Candidate: David Zaccagnino

I\'m running for the District 3 Commission seat because I know that I am the best qualified person to represent the 5 cities and unincorporated area in district 3. I have the experience and know the unique characteristics of each community. I have been actively involved for over 15 years and have worked directly with many, many elected officials and people in the communities which make up West Bradenton. I have the responsible fiscal background, common sense approach, non-partisan balance, and institutional knowledge to get things done for the people in district 3. I have always believed in smart controlled growth and know how to interpret Land Development Codes and Comprehensive plans. I am not a pawn for the developers. I am a moderate common sense independent that will work hard for you. Talk is cheap, I have actually done the things that are needed for West Bradenton, no \"on the job training\" needed for me. I have intimate knowledge of our unique Island and West Bradenton problems and the environment, the other candidates do not. I was an Environmental Chemist for the DEP for 5 years. I think it is very important to have a continued voice from the Island to provide our future generations with clean beaches and a vision in which we can ALL enjoy, not just a chosen wealthy few or visitors that are paying top dollar. The major issues impacting our quality of life in district 3 are: traffic congestion, growth, environmental protection, & budget accountability. I have proven in the past that I can deal with these issues effectively: -As Holmes Beach Commissioner, I was instrumental in keeping our taxes down & having the same tax milage rate for 9 years, the lowest of any city in the county. -Have always been active in my business community and the Chamber and understand the need to help local business as much as possible. -Increased our tree canopy and worked hard to create green spaces, pocket parks, and put in environmental protection. www.bradenton.com/opinion/editorials/article64040217.html -Worked with the DOT and MPO to fund road and infrastructure projects with citizen input. -Have always supported and found ways to fund public safety and was instrumental in keeping our police pension solid even during the market crash and Great Recession. Having served on the Manatee County citizens finance committee and with 16 years of financial experience and 10 years on the Holmes Beach Police Pension Board, I am the only one with the unique ability to provide new sources of revenue for the county and the islands without putting the burden on property owners and businesses. Our 2018 County budget is in jeopardy and indigent care expense is an issue. New roads can be built, old roads can be made better, traffic systems can be bought! Here is some background info about my self: -Married with 3 children, one at Manatee High and one at Anna Maria Elementary -Holmes Beach Commissioner for 9 years -Financial Advisor for 16 years, 11 at Morgan Stanley & 5 at Ameriprise Financial -AMI Rotary, Paul Harris Fellow -Florida Institute of Saltwater Heritage (FISH), former longtime board member & one of a few lifetime members -Holmes Beach Police Pension Board Liaison, one of the best funded in the State -Manatee County Citizens Financial Advisory Board, www.bradenton.com/opinion/editorials/article68278942.html -Longtime member of the AMI Chamber -Holmes Beach Parks & Beautification; past chair, member,& liaison -AMI Community Center; tee ball & soccer coach, former board member and liaison -Anna Maria Elementary PTO, Member & current homeroom Dad -AMI Moose Lodge member -St Bernards Catholic Church Parishioner please go to my website for more info www.vote4zacc.com