Candidate: Thomas Dart

I am a native of Sarasota, born in Sarasota Memorial Hospital and have lived here my entire life.  I attended the University of Florida and Stetson University College of Law, and have been a practicing attorney in Sarasota for over four decades.  I am a member of the Healthcare Section of the Florida Bar and my practice has included representing numerous physicians and physician practices over my career.

I have served on the boards of various organizations at both the state and local level and have remained active in the not for profit community.  I have been happily married to my wife, Kim for 34 years, and have four adult children, all of whom were born in SMH.

Campaign Message:
I support keeping Sarasota Memorial Hospital as a public, not for profit, facility, and believe much of its success has been in obtaining and maintaining excellent physicians and support personnel.  I feel that SMH, like any public entity, should strive to maintain transparency, with its board being accountable to the residents of Sarasota County.  As our population increases, so does the need for healthcare.  To that end, there should be a continuing focus on the facilities necessary to serve the County, with an emphasis on expanding the delivery of healthcare in Venice and North Port.  I also believe that affordable health care services be available to all of our community and that SMH plays a vital role in that mission.