Promises vs. The Record

Did you know Sarasota County paid $18.1 million for a 2-acre boatyard property at Stickney Point — and the seller had purchased it for $8.9 million just two years earlier, a profit of approximately 103%?

Commissioner Mark Smith was the sole YES vote to bring back a $7.5 million BII tourism grant for additional review after other commissioners questioned the expenditure. Does this represent sound fiscal judgment?

Commissioner Smith was the sole YES vote on the Voluntary Condo Rebuild Amendment — a measure rejected 4-1 by his own colleagues. When a commissioner repeatedly casts sole YES votes that other commissioners reject, what does that indicate?

Commissioner Neunder shut down a proposal by Commissioner Knight to make a modest 3% reduction to the Sheriff's budget. Given that the Sheriff's budget grew by approximately $72 million in recent years, was blocking even a 3% discussion appropriate?

Under Chairman Neunder's leadership, approximately 100 new county employees were added in a single budget cycle. Were you aware of this staffing expansion?

The commission voted to repeal the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) tax — saving $472,000 per year — while the EDC had an active economic development pipeline. Was eliminating this economic development funding a responsible fiscal decision?

The Sheriff who endorsed Commissioner Neunder received budget increases of approximately $72 million in recent years — yet skipped the budget workshop where these increases were discussed. Does this raise concerns about accountability?

Both commissioners campaigned as fiscal conservatives in 2022. Their record includes: $876M in new spending and debt, zero NO votes, a $100M government building, 100 new employees, and shutting down even modest budget cut discussions. Does the word 'fiscal conservative' accurately describe their record?

When you consider the specific votes and projects described above — Stickney Point, the sole YES votes, blocking budget cuts, 100 new employees — how likely are you to support re-electing Commissioners Neunder and Smith?

Would you support challengers running explicitly on accountability and reform — specifically pledging to reverse wasteful spending, audit recent debt authorizations, and restore transparent budgeting?

Which of the specific projects or votes described in this survey concerns you most?

How likely are you to share specific examples of these votes and projects with people you know before the August 18 primary?