Re-elect Mark Smith

stayTRU endorses the re-election of Mark Smith for County Commission

This is a guest blog from stayTRU member and Legend's resident Jane Archer

Hello stayTRU Neighbors,

As most of you know, the Sarasota County Commissioners recently voted unanimously to block Live Local developers from putting apartment complexes on land in Sarasota that is zoned residential, residential estate, rural or open use.  This has resulted in lawsuits brought by several  developers against the county.

We don’t know long term what will happen, but at least temporarily, the golf course is safe.

One of the Commissioners who has been a very strong supporter of stayTRU, Mark Smith, is up for re-election in District 2 in the August 18 Primary and faces a competitor who has blasted the recent effort by the Commissioners to fight the Live Local Act.   Kristina Sargent called fighting the Live Local Act a “waste of time and taxpayer money”.  It is very much in our best interest that Ms. Sargent does not win the August 18 Primary.

What can WE do even though we are in District 1 and cannot vote in District 2? 

1. Tell our friends or relatives who live in District 2 how important it is to vote for Mark Smith in the August 18 primary to keep apartments off our golf course and off all residential land.   District 2 encompasses Gulf Gate, the city of Sarasota, the  northern part of Siesta Key, Lido Key, Longboat Key, and the residential neighborhoods along RT 41 going north from downtown to University Parkway.  They can vote by mail-in ballot if they have registered for this service, or in early voting held several weeks before August 18, or on the 18th.  According to Florida law all registered voters in District 2, whether they are Democrat or Republican can  vote in this Primary since both candidates are in the same party and there is no candidate from the opposing party.

2. Contribute  to Commissioner Mark Smith’s campaign to help underwrite the cost of the many signs that need to be placed throughout District 2, and for the mailing of post cards to all residents in his district.  We know from experience that the candidate who has the most signs and mailers usually wins.

Checks should be made payable to: MARK SMITH CAMPAIGN

and mailed to:

        FRAN SLUMP

       133 SOUTH HARBOR DRIVE

       VENICE,  FL 34285

State law allows personal and corporate contributions up to $1,000, but any amount you can contribute will make a difference and will be most gratefully received.

 Thank you,

 Jane Archer

 7724 Castleisland Dr

Enter STAYTRU as your "employer" when making your online contribution as a way to let Mark know that we support those who support us.