maria Island and the northern half of Longboat Key.
The commissioners serve four-year terms and are paid $78,789 a year.
— Tal Reeve