Election 2014: Charter Review Board

Charter Review Board District 1
Republicans

PAUL CAJKA SR.
AGE: 57
FAMILY: Married with three children
EDUCATION: Mount Lebanon High School, bachelor’s degree in economics, The Pennsylvania State University
OCCUPATION: Front-end service, Publix Super Markets

I am running for the Charter Review Board to serve the citizens of Sarasota County. My children were well educated for their future endeavors by the Sarasota County School District. I hope I give back a little through volunteer service with the Charter Review Board.

If you are elected, what will be your agenda and priorities?
1. Serving the citizens of Sarasota County to the best of my abilities; 2. Make the charter a document that does not block reasonable growth for the opportunity and prosperity of Sarasota County; 3. Protect the election of Charter Review Board members by the voters of Sarasota County.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?
I am a better candidate for the Charter Review Board because I have extensive experience listening to the residents of Sarasota County. The Charter Review Board needs accessible members, and I will be accessible to people though my daily job.

STEVEN R. FIELDS
AGE: 48
FAMILY: Married 26 years
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree of Business Administration, Finance
OCCUPATION: Independent designer, disabled Army veteran

Why are you running to be re-elected to the Charter Review Board?
I am a candidate for this office because the operation of the board must be open, accessible and fair to maintain public confidence. No influence of party affiliation should play a part in the operation or deliberation of the Charter Review Board. 

If you are re-elected, what will be your agenda and priorities?
My only agenda is to ensure that our government here in Sarasota can run with efficiency, with fiscal responsibility and with respect for the rights and desires of the voters. I will continue to give voters their rightful opportunity to address issues before the board and oppose attempts to convert the board to an appointed body.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?
I have served as vice-chair and been elected to serve as the current chairman of the board.  The combination of familiarity with the board prior to office as well as the numerous positions I have held while serving on it give me a wealth of experience that makes me uniquely qualified as a candidate. 

Charter Review Board District 5
REPUBLICANS

BRUCE DILLON
AGE: 62
FAMILY: Married, no children.
EDUCATION: Graduated from Venice High School
OCCUPATION: Retired telecommunications operations manager for Verizon

Why are you running to be elected to the Charter Review Board?
I have been active in community affairs for more than a decade as a volunteer in county government serving on several advisory boards. Running for the Charter Review Board offers an opportunity to use some of the skills developed through that volunteer work and other life experiences in a different area of community service.

If you are elected, what will be your agenda and priorities?
Thoughtful consideration of and an open mind toward proposed changes.

What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?
My volunteer service has offered an education on the interworking of local government.

W. BRIAN SLIDER
AGE: 52
FAMILY: Single, no children.
EDUCATION: College and automotive trade school
OCCUPATION: Customer service and sales

Why are you running to be elected to the Charter Review Board?
The county still has an issue with the ethics of our elected officials. Special interests have more influence with our elected officials than do those who voted for them.
  
If you are elected, what will be your agenda and priorities?
1. Working with other board members to produce an effective board of ethics that makes it easier for our citizens to question and hold accountable our elected officials. 2. Term limits for all elected county positions. 3. Campaign finance reform for Charter Review Board candidates.
 
What makes you a better candidate for the Charter Review Board than your opponent?
As a citizen of Sarasota County, I have looked at various issues that concern my neighbors and myself. I am an individual who is experienced in seeing both sides of an issue and resolving the issue in a way that works for all involved. Government is not a one size fits all or one side for all. I have taken the first step in finance reform and I have signed my campaign contribution oath that limits the amount my campaign can accept. My opponent has accepted campaign contribution amounts in excess of the $200 contribution limit as prescribed in our current county charter for all other elected county officials.