Take a long look at contributions

In response to your article dated May 6 (Don't judge Manatee County candidates solely on campaign contributions),” everyone is entitled to his or her opinion.

As you try to sway voters, don’t underestimate the power of the press, even if you write fiction. You should probably disclose that Schroeder-Manatee Ranch and builder’s associations are the majority of your advertising support.

If I recollect accurately, your paper endorsed against me twice and lost both times in 2024. But the Observer did endorse George Kruse.

I agree with you (in the May 6 column), “Hopefully, as we go to the polling places, we can weigh the candidates' overall worth and not cross off anyone because they have accepted a campaign contribution from the building community.”

That’s right, look at their voting records (it’s not just the wetlands), their establishment associations, the way they conducted themselves and the way they treated the public, and especially their flip-flopping and new stances during an election year!.

Contributions are only one way to identify their respective alliances. Cannot ignore their first two years and the change in conduct closer to the election. As to contributions, look at the dirty (dark) money, the out-of-town money, the hidden money in LLCs, etc.

Look at where the bank accounts are located, and who is their treasurer, then review the financial reports. Didn’t one of the builders meet with several of the candidates for the at-large position and say, “I’m going to put in a lot of money behind one candidate, or I will just put one in the race?”

Or did the candidates misstate their declarations at the Lakewood Ranch Candidate Forum?

The wetlands (in your column), “The polarizing moment came on Oct. 5, 2023, when commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of reducing wetland protections. Kevin Van Ostenbridge, Jason Bearden, Mike Rahn, Amanda Ballard, and James Satcher voted in favor.” Thanks for pointing that out!

 Let the people speak in 2026.

Dr. Bob McCann

District 5 commissioner