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District 3 primary pits Siddique against Culbreath

District 3 primary pits Siddique against Culbreath

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Community News, Featured, Manatee County.

MANATEE COUNTY – The District 3 Manatee County Commission race reshaped by incumbent Commissioner Kevin Van Ostenbridge’s switch to the District 7 at-large race sets up a Republican primary race between Tal Siddique and former District 7 candidate April Culbreath.

The winner of the Republican primary that concludes on Aug. 20 will face Democratic candidate Diana Shoemaker in the general election that follows.

District 3 represents all three Anna Maria Island cities, Cortez and portions of Longboat Key, west Bradenton, Bradenton and Rubonia.

District 3 primary pits Siddique against Culbreath
Siddique

On June 3, Siddique provided The Sun with the following statement regarding Culbreath’s decision to exit the District 7 at-large race and enter the District 3 race after Van Ostenbridge switched races.

“Since entering this race in September 2023, I am proud to have sustained a conservative, grassroots movement behind me,” Siddique stated. “I am running my campaign as I have since the beginning with a focus on improving the quality of life for District 3 residents. I encourage readers to read the facts about my opponent’s disturbing police record and her poor performance as chair of the Manatee GOP, where she sought to benefit herself over the party. I don’t have to play musical chairs to better my chances of winning like other unqualified and unfit candidates. I am the only serious District 3 candidate with the community support needed to restore trust with the county government.”

Whitmore endorsement

On June 4, Siddique issued a press release announcing the endorsement he received from former Manatee County Commissioner, former Holmes Beach Mayor and current city commission candidate Carol Whitmore. The press release included this statement from Whitmore: “I have had the pleasure of getting to know Tal through his deep commitment to understanding all facets of Manatee County and through his active participation in numerous civic organizations, including the Bradenton Kiwanis. Tal’s family has deep roots in Manatee County, and I have personally known them and their community involvement for decades. Tal and his wife, Kristen Truong, embody the energy and passion we need from our young leaders to build a better future for Manatee County. I believe he is exceptionally qualified to represent his constituents on the Board of County

Commissioners, and I hope you will join me in supporting his candidacy.”

The press release also noted that Siddique received previous endorsements from Holmes Beach Mayor Judy Titsworth and Holmes Beach Police Chief Bill Tokajer.

Culbreath campaign

According to her campaign website, “April Allison Culbreath has served Manatee County as a sheriff’s deputy for 27 years. Over the course of her 30-year career in public service, including three years in emergency medical services, she has served in almost every possible law enforcement capacity. She counts her greatest accomplishments to be her services as a Crimes Against Children detective and her volunteer work as deputy advisor to troubled Manatee County youth.

District 3 primary pits Siddique against Culbreath
Culbreath

“April entered the political realm in 2016, when she began volunteering locally for the Republican Party. She has served in multiple Manatee County Republican leadership positions. Now retired from law enforcement due to injuries sustained in the line of duty, she looks forward to continued service as a Manatee County Commissioner.”

Her campaign website also notes, “Together with her husband, Duane, she is raising three teenagers. April and her family are committed to their Christian faith and to the Manatee County community.”

Culbreath is currently named as the defendant in a civil lawsuit filed on May 20 regarding her actions as the chairperson of the Manatee County Republican Executive Committee. Incumbent committee member Michael Keegan filed the lawsuit seeking an emergency injunction to prevent Culbreath from removing an incumbent committee member without due process, denying a member’s access to a committee meeting, denying a committee member’s voting rights and eliminating the committee’s dual signature requirement for financial disbursements.

A lawsuit-related declaration filed by Keegan states the executive committee treasurer and secretary both resigned in December because of their civil and criminal liability exposure created by “Culbreath’s ongoing financial malfeasance and abuse of executive committee funds.”

Police record

The Sun emailed Culbreath’s campaign email account on June 6 seeking her comments on the District 3 race and some of the incidents cited below. As of press time, she had not responded.

Culbreath’s 12-page Manatee County Sheriff’s Office Professional Standards Employee Resumé lists several internal affairs investigations regarding her actions.

In 1999, Culbreath received verbal counseling as a disciplinary action pertaining to her responding to a call without being dispatched or notifying dispatch, and also for gathering information not included on MCSO forms.

In 2000, she received a letter of reprimand for failing to preserve evidence.

In 2001, she received a letter of reprimand for driving an MCSO vehicle out of the county to her residence without permission.

In 2004, she received a letter of reprimand for failing to properly secure her weapon in her holster, which resulted in her handgun falling out and being discovered on the ground.

In 2005, she was suspended 86 hours without pay after she failed to respond and conduct an investigation, as ordered by a supervisor.

In 2005, she was suspended for 129 hours without pay for having sex while on duty.

In 2006, she received a 387-hour suspension for allegedly attending a wedding reception and being observed dancing in a suggestive manner while in uniform.

In 2009, she received a 17-hour suspension without pay for disrespecting her supervisor by using profane and obscene language because she was called in to respond to an assignment.

