Charter Review Board District 1: Alexandra Coe

Age: 62

Current occupation: Regenerative systems designer, applied anthropologist, and organizational leadership consultant specializing in sustainable agriculture, conservation planning, and public policy

Sarasota County residency: 32 years.

Why are you running for re-election?

I am running because I believe the County Charter is one of the most important documents protecting the rights of Sarasota County residents. My goal is to help ensure our county government remains transparent, accountable, fiscally responsible, and responsive to the people it serves. I also believe more residents should understand how the Charter affects their daily lives, and I want to continue helping educate the public while carefully reviewing opportunities to strengthen our local government.

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board member?

I previously served on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board and understand both the Charter and the review process. My professional background includes organizational leadership, public policy, anthropology, community engagement, and environmental planning. Throughout my career I have worked with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to analyze complex issues, build consensus, and develop practical solutions. I approach every issue by studying the facts, listening carefully to citizens, and evaluating the long-term impact of any proposed change. 

What makes you the best candidate?

Experience matters. Having previously served on the Charter Review Board, I understand both the responsibilities of the position and the importance of protecting the Charter from unnecessary changes while remaining open to improvements that benefit the public. I bring an independent perspective, a strong work ethic, extensive research skills, and a commitment to listening to residents before making decisions. My focus has always been on good governance rather than politics.

What, if anything, needs to be updated or changed in the County Charter? Why?

The Charter should continue to evolve thoughtfully as Sarasota County grows. Any proposed amendment should improve transparency, accountability, and public confidence while preserving the checks and balances that protect taxpayers and residents. Before recommending changes, I believe proposals should be supported by careful research, legal analysis, and meaningful public input. The Charter should not be changed frequently or casually, but it should be updated when there is clear evidence that doing so will improve county government.

If elected, what will be your top three priorities during your term?

1. Increase public understanding of the County Charter and citizen participation. 

2. Review Charter provisions that affect growth management, government accountability, and the County Commission’s ability to represent residents.

 3. Protect longtime Sarasota residents by exploring Charter-supported policies and advocating for meaningful property tax relief, particularly for seniors and long-term homeowners.

Where do you stand: Should the Charter Review Board be proactive in initiating changes to the Charter, or should the Board make recommendations based on voter desires and ideas brought to the Board?

I believe the Charter Review Board should do both. The Board has a responsibility to study the Charter, identify areas that may need improvement, and conduct independent research. At the same time, the Charter belongs to the people of Sarasota County, so citizen input should remain central to the process. The strongest Charter amendments are developed through careful analysis, public participation, and broad community support—not simply because they are possible, but because they are necessary and beneficial.