County Commission — District 3: Stephen Jonsson

Age: 65

Hometown:  Chatham, New Jersey lived in Bradenton 39 years

Occupation: Business and Real Estate Consultant

About: Stephen Jonsson has worked in and organized two banks in District 3, and volunteered as a Member of the Boys and Girls Club of Manatee for 20 years and spent two years as president. He is also a graduate of Leadership Manatee. Jonsson formeryl served on the advisory board for Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium and on the bard of the El Conquistador Neighborhood Association. He graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in economics, and has a graduate degree from the University of Florida.

Why are you running for office?

 I have lived in the district for 38 years and I wish to give back to the community that has been so good to me and my family. My extensive business experience will provide a unique perspective on the Board that will help guide the community into the future for the next four years. I have operated and started two banks in the district. As an independent businessman I know what it takes to create jobs and be fiscally responsible for the tax payer’s dollars. The commission needs someone with my business background and education that has seen the growth in population over the last 38 years as well as the impact this growth has had on the county budget and staffing levels. I will do my best to continue that the quality of life, safety of our residents, the welfare of the citizens and the health of the county continues to improve.

What do you believe will be the biggest issues that will arise due to expected growth in Manatee County?

• Transportation and traffic congestion
• Managed growth
• Public Safety
• Fiscal Management
• Environmental protection

What are the biggest opportunities within your district?

Passage of the sales tax referendum will provide the necessary funds for infrastructure rebuilding so badly needed along with preservation of our parks and public safety, and to continue to ensure smart growth that protects our quality of life.

What are your thoughts on barrier islands receiving a larger share of potential surtax dollars?

Unfortunately the state has determined the percentages that the barrier islands receive in tax dollars from any increase in the sales tax. I would support working with our state representatives in giving the county more flexibility in this area.

How will you work with “the Four Mayors” who have partnered to highlight barrier island issues?

Actually in District 3 there are 5 mayors — including the city of Bradenton — and I would hope we can continue to have a good working relationship with them to further their goals and objectives. I have always been a consensus builder and would continue to insure that we all work together for the public good.

Could you please talk about three issues you deem most important that you already haven't addressed in the questions above?

I think have identified all of the most important issues that the Island is facing which are similar to the ones the county is concerned with.  The only other major issue that does arise is the topic of a third bridge to the island which I oppose.  We need to concentrate on replacing the existing bridges and provide better methods in handling the traffic and the evacuation of the island in the event of a major storm.