Charter Review Board District 5: Erin Halstead

Age: 57

Current occupation: Realtor.

Sarasota County residency: Back and forth across the Sarasota/Charlotte County line in Englewood most of my life, but exclusively in Sarasota County since 2005.

Why are you running for election? 

I believe that public service begins with putting the needs of the community first. I want to represent the voice of our community.

What qualifies you to be a Charter Review Board Member? 

I understand the needs of our community, I speak to residents and business people daily. I have been a local business owner for over 25 years. Over the years, I've been actively involved as president of the Englewood Area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Englewood Area Board of Realtors, president of the Englewood Area Cancer Foundation, treasurer of the Englewood Rotary Sunset Impact Club, and many other organizations. Helping others has always been my nature, and serving on the Sarasota County Charter Review Board is another opportunity to continue the commitment.

What makes you the best candidate? 

I believe my experience serving on boards and in leadership organizations, along with my background in governance and policy, will be valuable on the Charter Review Board. The Charter Review Board focuses on oversight and organizational structure rather than day-to-day politics. It requires people who can evaluate whether the current charter continues to serve the public's best interests and whether proposed amendments should considered. The Board cannot change the charter on its own; the voters have the final say. 

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

My main priority would be to listen to public input. Attend all meetings, give thoughtful review of all data and make recommendations on what is best for Sarasota County. 

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

Public input should always be the priority. Voter ideas and the concerns they bring to the Charter Review Board should be evaluated and considered. Public input is one way for the county to understand the needs of its residents.