In 2009, she received an 8.6-hour suspension without pay after she failed to respond to a missing child call as directed by her supervisor.

In 2011, she received a 258-hour suspension without pay for an off-duty incident in which she allegedly became involved in an altercation when obtaining her own medical records and allegedly punching an employee in the face.

In 2015, she received a verbal reprimand for the misuse of the Driver And Vehicle Information Database (D.A.V.I.D.) utilized by the sheriff’s office.

According to The Bradenton Herald, in 2010, Culbreath (then known as Dugan) was involved in a disciplinary case. Capt. Kristin Kennedy told investigators she kissed Det. Dugan the previous year and then had two subsequent intimate encounters with her.

Commission candidates address beach parking

Commission candidates address beach parking

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The vote by mail ballots have already been sent out and Holmes Beach residents are already considering who to vote for ahead of the Nov. 2 election. There are three seats on the city commission up for grabs and five candidates with their hats in the ring.

This week, the candidates speak out on public parking by answering the question “How do you feel about public parking and beach access?” The answers are in each candidate’s own words.

Renee Ferguson

“Six years ago, I had the pleasure of working on the Congestion Committee which was solicited by the city. It was an amazing experience for me because I was able to speak to a lot of residents and business owners. For more than two years we researched and consistently worked with the city to develop a plan which was ultimately implemented last year. There have been some bumps, but there are provisions for permit parking for residents and property owners, and it has helped quality of life in our neighborhoods. The county opened up the elementary school and library parking lots, and this appears to be working. Holmes Beach has more than the state-required number of spots for beach renourishment, and the ULI said that renourishment should not be based on parking anyway. “

John Monetti

“In each topic, I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a city commissioner. My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.

Once more this is a topic that has unfortunately become very divisive. It should not be an us-versus-them topic. It seems like some want to make this a showdown between the city and county while somehow forgetting that there were many Holmes Beach citizens who also resisted policies adopted. All shareholders should be considered.”

Pat Morton

“I support the decreased parking in residential neighborhoods and the permit parking. All beach communities have limits as to what they can safely accommodate.”

Terry Schaefer

“This issue underscores the absolute necessity of HOME RULE. Without this right, Manatee County and the state would be making decisions on parking, traffic, and other civic decisions. I am supportive of our existing parking ordinance and open to future considerations should demands change affecting residents’ needs or compliance with state law concerning renourishment funding. Presently, we provide more beach parking than the state requires for beach renourishment funding and adequate parking for residents, and ample visitor parking during normal times. The rub comes during holidays and extremely high visitor periods, during which 5,000 spaces wouldn’t be adequate and thus, we place residents’ rights above the demands of the county and visitors. It is the county that has promoted the Island and they share the responsibility to provide parking to address the traffic created by their promotion. Beach access is more than adequate in our city and should be to accommodate all, however, parking solutions to accommodate growing demands should not be the exclusive responsibility of the city’s neighborhoods to meet that demand. This issue is only going to intensify and will need steady management by our city.”

Carol Soustek

“We are blessed to have so many beach accesses and they are open to all. Designated parking spots are on the access roads and across on the streets. We are a small city. We do not have ample land to have unlimited parking. So many want to come and we do not have the capacity to handle the demand. I voted to remove street parking in the residential areas along the beach for safety reasons. The results have shown this was the right move.”

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Election candidates speak out on balance in Holmes Beach

Election candidates speak out on balance in Holmes Beach

Written by SUN contributor on . Posted in Community News, Holmes Beach.

HOLMES BEACH – The five candidates for three city commission seats in Holmes Beach are counting down the days of the election. With voters already receiving mail-in ballots and those voting in person getting ready to head to the polls Nov. 2, there are only a few more weeks for the candidates to make their stance on city issues known.

This week, we asked, “How do you feel about the balance in Holmes Beach between renters and residents?” The answers are in each candidate’s own words.

Renee Ferguson

“There is an expression that the horse may have left the barn. The Comprehensive Plan and ULI Study are clear about the importance of balance. I believe we missed a huge opportunity years ago to address this matter. Our island changed from being “The Best Kept Secret in Florida” to being discovered and promoted daily by the TDC both nationally and internationally. Holmes Beach brings approximately 30% of the total county resort taxes from rentals operating in our residential neighborhoods. Our city sees very little of that, and it must be used for promotion and advertising of tourism. I will promote having a liaison with the TDC to have a stronger voice regarding receiving our fair share.”

John Monetti

“In each topic, I would preface my response with the recognition that I do not have all the current information available since I currently am not a City Commissioner.  My feelings on the topics reflect topical knowledge though I do stay abreast of these issues as an interested resident.

Fortunately, we do have varied zoning in Holmes Beach with differing rental limitations. I personally was a commissioner who instrumentally steered us to those compromises.”

Pat Morton

“Balance is key. Too much legislation to benefit only one aspect of the city will tip the scales in only one direction. I will continue to look at the entire picture. This, after all, is a wonderful place to visit but an even better place to live and raise a family.”

