Bradenton Beach resident Bill Vincent and former Holmes Beach Commissioner David Zaccagnino took an early leap into the local political arena March 25.
Vincent announced he is running for Bradenton Beach’s Ward 4 commission seat, and Zaccagnino for the District 3 Manatee County commission seat in the Nov. 8 election.
Bradenton Beach Commissioner Jan Vosburgh will vacate her seat in November and County Commissioner John Chappie announced in March that he would not seek re-election for a third term.
Vincent is the only candidate thus far for Ward 4 — or any seat on the Bradenton Beach commission.
He said he’s never held public office before but has volunteered in church, community, professional and governmental organizations.
Vincent said as a commissioner he would work to improve the quality of life for residents and families, and the long-term integrity and stabilization of the city’s neighborhoods.
“It’s my opinion that businesses, merchants and rentals are represented more on the commission than residents, families and neighborhoods,” Vincent said.
Vosburgh is currently serving her third full term as a commissioner. The city charter limits elected terms to no more than three full consecutive terms.
Mayor Bill Shearon said Vincent’s declaration to run is encouraging. “The more candidates we have, the better choices the residents have.”
According to a press statement March 26 from Vincent, he previously served on government committees in Lansing, Michigan, and he presently holds the seat of president of the Pines Trailer Park Homeowners Association in Bradenton Beach.
Vincent said he expects to be appointed to the city’s Scenic Waves committee in April.
Candidates in Bradenton Beach must live in the city for at least nine months to qualify.
Commissioners serve two-year terms and are compensated $400 a month.
In the county race, as of March 25, Zaccagnino is facing two other candidates in the partisan race: Bradenton residents Matt Bower and Stephen Jonsson.
Chappie withdrew from the race March 7.
Zaccagnino, who is running as an independent, said March 26 that although he said earlier he wouldn’t pursue Chappie’s seat, he kept hearing from people who encouraged him to run.
“I know I am the best qualified person to represent the five cities in District 3 — Holmes Beach, Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, Longboat Key and West Bradenton. I have the experience and know the unique characteristics of each community,” Zaccagnino said.
Zaccagnino served as Holmes Beach commissioner for nine years.
He said as a county commissioner he would focus on the rapidly growing communities and holding the county government accountable.
Bower also is running as an independent and Jonsson is running as a Republican.
County commissioners are elected to serve three-year terms with no limit on terms and are paid a yearly salary of $78,789.