Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/329100
First, Joe Barbetta is ineligible to run again because of term limits. Paul Caragiulo, his handpicked successor, is widely expected to continue Barbetta's campaign to give free rein to developers in the county. Yet, Caragiulo is opposed in the Republican primary by fellow Sarasota City Commissioner Shannon Snyder and local political gadfly Pete Theisen. Second, Nora Patterson — the only remain- ing voice of reason when it comes to smart growth policies — also is ineligible to run again. Lourdes Ramirez, a neighborhood activist who has been vocal in her opposi- tion to changes in the 2050 Plan, is running for Patterson's seat. Her election would con- tinue, or even increase, the opposition to developers' efforts to run roughshod over the county's pristine areas. Perhaps it is for that reason that her pro-de- velopment opponent, Alan Maio, has received more campaign donations than all other can- didates for the commission combined. And, given the far-right proclivities of the core of local Republicans, Ramirez faces an uphill battle in her primary fight against Maio. Developers are aided in their efforts by their being able to focus only on Republican can- didates. Despite being a minority of county voters, Republicans have a stranglehold on county offices. The Democrats' perennial timidity in the face of Republican hegemony has perpetuated this situation. Even when the occasional Democrat files for office, the lack of any cohesive organization within the party for recruitment and promotion of viable candi- dates means those occasional filings are by fringe candidates who are little better than their Republican counterparts. For example, the sole Democrat in the com- mission race — running for Patterson's seat — is not convinced of the reality of sea level rise as a result of climate change because, when he goes to the beach, it seems the beach is getter larger, not smaller. Such myopic naïveté is almost shocking to more enlight- ened Democrats, and risible to the opposition. We have observed previously in this space that individuals seek public office some- times for imperfect reasons. They might have a score to settle. They might have a preset agenda or a devotion to the preset agenda of an influential backer. Or they just might want to feel important. The true public servant seeks elective office to better his or her community and to serve all those who live and work therein. Critical thinking and a sense of humor are two essen- tial traits for an effective officeholder. A fair and respectful examination of all sides of any issue can then lead to the most benefi- cial resolution. Most important, a scrupulous avoidance of undue influence — especially through OPINION Sarasota News Leader June 13, 2014 Page 100