Primary Election: Charter Review Board District 2

Editor's note: As the Aug. 14 primary election draws near, the Sarasota Observer will publish profiles and Q&As from each of the candidates who will represent the area. In this race, Marie Nisco did not return requests for information.

Race Overview
Sarasota County is one of only 21 charter counties in Florida - counties that are governed in the operational structure by a charter, similar to a constitution. But Sarasota is the only county with a board elected by voters, not appointed by commissions.
The Sarasota County Charter Review Board reviews and recommends changes to the county charter, representing residents. If it votes to make a change to the charter, the change must be approved by voters in a referendum.
The races are generally low profile as there is no salary for the positions and their power is limited. There has been a little more profile to some of the races this year with splits between candidates backed by the so-called Republican establishment and candidates backed by various Tea Party organizations.

Name: Donna Barcomb
Age: 56
Family: Husband, Craig; sons Gunnar, Steele, Hunter, Stone; step-daughter Andrea
Education: B.S. in kinesiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Highest Honors and Cum Laude; M.S. physical therapy, Boston University
Relevant Experience: 12 years as an elected member of the Sarasota County Hospital Board, two years as chairman of the board; 32 years licensed physical therapist; owner of Professional Physical Therapy Center; president of Junior League of Sarasota, Inc.; PTA President Southside Elementary School

What is the proper role of members of the Charter Review Board?
The proper role of the Charter Review Board is defined by the Charter itself, which states that this body is to review and recommend changes to the County Charter, on behalf of the citizens of Sarasota County, for the improvement of County government.

What would be your top priorities if elected?
My top priorities, if elected, would be to bring to the board table an open mind, even-tempered civil behavior and a thoughtful and team-directed reflection for all matters brought to the Charter Review Board.

Do you have any specific amendments you would introduce to the board if elected?
I do not bring any specific agenda or amendments to introduce to the board if elected.

A divided board voted against an amendment to abolish the county's power to grant money to private, non-profits. Do you favor or oppose such an amendment? Why?
I would oppose the amendment that would abolish the County's power to grant money to private nonprofits. I do not believe it is the role of the Charter Review Board to be the oversight entity of the Board of County Commissioners and the CRB's role does not include responsibility for fiscal decisions. Not to mention, that this decision could have had severely negative consequences to the citizen's safety, welfare and fiscal standing.

What makes you a better candidate than your opponent?
I am not familiar with either of my opponents, so I will not comment on a direct comparison. However, I believe my formal education and years of leadership experiences have provided me with skill sets to include communicating and working effectively and efficiently with a group. As an elected official and member of the Sarasota County Hospital Board from 1996-2008, and chairman for two terms, I have learned to work and formulate strategies in a civil and thoughtful manner with eight other board members to achieve a focused direction on behalf of the Citizens of Sarasota County. My experience as a leader with past boards and committees makes me an excellent choice for the Charter Review Board.