Candidate: Mark D Black

Who is Mark D Black, a proven leader, army veteran, problem solver, entrepreneur, and grandpa with integrity, grit, and ethics driven by the possibilities of a better future for Manatee.

A future rich in nature; where our pristine breaches’ miles of inland waterways, beautiful parks, sporting facilities and sunsets are the ah of America. Where preserving the historical value, beauty, serviceability, and ecosystem that accompanies is important.  A community with a higher quality of life where we can all live, work, and play together.

Traffic nightmares, storm flooding, poorly luminated neighborhoods and deteriorating utility services are just a few of the threats posed by our aging and inadequate infrastructure. Minus major improvements; traffic continues to cripple our community, flooding continues to threaten our citizens, and crime lurks in our darkest neighborhoods. We need roads, bridges, roundabouts, sidewalks, streetlights that keep traffic flowing and citizens safe. Flood mitigation, storm drainage design and upkeep that protects property and provides peace of mind.

Manatee has a shortage of housing options for working families and young professionals which threaten business sustainability, home ownership opportunities, community workforce levels, and relocation opportunities. We live in a service industry seasonal market that requires ample staffing at peak times, minus housing options staffing cost increase, the pool of applicants shrinks, and people are forced to commute. Young professionals strapped with mounds of student debt cannot relocate to our community because they can’t afford to live here.

As a businessman, I view inefficiency as an enemy of profit. Government is not profit driven but an obligation to utilize resources efficiently exist. Ensuring every dollar from the first dollar is spent efficiently begins with developing department budgets from zero. Justifying both, the actual cost of providing their services, and the level of service provided, as well as comparing alternative methods, not merely adjusting by some established percentage. I will commit the time to critically analyze the budget, ask the tough questions, and ensure every dollar from the first dollar is justified. Establishing a budget, allocating resources, monitoring progress, and evaluating out-comes is the way to success.

Growth may pay its way but maintaining that growth falls on the taxpayers back. Decreased revenues, population growth, and additional resource request pose budgetary challenges that will test priorities and complicate decision making. Strong leadership and smarter more efficient government is required. There is always room for improvement.

I was brought-up old school, taught to respect my elders, always bring my A-game, say please, thank you, sir, and mam. Do an honest days’ work for your pay, help your neighbor, and be grateful for what you have. Family is a big deal it’s where we come from who we are and the name we are proud to carry. It’s where I was taught right and wrong, the value of hard-work, independence, and kindness as well as the consequences of poor decision making.  

I am running for Manatee County Commission District 4. Why you ask, because we need leadership with the courage to speak for the people; a man of character, unafraid to challenge the established order, a leader willing to lead when others can’t or won’t.

Strong leadership is imperative to achieving the mission, and critical thinking key in finding resolution. I will commit my time, knowledge, and experience to creating a community with a higher quality of life for our families to live, work, and play, to good stewardship in managing the people’s business, and to working to resolve our greatest challenges. We will strive for greatness together. I hold a master’s degree in public administration, and my passion is public service. I will be the eyes, ears, and voice for the citizens as we work together toward a better future in Manatee county.