PAC forms to promote sales tax

A political action committee has formed to promote the passage of a half-cent sales tax both for the Manatee County government and School Board.

Bradenton’s Chuck Slater, for the county, and John Horne, for the School Board, are organizing Forward Manatee to advocate for a renewal of the School Board’s half-cent sales tax and a new half-cent sales tax for Manatee County. 

“We have joined together in one PAC supporting both referendums as we both feel they are critical to the long term betterment of our community,” Slater said. “We will work jointly in our fundraising efforts so as not being perceived as competing for separate resources. Advocacy and education of the public on both referendums is our goal which we hope ends up with passage of both.”

The committee still is in its infancy. Slater said a consultant is still helping the PAC determine how to best accomplish its goal and it is still identifying speakers and supporters.

The sales taxes combined bring Manatee sales tax to seven cents per dollar, the same as Sarasota County. Voters will consider both taxes on the ballot in November.