Ron Reagan files for Manatee County commission seat

Braden Woods resident Ron Reagan may have lobbied for Manatee County on statewide issues as a former member of the Florida House of Representatives. But next year, he plans to turn his attention to more local issues.

Reagan announced Monday he will run for the Manatee County Commission District 1 seat being vacated by Commissioner Larry Bustle. Bustle, who suffered a stroke in May, announced last week he will not seek re-election in 2016.

“Larry’s done a great job and I really do hope I can continue the job he has done,” Reagan said.

Reagan, 61, and his wife, Lynn, want to downsize their home and have been looking for homes in the Parrish area, which District 1 includes. Reagan must live in District 1 before taking office, but is not required to live there to file for the seat, which represents East County communities north of State Road 64, including Heritage Harbour, Mill Creek and GreyHawk Landing, as well as the Parrish area.

“That district was in my legislative district,” said Reagan, who represented Manatee County on the Florida House from 2002 to 2010. “I’ve been looking to get back into public service and I wasn’t quite sure what role I wanted to play, but I think this is a great role for me to help serve our community.”

If elected, he also noted he can help endorse Manatee County on the state level, regarding transportation and other issues, because of his experience.

“We’re really fortunate,” he said. “We’ve got great representation in Tallahassee right now. With the people I know and that outlook, my ability to work with people will go along way."

Reagan, an insurance executive, is the former chairman of the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserve in Florida, the agency that serves guardsmen and reservists called to active duty, and as the chairman of the Community Leadership Council at the University of South Florida.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].