I have worked with County Commissioner Carol Whitmore over the past eight years during my tenure as mayor of the city of Anna Maria. During that period of time, she has shown a keen interest in our city and our island community. She has:
- Attended city commission meetings, listened to our commissioners and residents and shown interest in our concerns;
- Proactively advised us of potential changes and direction from Manatee County and the state which may impact our city; and
- Assisted us in garnering funds to make improvements to our infrastructure.
Sometimes we agree on issues while at other times we disagree. But either way, Commissioner Whitmore has always been interested in Anna Maria. I have never met or spoken with her opponent, nor has he ever taken the time to contact us, nor has he ever come to a meeting, nor has he shown the least amount of interest in some of the challenges facing the city of Anna Maria.
It has been my experience over the past eight years that most candidates who run for a county commission seat have shown interest in our city. That would include Commissioners George Kruse, Kevin Van Ostenbridge and former Commissioner Betsy Benac, along with Ed Hunzeker, Matt Bower, David Zaccagnino and others. Some have lost elections while others have gone on to win, but either way, each has taken the time to show an interest in our community and understanding our challenges. Commissioner Whitmore’s opponent has never done so.
For the sake of our city and our Island community, I endorse Carol Whitmore for county commissioner. I firmly believe she is the only candidate who cares about our city and our residents.
Dan Murphy
Mayor, City of Anna Maria