Terry Schaefer

“I have referred to this subject in previous answers, it is that balance that we attempt to achieve. Methods, ordinances and codes from the past must be re-evaluated in order to adjust to current and future trends. That approach is continually addressed by staff and the commission; the parking ordinance and upcoming discussion of golf carts are examples of this necessary process. With continuing volume of visitors coupled with the strong objective to maintain desired quality of life advantages, solutions must be addressed continuously to protect the rights of all, which is why I believe it to be one of the two most important issues facing the city. I pledge to be open-minded in helping find the solutions benefitting our community, not just catering to a small group of vocal citizens. Essentially, I believe the solutions must benefit the majority of all concerned.”

Carol Soustek

“In the beginning, when we became discovered by the tourist trade, there was no balance between visitors and residents. The new commission began working on a code department to regulate issues and bring violators into compliance. The commission passed ordinance after ordinance regulating parking, pools, number of guests, loud parties, noise and more. We developed a vacation rental certificate which gave us the information we needed and gave rental companies direction on what we expected from them. We have come a long way and we still are looking at ways to improve where we can.”

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More thoughts shared by commission candidates

Written by Joe Hendricks on . Posted in Bradenton Beach, Community News.

BRADENTON BEACH – City Commission candidates Ralph Cole, Marilyn Maro, Tjet Martin and John Metz recently shared their thoughts on their campaigns and the issues the City Commission deals with.

Cole and Maro currently serve on the commission, and Martin and Metz are trying to unseat them.

– Joe Hendricks | Sun

Some of the candidate’s answers to The Sun’s questions ran in last week’s issue and here are some more of the candidates’ views.

What qualifications and experience do you/would you bring to the commission?

Cole: I’ve been a commissioner for three years. I chair the CRA, I’m a property owner, I’m a business owner, I’ve been a resident for 39 years and my father was mayor.

Maro: I’ve been a commissioner and CRA member for two years. I’ve been in business, and I’ve taught intercity vocational education. I listen well, and I think before I act.

Martin: I know our ruling documents. I was Scenic WAVES chair getting projects completed. I have regularly participated in city matters. I am an independent thinker.

Metz: Doctor of Laws degree, three-plus years on the Planning and Zoning Board, 10 years on the city of Oceanside Beach and Harbor Advisory committee with five years as chairperson and managing two successful businesses.

What are your thoughts on the commission’s 2018-19 fiscal year budget?

Cole: I’ve done three budgets, and we’ve been going in the right direction. We’ve got stability, we’re not going broke and our staff does a really good job with the budget.

Maro: We’ve done an excellent job on the budget, and we’re in real good shape.

Martin: I have concerns that it will be a balanced budget. I don’t think there was enough money allocated for neighborhood improvements.

Metz: No tax increase is needed or should occur.

If you could complete one city and/or CRA project in the next two years what would it be?

Cole: The undergrounding of the power lines on Bridge Street, finishing the day dock, adding finger docks and creating a living shoreline.

Maro: The underground wiring, the design vision of Emily Anne Smith and the seagrass mitigation near the pier.

Martin: Improvements at Katie Pierola Park and the anchorage in the CRA district.

Metz: Mooring field.

Should the City Commission retain the sole authority to hire and fire department heads and the charter officials that include the city clerk, city attorney and police chief?

Cole: If we allowed a city manager to hire and fire our city department heads or anybody else, every two years we could end up with new staff. Right now, we have good stability, and we know what we’re working with.

Maro: Yes. I think it should be a group decision made by the commission.

Martin: Not as a whole, but together with city manager recommendations.

Metz: No.

What thoughts do you have on the still pending Sunshine Law lawsuit the commission filed against six former city advisory board members in 2017?

(Metz and Martin are among the six defendants named in the lawsuit that alleges Sunshine Law violations were committed by Planning and Zoning Board and Scenic WAVES Committee members.)

Cole: I didn’t ask any of our advisory board members to go out and have meetings outside of city hall. I felt that when CNOBB did their charter amendment initiatives I couldn’t participate in those meetings without fear of breaking the Sunshine Law. I believe the transparency of the Sunshine Law is very serious.

Maro: That’s up to the judge and the attorneys.

Martin: The commission should have followed resolution 16-853 that deals with board and committee members, or the state ethics commission could have done the investigation.

Metz: The case should never have been brought and will cause financial loss to the city. The situation was totally mismanaged, misjudged and such drastic measures against volunteers was avoidable.

If elected, how would being a defendant in the lawsuit impact your ability to serve as a commissioner?

Martin: It wouldn’t.

Metz: None. I would recuse myself on any vote about it.

If elected, would you seek a commission vote to dismiss the lawsuit or would you want the case to move forward so a judge can determine if the alleged Sunshine violations occurred?

Martin: I want the case to be settled as quickly as possible.

Metz: I would recuse myself on any vote concerning it.

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