Hospital Board candidates respond to questionnaire

The Healthcare Debate 

As anyone who lives in Florida knows, nearly everything is on the line with public healthcare. Several of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board candidates recently faced off in a dynamic forum held by the League of Women Voters. They confront a strong set of issues this November. 

We invited all 11 candidates to respond to 6 questions relating to public health, Medicaid funding, mental health, hospital expansion, and more.

Thanks to all who are giving their time and energies to public life. Special thanks to the candidates who participated in this project. 

The candidates are listed below in the order presented by the Superintendent of Elections. Each respondent's name links to her or his responses.

This project was undertaken by the Citizens for Sarasota County (CSC) in the interest of sharing knowledge of the issues, the candidates, and the mission of the Hospital Board in a non-partisan way. The hope is better acquaintance with the substance and facts will lead Sarasota's voters to make these important decisions with discernment and judgment. 


Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1                        Kevin T. Connelly 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 1                        Sharon Wetzler DePeters 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Miglena Entcheva 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Tramm Hudson
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 2                        Reid Schwabach 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3                        Cheryl Brandi 
Hospital Board At Large, Seat 3                        Susan Tucker
Hospital Board Central District, Seat 1            Jody Davenport
Hospital Board Central District, Seat 1            William P. Noonan
Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1        Delores "Dee" McFarland 
Hospital Board Northern District, Seat 1        Jim Meister 

For more on these candidates, see the Herald Trib Oct. 24 article by Barbara Peters Smith.

CRB Candidates' responses to voter questionnaire

Below are the candidates running for the Sarasota Charter Review Board (CRB) this November. They are listed in District order, as found on the Supervisor of Elections' site.

On Sept. 22, all 11 candidates were sent the same six questions. Click on each candidate's name for his or her responses. If the name is not hyperlinked, the candidate's response has not yet been received.

Charter Review Board, Dist. 1 Arlene Sweeting 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 1  Joseph Anthony (Tony) Sawyer 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 2 Karen Collins-Fleming 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 2 Donna Barcomb 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 2 Robert Neff 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 3 Tom Patalano 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 3 Pat Wayman

Charter Review Board, Dist. 4 Ray Porter 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 4 Jody Hudgins 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 5 Mike Shlasko 

Charter Review Board, Dist. 5 David Samuel

Sincere thanks to all the candidates for their civic effort; special thanks to those who graciously participated to better acquaint voters with the issues and purpose of the CRB, and with the people running for it.

The questions:

1. ​Why do you think you’re particularly well suited for the Charter Review Board? 
2. Do you think the Charter Review Board should be changed from an elected board to an appointed board? Please explain. 
3. What are three issues that have been suggested for the CRB’s consideration that you feel are worthy of further inquiry? For each one, please explain why you think it’s important. 
4. What is your position on single-district elections? 
5. Do you believe citizen petition charter amendment drives should be subject to a time limit on gathering signatures? 
6. Do you believe advisory boards should be subject to a rule that aims to balance them by geography, areas of expertise, and relevant experience in advocacy? (For example, for the Planning Commission, at least one member with experience in advocating for affordable housing.)​