Consultant removes itself from Wooddall campaign

Matt Wooddall is in the process of seeking a new job — Sarasota City Commissioner — but questions surrounding his employment history have jeopardized that campaign.

On March 6 — less than four days before the City Commission election — a political consultant severed its relationship with Wooddall after he gave conflicting statements regarding his employment history. Wooddall is one of three candidates seeking the District 3 City Commission seat.

On campaign documents and in an interview with the Sarasota Observer, Wooddall said he was an “independent property manager.” In paperwork filed with the city, that occupation was listed as one of two sources of income for Wooddall, along with a trust fund. In a recent interview with the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, however, Wooddall stated he hadn’t been involved with that line of work since 2012.

As a result, the local campaign consulting firm Keen Campaigning announced Friday that it would be ending its work with Wooddall. In a release, Keen Campaigning said other recent actions by Wooddall, including skipping a candidate forum, also contributed to the organization’s decision.

"Our guidance is no longer a significant factor in his campaign, and hasn’t been for some time.”

“We have always provided him the best possible guidance on running an effective, open, honest campaign focused on the community’s needs,” Keen said in a statement. “But our guidance is no longer a significant factor in his campaign, and hasn’t been for some time.”

Through Jan. 31, Wooddall had spent $3,700 to bring Keen Campaigning on board. The District 2 and 3 City Commission election is March 10; early voting in those races ends today.